04/25/2024
Many of the clients I work with share a common experience: they often reach out to me after their projects have failed with offshore teams. This unfortunate scenario typically involves various frustrating issues:
- Poor or nonexistent communication
- Timezone mismatches
- Undelivered products
- Products that don't meet expectations
- Non-functional apps or websites
While this situation might bring me new clients, it's a double-edged sword for those affected, leading to increased costs, extended timelines, and heightened frustration. I would rather people be happy the first time around.
SO for anyone considering offshore developers to build an app or website, here are some tips:
Define Your Problem Clearly: Before approaching developers, document the problem you're solving and how your app will address it. This clarity helps understand the scope of work.
Choose Reputable Agencies Over Freelancers: Agencies vet their developers and take project ownership. They can quickly swap developers if needed.
Talk Directly to Developers: You should have direct communication with the developers who will work on your project before you agree to anything. Cultural understanding is key—developers should relate to your industry. Having a developer build an app for a company or service they have never heard of can be challenging.
Be Wary of Freelancers: Many freelancers lack experience, leading to subpar results. Verify credentials and references thoroughly. Most freelancers are freelancing to try and build experience to get a real job. This isn't always the case but it can be.
Agree on Scope and Price: Define the project scope and agree on a fixed project price. Avoid open-ended agreements or payments for unfinished work. I have found offering a bonus for work to be completed on time is a great way to negotiate a price and timeline.
**Complete The Design Before Development**: Invest in comprehensive app design upfront—it streamlines development and reduces costs, like having instructions before building a LEGO set. If you are going to spend any money on anyone state side this is where I would recommend doing so.
Hire a UI/UX Designer: Prioritize hiring a designer familiar with your industry to refine the user experience. Again this is like creating the instructions for the developers. It will increase the likely hood of project success.
Demand Regular Updates: Insist on updates at a maximum of every 14 days to incorporate feedback and refine the project. This is completely normal and should not be an issue. Software development is not linear. Feedback from the client is crucial.
Ensure Long-Term Support: Choose an agency that offers ongoing support. Software requires maintenance and updates post-launch. Short term and long term.
If you are unsure of which route to go to complete your project, reach out and I can try and help you decide on what options you are looking at. I am always open for the right clients as well!
