knowledge
05.06.2024
When is it worth working with external software agencies?
Karl Tsaltas
Marketing & Content Creation
How can you recognise the right agency for your project? There are many reasons to work with external experts. However, depending on the type of project and project phase, the type of collaboration and the skills required can vary greatly.
<p>There are many reasons to work with external experts. However, depending on the type of project and project phase, the type of collaboration and the skills required can vary greatly.</p>
<p>Below, we take a closer look at three different types of projects that, in our experience, are particularly common in the development of digital products such as web applications or mobile apps:</p>
<ul>
<li>Projects on products before the market launch phase</li>
<li>Support in the growth and maturity phase of digital products</li>
<li>Digitalisation projects that simplify or automate existing processes</li>
</ul>
<p>And now we would like to show you what makes a successful collaboration in the respective phases and how you can recognise that you can rely on the agency you have chosen.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/94ea423f-8893-424b-892a-8f4f9f46231a?width=4402&height=2162" alt="Zeichenfläche 18@2x 100"></p>
<p><em>The product life cycle is divided into different phases. Neither the saturation phase nor the decline phase are shown in this illustration, but the phase before the product launch is</em></p>
<h2>Before the market launch: the design of the minimum viable product</h2>
<p>As a rule, a minimum viable product, a so-called MVP, i.e. a product that is reduced to its essential core functionality, is defined and developed here. The main aim is to keep the resources required for implementation manageable and to be able to use the software with real users as early as possible.</p>
<p>In other words, the foundations are laid for the later success of the product. This is a complex matter in which it is very valuable to work with experts right from the start in order to avoid start-up problems and typical mistakes.</p>
<h3>This is how you recognise that you have found the right partner before the market launch phase</h3>
<p>External service providers should provide you with transparent and honest advice on an equal footing. It helps to listen to your gut feeling and pay attention to the agency's intentions. Are they passionate about making you and your product successful, or are they purely concerned with the profit of the individual project?</p>
<p>It is important that the process is customised to the circumstances in order to be able to plan and develop functional software effectively and cost-efficiently. It helps you to keep an eye on the big picture and not lose sight of the economic goal behind the project.</p>
<h3>In the growth phase of your digital product</h3>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/c2acc0a0-3c03-48aa-bf9f-e0e8cfeabdbf?width=4402&height=2162" alt="Zeichenfläche 19@2x 100"></p>
<p><em>The growth phase begins when your digital product generates profits. The maturity phase is a transition phase between strong growth and market saturation</em></p>
<p>If your product has already been launched on the market, you may need temporary help to increase the speed of your own team and bring in new skills, for example to add new features to the software. In this case, the external team will also work closely with you as the client or your developers. For example, the external agency may take on the role of Product Owner or Scrum Master and the developers may come from the client's side.</p>
<p>Support can be worthwhile precisely because experienced agencies build on best practices in project management, software development and design. This makes the realisation of the project much more efficient.</p>
<h2>This is how you recognise that you have found the right partner in the growth phase</h2>
<p>The external agency not only delivers the final software at the end, but also shares its own knowledge with you throughout the entire duration of the project so that you can work independently even after the project has been completed. The product should therefore be able to be iteratively expanded later on independently, e.g. by internal software developers.</p>
<p>In addition, the external service providers should not reinvent the wheel, but rather support and enrich the existing project with the help of the latest technologies and existing expertise. What also characterises them is that they work based on evidence and not on assumptions and estimates. This is the only way to guarantee the long-term success of your digital product.</p>
<h2>For digitalisation projects to transfer existing processes into the digital age</h2>
<p>Collaboration with an external agency can also be worthwhile if your goal is to digitalise an existing analogue process. What distinguishes the collaboration here is that you will hand over large parts and responsibilities and place the entire digitalisation project in the hands of the agency.</p>
<p>This kind of support makes sense, as you don't incur any additional costs and can devote yourself entirely to your core business. Collaboration with an external service provider often even proves to be much more cost-efficient here, as it can avoid the costs of permanent employment or long familiarisation periods for your own staff.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/2c728d56-3dd5-46c7-9f7c-58cd3fab8be5?width=1920&height=1440" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 75"></p>
<p><em>In digitalisation projects, collaboration is characterised by the fact that you hand over large parts and responsibility to the agency</em></p>
<h2>How to recognise when you have found the right partner for digitalisation projects</h2>
<p>The external agency doesn't just work from scratch, but according to a strategic plan and can show you the necessary project phases, risks and opportunities right from the start of the project.</p>
<p>They also care about the success of your digitalisation project. This means that, if necessary, the managing directors will get involved and make a personal commitment to your success. If important decisions need to be made, they involve you because they always work transparently and at eye level.</p>
<p>In addition, they define clearly measurable goals and metrics to make the success of the digitalisation project measurable.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Whether start-ups, established companies or visionaries with an idea: they can all benefit from working with external agencies as long as they know the right quality characteristics and can correctly assess the agency's potential before the project starts.</p>
<p>Depending on the type of project, different working methods and skills prove to be particularly important. Irrespective of this, however, the decision also depends on gut feeling, because it is all about trust, sympathy and the enthusiasm to create something valuable together. In any case, an excellent agency always keeps both the needs of your customers and your economic goals in mind.</p>
<p>At typedigital, we determine which methodological approach makes sense during the initial non-binding consultation and adapt the process to the needs of your project in a customised and results-oriented manner. In this way, we can guarantee you a successful and efficient implementation.</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/4598e991-3a3d-432c-ba4d-d80eb047c72b?width=1920&height=1280" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 125"></p>
<p><em>In our workshops, we work out step by step what requirements your digital product or project will face and how we can solve them</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If required, we also offer workshops to work out the exact requirements of the project in detail together. This gives you the opportunity to weigh up whether collaboration is an option for the entire project afterwards.</p>
<p>We are a team of experienced experts who rely on state-of-the-art technology and a strategic approach. Our owners are personally committed to your success. And when it comes down to it, they'll go the extra mile.</p>
<p>Contact us now to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation. We can't wait to find out more about you and your project!</p>
<p><img src="https://typedig.uber.space/assets/77e6763c-91c6-415f-b1aa-1448cda814c7?width=1920&height=1280" alt="Typedigital Zunder Foto 20230628 211"></p>
<p><em>At typedigital, the experienced founders personally take care of your concerns</em></p>
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Jonathan Stütz
Design Lead & Product Strategist
