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What are the Benefits of Outsourcing? What are the Disadvantages?
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Either way, if I was outsourcing any part of my business, I would do extensive research and due diligence to make sure the job is getting sent to the best possible person or business. Just my thoughts.
Community Manager
StartupNation, LLC
There’s a lot more advantages for outsourcing business functions other than just the main goal of reducing costs. For one, it gives you an opportunity to pick from a vast pool of talent. It enables access to highly skilled and university educated employees, especially from English speaking foreign countries. With the increasing demand for employees equipped with the right skillset, developing countries can offer human resources that can fulfill the needs of the organization. Another advantage is the difference in time zones. Having a workforce that is ready for a round-the-clock operation provides an outstanding opportunity to cater to the client’s ever-changing needs whenever they require it. This equates to a quicker and superior level of service which then results to an overall better customer experience. Lastly, you get to focus on the main office while the back office operations are being handled by a dedicated team working towards achieving the objectives of the organization. Many businesses are hesitant to hand over control of part of their operations to a third party, and that is understandable. With outsourcing, however, all that’s needed to be done is to train the staff and provide direction and everything else is done the way you want it to.
i would always look at could I do it, can I make money if I do it, do I enjoy that part of the business. If you don't enjoy that part of business you should probably outsource it.
Flexibility
Specialization
Reduce workload
Accountability
Factors to consider before finalizing a freelancer or a Digital Agency for Outsourcing.
Now that we have established how a freelancer and a full-service digital agency work, we have shared the most important factors that you need to take into account before hiring a freelancer or a full-service digital agency.
Project Requirement
If you only have the requirement for a specific skill-set, for example, a logo to be designed or a Virtual Assitant then a skilled freelancer is a perfect choice. On the other hand, if you are looking to design and develop a website or mobile application it is always preferred to hire an agency since multiple skillsets from design to development and copywriting, marketing will be involved. It’s a tie
Individual Skill Level
Considering the overall analysis, if you expect the job to be done right the very first time or has complexities involved, then it is better to opt for a full-service digital agency. Winner: Agency
Project Management
Handling multiple freelancers is difficult than contacting with a single person for an overall modification or update in the project. Thus, it is clear that that overall project management becomes very easy once you opt for a full-service digital agency. Winner: Agency
Contingency Planning
When it comes to the requirement of contingency planning for the completion of a project on time, it is definitely better top opt for a full-service digital agency. Winner: Agency
If you are on a tight schedule and it’s imperative to get the job done ASAP for your business requirement, you should always opt for a professional full-service digital agency. The turnaround time for a digital service agency is less compared to freelancers. Winner: Agency
Ad hoc Flexibility
Under such circumstances, if you are looking to hire people with flexible work hours and schedule, then it is better to hire professional freelancers instead of a full-service digital agency. Winner: Freelancer
If you are looking for a reliable and error-free service for your product testing and launch, then it is definitely better to go for a full-service digital agency. Winner: Agency
Ongoing maintenance and support is something that can be offered only by a full-service digital agency. With proper resources, a digital agency can keep track of the condition of your website, mobile application, and update them according to the requirements of clients. Winner: Agency
So, if you are looking to save a few bucks and what you want to get done is not for the long run, then you can opt for a professional freelancer. The other option that you could look at is to look for an offshore agency. Hiring an agency or a freelancer means you are outsourcing the work anyway so why not look for offshore outsourcing to have the best of both worlds. Winner: Freelancer
So to wrap it up..
From the overall analysis of a full-service digital agency and professional freelancers, it is evident that both of them have their merits and demerits. The choice ultimately comes down to the project requirements of a client. In general, it is definitely better to opt for a full-service digital agency because of: