How to Choose the Right Website Development Company
Is your organization ready for website development? That’s excellent news. This can be an overwhelming task and one that you cannot entrust to just any company. Instead, you need to find a custom software development company that can meet your organization’s unique needs.
The good news is that there is no shortage of website development companies. The bad news is that you must effectively sort through these options to find the best fit for you. This is where a little research and knowing what to look for can help. Here’s a checklist to help you choose the right custom software development company for your organization.
1. Evaluate the Company’s Experience
One of the best ways to narrow your options is only to consider website development companies that offer the specialized services you need. Make sure the company can handle the size and scope of your project.
You should select a company that already has experience handling projects that are bigger in size and scope than your current project. This way, you know you can grow with the company and won’t have to search for a new development agency as your organization’s needs expand.
2. Check the Company’s Reputation
When considering a web development company, one of the first things you should do is check out its portfolio. Evaluate the various project the company has completed to determine if they would be a good match for your organization.
In addition, ask for several references and read some online reviews to see how former clients rate the service they received from the company. Most importantly, make sure the software development company is not only successful at completing projects but that they also drive results for their clients.
3. Know What Services the Company Offers
Indeed, you want to select a company that offers your needed services. Don’t stop there; however, find out what other services the company provides. Choosing a company that offers services that your organization may need in the future might be your best choice.
For example, if your organization currently needs web application development but is likely to expand to a mobile application in the future, it would be beneficial to work with a company that offers both types of services. That said, if you’re looking to save money, going with a pro who’s developing websites as a side hustle could work as well.
With the increasing capabilities of both AI and ML technology, it also is important to work with a company that not only has a deep understanding of these emerging technologies but who also knows how to integrate this technology into software development. This is true even if your organization doesn’t currently need these services.
4. Select an Agile Company
You must work with a web development company that is both agile and flexible. Developing custom software is not easy, and your organization’s needs and wants will change throughout the process. Outsource to a company that is not only flexible enough to adjust to your developing needs but a company that can do so quickly and efficiently. Selecting an agile company to work with will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
5. Make Communication a Must
You should never outsource any services to a company that doesn’t make communication a priority. Take note of how responsive each company is during the search phase. Does it take them hours, days, or weeks to respond to your questions? This is a good indicator of how well the company will communicate with you in the future.
You also want to work with a company willing to connect you with a point person, typically a project manager, to whom you can reach out with any questions or concerns you may have during the development process.
6. Consider Your Budget
Of course, your organization’s budget will play a vital role in choosing the right company. Remember that the old phrase “you get what you pay for” still rings true today, especially in the tech industry. This doesn’t mean, however, that the most expensive is necessarily the best option. It does mean that you should be leery of software development companies offering significantly lower rates.
7. Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t assume anything. Instead, take the time to ask as many questions as necessary to obtain a clear understanding of the scope of the services the company is offering. Ask for clarification when necessary to ensure you understand precisely what is included and not included in your services. Be sure to get everything in writing before finalizing your service plan.
Choosing the right website development company is a critical decision and one that should not be taken lightly. Use this checklist to compare various companies and select the company that best meets your organization’s current and future needs. This might take a little extra time and effort, but the results are well worth it.
Author: Rahul Varshneya is the co-founder of Arkenea, a website development company that builds custom web apps for entrepreneurs and enterprises. Rahul has been featured as a business technology thought leader in numerous media channels such as Bloomberg TV, Forbes, HuffPost, and Inc, among others.
