Hiring a freelance developer vs. software development company: which works better for you?

Insight provided by Clever Software Group, bespoke software development specialists based in Ringwood.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic caused a massive boost in the need for a digital transformation for so many companies. Embarking on the route of digital technology resolutions would allow so many businesses and organizations to continue trading virtually, when asked to close their physical stores to the public. One question that would’ve cropped up more often than not though, is whether to hire a freelance programmer or take on the services of a bespoke software development company.

Whether your enterprise is undergoing a radical digital transformation currently, or it is something you would like to consider in the future, figuring out which path works better for you will save a lot of time and resources in the long run.

So how about hiring a freelance developer?

Outsourcing your software development specification to a freelance developer can be a cost affective way of achieving a software solution. Your software project could be completed and delivered in a shorter time frame, than if handed over to a bespoke software development company, saving you a lot of vital time and resources.

Freelance developers will normally only require you to cover an agreed, fixed cost instead of ongoing fees. Consider the scale of your project – is it going to be a long-term, ever evolving project, or a short piece of work that can be left alone after it has been completed?

If you are leaning more towards a shorter timeframe, hiring a freelance programmer may work better for your enterprise needs. With freelancers, there normally comes the opportunity for flexible working hours; they are not tied to the bog standard 9am to 5pm working day. It is within their best interests to meet your expectations and deliver your bespoke software project within a smaller deadline. However, trying to deliver a software solution within record time may come with faults within your system, which can lead to large problems and headaches further down the line.

Freelancers more often than not have a multitude of projects they will be working on, alongside yours. This is an excellent way for freelancers to build portfolios and customer bases, but it also means your software solution may not be getting the full attention it needs. With this in mind, freelance programmers may also not be available when you need them to be. This could cause some severe issues, especially if an urgent problem needs immediate attention. Communication is key within any project and is paramount within bespoke software development, so not having dedicated resource time from a software developer may lead to a project falling behind and delays in the development process.

Due to jampacked schedules, freelance developers may not be able to provide support and maintenance for your bespoke software project after it has been released. This means you may have to hirer a new freelancer, with no knowledge of your software system or database, and essentially start from scratch all over again.

Hiring a freelance developer for a short but sweet software solution is a very good idea short term, but may cause more costs post-project deployment.

Will working with a bespoke software development company be more beneficial?

Working with a bespoke software development company will allow you to receive a more dedicated service. You will more than likely have a developer committed and assigned specifically to your individual custom software project.

The efficient service provided by a software development company will mean your software system will always be seen as a priority in cases of emergency. The developer dedicated to your system will almost always on hand to offer help and advice, whilst being highly reactive to bugs and unexpected issues. Bespoke software development companies pride themselves in maintaining continuous working relationships. More often than not, one-to-one support will continue once your tailor-made software solution has been released, meaning that it can scale and evolve in correlation with your business needs.

A bespoke software system is a long-term commitment; you want to be sure your project is in safe hands and is molded entirely to your specific set of enterprise requirements – no ifs or buts.

Initially, a software solution crafted by a software development company may appear more mostly than working with a freelance developer. However, this investment will prove to potentially be more beneficial for you in the long run. Your venture will be nurtured and cared for, not simply pushed to one side once it has been deployed. A software development company will bring with it an in depth understanding and expert knowledge of how your bespoke software solution should function and work, striving to aid growth and help your company develop further.

Bespoke software development companies will have years of development and programming knowledge under their belts. You will have no problem finding a software company with the exact skill set you require for your project. Your enterprise will also experience a highly organized development process, with regular milestone reviews in place. You won’t need to worry about constantly checking on the progress of your bespoke software solution – Software development companies are passionate about sustaining their reputations and putting their clients first and foremost. A collaborative working style will also take place, meaning a software company will work closely with your to ensure your custom solution will function exactly as your expect it to.

You will also be more likely to find various unique talents nestled away within a bespoke software development company. From blockchain developers, to machine learning experts and Internet of Things (IoT) specialists, a software development company will have backend, frontend and full stack developers on hand top craft your software project. You may experience a slower speed of development, but this will be for your best interests. The devil is in the detail, so carefully and meticulously building a bespoke software system will deliver a higher quality end solution.

Which works better for you?

Consider carefully how you require a software solution to work for your company. If you have a smaller development timeframe with a lower budget, perhaps the help of a freelance developer will work more in your favor. However, if you are able to supply a little more time and resources to a custom software solution, you will reap the benefits of what a bespoke software development company can offer you.

Learn more about Clever Software Group.