Do you think having a website for your business is a waste of money? Think again!
Websites are the new brochure. Having a strong online presence is no longer optional these days—it’s essential. It is one of the building blocks of getting the word out there about your products, services, and business in general.
However, not all websites are built the same. First impressions last, so providing a good customer experience on your website alone helps potential leads turn into loyal customers. On the other hand, if people encounter slow-loading, lagging pages, they might think twice about transacting any further.
Hiring a full-time web developer to build a well-designed and functional website can be pricey, especially for small businesses. Building an in-house development team might not even be an option for businesses whose core functions don’t rely on or revolve around web development.
Another ideal option for businesses is to outsource web development. This way, businesses can scale their development team as needed, which saves them expenses in the long run.
WHO IS OUTSOURCED MARKETING FOR?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE OUTSOURCING WEB DEVELOPMENT
As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Due diligence is a must before committing to something as big as outsourcing. Like all things, outsourcing comes with advantages and minor disadvantages. It all boils down to weighing whether the pros are more worth it than the cons.
Before taking the plunge, it’s crucial to know what the key factors are that affect a successful outsourcing partnership. This way, you can make considerations and adjustments prior to handing over web development services to a third-party provider. This will also ensure that the company’s internal teams won’t be affected or overhauled by these changes.
CLEARLY DEFINE REQUIREMENTS AND ROLE QUALIFICATIONS
What is your goal in outsourcing—is it saving costs, streamlining processes, or accessing specialized expertise? Before outsourcing web development, or any role for that matter, businesses need to have a clear idea of what they want to achieve.
This includes defining project goals and budgets, identifying target audiences, outlining the features and functionalities of the website, and defining project timelines. Having a clear understanding of the project requirements will help clients select the right outsourcing partner and the right hire to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
FIND THE IDEAL OUTSOURCING PARTNER FOR YOUR NEEDS
No outsourcing firm is perfect; you just need to find someone who fits your requirements. With thousands of existing and emerging outsourcing firms globally, beginners in outsourcing might find it difficult to know which ones are ideal for their needs. Some factors you need to consider include:
Location: This highly matters because a BPO’s country will also determine the costs they’ll charge. Finding a country with a low cost of living is advisable to reduce employment expenses. Would you prefer someone within your country, near your country, or would that not matter?
Time Zone: If your outsourcing partner is located in a different time zone, it helps to know if they’d be able to cater to your local time. Accommodating a client’s time zone is prevalent in countries like the Philippines and India. It’s common for their outsourced staff to work midday and night shifts to align with the client’s time zone.
Services and Expertise: Some BPO firms don’t offer web development services, while others make it their bread and butter. Going for an outsourcing partner with enough experience and credibility in web development is a must. It’s advisable to ask for a portfolio showcasing their previous work and testimonials from clients. This will help you evaluate their track record and assess their capability to meet your specific requirements.
Resources: It is essential to ensure that the outsourcing partner has the necessary infrastructure, resources, and technical expertise to handle the project.
COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY
Excellent communication is a requisite for a successful outsourcing partnership, especially if there are thousands of miles between both businesses. From the get-go, both parties should document their communication so they can backtrack and have a reference for discussions and queries.
Clear communication channels are also a must for the two parties involved, such as what platform to use during calls, in scheduling meetings, or in tackling concerns. This helps to ensure that both parties are on the same page and that any issues or concerns can be addressed promptly.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Businesses should establish a process for quality assurance (QA) to ensure that the final product meets their requirements and is free of errors or bugs. This includes establishing a testing plan, defining acceptance criteria, and conducting regular reviews of the development process.
This factor is extremely crucial in web development because a lack of QA may lead to a buggy website that may affect a business’s chance of winning a customer.
PROTECT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property (IP) protection is a critical consideration when outsourcing web development. It should be made clear who owns intellectual property before outsourcing. The outsourced web developers may do all the groundwork, but the client owns all the rights to it.
Clients should go for outsourcing companies that strictly enforce IP protection. They should ensure that their outsourcing partner signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect their confidential information and establish clear ownership rights for any code or intellectual property developed during the project.
COST CONSIDERATIONS
As previously mentioned, outsourcing helps clients save big on costs. However, outsourcing firms have different pricing and structures. There are some who only accommodate full-time projects, while others are open to working on a per-project basis.
While reduced expenses are a significant benefit of outsourcing web development, businesses need to ensure that they are getting the best value for their investment. It is essential to establish a project scope and a detailed breakdown with the outsourcing partner and ensure that there are no hidden costs or unexpected expenses.
READY TO OUTSOURCE WEB DEVELOPMENT?
Outsourcing web development has become a popular option for businesses looking to save on costs, increase efficiency, and access a broader range of talent. However, choosing the right outsourcing company is crucial for a successful partnership. It’s essential to consider factors such as the outsourcing provider’s experience, expertise, and track record, as well as their communication and quality assurance processes.
The Remote Group offers web development services that help companies save up to 70% on employment and overhead costs. Our wide range of web development services caters to every client’s needs and covers all the expertise required.
