Maker here! 👋 In January 2024, I launched my iOS development agency SwiftAppLab as a productized service with recurring clients. However, after running it for several months, I made the strategic decision to pivot to a project-based model.
The key reasons behind this shift:
1. Client needs were more dynamic than anticipated - many required unique, one-off solutions rather than standardized ongoing service packages. Custom mobile apps often need intense focus during development, followed by lighter maintenance.
2. Better value alignment - project-based work lets us dive deep into each client's vision and deliver comprehensive solutions with clear scope and timelines. This creates more meaningful impact than trying to fit diverse app development needs into standardized monthly packages.
3. Resource optimization - the productized model sometimes led to capacity challenges when multiple clients needed intensive development simultaneously. Project-based work gives us better control over our development pipeline and team bandwidth.
Happy to share more insights about the transition! Feel free to reach out if you're considering similar models for your dev agency.
Smart move on the pivot! Makes total sense - custom app development is so unique per client. Love the transparency about what you learned along the way! 🚀