Ongoing communication is crucial for the success of any digital project, regardless of its size or complexity. The management of the project should not devolve into a "broken telephone" game where the initial concept is marred by misunderstandings and the contractors' lack of competence. When outsourcing your project to an external web development agency, be vigilant for the following red flags that may indicate your project is veering off course.
Saying "yes" outright, not asking enough questions
Many agencies embark on projects with a surprising lack of foresight, assuming they can figure out solutions as they go because "how hard can it be." Unfortunately, such endeavors often resort to trial and error or end up serving as a training ground for junior developers.
At each juncture, we stress the importance of thorough preparation and ensuring alignment with our partners on goals, assumptions, essentials, and ultimate expectations. Merely exchanging emails falls short in gathering all the requisite information for a project kick-off, underscoring the significance of collaborative Discovery and Define sessions within our process.
If your tech partners initially embrace the project's assumptions without expressing reservations or doubts, and these concerns only surface later during implementation, they may not have been adequately prepared to undertake the project in the first place.
Constant delays
Overpromising and underdelivering are the biggest concerns when outsourcing digital projects. Time estimates may not always be precise, even for the most seasoned specialists; however, consistent delays in executing individual tasks and subsequent project stages indicate that the outcome will fall short of expectations.
Frequent Team Turnovers
Numerous individuals contribute to intricate projects, and specialists in web development agencies often engage in various projects each week. Interacting with different project managers is common, and developers' signatures on tasks in your project management systems may vary. Nonetheless, the fundamental objective is to make these changes inconspicuous to you, the client.
Some software houses utilize freelancers or outsource segments of projects, creating a complex chain of agencies. We are committed to maintaining one cohesive team for our clients, striving to ensure that any transition of tasks occurs seamlessly.
Generic responses
Emails like "We're currently in a dynamic phase of the project, exploring different possibilities and ensuring alignment with the client's vision." or "Our team is diligently working on fine-tuning the project plan to align better with the client's changing requirements and expectations." may suggest that the team doesn't exactly know what it's doing.
Issues may sometimes arise, but an honest tech partner will want to explain them to you understandably and present planned solutions immediately.
You have to ask for status updates yourself
The tech partner will regularly update the work status in a good collaboration. If there are no discernible changes in your shared project management tool, it could indicate that the project lacks prioritization within the agency or that the work organization is suboptimal. In either case, this is not an encouraging sign for future cooperation.
Adhering to the principles of transparent communication, the specialists you engage with during the project kick-off will remain involved throughout all phases. If any aspects of the initial specification raise concerns or appear challenging to implement, we will promptly communicate that feedback. Additionally, we are flexible and ready to accommodate your preferred cooperation model, prioritizing soft skills alongside our technical expertise in software development.
Do you happen to look for a new tech partner? We should definately talk.
