Building a capable in-house web development team isn’t always feasible for every business. Tight budgets, limited talent, and project complexities can make it challenging to keep up. Outsourcing solves all these, as it lets businesses tap into external expertise to get the job done without the hassles.
To help you successfully outsource web development, we’ve outlined a step-by-step guide covering everything from planning your project to finding the right partner and ensuring quality results.
Table of Contents
7 Steps to Outsourcing Web Development
Outsourcing web development can save time, cut costs, and give you access to top talent — but only if done right. To ensure a smooth process and a high-quality outcome, follow these seven steps.
- Define your project requirements
- Choose the right outsourcing model
- Select a reputable partner
- Establish clear communication channels
- Address security and confidentiality
- Monitor progress and quality
- Evaluate and optimize post-launch
1. Define Your Project Requirements
Unclear goals are one of the most common reasons outsourcing website development falls short. Without a clear plan, miscommunication, delays, or disappointing results can easily derail your project. To avoid these issues, start by clarifying these key aspects of your project:
- Scope and objectives: Are you revamping or building a website from scratch? Define your goals clearly and make sure they're SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound). You can use tools like Miro to brainstorm and visually map out your project objectives.
- Features and functionalities: Identify the essential elements your website should include. Do you need an eCommerce platform, custom integrations, or WordPress development? Notion and similar tools help create and update a detailed feature list you can easily share with your outsourcing partner.
- Budget and timeline: Establish a realistic budget and timeline to keep the project on track and ensure your outsourcing partner aligns with your expectations. Tools like QuickBooks (for integrating project costs with overall business finances) can help you calculate and efficiently monitor project costs.
When you’ve clearly defined these details, it becomes easier to communicate your expectations and evaluate potential web development outsourcing partners.
2. Choose the Right Outsourcing Model
Different outsourcing models fit varying business needs, such as your specific goals, budget, and timeline. There are three main outsourcing models to consider:
- Full project outsourcing: Ideal if you don’t have an in-house web development or web design team. Your outsourcing partner handles the entire project, from planning to delivery. You can simply track the project’s progress using tools like Jira.
- Dedicated team: For long-term or large-scale projects, a dedicated team of developers can be your best choice. They’ll work exclusively on your project but remain external. Tools like Slack makes it easy to communicate in real time, ensuring everyone stays aligned.
- Staff augmentation: If you already have an in-house team but lack specific expertise, this model lets you hire external specialists to fill the gaps. Platforms like Toptal are great for finding professionals with the skills you need and integrating them into your existing team.
Aaron Janes, founder of Ignite Web Design & Development, shares his insights: “Outsourcing is great for businesses that need speed, flexibility, or specialized skills without long-term ties. In-house development is the way to go for projects that need constant tweaking, tight control, or integration with critical systems.”
3. Select a Reputable Partner
The success of your web development project also depends on choosing the right outsourcing team. Pick a web development outsourcing partner that aligns with your business goals, understands your technical requirements, and works seamlessly with your team.
Here’s how to identify and evaluate potential candidates:
- Research reputable agencies: Look for agencies with a proven track record in web development. Explore industry forums or business directories like DesignRush to find candidates with verified reviews.
- Review portfolios and case studies: Check their past projects to assess quality and relevance. Focus on work similar to your needs, such as eCommerce platforms or responsive websites. Use platforms like Behance or browse agency websites to view and compare detailed portfolios.
- Check client testimonials and references: Look for testimonials on LinkedIn or directly request for references. Client feedback provides valuable insight into how the agency handles communication, deadlines, and challenges.
- Assess technical expertise: Ensure the agency is skilled in the specific technologies you require, like React, Angular, or WordPress. Review their technical capabilities on their website or public profiles.
Balancing research, reviews, and technical assessments ensures you partner with a team capable of meeting your expectations. Janes agrees, saying, “It’s crucial to find a partner who can grow with you and adapt to new tech as your business evolves. This ensures you’re set up for a sustainable partnership.”
Vidur Ratna, Studio Lead at Brontë, also emphasizes the importance of finding a dedicated company, sharing, “When you go with a focused company that specializes in one area, they will know all the tips and tricks and will have been doing it for a while... A partner that has created a business model around supporting its partners will help both itself and you thrive.”
4. Establish Clear Communication Channels
Effective communication is the foundation of a successful outsourcing partnership. Without it, even the best plans can fall apart due to misunderstandings or delays. Here’s how to ensure seamless collaboration:
- Set expectations upfront: Define the communication schedule, your preferred channels, and response times. Regular check-ins — whether daily, weekly, or based on milestones — help keep everyone aligned.
