How to Build a Successful Software Development Business

If you are a software developer and are thinking about starting off on your own to provide more value for your clients than your current employer, you will have your work cut out. There are thousands of freelancers offering custom software and programming, and you will have to give your market a good enough reason to buy from your company. Below you will find a few tips on how to get your software company off the ground.

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Branding

The first thing you need to take care of is building a unique and easy to distinguish brand. When it comes to software development, you will need a catchy name. Don’t simply add the name of your first software to your company name, as your business might change due to the fast paced business environment. Communicate the unique selling proposition of your products and services, and find a way to stand out from the crowd.

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Focus On Benefits

When branding your company, don’t simply communicate the features of your software; focus on the benefits for the end user instead. It might be a good idea to conduct a market research and analyze your competition as well. This will allow you to show what you are different in and meet the expectations and needs of your target market.  

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Patents

When developing apps and software, you will need to take care of the design and legal side of the project. Every invention and technology needs to be patented to prevent other companies from taking advantage of your hard work and using it to sell their own products. While this will cost you money, patenting your software will help you protect your business continuity.

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Security

via GIPHY

It is also crucial that you focus on the security of your servers and your modules. Carry out testing regularly and consider using Singularity Networks to improve safety and user experience, while being able to test various versions and getting the right statistics that will help your business grow. If you know when and how your customers are using your app or software, you have a better chance of improving your offers. Test the security of your program and its compatibility with various operating systems.  

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​User Testing and Adaptation Support

The first version of your app or software is not likely to be the final product, so you might want to involve users in testing and gather feedback on the beta version. You can advertise a discount code in exchange for feedback, or even offer the initial version for free, so you can gather feedback for free and perfect your app or software, so it will be more valuable for your future customers.

Starting a software development business is not without challenges. You will need to invest a lot of time and money in research, and the competition is huge. Develop a strong brand presence, connect with your target market, and create a list of benefits they can relate to. Test and tweak your software until it is ready to be launched and sold.