How does partnering offshore frees up your top developers for revenue-generating projects?

Ever feel like your agency’s top developers are buried under a mountain of bug fixes and legacy code? Are routine maintenance tasks stifling your team’s creativity? You’re not alone. We have heard the same story from hundreds of clients. Studies say that developers spend 60% of their time on maintenance and upkeep, leaving less room for revenue-driven projects.

Every time we hear agency owners talk about this, we give them the same solution. It’s simple and efficient and boosts revenue up to fivefold. The answer is outsourcing, but outsource what? To who? Where? Can we trust them? We know you have so many burning questions. 

In this post, we explore the common agency productivity roadblocks, how delegation through outsourcing,  explore tasks you can effectively outsource, and show you how to maximize your ROI by partnering offshore. We’ll show you how to break the vicious cycle of unending maintenance tasks and free your team from onboarding those high-paying clients, boost efficiency, and, of course, your ROI. Let’s get started!

What are some common productivity challenges agency owners face with top developers? 

Skilled developers are the bread and butter of any successful agency. They build the digital experiences that wow your clients and keep the revenue rolling in. 

However, managing their time effectively can be challenging even for the most experienced agency owners. Here are some common productivity challenges agency owners face:

• Constant Maintenance Tasks: Bug fixes, legacy system upkeep, and routine tasks devour valuable developer time. These functions are essential but don’t directly translate to client wins.
• Context-Switching: Juggling multiple projects with varying priorities leads to context switching, a productivity killer. It slows down developers and increases error rates.
• Underutilized Skills: When your A-team is bogged down in mundane tasks, their true potential – crafting innovative solutions and building cutting-edge features – remains untapped.

These challenges create a frustrating situation: your most valuable resources are stuck in low gear, hindering your agency’s ability to scale and maximize revenue. The answer? 

Strategic Outsourcing. Offshore outsourcing benefits aren’t just about cost savings; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your most valuable asset – your top developers.

What key tasks and functions can you effectively outsource to offshore teams? 

Offshore development offers a powerful tool for agencies to optimize resource allocation and unlock the full potential of their top developers. But what kind of tasks are best suited for an offshore team? Here’s a breakdown of key areas where offshore outsourcing benefits can significantly enhance your agency profits:

1. Development and Maintenance:

• Legacy System Support: Offshore teams can handle the maintenance and upkeep of older systems, freeing your in-house developers to focus on new technologies.
• Quality Assurance (QA) Testing: Rigorous testing is crucial, but it can be time-consuming. Offshore teams can conduct thorough manual and automated testing, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Bug Fixes and Maintenance: Offload bug fixes and routine maintenance tasks to your offshore team, allowing your in-house developers to focus on uninterrupted development cycles.

2. Specialized Development:

• Specific Programming Languages or Frameworks: Need expertise in a niche area like blockchain development or a specific front-end framework? Offshore teams can provide access to skilled developers with specialized knowledge.
• Project-Specific Technologies: For complex projects requiring unique technologies, offshore teams can offer a cost-effective way to acquire the necessary expertise.

3. Content Management and Support:

• Content Creation and Management: Offshore teams can handle tasks like content creation, data entry, and website content management, freeing up your in-house team for more strategic marketing activities.
• Customer Support: 24/7 customer support can be a challenge for in-house teams. Offshore teams can provide extended customer support hours, enhancing client experience.

4. Design and Creative Services:

• Graphic Design: Offshore teams can provide skilled graphic designers for tasks like creating website mockups, social media graphics, or presentations.
• UI/UX Design: While the strategic aspects of UI/UX design are best handled in-house, offshore teams can assist with tasks like wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

5. Administrative and Operational Tasks:

• Data Entry and Management: Time-consuming data entry and management tasks can be efficiently handled by offshore teams, freeing up your in-house staff for more strategic activities.
• Project Management Support: Offshore teams can provide administrative support to your project managers, handling tasks like scheduling, communication with clients, and report generation.

Remember:

• Effective communication and clear project expectations are crucial for successful offshore partnerships.
• Security: Ensure your offshore partner implements robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
• Cultural awareness: Be mindful of cultural differences and bridge any communication gaps to foster a positive working relationship.

By strategically leveraging offshore development for these key tasks, you can free up your top talent, allowing them to focus on high-impact projects that drive revenue and propel your agency forward. 

You’re right, let’s make these tips more specific to agencies and address some common pain points:

How to improve ROI with offshore development teams?

Offshore development teams can be a game-changer, but how do you ensure they contribute to your agency’s success, not just your bottom line? Here’s a practical guide to maximize your ROI with offshore development:

You’re right, let’s make these tips more specific to agencies and address some common pain points:

Expert tips for maximizing ROI with offshore teams

The digital marketing landscape is fiercely competitive. Agencies constantly juggle tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the ever-present struggle to find top developers. Offshore development teams offer a strategic solution, but for agencies, maximizing ROI goes beyond just cost savings. Here’s a how to improve ROI with offshore development teams

• Go Beyond Legacy: Don’t just offload bug fixes in aging code. Identify repetitive tasks across your development process. Can offshore developers handle specific parts of your front-end development workflow, like UI component creation or integration testing?
• Embrace Innovation: Is there a new technology your agency wants to offer but lacks internal expertise? Utilize offshore teams to bridge the skill gap and expand your service offerings.