- Use the right tools: Tools like Microsoft Teams are excellent for instant messaging and team discussions. For project tracking and updates, platforms like Asana ensure everyone stays on the same page.
- Appoint a single point of contact: Assign a dedicated person from both sides to oversee communication. This prevents confusion and ensures feedback is shared clearly and efficiently.
- Document everything: Keep a record of discussions, agreements, and changes using tools like Google Docs. This ensures transparency and provides a reference point throughout the project.
When communication is clear and structured, it reduces errors, builds trust, and helps the project move forward smoothly.
5. Address Security and Confidentiality
Outsourcing web development involves sharing sensitive business data, which makes security and confidentiality a top priority. Take the right precautions to make sure your information is safe and protected throughout the project.
Here are some precautionary measures you can take:
- Sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs): Ensure your outsourcing partner signs an NDA to legally bind them to keep your information confidential.
- Implement data access controls: Grant access to sensitive data only to individuals who need it for the project. Use tools like LastPass to manage shared credentials.
- Verify compliance with data protection laws: Confirm that your partner adheres to relevant regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), depending on your region and target audience.
- Establish secure communication channels: Use encrypted tools with strong security measures like Zoom for calls and file-sharing platforms like Google Drive.
- Request a backup and recovery plan: Make sure your outsourcing partner has data backups and a strategy for recovery in case of breaches or technical failures.
6. Monitor Progress and Quality
Stay involved in the project even after it is completed. Monitor your website’s performance to ensure it meets your expectations. Here are some steps to evaluate the project’s progress:
- Set clear milestones: Break the project into smaller phases with defined deliverables. This lets you track progress in increments and address any deviations promptly.
- Conduct regular reviews: Schedule milestone reviews to assess completed work against your requirements. Tools like Monday.com help you track these reviews efficiently.
- Provide actionable feedback: Ensure your feedback is specific and constructive. This helps your partner make improvements quickly and aligns them with your vision.
- Test throughout the project: Don’t wait until the end to conduct testing. Regular testing, especially after key milestones, minimizes major rework and ensures the project remains on track. Use tools like BrowserStack to test functionality and performance.
7. Evaluate and Optimize Post-Launch
After your website goes live, ongoing evaluation and optimization are crucial to ensure it meets your goals and delivers the best results. Here are the key steps to take:
- Schedule regular updates: Websites need ongoing maintenance to remain effective. Work with your outsourcing partner or in-house team to plan and implement updates over time.
- Track performance: Tools like Google Analytics will help you monitor key metrics such as page load times, user behavior, and traffic sources.
- Collect user feedback: Encourage users to share their experiences. Feedback can identify website issues and areas for improvement you may have overlooked. It also helps you determine which updates or improvements to address first.
- Conduct A/B testing: Use tools like Optimizely to test different versions of key elements, such as CTAs or navigation, to see which performs best.
- Ensure security and performance: Regularly check for vulnerabilities and apply updates to keep your site secure and running smoothly.
Post-launch evaluation ensures your website not only meets but exceeds expectations and continues to deliver value for your business.
How Much Does Outsourcing Web Development Cost?
Outsourcing web development costs vary widely based on project complexity and location due to economic factors and demand for skilled developers.
To help you budget effectively, here's a breakdown of average hourly rates and project costs by region:
| Region | Average Hourly Rate | Average Project Cost |
| North America | $150 - $200 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Western Europe | $70 - $190 | $14,000 – $100,000 |
| Eastern Europe | $20 - $60 | $5,000 – $80,000 |
| Asia | $10 - $40 | $3,000 – $50,000 |
| Latin America | $25 – $99 | $4,000 – $75,000 |
For businesses with larger budgets, North America and Western Europe provide top-tier expertise and smoother collaboration due to time zone and language alignment. However, companies looking for cost-effective solutions often outsource to Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia, where rates are lower but talent remains competitive.
Aside from location, your website’s purpose and complexity play a major role in determining the overall costs:
| Website Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Personal blog/portfolio | $500 – $3,000 |
| Corporate website | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| eCommerce platform | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Custom web application | $20,000+ |
A personal blog with minimal functionality is relatively inexpensive, while an eCommerce site with payment processing, user accounts, and inventory management will be significantly more expensive.
If you need a highly customized web application with advanced features, expect costs to start at $20,000 and go even higher depending on your requirements. A simple business website may cost a few thousand dollars, while a complex web application can reach tens of thousands.
Top 5 Agencies for Outsourced Web Development
If you want to establish a strong online presence, you need to outsource your web development project with care. Here are some of the best web development companies to consider:
1. Digital Silk
- Location: 18 West 18th Street, New York City, New York 10011, United States
- Expertise: Branding, Web Design, Marketing
- Rate: $150/hr
Digital Silk is an award-winning web development and digital marketing agency specializing in custom web solutions that drive traffic, engagement, and conversions. Their team of over 150 industry experts works closely with businesses to build user-friendly websites, optimize SEO, and implement digital strategies tailored to specific goals.
