There are so many good reasons why your agency should consider outsourcing your web development projects, so we’ve hand-picked a few for you. We’re certainly not recommending that you get rid of your entire web development team and outsource every project that comes in. Instead, we’re suggesting that when the big projects come in or when your team is already at capacity, outsourcing is a great way to minimise stress and keep those projects ticking over… and here are 5 reasons why.
1. It’s cheaper
We’re not talking about ‘outsource your project to India cheap’ here, but relying on a contractor or partner who isn’t an official employee of your company to help with your web projects is definitely going to save you some costs. First of all, you’re not paying for a desk for them to sit at. Neither are you paying for computers, software, mobile phones, stationery, fancy branded t-shirts and other things that your employees need.
Then there are the costs saved in not having to hire a new employee, which includes recruitment fees and a whole lot of your HR team’s time wading through CVs, conducting invoices and chasing down references.
But you also save on ongoing costs associated with employees, including sick days, holidays, overtime, etc.
2. It’s better for meeting deadlines
Let’s say you have a team of 5 staff that are already working at capacity, and a great new opportunity comes up that you’d love for your agency. It’s one of those projects that’s going to look great in your portfolio, and this client could really open some doors. With your team already at capacity, do you decline the opportunity to work on this new project? Or do you outsource some of your work to free up key staff to take on the new project? When it’s put like that, it’s a bit of a no brainer.
A contractor who can pick up some ‘less exciting’ projects to free up your key staff to tackle this new project is going to allow you to commit to the project knowing your team now has the capacity to deliver a quality result on time, with no stress about deadlines and capacity.
3. Quality service that’s always on call
Hiring a new employee is a big, long-term commitment that can be pretty daunting, especially if you’re not sure how long you’re going to have the same amount of work. Sure, you’ve got a few big projects on now but you’re not sure what the workload is going to look like in 6 months. Do you really want to hire a new employee with that uncertainty?
Outsourcing is the solution you’re looking for – having a reliable and trustworthy connection that can slot in and out of your team as required gives you peace of mind, without the commitment to a new full-time staff member.
4. Better project management
Now, we’re not saying you’re a bad project manager. But chances are you didn’t get into the industry and grow your business so that you could be a project manager… am I right? A good outsourcing partner will offer project management services for your projects, especially ones they’re heavily involved in. This gives you the confidence to focus on other things, knowing your project is being handled efficiently.
Good project management will ensure the process moves smoother and faster, and who doesn’t want that?
5. Outsourced responsibility
Your business is your problem… that sounds a little harsh, but it’s true that as an agency owner, any issues that arise within your agency are your problem. Speaking in general terms, the bigger your in-house team, the greater chance there is of having more problems and issues.
But by outsourcing projects or key responsibilities, you minimise the risk of having those problems land on your desk. Assuming you have a good contract or agreement with your outsource partner, any issues that arise within the area they’re working become their responsibility. And they’ll work hard to have those issues resolved.