To choose the right software development company, look for a team that understands your business goals, has proven experience with similar projects, communicates clearly, and offers a transparent development process. Don’t base your decision solely on price. Focus on finding a team that aligns with your goals, has the right expertise, and can support you over the long haul.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to find a reliable software partner, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes.
1. Define What You Need
Before you even search for a software agency, get clear on your project:
- What problem are you solving?
- What kind of software do you need?
- What’s your estimated budget and timeline?
Being specific helps you attract agencies with the right expertise and avoid vague proposals.
Questions to Ask:
What type of projects have you built that are similar to ours?
Can you help clarify or shape our scope if needed?
2. Find Industry Experience
Choose a software development company that has worked in your industry before. For example, if you’re building a healthtech platform, find a company with healthcare compliance experience.
Why it matters: They’ll understand your challenges, user expectations, and tech requirements without you needing to explain everything from scratch.
Questions to Ask:
Have you worked with clients in our industry?
What were the outcomes or results?
3. Check Technical Expertise
Your software partner should be confident in the tools and technologies needed to build your product. Ask them:
What frameworks or languages do you use?
How do you ensure performance and scalability?
What’s your approach to testing and QA?
Questions to Ask:
What stack would you recommend for our goals?
How do you handle security and performance optimization?
4. Understand Their Development Process
Once you’ve confirmed their tech skills, the next step is understanding how they’ll manage the work.
Ask about their workflow:
Do they use Agile or Scrum?
How often will they share updates or demos?
How do they handle feedback and change requests?
You want a transparent, predictable process, not guesswork.
Questions to Ask:
Can you walk us through a typical sprint?
How do you handle scope changes mid-project?
5. Prioritize Communication
A good agency will:
Ask smart questions about your goals
Be proactive in sharing ideas or risks
Keep you updated at every step
If communication feels off during the sales process, it won’t improve later.
Questions to Ask:
How will we communicate during the project?
Who is the main point of contact?
6. Ask About Team Structure
Clarify who will work on your project:
Are developers in-house or outsourced?
Will you have a dedicated team?
What time zone are they in?
Make sure you’ll have regular access to key team members.
Questions to Ask:
Will we meet the actual developers or just the PM?
What is the team’s typical availability and response time?
7. Compare Pricing Models
Understand which pricing model fits your project:
| Model | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fixed-price | Small, clearly defined projects |
| Time & materials | Evolving or complex projects |
| Dedicated team | Long-term partnerships |
Avoid going with the cheapest bid. You’ll usually pay more in delays or poor quality later.
Questions to Ask:
What pricing models do you offer?
What happens if the scope changes?
8. Review Portfolio and References
Ask to see:
Real project examples
Results they’ve achieved
Testimonials or reviews from past clients
Don’t rely only on their website. Look for case studies or third-party review platforms (like Clutch or G2).
Questions to Ask:
Can you share 1-2 detailed case studies?
Where can we read reviews from your clients?
9. Test with a Trial Project
If you’re unsure, start small:
A discovery workshop
A clickable prototype
A limited-scope sprint
This lets you see how the team works — before committing to a full build.
Questions to Ask:
Do you offer a trial project or pilot phase?
What does a typical discovery sprint include?
10. Choose for the Long Term
Software needs maintenance. Make sure your agency offers:
Post-launch support
Scaling options
Ongoing updates and bug fixes
The right agency grows with you — not just disappears after launch.
Questions to Ask:
What support do you offer after the project ends?
Can we expand or scale the team if needed?
Checklist for Choosing the Right Software Development Company
Before you sign the contract, make sure:
✔ Project Clarity
You’re clear on your goals, scope, and budget
You’ve defined must-have vs nice-to-have features
✔ Agency Fit
The company has experience with similar projects or industries
Their tech stack fits your needs
You’ve seen real examples of their previous work
✔ Workflow & Communication
You understand how their development process works
You know who will be on your project team
Communication has been consistent and easy from the start
✔ Practical Details
The pricing model matches your project type
Timeline expectations are realistic and agreed on
Post-launch support or maintenance is available if needed
✔ Low-Risk Start
You’ve had a chance to test their work (e.g., with a small task or discovery sprint)
You feel confident moving forward with this team
What To Do Next?
Follow these steps to find the right development partner for your project
- Download the checklist and use it during agency calls or interviews.
- Shortlist 2–3 agencies that meet most of your checklist criteria.
- Set up discovery calls and ask the questions listed in this guide.
- Request a small trial project to test communication and technical quality.
- Compare offers — not just on price, but based on process, clarity, and team structure.
- Choose the partner that feels aligned with your vision and long-term needs.
- Sign the contract only after confirming post-launch support and deliverables.
Need a second opinion? If you’re still unsure or need help evaluating your options, feel free to reach out. We also build custom software, so if you’re looking for a development partner, let’s explore whether we’re the right fit. Contact us to talk through your ideas.