• Streamline Internal Processes: Are there manual tasks within your project management that could be automated? Explore ways to leverage technology to free up your team’s time and improve overall workflow.
• Embrace Agile Methodologies: Utilize agile project management principles to break down projects into smaller, more manageable chunks. This fosters better communication and collaboration with your offshore team.
• Beyond Just English: Focus on clear and concise communication. Establish communication protocols that consider time zone differences and preferred methods (e.g., video calls for complex discussions, and instant messaging for quick updates).
• Overcommunicate, Don’t Underestimate: Don’t shy away from detailed documentation, especially for complex projects. Clear requirements, style guides, and code comments ensure your offshore team is on the same page.

• Upskilling Your In-House Team: Don’t view your offshore team as a replacement, but rather an extension. Invest in training your in-house developers to become effective team leaders and bridge the communication gap.
• Invest in Your Offshore Partner: Building a strong long-term relationship matters. Choose a partner who prioritizes ongoing communication, cultural sensitivity, and continuous improvement.

With these focused tips and fostering a strong partnership with your offshore development team, you can unlock offshore outsourcing benefits a global talent pool, free up your in-house talent for high-value work, and propel your agency toward explosive growth.

How do I know offshore partnerships are boosting my ROI? 

Measure Metrics that Matter:

Before diving into specific metrics, establish a clear baseline for your agency’s performance before you implement offshore development. This will allow you to compare data and accurately measure your ROI. Here are some key performance indicators (KPIs) to track:

• Project Delivery Time: Track the time it takes to complete projects after integrating your offshore team. Look for a decrease in delivery times, indicating improved efficiency.
• Development Costs: Compare the cost of in-house development to the cost of outsourcing specific tasks to your offshore team. Analyze the cost savings per project or per developer hour.
• Developer Utilization Rate: Measure the percentage of time your in-house developers spend on high-value activities after offloading routine tasks. Aim for an increase in this metric to show that your A-team is focusing on strategic initiatives.
• Client Satisfaction: Monitor client feedback through surveys or direct communication. Look for improvements in communication, project turnaround times, and overall satisfaction after collaborating with your offshore team.
• Revenue Growth: This is the ultimate KPI. Analyze your agency’s revenue after implementing offshore development. Look for an increase in total revenue due to faster project completion, attracting new clients with expanded service offerings, or taking on more complex projects.

Beyond the Numbers: The Soft ROI

While quantifiable metrics are crucial, consider the “soft ROI” benefits as well. Offshore development teams can lead to:

• Improved Employee Morale: Empowering your in-house developers with less repetitive tasks can boost morale and job satisfaction.
• Enhanced Innovation: Freeing up in-house talent allows them to focus on creative problem-solving and exploring new technologies.
• Increased Scalability: Offshore teams enable you to take on larger projects and adapt to client demands without significantly impacting internal resources.

These KPIs will give you the “soft ROI”, and you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how your offshore partnership is impacting your agency’s growth and profitability.

Beginner’s Guide to Offshore Development: How to get started

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? Here’s a roadmap to get you started:

1. Identify Revenue-Generating Projects: Start by pinpointing projects that directly impact your agency’s bottom line. These might involve building new features for clients or developing new products.
   
2. Delegate Routine Tasks: Break down project tasks and identify those suited for offshore outsourcing. Think bug fixes, maintenance, or code upkeep – essential tasks that don’t directly translate to client wins.
   
3. Find a Reliable Partner: Research reputable offshore development companies with experience in your industry. Clear communication and strong security measures are key!
   
4. Start Small: Begin with a pilot project. This allows you to test the waters, build trust with your chosen partner, and iron out any initial kinks.
   

With these steps, you can free up your in-house developers for what they do best – crafting innovative solutions. This translates to faster project completion, happier clients, and a significant boost to your agency’s revenue.

But wait, there’s more!

TogetherWeShip understands the unique challenges agencies face when it comes to offshore development. We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to streamline your workflow and maximize your offshore outsourcing benefits:

• Expert Design and Development: Our skilled teams handle everything from UI/UX design and front-end development to back-end engineering and complex integrations.
• Seamless Maintenance and Support: We provide ongoing maintenance and support, ensuring optimal performance and a positive user experience for your projects.
• Effortless Migration Services: Need to migrate legacy systems or applications? Our team can handle the entire process efficiently and securely.

Ready to Partner for Growth?

TogetherWeShip offers a powerful combination of skilled developers, a collaborative approach, and a deep understanding of the agency world. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your offshore resources and propel your agency toward unlimited growth.

Contact TogetherWeShip today and let’s build your offshore dream team, together!