The team from Seattle Software Developers left to right: Russell Dermody Project Manager, Tana Givens Social Media Manager, Phil Anderson SR VP of Development and Branding, Milena Rodriguez VP of Operations, Julian Valentine VP of Digital Advertising. 

Technology has cemented itself as one of the most important elements of modern society, and that sentiment only continues to grow. It seems almost everything is dependent on technology, and perhaps no one knows this more than companies and businesses surviving through 2020. From e-commerce to apps, entrepreneurs and company leaders are seeking the expertise of experienced software developers to drive sales and build brands. 

Additionally, the need for technological support and innovation has only multiplied in the current times of COVID-19, where social distancing is encouraged or mandated and more consumers are relying on the Internet and apps to do their jobs, make purchases and more. Web developers in general are seeing more of a need not just for their support and expertise, but also the demand for creativity and innovation.

One such developer is Seattle Software Developers, a boutique software agency headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. The firm is more than 30 years old and consistently enlists the help of experienced developers from places like Google, Microsoft and Apple to help clients see their dreams realized. 

Seattle Software Developers puts a strong emphasis on client service, along with a customized approach to ensure that their clients are satisfied with the results and see a future beyond just immediate projects. It's for that reason, coupled with an openness to change, that the firm continues to grow and lead the charge in the world of software, web development and more.

A history of innovation and legacy

Seattle Software Developers was founded by Phil Anderson and is the fourth oldest software company in the world. It got its start in 1989 when Anderson was just 16 years old. Anderson was introduced to the world of technology early on, as his childhood friend's mother knew Bill Gates and he would frequent his home. Later on, Anderson's mother started working for Steve Jobs as a secretary. Initially, he started with tasks like fetching coffee and parking cars, but was soon moved up to a personal assistant position and started learning the ropes of advertising. 

"People didn't know what the Internet would become," he said. "We were standing right at the cusp of something great."

The very first advertisement Anderson worked on was the famous 1984 Macintosh advertisement created by Steve Jobs and Ridley Scott, signaling the end of IBM's ubiquitous reign over computers and technology. 

"Apple broke IBM's control at that time," he said. "It was incredible to be a part of something like that."

Anderson then went on to form his own company, leveraging his impressive experience he began garnering at a young age. He formed the boutique software firm, Seattle Software Developers, and quickly got to work. He first began with developing websites, and since then, the firm has evolved into a sought-after team of expert and knowledgeable developers, coders, engineers, marketers and branding professionals. 

Services, innovations and working with sister companies

Members of Seattle Software Developers showing off the Beezer portable charger

The firm's main services focus on software, websites, apps and tech solutions. However, services don't just end at the development part of the process. Seattle Software Developers also works very closely with Seattle Digital Marketing and Seattle Advertising, its sister companies. This offers clients a one-stop-shop for all things digital and branding.

"We put together a customized team for whatever the client wants," Anderson said. 

Because of the integration among the different companies, clients are gaining a whole new team that is working together to support them on all fronts. Whether it's the website development and design, content creation, social media, advertising, reporting or analytics, the company's clients are gaining access to a wealth of knowledge and experience in multiple areas. 

Not only is Seattle Software Developers working hard on client projects, but it also works to develop proprietary software that helps across the board to deliver stellar results. This helps differentiate it from its competitors, and the focus on solutions and solving consumer problems is what sets the firm apart and keeps it on the cutting edge. 

"We find ourselves ahead because we're rooted in software and coding," Anderson said. "We have the access to use the software in the best way possible, and we embrace the world of tech."

Clients and their needs come first

At Seattle Software Developers, it's not just about delivering the goods and services and signing off. At the agency, the client always comes first and the end game is a long-term relationship that transcends just deliverables. Whether it's making sure there's hot coffee ready for a client meeting or simply responding in a timely manner, the agency makes clients its No. 1 priority.

Typically, the process of bringing on a new client entails an initial meeting to review their needs. This can range from website ideas, apps, content evaluation and planning, page optimization and more. Next, the firm's coders and developers will come up with a statement of work to align on deliverables and services for the specific client based on the meeting. In fact, in one instance, the team was tasked with creating a specialty app for a client that would measure the temperature underneath buildings. Even though this was highly specific and hadn't been done before, they got it done. 

"We hand-pick developers from Microsoft and Google and hire them as consultants," Anderson said. "We pick the best people in the world to make sure the app or project is built to the client's specifications. We very much follow a client-first approach."

As far as the types of clients, Seattle Software Developers often sees a lot of entrepreneurs who are either starting out or looking to level up. Some clients might not know much about website and software development, but some do have some knowledge. 

The agency also services many nonprofit organizations, clients in the education space and technology entities. The team has also worked with the government on development projects and apps.

"Entrepreneurs come to us because we give them exactly what they need," Anderson said.

Building lasting professional relationships and partnerships

When clients sign on with Seattle Software Developers, Anderson said they can foremost expect to be heard and understood. They can also anticipate developing a long-term, lasting professional relationship with the agency that eventually forms into a strategic partnership. 

"We want to invest in the client and that relationship," Anderson said. "Our clients can be assured their app will work well, but also that they'll have an extension of their team there to support."

In this approach, the agency is able to build solid trust with clients, grow with them and truly become a part of the client's team. The more an agency can learn a brand or company, the more helpful and valuable it can be in terms of moving the needle for business objectives.

"It's essential to build these professional relationships with clients because it goes beyond just offering a service," Anderson said. "It's about people, and people want to feel valued and understood and heard. That's where we come in and that's why putting the client first is important to us."

Facing and overcoming unique challenges

One of the unique challenges Seattle Software Developers faces is trying to get clients to break into the needs of a growing market. With things changing rapidly, it can take some time and education to get them up to speed on the latest innovations and why it's imperative to adapt with them. For Anderson, it's all about improving upon the consumer experience and solving their problems. 

"A lot of people have excellent app ideas, but unless you provide a better consumer solution, it'll die," Anderson said.  "Everything has to be designed with the future in mind because things are moving fast."

Despite these challenges, the software firm remains committed and focused on building apps that maintain their stability in an ever-changing marketplace, as well as making sure everything is coded correctly so they can provide solutions with changing devices. 

What the future looks like for Seattle Software Developers

The future of the technology industry is changing on a startlingly quick basis, and that means businesses and companies need to adapt in order to keep up. In turn, vendors who provide tech services are also needing to keep abreast of the changes and find ways to educate clients and propel them forward so they're not left behind. 

As far as the future of Seattle Software Developers specifically, Anderson said the focus will likely zoom in more on developing apps, which he said are increasingly replacing digital software platforms, as well as an increased focus on content. He also said they're seeing more international business and hope to continue going global. 

"The needs of consumers are changing," he said. "We flow with the changes."

That sentiment of adapting with changes, along with the dedication to software innovation and finding new ways to generate real sales for clients, is why Seattle Software Developers continues to cement itself at the forefront of the tech world. Staying on top of, or ahead of, the developments is the name of the game.