Hiring a remote freelance developer? Watch out for these 5 things
January 9th, 2023Communication is key to a successful project. The frequency of communication and reporting should be defined in the kickoff meeting. Make sure that your developer can communicate in a language you understand, i.e., English or German, for example. Also, make sure they are able to report on their progress regularly so that you won’t have to constantly follow up with them about where the project is at and what’s next for them.
1. Who will be working on your project?
The first thing you should look for in a remote freelancer is the team that will be working on your project. A good developer or team will have experience with your type of project so they know what works and what doesn’t. They also need to be reliable and trustworthy, which can be difficult to determine from online profiles alone.
Finally, look for a freelance developer whose focus is results instead of hours worked—a great developer will want your project to come out as smoothly as possible, instead of simply trying to complete projects quickly without quality control.
2. Clarify the communication and reporting frequency
Communication is key to a successful project. The frequency of communication and reporting should be defined in the kickoff meeting. Make sure that your developer can communicate in a language you understand, i.e., English or German, for example might not be enough – dive deeper into the kinds of words they use to explain what they mean. You should make sure they are able to report on their progress regularly so that you won’t have to constantly follow up with them about where the project is at and what’s next for them.
3. Check for past projects, examples of work, and client testimonials
Make sure the freelancer has a portfolio of past projects. A remote freelance developer should have a portfolio on their website or even on another site that showcases some of their previous work. You can also ask for examples of work and client testimonials when interviewing them for your project. Ask for references and recommendations from past clients. Before you hire someone, make sure to check any social media accounts they have online like LinkedIn or Facebook to see if they have a good reputation with their previous clients. If they do then it’s worth taking a chance on the person because they likely won’t disappoint you if they have been getting good reviews from other people who hired them before!
4. Understand who’s responsible for maintenance and support
Maintenance and support are critical elements of any software contract. You need to know who’s responsible for them and what they will cost you, because all too often, the burden of maintenance and support falls on your shoulders. Make sure you’re clear on exactly what it is that your remote employee will be doing with his time, how much time he’ll have to spend on it, and who pays for it. If he has other clients, who covers those costs?
To find out about this stuff (and more), ask questions during the interview process: Have you ever done any work with a client where they were not satisfied with the result or felt like something was missing from their project? What did you do in these situations? How did that impact your relationship with that client going forward?
5. Be mindful of hidden costs & extra expenses
Hidden costs can be very frustrating if you don’t realize them until it’s too late. These are costs that you don’t even think of or consider when budgeting for your project, but they have a major impact on the cost of your project. In-person meetings, travel expenses, extra software licenses, time spent learning languages and even time spent on communication / problem-solving are all well-known issues.
Hiring a remote freelance developer comes with some risks that you should watch out for in order to have a successful project.
- Under-estimating the scope of the project → the biggest pitfall is underestimating how much time and effort it will take to complete the project, so make sure you set aside enough resources before starting work on your app or website. If you’re unsure about what’s involved in developing your idea, get in touch with someone who has built similar projects before and ask them their thoughts on how long it would take them (you could also check out our step-by-step guide).
- Hiring an unreliable developer → as well as having unrealistic expectations and not being prepared for any problems that come up along the way, if you don’t check references then there’s no guarantee that all developers are reliable professionals who will deliver what they say they can deliver at a reasonable price point within budget constraints set by yourself.
Closing thoughts
Hiring a remote freelance developer is exciting and scary at the same time. When you hire a freelancer, you’re giving someone access to your company’s information, so it’s important to find someone who will take care of it responsibly and competently. Also keep in mind that freelancers may not be available to answer your questions 24/7, so try to plan your communication accordingly.
Apart from the aforementioned 5 points, there are 3 hot tips we would like to leave you with when considering your hiring choice for a remote freelance developer:
- Communication skills
- Personality fit with your company culture
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously without needing constant oversight from management or other members of the team
As always, it’s important to have clear expectations about what you expect from each other before making a final decision. There are many things that can go wrong when hiring a remote freelance developer, but by being aware of them and looking out for them you can avoid the most common pitfalls.
How is BlissBuilds different from a freelance developer?
![BlissBuilds Dashboard for Client-driven Website Development.](https://blissbuilds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/homeview-OWNER-3-1024x727.png)
BlissBuilds offers self-guided software that streamlines the development process, turning everyday tasks into actionable issues. This allows you to focus on your business while ensuring that your website is always up-to-date with a development capacity at your disposal. With a monthly subscription plan, you can have real developers working on your tasks efficiently. Our software simplifies the feedback loop and eliminates the need for numerous emails and calls. It’s as easy as paying for a monthly subscription to your favorite newsletter, but with the added benefit of professional developers working on your projects.
Posted in Guides
Top 5 Web Development Companies in the United States
January 6th, 2023Do you require professional web development services for your company? Look nowhere else! The finest US-based web development businesses that can realize your online vision will be highlighted in this article. These businesses, which range in size from little start-ups to major organizations, possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to produce top-notch websites and web-based apps. Prepare to advance your company with assistance from these top web development companies.
1. Thoughtbot
ThoughtBot is a full-service web development firm with offices in the US, the UK, and Canada. They specialize in custom website and web application development using a range of technologies such as Ruby on Rails, React, and Elixir. They provide UX design, branding, and digital strategy services in addition to web construction. ThoughtBot has worked with clients ranging from startups to small enterprises to Fortune 500 corporations.
