How to brief a software agency (so the project doesn't go sideways)
“A clear brief saves weeks of back-and-forth. Here's a simple checklist we wish every client had before the first call.”
Most delayed projects don't fail because of bad code. They fail because everyone imagined a different product. A short, honest brief fixes a surprising amount of that.
Start with the outcome, not the features
Instead of listing twenty screens, say what success looks like in six months: more enquiries, fewer phone calls, faster checkout, fewer stock mistakes. Features should serve that outcome.
What a useful brief includes
- Who the user is and what they're trying to do
- What exists today (Excel, WhatsApp, an old website, nothing)
- Must-haves vs nice-to-haves for the first launch
- Budget range and a realistic timeline
- Examples of sites or apps you like — and why
What you can skip early on
Pixel-perfect designs and a 40-page requirements document. Those are useful later. First, we need enough clarity to propose the right shape of solution and a fixed quote.
If you're stuck writing a brief, book a free consultation. We'll help you turn a rough idea into a scope you can actually build.
“Most delayed projects don't fail because of bad code. They fail because everyone imagined a different product. A short, honest brief fixes a surprising amount of that.”
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