In today’s tech–implemented world, the demand for customizing software to simplify business operations has skyrocketed. Companies are now relying on custom software development services to manage their business operations. Software providing the right tools and solutions will accomplish the prospect’s demands, streamline the workforce, and drive conversions.
In 2021, global software development service companies market size was valued at  $207091.38 million, and in 2027, the revenue of this market is predicted to grow to $403083.77 million with 11.74% CAGR.
Using custom software, businesses can utilize the advantages such as:
- Enhanced efficiency
- Automating tasks
- Less human errors
- Save time
- Enhanced user experience
Most importantly, these software development services allow company employees to focus on core-value activities that drive innovation and increase revenue for the business.
Even if your software businesses can offer the above-mentioned benefits, reaching the right targeted client to market your business can be overwhelming.
With the rising demand and increasing competition, it can be challenging for businesses to have effective tactics to stand out in the crowd and sell their software development services. To help you get better prospects and execute successful marketing campaigns, we have curated a few strategies on how to sell software development services, and also talk about the definition of custom software development services, features of software development services, and its advantages.
What is Custom Software Development Services?
A software development service is a customization of software solutions specifically for a business to fulfill its objectives. The customization of the software service includes the process of analyzing, designing, creating, testing, deploying, and maintaining the software according to the requirements of the business.
For example, consider bug-tracking software. Almost all businesses get serious online concerns. Companies like auditing firms pay attention to bugs and issue tracking. They do not want their software to go down while performing complex accounting. So they get customized bug-trafficking software to detect any issues. Businesses can also get customized software to perform operations like: keeping track of project schedules, detecting glitches, and identifying unexpected issues that may occur in the business processes.
Importance of Software Development Services
Businesses, big or small, are now comprehending the importance of software development services. They aim to be the best business that fulfils the client’s demand.
The custom software services intend to offer customized and seamless multi-channel experience, innovative solutions, and hyper-relevant content with the software services.
A software service called production planning optimization and auto weighting system was implemented by Unilever Factory, located in Vietnam. This software service aids the business staff in predicting the right quality and managing production. The software updates and predicts data automatically in real-time. After six months of implementation of the software, the company could see the following:
- Switching cost is reduced by 10%
- 80% save in admin production planning time
- Lower human and time resources for inspection
- Enhanced data accuracy
Steps on How to Sell Custom Software Development Services
Identify the Target Clients
Selling tailored software can be easier if you target the right prospects. You can target CTOs (Chief Technical Officers) who understand your business better. They will relate to your software services very well.
Identifying the right target will give you the advantage of directing your marketing efforts precisely to the business, which will yield more results. Focus on businesses that have high requirements for customized software like:
- Cloud computing platforms:Â Cloud businesses offer databases, storage, networking, analytics, and intelligence through the Internet. Software development service businesses can pitch their product to these companies to help them innovate faster and have flexible sales; cloud companies always need customized cloud solutions to streamline their work.
- E-commerce businesses: Customized software services are always needed in e-commerce businesses. To streamline the sales and inventory process at the back end and simplify easy purchase operations from the frontline. Different e-commerce businesses will have various requirements that you can cater to with your expertise.
- LOT: Diverse LOT devices need customized LOT software based on their unique requirement. LoT businesses often seek customization services in their software for the user’s unique needs to ensure smooth data flow and business operation.
- Web services: Businesses get more controlled API integration with customization of software. Software development services can create customized API and web services for unique business needs that serve more effective software products.
Out-Reach the Right Decision-Makers
Reach out to the businesses that may need your software services. Understand the business’s nature, check if they have any pre-requisite needs, and if they do, recognize their requirements.
Recognize Business’s Needs
Understanding the requirements of your potential client is an integral part of selling your services. It will help you better personalize the software services and marketing strategy. A few ways to recognize your client’ needs are, competitor research, data analysis, and updated information about your ideal prospects.
RFP Response
Utilize this strategy to approach the prospect and provide a step-by-step plan to achieve a unique software that streamlines their operations. It gives potential clients a detailed and clear process of getting a customized software developed, which can create a sense of trust assurance in your business.
Email Blast:
Email marketing is a cost-effective strategy that aids in personalized communication with the target clients. Using this strategy, businesses can execute successful campaigns and enhance their conversions. Businesses can also rely on third-party for focused business operations, and less bounce rate, so you can focus on other business operations.
Analyze the Lifetime Value of the Prospect
Software is gaining a lot of popularity. Businesses enjoy its efficiency for its less manual but more automated process, making it reliable. But, due to high competition and other companies offering services for lower and better prices, software development service providers face the challenge of retaining new prospects and existing leads. The life value of a prospect is essential to maintain the sustainability of a business. While making a sale, check the life value of the prospecting customer and deal accordingly.
Choose Marketing Methods
Software development businesses can experiment with a few marketing strategies for effective selling. It is advised to try only some marketing approaches as it will only result in strong results. Instead, software developers can swap the approaches for new ones every few years. The marketing tactics for custom-made software are similar to that of the marketing strategies of software development companies. The only difference is the products and services they offer. Understanding the prospect, prospect’s issues, business size, your current state of marketing, and long-term business objectives is essential for choosing the right strategy.
Some marketing strategies for software development services to consider:
- SEO: Optimizing a business is crucial in today’s competitive world, and SEO is an effective marketing strategy that cannot be overlooked. Utilize SEO’s best practices to market your services and increase your search engine visibility.
- Social media: Software companies can use social media platforms to post about upcoming updates, effective features, testimonials, and more for effective marketing. Posting and sharing content on the company’s platform allows prospects to be well-informed and excites them to get updates about the software products.
The marketing cannot be limited to the approaches mentioned above. Software companies can experiment with other platforms to determine which marketing strategy will suit their business better.
Have Regular and Quick Follow Ups
Selling custom software is not the end of the process. Your clients will always have a need for some assistance with your software service. Respond on time to your clients whenever they express their queries or need an immediate solution.
Conclusion
With the rising demand for software and high completion, you must always find ways to stand out from the crowd. Using the same old strategies may not yield the results you are aiming for. Use our successful strategies on how to sell custom software to attract your ideal businesses and position yourself as the industry expert for customized software needs. With the above tactics for marketing your software services, you can offer remarkable value, create a successful sales process, and build a booming business.