4. How often are there software updates and new releases?
Many dating software companies don’t bother with development roadmaps or regular release schedules. Some companies skip updates altogether and justify this strategy with low prices. Others dilute their blog with announcements of cosmetic changes that they pass off as significant updates.
It’s crucial to find out whether your potential software provider is concerned with maintaining the quality of their product. For example, how often do they release updates, and what do those updates include? Are there any release logs or notes available for you to read? How do they respond to customer feedback? How in touch are they with the latest trends in the dating world?
It’s simply not enough to release updates for their own sake. What’s more important is evidence of a solid product development plan that extends far into the future.
5. Do you need custom development?
We've previously talked about the pros and cons of custom and ready-made solutions. However, one of the biggest myths in the online dating platform community is that you can immediately start making money after buying the software. Unfortunately, it seldom works out this way.
At the very least, you will need to tweak an out-of-the-box product until it matches your vision. The bigger your ambition, the more customization your website will require. Even if you use the most flexible software, it will be challenging to produce a website that works exactly how you planned.
Fortunately, most of the better software companies offer professional development services tailored to your needs. Here are some of the essential details to iron out:
- Will the customization be outsourced or done in-house?
- How large and qualified is the development team?
- How are the customization costs calculated?
- Are there clear regulations in place to perform the requested tasks?
Do not take this step lightly. It’s possible to lose thousands of dollars to a company that might unload your project to an outsourced team without a clear vision, development roadmap, quality assurance, and proper communication. Don’t let your project turn into a year-long nightmare that bleeds your time and money.
When it comes to custom development, you need to be absolutely sure that the company will handle it professionally from start to finish.
6. How is project management handled?
When it comes to assessing project management, you’re going to have to get into the weeds. It’s essential to understand the different stages of how your website will be built and how it will be supported going forward. You don’t want to be running between departments just to find out what’s going on with your project.
Here are some details that need to be fleshed out before you buy dating website software:
- Will you have a point of contact within the company?
- Does the company present a clear development roadmap?
- Are there signed agreements?
- Will they inform you of progress reports, forecasted resolution timeframes, or issue severity?
If possible, try to get a service level agreement (SLA). This is very helpful but rarely provided by most dating website software services. Without an SLA, you’ll need to ask for a customized agreement that encompasses details like quality assurance, prototype testing, and delivery schedules.
Not all companies bother with such agreements, which leads to a range of issues in the future. Even worse, some companies will agree to your requests initially and then fail to deliver on their promises later. They may throw out a stock product that doesn’t fit your requirements. The best companies will divide your project into stages and proceed only when each part is thoroughly tested and approved by the client.
Final thoughts on dating service software
Don’t just assume that because you paid a company a lot of money, you’re miraculously secured against future issues that weren’t discussed in the first place. Building an online dating platform is no different than any other type of business.
If you’re serious about it, approach your project accordingly. Be patient and prepared. It can and does generate substantial revenue for people who plan ahead, have a clear vision, and are passionate about what they do.
If you have not yet decided on your site's niche, then explore the "How to Start Your Own Niche Dating Site" article.
What’s the next step?
If you want to buy software from a dating website company that provides:
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- Comprehensive technical support, 24hrs a day, five days a week
- Software that is popular among third-party developers
- A high-quality algorithm guaranteed to generate successful matches
- A strategic update and release schedule
- Expert custom development
- Communicative and professional project management
Then get in touch with our team today and learn more about how SkaDate can take your online dating website to the next level.
