Every small business wants a good website. But building one in-house isn’t always possible. You may not have developers. Or maybe your team is busy running daily operations. Either way, outsourcing is a smart move if you do it right. So, how to outsource web development for small businesses without wasting time or money? That’s what this guide is all about.
Why Small Businesses Outsource Web Development?
Small business owners wear a lot of hats. They manage sales, operations, customer support, and sometimes even marketing. Web development can be too technical, too expensive, or too time-consuming to handle internally.
Outsourcing solves this problem. Here’s what it brings:
- Access to expert developers without hiring full-time.
- Faster project delivery compared to building from scratch.
- Lower costs, up to 60% savings on average (according to Statista).
- Scalability as your business grows.
In short, you get a pro-level website without building an entire IT department.
Step 1: Understand What You Need First
Before you contact anyone, know what you want.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of website are you building? (eCommerce, portfolio, blog?)
- How many pages do you need?
- Do you want specific features like contact forms, booking tools, or user logins?
- Do you need branding and content too?
If you’re clear on your goals, it’s easier to find the right partner. Vague instructions lead to poor results.
Tip: Write a simple brief. Even a one-page note with your needs, goals, and preferred styles can save hours later.
Step 2: Choose Between Freelancers, Agencies, and Dedicated Teams
There’s more than one way to outsource.
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Freelancers
Ideal for tight budgets and small projects. You’ll find many skilled developers on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. But managing them takes time.
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Web Development Agencies
Good for mid-size projects. Agencies usually handle everything, from design to testing. They offer better support but charge more than freelancers.
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Dedicated Remote Teams
Great if you plan to scale or need ongoing support. You’ll work with a team that acts like your in-house department.
The right model depends on your timeline, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring
Now comes the part many small businesses skip: due diligence.
When shortlisting agencies or freelancers, ask:
- Can I see your portfolio?
- Do you have experience with businesses like mine?
- What’s your process from start to finish?
- Will I get progress updates?
- How do you handle bugs and changes after launch?
A strong team will answer clearly and walk you through their workflow.
Bonus Tip: Ask for a test task or paid sample. This allows you to check the quality before committing.
Step 4: Set Clear Expectations and Contracts
Once you’ve chosen a developer or team, put everything in writing.
Your contract should include:
- Project scope
- Timelines and deadlines
- Payment terms
- Ownership of code
- Confidentiality and data protection
- Maintenance and support terms
Avoid open-ended agreements. When both sides are clear on deliverables, there’s less room for confusion.
According to Forbes, nearly 35% of outsourced projects fail due to vague goals. Clarity is everything.
Step 5: Stay Involved – But Don’t Micromanage
Outsourcing doesn’t mean disappearing.
Schedule regular check-ins. Ask for demos or staging links. Use tools like:
- Trello or Asana for task management
- Slack or Zoom for communication
- Google Docs for content sharing
But also trust your developers. You hired them for their skills; don’t slow them down with too many edits or daily changes.
Step 6: Test Everything Before Launch
Testing isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Before your site goes live, test for:
- Mobile responsiveness.
- Page load speed.
- Broken links or errors.
- Contact forms and payment systems.
- Browser compatibility.
Ask friends or customers to try the site and give honest feedback. Most developers offer a “revision period” post-launch; use it wisely.
Step 7: Plan for Ongoing Support
Websites aren’t one-and-done. Plugins need updates. Designs get old. Bugs happen.
Ask your outsourcing team:
- Will you fix bugs after launch?
- Can you handle monthly maintenance?
- Do you offer support plans?
Even a basic support agreement will save stress later.
How Much Does It Cost?
One of the top reasons small businesses learn how to outsource web development is to cut costs.
Here’s a rough idea:
- Freelancer (Basic site): $500 – $2,000
- Agency (Standard site): $3,000 – $15,000
- Custom web apps or eCommerce: $10,000 – $50,000+
Always get a quote based on your actual needs. Cheaper isn’t always better. A $500 website that breaks in 2 months isn’t a deal; it’s a loss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Outsourcing can be great, but only if done right. Here’s what not to do:
- Skipping research. Don’t hire based on price alone.
- Not owning your domain or hosting. Always register in your name.
- No clear milestones. You’ll never know if the project is on track.
- Missing SEO setup. A beautiful site won’t matter if no one finds it.
- Lack of communication. Silence leads to surprises, and not the good kind.
Be smart, stay involved, and treat your website as a business asset.
Small Budget, Big Impact
Still wondering how to outsource web development for small businesses?
It’s not just about finding cheap talent. It’s about finding the right partner, one who understands your goals and respects your time and money.
With the right process, even a one-person company can have a website that looks and works like it was built by a Fortune 500 team.
Need Help Choosing the Right Team?
If outsourcing feels overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone.
Consult with the LaunchPad Marketing team today. We offer expert Digital Marketing Services and web development support to give your business a new hype.
