WordPress is a versatile, open-source framework that’s grown to power over 43% of the internet. This may sound astonishing, but when you consider how many features and customization options WordPress provides, it’s really no surprise,
Despite its widespread use and customizable nature, mastering WordPress can be a daunting task. It takes a lot to know every twist and turn of this platform, and WordPress continues to grow and evolve every day, making it all the more challenging to keep up.
Cue, WordPress outsourcing
Outsourcing WordPress tasks offers a strategic pathway to leverage external expertise, enhancing your website’s functionality and appeal without the steep learning curve. It’s about tapping into a pool of specialized skills that extend beyond your current capabilities, ensuring your WordPress site is not just functional but exceptional.
In this guide, we’ll explore the world of WordPress outsourcing. From identifying the right talent for your specific WordPress needs to understanding the dynamics of effective collaboration, we’ll delve into key considerations for choosing an outsourcing partner, aligning with your project’s budget and scope, and pinpointing where to find the best outsourcing solutions.
Why Outsource Your WordPress Development Work?
Even without much technical skill, you can achieve many things using WordPress on your own. There’s an active and thriving community willing to help you along your WordPress journey. Plus, there are tons of one-click WordPress plugins (both free and paid-for), like WooCommerce, that make it easy to extend your website’s functionality. With a basic understanding of web hosting and servers, you might be able to get your WordPress site up and running by yourself.
However, when it comes to making the most out of WordPress, you may find yourself limited by your technical know-how. That’s why outsourcing WordPress development can be a game-changer for businesses and individuals alike and why many multi-million dollar companies outsource development.
Here’s why outsourcing this critical work can be beneficial:
- Access to expertise: WordPress, with its myriad of themes, plugins, and customization options, requires a depth of knowledge that’s hard to master overnight. Outsourcing connects you to experts who live and breathe WordPress, ensuring that your site benefits from top-notch skills and the latest best practices.
- Cost-effective: Hiring a full-time developer or a team can be expensive, especially for small businesses or temporary projects. Outsourcing offers a flexible cost structure, allowing you to pay for exactly what you need, when you need it, without the overhead of full-time salaries and benefits.
- Focus on core business: Outsourcing frees up your time and resources, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. While the experts handle your website, you can concentrate on strategy, marketing, product development, and other areas that require your attention.
- Scalability and flexibility: Business needs can fluctuate, and outsourcing provides the flexibility to scale up or down based on your project requirements. Whether it’s a one-time project or ongoing maintenance, you have the flexibility to adjust your resources accordingly.
- Risk mitigation: Keeping a WordPress site secure and running smoothly involves regular updates and monitoring. By outsourcing, you mitigate the risk of security breaches and downtime, as you have professionals taking care of these critical aspects.
- Speed and efficiency: Outsourced WordPress professionals, with their specialized skills, can often complete tasks more quickly and efficiently than an in-house team that might not have the same level of expertise or might be juggling multiple roles.
What WordPress Projects Should You Outsource?
If you’re looking to create a sophisticated, robust, and well-functioning WordPress website, technical skills soon become necessary. Most notably if:
- You need a custom plugin.
- There’s a specific way you want your WordPress theme customized.
- You need to customize a plugin to complement your website’s branding.
- You want to achieve minimum page speed, and you’re unsure how.
- You want to boost the security of your WordPress website.
- You want to enhance your WordPress conversions.
Outsourcing might be an unnecessary expense if you have the skills to do the job yourself. Even then, you might consider outsourcing WordPress development to save yourself time to focus on other areas of your small business.
That said, WordPress outsourcing might not be appropriate if:
- You have a tight deadline. Briefing outsourcing partners takes time, and they might not be immediately available to work on your project straight away.
- Your project is very, very particular. Some projects are just way out there. If you have a specific idea that is far from the ‘norm,’ it might take too long to brief someone else. In that case, if you’ve got the skills – and the vision – go for DIY.
6 Essential Aspects of Outsourcing WordPress Development
When done correctly, WordPress outsourcing is a powerful and cost-effective way to produce desired outcomes, but first, you need to fully understand your needs and the best approach to outsource your project.
Luckily, we have experience with thousands of customers who outsource WordPress development and design projects on a daily basis. Specifically, we’ve been talking with them, asking which issues they encountered the most, how they overcame them, and also what they learned after they marked as completed their first outsourced jobs.
Here are some of the points they shared:
1. Put some effort into writing your project description
It all starts with how you write your job description: experienced developers and designers can understand how much of a good client you are just by reading your words. Does your description sound too generic? No budget allocated? You’re probably someone they wouldn’t work with.
