How We Work
One of the most common concerns businesses have before hiring a custom software developer is not knowing what to expect. The process can feel like a black box. You describe what you need, money changes hands, and you hope what comes out the other side is what you imagined.
At Link Software, we work to make the process as clear and predictable as possible from day one. Here’s exactly how we approach a project.
Step 1. Discovery Call
What it is:
A free, no-obligation conversation that typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What we cover:
- What problem you’re trying to solve and how you’re currently handling it
- Who uses the system (your team, your customers, or both)
- Any existing software, databases, or processes the new system needs to connect with
- Your rough timeline and budget expectations
What you get:
An honest assessment of whether custom software is the right solution for your situation, and whether Link Software is the right fit to build it.
There’s no sales pressure and no commitment required after this call. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you.
Step 2. Proposal
What it is:
A written project proposal delivered after the discovery call.
What we cover:
- A clear description of the scope of work. This includes what we will build and what we won’t
- A project timeline with key milestones
- A fixed project price or a clearly defined estimate
- Any assumptions or open questions that could affect scope or cost
What you get:
A document you can review, share with your team, and ask questions about before agreeing to anything.
We don’t start work until both parties are comfortable with the proposal and have signed off on it.
Step 3. Development
What it is:
We build the system in logical, reviewable stages.
What we cover:
- Core functionality is built first, so you can see and interact with real software early in the process
- Regular check-ins and progress updates. You won’t be left wondering what’s happening
- A private staging environment where you can review and test features as they’re completed
- Feedback is incorporated promptly, not held until a final review
What you get:
Working software that evolves in front of you, with ongoing opportunities to course-correct before the project is finalized.
Step 4. Testing & Launch
What it is:
Thorough testing followed by a coordinated go-live.
What we cover:
- Testing across browsers and devices (where applicable)
- Edge case testing: what happens when a user does something unexpected
- Performance review for any database-heavy features
- A go-live plan that minimizes disruption to your operations
What you get:
A launch that doesn’t feel like a gamble. We don’t ship until we’re both confident the system is ready.
Step 5. Ongoing Support
What it is:
We don’t disappear after launch.
What we cover:
- A defined post-launch support period for fixing any bugs that surface in real-world use
- Ongoing availability for changes, additions, and improvements as your business evolves
- Hosting and maintenance available for clients without their own solutions
What you get:
A long-term development partner, not a vendor who moves on to the next project. Many of our clients have worked with us for years because software that’s working well today may need to adapt to how your business looks two years from now.
Ready to Get Started?
If this process sounds like what you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear about your project. We also have a lengthy FAQ you can read if you have additional questions before reaching out.