Once you have decided to outsource your custom software development project, knowing where to look and what to look for can be a daunting and confusing first step. At Tentacle Solutions we believe strongly in ensuring that you get the best team possible for your project, regardless of its size or budget, so we have developed this brief guide to help you focus your search, what to expect, and make the best decision for your project and your company. 

The Search

Of course, the familiar phrase “Let’s Google it” is a natural starting point for a search of this nature, but knowing what to search for will save you time and help narrow your field of view significantly. Some hints:

• Search using “software development” (in quotation marks) plus your location: “software development” company Glasgow, for instance.

• Once you have found one or two names, search using related: company.com, which will list companies like the one that you already know might suit your project needs.

Your goal in a search of this type is a long list of about 12 solid candidates. Scan their websites to determine the high-level fit for your project and to reduce your long list by about 50% (from 12 to 6 potential candidates). Some information you might look for on each website:

• Has the company completed similar projects in the past? If so, how many and do they list the project and the client?
• Does the company’s website pay attention to details and create a brand feel that aligns with your company’s brand and values?
• Check out their blog. Are the articles useful or simply self-promotional? Are they a leader in the field or simply following trends set by other custom software development companies?
• Are they an onshore, nearshore, or offshore company? And does this matter to your project budget and timeline?

And always look beyond Google to complete your list.

The Referral

We all know that word of mouth is the most powerful social marketing tool and can also be the key to finding the right custom software development company for your project. Put a question out into your professional network (LinkedIn, for example) to see if anyone you know has had experience with any of the companies on your list or can suggest a company that you have not identified. Not only might you get some recommended companies to explore but you will likely get a review as well. 
And remember to share your experiences with third-party as well; goodwill and a willingness to be a good colleague within an industry ecosystem is never a bad idea and often pays dividends in unexpected ways.

The Red Flags

Unfortunately, companies do embellish their experience and accomplishments, so being diligent about your due diligence is an important step in your search. Some common red flags that might indicate the need to dig deeper or ask more questions include:

What really goes on behind the scenes? A tool like Glassdoor provides reviews of a company’s culture, leadership, and performance issues that might reveal some issues that sway your decision one way or the other. As most successful business leaders will tell you, company culture is an important indicator of how that company does business and if it is on the right path to long-term success.

Read more: Power of Reviews

Check out the testimonials using such business-to-business (B2B) review platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms. Past performance is another key indicator of future performance so doing a deep dive into voluntary testimonials is a useful part of any search process. 

Does the company actually do the work or just say they do? Case studies are easy to write but completing a project is a different thing altogether. Will the company provide a client contact so that you can delve a bit deeper into the project scope and approach, for instance? 

Are they open and clear about what languages they specialize in? Look for developers who work and quote in industry-standard (that is, current) software technology to ensure that your project is not obsolete upon delivery. 

Conclusion

Following the guidelines listed above will make your search for a custom software developer as painless as possible but remember one simple rule: every project is different so the goal of your search should be to find the right team at the right price and with the right deliverables for the project on the table. To settle for anything less can result in a mistake that costs you money, time, and reputation.