2. Wear the project manager hat
No matter what you decide to outsource (small tasks vs entire project), you’ll play an important role in the whole process. Specifically, you’ll be in charge of delivering all information, answering questions that will eventually pop up, and giving constructive feedback as the job goes by. Getting used to communicating smartly and anticipating questions, together with keeping track of the ongoing flow required, are the first aspects you should invest your time in.
3. Break the work up into small packages
No matter what your outsourced job is about, try to create a bite-sized workflow to better track advancements and bottlenecks and still have the chance to stop the work and move to another expert (if things go like they’re not supposed to).
4. Discuss maintenance upfront
One aspect that many first-timers forget to take into account is regular maintenance and updates of something they requested to develop. Once the task or project is marked as completed, who will take care of any upcoming issues? Is this included in the agreement? How about the price? How much more will the developer charge you? These are questions you’d better think ahead before you jump into outsourcing.
5. Discuss hosting
The same story goes for hosting: you should discuss who will take care of the hosting once the project/task gets completed and shipped to you. Will you be in charge of this? Will you be able to do this on your own, or would you need to find a developer who can take care of it for you? And most importantly, clearly state that if you discontinue your relationship with the developer, he’ll provide you with a fully archived backup so that you can move to another hosting service provider.
6. The money-saving questions to ask yourself when outsourcing
If you’re starting with outsourcing, there are lots of important new things you should now consider. Many of them will have an impact on your money, the time, and the output eventually. That’s why I listed some questions you should be able to answer with a “yes” while acting accordingly if the answer isn’t affirmative. Keep them as a reference for future outsourced projects. Is my task/project clearly explained?
- Did I provide additional resources to get the outsourced expert a better idea about the desired outcome (mockup, visual sketches, links)?
- Did I provide the expert with all the information needed to complete the project?
- Did I talk about hosting, maintenance, and future updates?
- Did I share the login credentials to access my staging website (or other tools)?
- Did I share one other communication channel other than my email (Skype, Google Hangout, phone number) for emergencies and misunderstandings?
Key Factors to Consider When Outsourcing to a WordPress Development Company
When considering WordPress outsourcing, there are a few factors to mull over to help you determine the best partner for the job:
1. The Type of Task(s)
Ask yourself the following: what type of work are you outsourcing? How important is it for your business? How specific is your brief?
The answers to these questions will help decipher the degree of expertise you need to hire.
Of course, it’s not just custom WordPress development you can outsource. There are loads of tasks you could delegate, which will, of course, dictate which kind of partner is best suited to your project. For instance, you could outsource a combination of:
- Template customization
- The creation of a custom web design
- The performance and technical/security optimization of an existing website
- Bug fixing and scheduled website maintenance
- Marketing and content/ search engine optimization (SEO) management
- Sophisticated eCommerce website development
2. Your Work Style
How do you go about your day-to-day tasks? Think about how an expert might fit in with you and your development team’s work style and processes. Do you want to provide your freelancer/agency with frequent and detailed briefs? Or would you prefer for them to take the project and run with their initiative? When will your expert need to report to you? How much of the decision-making are you comfortable leaving with them?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you’re better positioned to evaluate whether their workflow complements yours.
3. Your Technical Preferences
Some WordPress developers adopt a preferred set of coding practices. For instance, how they name fields in the backend or how they write documentation. When choosing your outsourcing partner, you need to ensure their programming style matches your needs. If possible, determine such criteria ahead of time. That way, you can clarify your requirements from the get-go.
4. The Budget and Scope of Your Project
Either by yourself (or with your team), discuss the number of outstanding projects, their complexity, and budget. Will this be a one-off outsourcing gig, or do you need someone on retainer to handle maintenance or further developments later down the line?
Also, think about what you require from an outsourcing partner in the long term. Would it be okay to work with anyone who can solve your problem? Or would you prefer to build a relationship with one point of contact?
That way, you can rest easy knowing they have an in-depth understanding of your project and your brand’s vision. You may find that consistency is more important for ongoing assignments – especially when it comes to staying on-brand. Not to mention, when someone’s familiar with your brand and style of work, you should also save some time. But of course, what’s available to you all comes down to the size of your budget.
How to Outsource WordPress Work
Once you’ve thought about your requirements and what you hope to achieve, it’s time to find a WordPress outsourcing partner. At this moment, you have a few different options.
Outsource Small Projects and One-Off Tasks
If you haven’t outsourced anything before, you should get used to it. Kickstart your outsourcing with something small, like a single task ranging from a 3/4-hour task to a 1-day max, to better understand which new dynamics and issues arise. Some outsourcing examples suitable for 1st times are: improving the speed of your website, creating an after-the-post widgetized area, and creating a landing page template.
