If you are in the business of digital transformation services or something similar, it is possible that developing software apps for startups is one of the things that you do.
Companies that are still relatively new to this industry might find that there is a difference between startups and established brands when it comes to developing applications. Startups are usually still in their early stages, do not have as many funds, and have high expectations.
There is also the problem of competition, and each startup is looking to gain as much ground as possible. In other words, they cannot wait around for long and need solutions right away.
So how can you take advantage of this and profit from potential cooperation with these startups? Well, there are quite a few things that can give you an edge, especially if you have been underperforming recently and would like to get more business coming your way. Here are some ideas on how to become more efficient at developing software for startups.
Idea #1 – Research the Market
Starting with market research is always a good approach. It might be that you have not been putting as much effort into looking for clients actively as you should. If that is the case, then go ahead and look at all the available sources you can. Social media, forums, and local ads are some of the examples.
Idea #2 – Ask for Recommendations
If you have been working in the industry for a while, you should have a decent network of connections at this point. Your employees should also have some contacts on their LinkedIn page or email list.
Send out some offers as well as inquiries on whether anyone would be interested in working with you. Show them what services you have to offer.
Idea #3 – Select Appropriate Development Software
Different startups will have different needs. However, since you will be the one developing the stuff, you will also usually have to be the one to make the decision on which software framework to use in the development.
Frameworks determine quality, speed, as well as costs that will be necessary to finish the project.
Idea #4 – Use Deadlines for Each Part of the Project
It is highly likely that the whole project will be long. If that is the case, set short deadlines for different end-results. Doing so will help with motivation as you will need to finish a specific part in time. There will also be less room for various distractions.
Idea #5 – Use Flexible Tools
Continuing with the work efficiency, you should aim to use tools that are relatively flexible and will guarantee that you have the best possible time working. This is not necessarily something that you can determine on your own. Speak with the team of developers who will be taking the project on and determine what the best tools to use are. The input of each employee should be important.
Idea #6 – Share Workload
If the project is simple, there should not be that many problems allocating time for each element and sharing it between employees working on it. On the other hand, if you are dealing with something that is complicated, then it is extra important to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Idea #7 – Hire Help from Outside
Hiring help from other companies or even getting in touch with freelancers is a common practice. When there is too much work at hand, outsourcing for some help is what plenty of companies do.
Of course, one can argue that it was not that wise to take on such a big project in the first place. However, there are a lot of instances when a project seems simple at first, but over time it turns into something that not everyone is capable of handling.
Thankfully, there is a plethora of great developers and other freelancers on the internet, meaning that you should not have any problems finding someone who can help you.
Idea #8 – Ask for Feedback
Be in touch with your employers. Make sure that everything is going according to the plan and what they want to see. Sure, there is no need to send them updates every hour, especially when there are no new developments of note. But the more you communicate, the fewer errors there will be. And it is no secret how difficult it can be to go back and fix something when you have put so much effort into the work.
Idea #9 – Analyze Occurring Problems All the Time
Keep close tabs on everything that is happening in the developing process. Take notes because you are never sure when something wrong might happen. Create backups and automate them so that files are saved regularly. Create an environment that provides you with the conditions to make as few mistakes as possible.