2. R/GA
R/GA is a multinational digital agency with locations in more than 20 countries, including the US. Web development, UX design, branding, and digital marketing are just a few of the many services they provide. Working with leading companies like Nike, Google, and Samsung is something that R/GA has a proven track record of doing. They have experience with cutting-edge technologies like AR/VR and IoT in addition to their web development skills.
3. Blue Fountain Media
Blue Fountain Media is a digital agency with operations in the United States and the United Kingdom. They provide a wide range of services, including web development, UX design, digital marketing, and branding. Blue Fountain Media has a proven track record of working with big brands such as Samsung, Google, and Nike. They offer competence in upcoming technologies such as AR/VR and IoT in addition to web development.
4. Mightybytes
Mightybytes is a web development firm headquartered in the United States. They specialize in bespoke website and online application development using a range of technologies such as WordPress, Laravel, and React. They provide UX design, digital marketing, and branding services in addition to web construction. Mightybytes is committed to sustainability and has worked with a diverse spectrum of clients, including startups, small businesses, and large corporations.
5. Mojo Tech
Mojo Tech is a web development firm headquartered in the United States. They specialize in custom online application development using a range of technologies such as Ruby on Rails, Elixir, and React. They provide UX design, digital strategy, and branding services in addition to web construction. Mojo Tech has worked with clients ranging from startups to small businesses to huge corporations.
Closing thoughts
Finally, there are many excellent web development firms in the United States to pick from. There is an agency to fulfill the demands of any business, from full-service agencies like ThoughtBot and R/GA to specialty organizations like Mojo Tech and Mightybytes. When looking for a web development agency, do your homework, look for one with suitable experience, and examine variables like as size, communication abilities, cost, and location. You can take your online presence to the next level with the proper web development partner, driving traffic, sales, and leads to your website.
Why use BlissBuilds instead?
![BlissBuilds Dashboard for Client-driven Website Development.](https://blissbuilds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/homeview-OWNER-3-1024x727.png)
Unlike other human-managed solutions mentioned here, BlissBuilds is a software-driven agency that will cut human resource costs by not hiring & managing an in-house dev team. With us, you can rely on the rolling support of custom dev projects via a trusted partner, so you can win back the liberty to innovate rather than waste time managing. We boiled this usually complex process down into 5 simple steps:
- Add tasks to the backlog
- Seasoned developers tackle a task
- We iterate together until ready
- You approve and push it live
The BlissBuilds software cuts could be your next-generation technical project manager.
Are you ready to give us a shot?
Posted in Guides
Hiring the Right Web Development Company (In 5 Easy Steps)
January 5th, 2023If you’re looking to hire a web development agency, it’s critical to conduct your homework and take the time to locate the ideal fit for your company. A professional web development company can assist in enhancing your online presence and bringing more customers, leads, and sales to your website. A subpar firm, however, can end up costing you time and money without providing the desired outcomes. We’ll go over some important advice in this article to assist you choose a top-notch web development company.
1. Clearly define your project
It’s crucial to know exactly what you want your website to do before you start looking for an agency. Do you require a straightforward e-commerce platform or a more intricate marketing website? Do you have any particular features or functions in mind? You can limit down your alternatives and choose an agency with the proper abilities and competence by having a clear knowledge of your project.
2. Search for companies with relevant experience.
Experience is essential in web development. Look for firms that have experience working on projects similar to yours. For example, if you need an e-commerce platform, look for a company that has built online stores in the past. Similarly, if you require a website with specific functionality, look for an agency that has worked on similar projects.
3. Consider the agency’s size.
The size of the agency you select can have an impact on the level of personal attention and support you receive. Smaller organisations may be able to provide more personalised service, whereas larger organisations may have more resources and a broader range of skills. Consider the size of the agency that will best meet your requirements. In general, the rule of thumb is: the greater the complexity of the project, the bigger the agency you will need.
4. Request references and reviews.
Don’t be scared to ask for recommendations or evaluations from the agencies you’re considering. Previous clients might provide useful insight about the agency’s work style and the quality of their deliverables. The best agencies have a proven track record of managing a diverse range of clients with varying degrees of complexity.
5. Look for a firm that has a long-term perspective.
Your website is a long-term investment, so it’s critical to pick a web development firm that understands this. Look for a company that provides continuous support and maintenance, and be sure to discuss your long-term goals and requirements with them. The likelihood your needs will change as you grow your business towards scale is high to say the least. If your agency of choice cannot support that the switching cost in the long-run will be more painful than considering the best partner for a fit that will suit you 3+ years into the future.
Closing thoughts
To summarise, hiring a web development agency can be a complex process; however, with careful planning and research, you can find an agency that meets your needs and delivers the results you seek. You can be confident that you are making an informed decision by defining your project goals, researching potential agencies, reviewing their portfolios, meeting with the team, and negotiating a contract.
How could BlissBuilds help you?
![BlissBuilds Dashboard for Client-driven Website Development.](https://blissbuilds.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/homeview-OWNER-3-1024x727.png)
Unlike other agencies, we provide you with self-guided software that allows you to effortlessly manage your development workload on your own. Instead of endless emails and phone calls, we reduced feedback loops by developing software that converts your ordinary chores into actionable development issues. This allows you to focus on what your business needs the most, while your website is always up to date, with development capacity available based on your monthly subscription plan. It’s almost as simple as subscribing to your favorite newsletter on a monthly basis. Only here do you have genuine developers working on your assignments and completing them in record time.
Posted in Tips & Tricks