They have helped brands like HP, P&G, and the NFL overcome digital challenges through high-performance websites and data-driven marketing campaigns. For HP, they developed a global rewards program, creating a user-friendly website and a targeted retargeting campaign, which resulted in 40,000 active reward members in just six months.
Their notable clients include HP, Xerox, IBM, AT&T, and NYU.
2. Bilberrry
- Location: 600 1st Ave, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States
- Expertise: Digital Transformation, Headless Commerce Development, Website Design & Development
- Rate: $100/hr
Bilberrry is a Seattle-based digital agency specializing in custom web development and digital transformation. Their 55-member team works closely with clients to design and develop high-performing websites, web apps, and eCommerce solutions tailored to business needs.
They have partnered with Fortune 500 companies, global nonprofits, and startups to create impactful digital experiences. Their work includes building a sleek new website for GoFundMe.org, developing a headless eCommerce platform for David’s Bridal, and overhauling the Washington State Auditor’s public-facing financial intelligence tool.
Bilberrry’s notable clients include Gofundme.org, the University of Washington, Delta Airlines, and PepsiCo.
3. Unico Connect
- Location: Commercial I, Kohinoor City, 511, A Wing, Kirol Rd, off Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400070
- Expertise: UI/UX Design, Mobile App Development, Frontend Development, AI, Data Analytics & Data Science, Cloud & DevOps
- Rate: $50/hr
Unico Connect specializes in AI-driven web and app development, delivering scalable digital solutions for industries like education, fintech, healthcare, and eCommerce. With 10+ years of experience, they provide end-to-end development in-house, ensuring precision and high-quality execution.
They have a long list of successful digital transformation projects, including Highlands Brain School, where they implemented AI-powered learning tools, real-time performance tracking, and enhanced digital accessibility. Their solutions helped reduce manual compliance work by 97% and accelerate English acquisition by 25%, demonstrating their ability to create impactful and efficient technology-driven platforms.
Their notable clients include the AO Foundation, Highlands Charter School, abc carpet & home, and EComm Pulse.
4. Infinum
- Location: 135 W. 50th St., New York City, New York 10022, United States
- Expertise: Product Strategy & Design, Mobile & Web Apps, Custom loT Solutions, Enterprise Platforms, Cybersecurity, AI Business Solutions
- Rate: Inquire
Founded in 2005, Infinum is a full-service digital agency that partners with forward-thinking brands to create cutting-edge web and mobile solutions. With nearly two decades of experience, they have grown into a globally recognized firm, earning accolades like the Red Dot Award, iF Design Award, and Deloitte Fast 50.
They have a strong portfolio of digital transformation projects, working with startups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations to develop high-performance digital products. In addition to client work, they contribute to the tech community through open-source projects, mentorship programs, and industry events.
Infinum’s notable clients include Porsche, Nike, Bayer, Leica, P&G, Coca-Cola, and Universal.
5. Suffescom Solutions Inc.
- Location: 600 N Broad Street Suite 5 #3858 Middletown, DE 19709 (Postal & Billing)
- Expertise: Mobile App Development, Web Development, Blockchain, Software Development
- Rate: Inquire
Suffescom Solutions is a leading digital transformation company specializing in web development, blockchain, AI, and mobile app solutions. With 750+ employees and over 1,000 completed projects, they have worked with Fortune 500 clients like Universal and NBC to build innovative, future-ready digital products.
They have a proven track record of delivering high-performance apps, including Chilis' food delivery app (1M+ downloads), Medicover’s doctor consultation platform (500K+ downloads), and B8ak’s home services app (100K+ downloads).
Their notable clients include NBC, Universal, Stripe, the University of Alberta, and Philips.
Web Development Outsourcing: Key Takeaways
Web development outsourcing gives businesses access to skilled professionals and efficient processes without the overhead of maintaining a full-time team. Use this guide to plan your project effectively so you can create a high-quality website that meets your business goals.
If you’re ready to get started, explore our directory of top web development agencies to find the perfect partner for your project.
Outsource Web Development: FAQs
1. What is outsourcing web development?
Outsourcing web development means hiring an external team or agency to handle your website’s design, development, and functionality. This approach lets you access expert skills without the expense of building an in-house team.
2. What are the benefits of outsourcing web development?
Outsourcing web development helps businesses save on costs, access specialized talent, and accelerate project timelines. It eliminates the overhead of managing an in-house team while providing flexibility to scale resources based on the project’s needs.
