With the advent of technology, businesses have to strive to meet the demands of the modern era. And this involves utilizing tech to improve efficiency and productivity in their company. No niche or specialization is exempted from the changes brought about by the digital age. Whether you’re a marketing agency, luxury retail shop, concrete epoxy supplier, etc., your company needs to build software to improve your efficiency and productivity.
But building software is not a simple task. As businesses grow, however, it has become a need. Most businesses don’t have in-house developers who can develop effective software that meets their standards. This is why they hire developers or agencies to build top-notch software that’s efficient and serves its purpose.
But not all software development agencies are created equal. A lot of clients make the mistake of hiring an agency that’s not on par with their company. This, in turn, causes a multitude of problems in the long run. This is why you have to ask these questions to determine if a software development agency is right for you.
1. Can you tell me more about your agency?
This might sound obvious, but a lot of people miss out on it. Getting to know the agency you’ll be working with is an important step in the hiring process. It’s you developing a relationship with them. You need to know how their agency works, how long they have been in the business of software development, etc. Knowing these things can be a smart indication of your professional relationship. You’d want that in case you do end up working with them in the long run!
2. Can I see some of your previous projects?
Just like any job, the hiring party should look for a portfolio or compilation of past works. This will help them see how skillful the applicant is in the job they are applying for. It works the same way for software development agencies. Look into their past projects to see how well they developed the software. If you are impressed with their work, then that’s one check on your long list of things to consider.
3. Will it be possible to speak to your clients?
You’d want insight from people who have worked with the agency in the past. They can answer any questions you might have about what it’s like working with the team. Their opinions matter because what happened to them may happen to you in case faced with the same situation.
What you get here is more of the work ethics of the agency. If you’re thinking that’s not important, you’re wrong. The process matters just as much as the result. You wouldn’t want to be working with an agency that you might have conflicts with.
4. How do you communicate with your clients?
Having a software development agency work for you does not mean you get to sit back, relax, and watch them do the job. A software project requires hands-on participation from you as well. This is why it’s important that you and your agency can communicate effectively. Asking this question will help you see if the agency is an effective communicator, helping ensure that the project will be seamless and easy.
An agency that cannot give you a clear plan or technique on how they communicate with their clients might not be the right one for you. You wouldn’t want complications caused by miscommunication and disagreement.
5. Will you take charge of the maintenance of my software?
Software development is not a one-time thing. It requires maintenance on a regular basis. You need a developer who’s willing to work with you in the long run. That means attending to updates, bug fixes, and software errors.
6. Do I have full ownership of the code?
Employees of a company should always acknowledge that any work they do is not theirs. It belongs to the company. It works the same in software development. Every code they make is yours. That’s why it’s essential that your developers are transparent with you.
These questions can save you from headaches working with unprofessional or inexperienced agencies. So before you pick the first agency you find, make sure to ask these questions.
