Which Buyer Questions Should a Software Development Agency Test Across AI Search Engines?
A software development agency should test the questions its buyers ask when looking for a development partner. Founders want an MVP built, and product and engineering leaders need extra capacity. Enterprises need modernisation or integration work, and non-technical business owners need an app or platform. The questions vary by technology, industry, budget, location and engagement model. Run 30–40 of them, three times each, in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Google's AI Mode and Copilot. Record which agencies are named, whether you appear, what is said about your specialisms and rates, and which sources are cited. For development agencies, answers often cite B2B review directories and "top agencies" lists, so check the cited sources first; they usually explain who is recommended.
Who asks, and what do they want?
| Buyer | Typical need | What decides their shortlist |
|---|---|---|
| Startup founders | MVP, fast launch, limited budget | Relevant case studies, price range, speed |
| Product and engineering leaders | Extra capacity or specialist skills | Technology fit, team quality, time zone overlap |
| Enterprise IT | Modernisation, integration, compliance | Security, scale, industry experience |
| Non-technical SMB owners | A custom app, portal or automation | Clear communication, fixed quotes, support |
| Agencies and consultancies | White-label development partners | Reliability, margins, confidentiality |
What questions should you test? A starter bank
Shortlists - "Best software development agencies for startups in [region]?" - "Top React Native app development companies?" - "Custom software development companies for healthcare in [country]?" - "Nearshore software development firms in [region] with US time zone overlap?" - "Who builds fintech platforms with PCI compliance experience?"
Engagement models and costs - "How much does it cost to build an MVP with an agency?" - "Fixed price or time and materials for app development?" - "Dedicated development team vs project-based agency?" - "Average hourly rates for developers in [country]?"
Technology and capability - "Agencies experienced with [framework or platform] migrations?" - "Who can integrate AI features into an existing SaaS product?" - "Development partners for legacy system modernisation?"
Comparisons - "Should I hire freelancers, an agency or an in-house team?" - "Onshore vs nearshore vs offshore development: pros and cons?"
Risk and quality - "How do I vet a software development agency?" - "Questions to ask before signing with a development agency?"
Your agency - "What does [agency] specialise in?" - "Is [agency] good for [type of project]?" - "[agency] reviews?"
Replace bracketed terms with the technologies, industries and regions you actually serve. Questions matching your real specialisms are where you can win.
How should you run the test?
- Run each question three times in each engine, in fresh sessions.
- Record agencies named, their order, your presence, how you are described, and the sources cited.
- Check accuracy: technologies, industries, locations, team size and rate ranges stated about you.
- Group results by technology, industry and region to see where you are strong or missing.
- Repeat quarterly, and after major case studies or directory review pushes.
How to pick questions for any business is covered in choosing the right prompts to track for AI visibility.
What sources do AI engines cite for development agencies?
- B2B review directories, such as Clutch and GoodFirms, with verified client reviews, rates and focus areas.
- "Top agencies" roundups from publishers and directories, by technology, region or industry.
- Agency websites, especially case study and service pages.
- Technology partner directories, such as cloud and platform partner listings.
- Freelance and talent platforms' guides for comparison and cost questions.
- Professional networks and publications where agency leaders are quoted.
If directories dominate the citations for your questions, your directory profiles are part of your AI visibility, not just a lead source.
What should you fix if you are not named?
- Specialise visibly. Pages for each technology, industry and project type you serve, with case studies, beat a generic "we build software" page.
- Publish detailed case studies: client type, problem, stack, timeline, team size and results, with client permission.
- State engagement models and indicative rates or budgets, since cost questions are common.
- Complete directory profiles with focus areas, rates, team size and regular verified reviews.
- Earn inclusion in roundups for your specialisms by supplying accurate information to their authors.
- List technology partnerships and certifications on partner directories and your site.
What an agency should check before sharing AI visibility findings with clients is covered in what an agency should check before sending a client an AI visibility report.
What do people ask about AI visibility for development agencies?
Do review directories matter more than our website?
For shortlist questions, often yes, because engines cite them. Your website matters for specific questions about your capabilities and for accuracy.
Should we test questions in other languages?
Yes, if you sell into non-English markets. Buyers ask in their own language, and answers draw on local directories and publications.
How specific should our questions be?
As specific as your real specialisms. "React Native agencies for healthcare startups" shows more than "best app developers".
How often should we rerun the questions?
Quarterly, with a quick monthly check of your five most valuable questions.
Published by The Kovmere Team · updated Sep 29, 2026 · More resources