The drawback, however, is that this is usually more time-consuming. As the expert isn’t familiar with your brand or working style, briefing them can take longer. It’s also riskier than working with someone on an ongoing basis. Each developer works differently, so you can never be 100% sure whether they’ll be a good fit.
Hire the Same Freelancer Regularly
If you’re confident you’ll need to outsource similar skills and tasks on an ongoing basis, it’s wise to hire the same freelancer. Over time, they’ll develop an in-depth appreciation of your workflow, website, and brand. With this knowledge, they’re better positioned to produce high-quality work within a quicker time frame, and it should take less time to brief them.
On the downside, finding the right person can be more time-consuming. You might come across them through trial and error after working with a few different freelancers. Or, you may identify a collaboration by spending more time interviewing and screening potential partners. Either way, finding the right fit to develop a long-term relationship requires more care and effort.
Hire a WordPress Agency
Suppose you’re working to a tight deadline and looking for professional-quality work. In that case, an agency or WordPress development company might be an excellent option for you.
Agencies bring many benefits to the table. Namely because they have a team of experts under their belt that (usually) cover multiple areas of expertise. As such, they’re more likely to provide the right person for the job and have the manpower to double down on tasks to complete them quickly.
On the other hand, an agency is likely not the right choice for you if you’re on a tight budget. Typically, the pricing of quick delivery and high-caliber expertise is more than individual freelancers.
Where to Find the Best WordPress Outsourcing Solutions
Having said all that, this still begs the question: where/who should I outsource my WordPress-related tasks to?
You might consider using an online freelance platform to pair you with an expert. While there are gems amongst the rubble, there’s often an overwhelming number of candidates to sift through. With these platforms, you can’t always guarantee the applicant has the skills and expertise to do your job justice. Even if the platform offers protection for work quality, a mismatch could lead to losing valuable time.
That’s why we can’t stress enough how important choosing a well-grounded outsourcing channel is. Choosing the wrong partner can lead to delays, project mismanagement, bad work quality, and financial complications. The list of risks is seemingly endless. The only way to avoid this? Find and hire a reliable WordPress outsourcing partner.
Top-Rated WordPress Development Outsourcing Companies
When it comes to outsourcing WordPress development, selecting the right company is crucial. Therefore, we encourage you to research a number of top-rated WordPress development firms, including some of the following:
1. Codeable
Codeable is a reliable WordPress outsourcing partner that can match you with one of 700 vetted WordPress experts in less than a day. Codeable’s highly specialized platform focuses on WordPress development services. We present vetted talent across a limited number of experts (up to five) at a single price estimate. Rest assured, you’ll only ever receive quotes from pros who boast the skills to handle your job with the capacity to deliver on time and within budget.
All it takes is a few minutes to provide Codeable with a brief. We offer assistance for any project size and scope, from short-term jobs to custom web development work; we handle it all. An affordable consultation service is also available to help you make the best decision.
2. Saucal
Specializing in user-friendly and effective websites, Saucal combines technical prowess with a keen understanding of user experience. They are particularly adept in eCommerce solutions, offering comprehensive services for online stores and extensions backed by reliable support and maintenance plans. Their collaborative approach and diverse team of experts make them a solid choice for eCommerce web development.
3. WebDevStudios
Known for its deep WordPress expertise, WebDevStudios offers scalable, high-quality website solutions. Their portfolio spans various industries, showcasing their ability to deliver both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust websites. Their services include custom themes, plugins, responsive design, and ongoing support, backed by their active engagement in the WordPress community.
4. Librafire
Librafire sets itself apart with a blend of technical expertise and creative design. They focus on delivering visually striking WordPress solutions that meet functional needs while making a strong visual impact. Their innovative approach to web development positions them as a go-to agency for clients seeking unique and impactful websites.
5. Multidots
With a global clientele, Multidots is celebrated for its WordPress development and maintenance services. They offer comprehensive solutions, ensuring websites are not just well-constructed but also continuously updated to meet digital trends. Their reputation as a trusted partner for businesses around the world is a testament to their expertise and reliability.
Embracing WordPress Development Outsourcing: The Road Ahead
Whether it’s for a one-off project, regular maintenance, or comprehensive development work, the right outsourcing partner can make all the difference. As we’ve explored, understanding your needs, work style, technical preferences, and budget is key to making an informed decision.
When it comes to finding a partner that embodies reliability, expertise, and quality, Codeable stands out as the ideal choice for WordPress outsourcing. With a rigorously vetted network of WordPress professionals, we ensure you’re matched with experts who can precisely cater to your project’s requirements.
Ready to take your WordPress project to the next level? Submit your project to Codeable today to get matched with an expert who aligns with your vision and goals.
