How to choose a software development agency (without getting burned)

Picking a software agency is a bit like picking a builder. Everyone has a nice portfolio, everyone says they're "collaborative," and you often don't find out what they're really like until you're halfway through the project.

We've been on both sides of this. We've inherited projects from other agencies, and we've had plenty of honest conversations with people who've been burned before, so here's what we'd look for if we were in your shoes.

1. Look at how they start, not just how they finish

Finished work in a portfolio tells you what a team can build, but it doesn't tell you how they got there. Ask how they kick off a project. Do they want to talk to your users? Do they ask awkward questions about why you want the thing built at all?

A good agency gets involved early and pushes back when something doesn't make sense. If everything you suggest gets a cheerful "yep, we can do that" be a little wary.

2. Check they design for real people

Software fails when it's built around assumptions. Ask whether they do user research, and what happens when that research contradicts the brief. The answer tells you a lot about whether they're building for your users or just building to spec.

3. Meet the people who'll actually do the work

Some agencies send their best people to the sales meeting and a different team to the project. Ask who'll be designing, developing and managing your project day to day, and try to speak to them before you sign anything.

4. Ask about the boring stuff

How do they handle scope changes? What happens after launch? Who owns the code? How often will you hear from them? None of it is exciting, but these answers matter more than the pitch deck.

5. Look for independent signals

Case studies and testimonials help, but they're curated by the agency itself. Third-party directories and reviews give you a second opinion. It's why we're listed on DesignRush's directory of software development agencies. Verified by DesignRush. It's one more place to check that a team is who they say they are.

6. Trust how the conversation feels

You're going to spend months working with these people, if the first few conversations feel like a sales process, the project probably will too. You want a team that's straight with you, including when the news isn't great.

Thinking about a project?

We're Always49, a Bristol-based software, design and marketing agency working with businesses and charities. If you've got something in mind, or just want a second opinion on a plan you already have, drop us a line. No pitch, just a chat.