The number one objection I hear from web designers who want to work with a web developer and outsource the development of their website projects is costs.
“I want to start working with a developer, but I can’t afford to right now.”
And I can completely understand this. But here’s the thing: working with a developer shouldn’t leave you out of pocket!
The client will cover the cost of website development
Your client is the one who should be paying for the web development, not you!
Even if you are the person who signs the contract with the web developer and you are responsible for paying the developer for any development work, the money itself should come from the client.
Many web designers think they have to find a way to fit development costs into their existing packages, and this is why they don’t think they can afford it.
Factor the cost of development into your web design packages
Instead, you should find out how much development is going to cost first and then build the rest of your package around this. That way, you’ll receive enough money to cover both your own costs as the designer, and the cost of hiring a web developer.
Before you create a proposal for a client or give them a quote for their potential project, I highly recommend that you reach out and speak to the web developer you would like to collaborate with. Find out if this is something they can help with, and if it is, ask how much they estimate the project will cost, how long it would take to complete, and ask them what their availability is like.
Once you have all this information, it becomes much easier to create a package for your client that incorporates your developer’s costs and timelines.
As a web developer, I’m more than happy to jump on a quick call with web designers who are interested in outsourcing their development to discuss potential costs and timelines. And the majority of developers I know would also be happy to do the same. Don’t be afraid to ask!
…or pass your client on to a web developer
Another option is to pass your client on to your developer so that the developer can give the client a quote for the development work directly. That way, they only pay you for the design work.
This approach can work if you don’t want to get involved with the costs associated with development, however it’s not as streamlined of a process for the client. They have to pay two separate people, have two separate contracts, and perhaps even two separate project management systems to wrap their heads around!
It’s especially challenging if the client doesn’t know the difference between a web designer and a web developer, or why they need both. They may be reluctant to pay two different people and have two different contracts for what they technically see as one project.
Working with a developer shouldn’t leave you out of pocket!
Regardless of which approach you go for, whether you decide to incorporate the cost of development into your packages, or you pass your client over to a developer, working with a web developer shouldn’t cost you, as the designer, a penny!
I hope you found this insightful but if you have any questions about development costs, feel free to drop me a message and ask away. I really want to bust the myth that you, as a designer, can’t afford a developer!
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