How to Find the Best Software Development Company in the US

We know, the goal to find the best software development company in the US sounds like a tall order doesn’t it?

Fair, but we can promise you this:

That search is a lot easier when you know what you’re looking for.

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again until we’re blue in the face, but developing custom software can be a lengthy and involved process.

Aside from the fact that simply getting on the same page about an idea can take time on its own, from the development, review rounds, and feedback, building custom software can take months if not years.

With that said, it’s important to actually like who you’ll be working with during this time (trust us).

So, including the personalities of the team you’ll be working with, what qualities should you look for when trying to find the best software development company in the US?

Let’s discuss.

What Award Are They Up for?

All jokes aside, it’s tempting to look at a software development company’s website, scan over to their awards section, count them, and evaluate them on that alone.

Here’s the thing though:

Winning awards isn’t as difficult as you may think.

In fact, in some cases, there aren’t even that many companies actively applying for them; instead of focusing on the quality of their work and word of mouth to propel their business.

As a result, many acclaimed companies may only be effective at marketing themselves. While awards can certainly designate a mark of high quality, they can also be used to bump up your rates.

So, always be sure to check Clutch.co to vet their reviews and do a thorough reading of their previous projects.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Here’s another pitfall to avoid when looking for a software development company:

Choosing a generalist.

This means picking a development company that does everything under the sun regarding computers and technology, heck, they’ll even come to repair your computer for an added fee.

We’ll be honest and say that we understand the appeal of these companies—particularly when they come supported by a cool and flashy website. However, choosing a company that dabbles in the area of development your looking for will mean two things:

• Practice for the development company
• A subpar product for you

Instead, you’ll want to clearly define the kind of services you’ll need and choose a web development company that can not only deliver but holds experience in your field.

But why is that important?

The Importance of Shared Expertise

When it comes to the service sector, specialization beats out general competence every time—and that extends to digital services.

If you’re working with a company that specializes in custom software development that specializes in startups but you’re an enterprise healthcare entity, that disconnect can prove harmful.

And the problem is the required learning curve.

We said it before but building custom software isn’t a quick and easy process. It’s time-consuming and involved for good reason; it’s akin to a tailor-made suit for your business, and that takes time to get right.

Working with an agency that doesn’t have direct experience in your field just adds time to back and forth to get your project right.

And that time costs money.

Instead, you want to find a software development company that’s already familiar with your industry, understands what your business needs, and has the expertise to deliver in a timely manner.

Let There Be APIs

The term API stands for an application programming interface. Effectively it means a programming tool that’s used to tether the function of multiple applications and platforms together.

Let’s take an example from social media.

Instagram allows its users to cross-post on Twitter and Facebook. The digital mechanism in place is an API that allows Instagram’s user interface to interact with the functions of Twitter and Facebook.

In terms of adding additional functionality to your website or mobile app, the use of APIs can be a huge boost, cutting down development costs while expanding utility.

You won’t see this kind of information on APIs listed outright on a website, so you’ll want to ask directly when you speak with the company in question.

When applied directly to custom dashboards, an API will pull real-time metrics for their apps (Google analytics, for example). APIs can be tricky to use and set up, but they’re essential if you’re looking to build powerful software.

Do They Code Local?

By the nature of the question: “How to find the best software development company in the US?” there isn’t much of a focus on locality. However, a local presence isn’t something that should be ignored when seeking out the best.

As your software is being developed, communication is essential to the process. And when those channels aren’t efficient, feedback and prospective solutions tend to fall through the cracks, and subpar work moves forward.

Since many of these projects are long term—easily three months or more—it’s easy to lose that sense of rapport when you’re communicating strictly remotely.

However, when you’re working with local companies, you get the benefit of being to reach out directly, meet your team, and work through problems together. That sense of connection can be vital to the process and when working virtually part of that synergy is lost.

Though virtual chats and remote work can still be stellar depending on the quality of the company when trying to find the best software development companies in the US keep an eye out for local options.

They Speak a Universal Language

This is more so in reference to expertise than anything but the best software development companies are versatile ones—meaning they can code in many languages.

The importance of this rests in the fact that the more languages one can code in, the more flexibility they have in offering custom, form-fitted solutions to match your needs.

Good web developers need to know how to integrate the right languages in ways that prevent errors and obstacles that won’t bog you down later on.

So, when you’re vetting software development services in your city, be sure to ask what languages their in-house coders utilize. Whether you understand the meaning of those languages or not, you should expect to hear a fairly long list!

Remember, quality work requires both experience and expertise, and being well-versed in multiple languages is a good way to assess both metrics.

Do You Love Them?

“Love” may be a bit strong here but it’s a close sentiment. The process of creating custom software for your business isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires time, consideration, back-and-forth feedback, and most importantly, and a significant investment of focus and resources.

With that said, as a client, you’ll be spending a lot of time talking to your team (if you feel it’s necessary) to ensure things are moving smoothly and you’re getting the quality project you want.

We’ve said this before but the process of building software from start to finish can last months or years in some cases.

As a result, you’ll want to have a good relationship with them.

So, when your vetting software development companies in search of the best, be aware of how they make you feel when you talk to them. Are they amiable? Friendly? Warm? Or are they straight-forward, defensive, and cold?

The difference can mean ease and comfort in your life, and multiple rounds of headaches.

The choice is yours.

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