Choosing a development partner starts with the work you need done. A clear brief and a consistent set of questions make proposals easier to compare than a collection of hourly rates.
Write a short brief
Describe your business, the people who will use the product and the problem you want to solve. Include the current website or application, essential integrations and any fixed deadline. Separate requirements from ideas you would like to explore.
You do not need to specify every screen. Explain what success would look like: for example, a customer completing a booking without a phone call, or staff finding the information needed to answer an enquiry.
Look for relevant work
Ask what the team actually delivered on each project. Did they design the interface, build the application, maintain it or contribute to one part? A polished screenshot is useful, but the delivery context matters too.
Review project examples, ask for a walkthrough and discuss a challenge the team had to resolve. Where appropriate, ask whether a previous client can provide a reference.
Compare the working arrangements
Ask each candidate the same questions:
- Who will do the work, and who is your main contact?
- How are scope, estimates and changes recorded?
- When will you see working software and provide feedback?
- What testing is included, and how is completion agreed?
- Who controls the code repository, hosting and service accounts?
- What documentation, training and support are included at handover?
An independent developer, an agency and an internal team can each be a good fit. Compare availability, relevant skills and continuity against your particular project rather than assuming one model is always better.
Compare the whole cost
A proposal should identify assumptions, exclusions and recurring charges. Check content preparation, licences, hosting, maintenance and any services charged by usage. A lower build price may cover a different scope.
For an uncertain idea, a focused discovery phase or prototype can help clarify the next investment. Read our guide to controlling application costs.
Choose a clear next step
Agree the initial deliverable, responsibilities and review point before starting. If you are considering website development or a custom web app, tell brightseed about your project.
