Introduction

Entrepreneurship often means wearing many hats, but what happens when one of those hats doesn’t quite fit? As someone who’s always been in favor of delegating work that others can do better than I can do (even if I can do the tasks), I recently faced a daunting dilemma. Should I save money and redesign my website myself or should I outsource it?

Here’s what it looked like the last time I did my own site:

It took me 2.5 painstaking months of work I don’t enjoy doing, and it drained 56 hours from my schedule.

The Turning Point:

When the need for a revamped site loomed again, the thought of diving back into the design process was daunting. So this time around, with constraints on my time and a growing disdain for web design, I turned to Upwork to delegate through outsourcing. This decision, as I came to realize, not only saved my website but possibly my sanity.

It also saved me at least 1.5 months and 46 hours of work I dreaded doing. I also took a vacation in the middle of the project!

Here’s what I learned about outsourcing this website design on Upwork – hopefully, it can help you as well.

Four Pillars of Effective Outsourcing: My Key Takeaways

Craft a Comprehensive Job Description:
Start by laying out clear expectations. For me, this included detailing the desired theme, necessary technology, and platform integrations, right down to my switch to email marketing platforms.

Choose Hourly Payment:
My initial project-based budget of $2,000 saw minimal interest. Switching to an hourly rate not only attracted quality talent but also ensured I received value commensurate with the time spent.

Be Proactive and Prepared:
Arm your freelancer with everything they might need. From examples of sites you admire to brand colors, logos, font preferences, and even specific images, being prepared can drastically cut down on revision time.

Embrace Collaboration:
Every creative journey thrives on feedback. Half my project duration was spent fine-tuning and aligning my vision with the freelancer’s work. Ensuring open communication and providing timely feedback can make a world of difference.

Breaking Down the Investment:

Here’s how the investment breaks down, and what I received for that investment.

My investments

  • Budget: $375
  • Duration: 3 weeks
  • My time: 10.5 hours (averaging 3.4 hours each week)

What I Received:

  • A 24-page, mobile-responsive website
  • Integration with new email software and functional contact forms
  • Expert technical guidance
  • A transformative before-and-after experience

Pain Points Solved

Now that I’m on the other side of this project, here are a few pain points outsourcing the website project on Upwork solved for me.

  • Time: A resource I lacked was readily available through outsourcing.
  • Patience: The thought of designing another website was overwhelming. Thankfully, I didn’t have to.
  • Technical Expertise: Integrating a new email platform was complex, but I had a skilled individual to handle it.
  • Brand Image: Transitioning from a website I was disappointed into one that boosted my brand’s online image.

Is Outsourcing for Every Entrepreneur?

While my experience was positive, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Entrepreneurs might reconsider outsourcing if:

  • They’re uncertain about their brand voice, lack creative direction, or haven’t decided on logos or color themes.
  • They need extensive creative design and brand identity work.
  • Hiring overseas talent isn’t your cup of tea.
  • SEO is a top priority for every page of their site. This typically requires a higher budget.

In Conclusion

Outsourcing can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs strapped for time or expertise. While it’s not a solution for everyone, for many, it can be the key to a refreshed online presence without the stress of DIY. If you’re contemplating the pros and cons of outsourcing, reach out for a momentum call with me. Let’s explore if this path is right for you.