Finding the right developers for your projects is challenging, especially if it’s your first time, or you don’t come from a technical background yourself.
Broadly speaking, developers can be divided into three categories: agencies, freelancers, and in-house talent, each with their own strengths and limitations
Whether you are embarking on a complex software endeavor or a streamlined project, the choice between these categories hinges on the specific requirements, scope, and intricacies of the development task at hand.
It all comes down to the type of software development project you’re undertaking.
In this guide, we’ll be sharing:
- How to match types of developers to the right software project.
- 15 established and reliable online sources to find them
- Some brief thoughts on hiring remote vs local developers
Matching Developers to the Right Projects
When to Hire Agencies
For large-scale projects requiring expertise across multiple technologies.
Agencies offer teams of specialists with developers, designers, project managers, and quality assurance professionals, to handle various aspects of the project effectively.
Agencies often provide strategic guidance and consulting services in addition to development.
They can help businesses define project goals, identify technical requirements, and create a roadmap for successful execution.
When to Hire Freelancers
For short-term projects, specific tasks, or filling skill gaps within existing teams.
As lone wolves, freelancers offer flexibility in terms of project duration, workload, and skill specialization all at very cost-effective prices compared to agencies.
As they have more autonomy, freelancers also often have shorter lead times and can start working on projects immediately, especially for smaller projects with limited budgets.
When to Hire In-House Developers
For projects involving proprietary technology and/or super long-term development.
Whether remote or on-site, in-house developers become integrated with the company’s team, allowing for seamless collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment with business goals.
They will actually understand a company’s products, processes, and culture.
Software development is all about solving problems, and that goes beyond technical coding.
Where to Hire Development Agencies
1. Clutch
Clutch is a reputable platform that provides verified reviews and ratings for IT service providers, including development agencies. It offers insights into the quality of work, client satisfaction, and overall performance of various agencies.
2. AppFutura
AppFutura specializes in connecting businesses with top app development agencies worldwide. It facilitates easy communication and collaboration between clients and agencies, ensuring successful project outcomes.
3. GoodFirms
GoodFirms is a trusted resource for finding reliable software development companies. With its comprehensive directory and detailed reviews, businesses can make informed decisions when hiring development agencies.
4. Sortlist
Sortlist simplifies the process of finding the right marketing and IT agencies for your specific needs. It matches businesses with pre-screened agencies based on criteria such as expertise, budget, and location.
5. TechBehemoths
Originating from Berlin, Germany, TechBehemoths is said to have a vast network of over 48,000 IT companies across 143 countries and 7,161 cities, offering founders and employers a massive talent pool of agencies to choose from and the ability to narrow their search to specific niches of software development.
For select clients (aka those with big bucks), the Tech Behemoth team will also curate tailored web development and web design services, connecting founders and corporations to the best development agencies
Where to Find Freelance Software Developers
6. Upwork
Upwork remains a leading platform for hiring freelance developers in various fields, including web development, mobile app development, and software engineering. Businesses can post projects or browse through profiles to find skilled freelancers.
7. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a popular platform for hiring freelance talent across different industries, including software development. It offers flexibility in hiring on an hourly or project basis, with a focus on quality and reliability.
8. Freelancer
Freelancer is a global marketplace that connects businesses with freelance professionals, including developers. It provides a platform for posting projects, receiving bids, and collaborating with freelancers from around the world.
9. Fiverr
Fiverr is known for its gig-based marketplace, where businesses can find freelancers offering specialized services at affordable rates. It’s a convenient platform for hiring developers for short-term projects or specific tasks.
10. Toptal
Toptal stands out as a premium platform for hiring top freelance developers and designers. It rigorously screens candidates to ensure they meet the highest standards of skill and professionalism, making it ideal for businesses with demanding projects.
Where to Hire In-house Developers
11. Indeed
Indeed is a leading job search engine that hosts millions of job listings, including opportunities for in-house developers. Businesses can post job openings and browse through resumes to find qualified candidates for their teams.
Indeed is also where we’ve found some of our team members, so it has a soft spot in our hearts.
Yes, developers have hearts too, believe it or not.
12. Hired
Hired is a specialized platform for tech talent, connecting employers with top-notch developers, engineers, and designers. It streamlines the hiring process with personalized matching based on skills, preferences, and company culture.
13. LinkedIn
LinkedIn serves as a powerful networking platform for professionals across various industries, including software development. Businesses can leverage its job posting features and talent search tools to find and recruit in-house developers effectively.
14. AngelList
AngelList caters to startups and tech companies, offering a platform for hiring developers, engineers, and other key team members. It focuses on connecting businesses with talent interested in joining innovative and high-growth ventures.
15. RemoteOk
RemoteOk specializes in remote job opportunities, making it an ideal platform for hiring distributed teams, including in-house developers. It features a curated list of remote-friendly companies and job listings for tech professionals worldwide.
The Remote vs On-Site Developer Dilemma
You will find that across all three categories of developers, you have options for both local and overseas talent, which might be a non-issue, but for the incredible opportunities that come with offshoring software development projects, namely:
- Global Talent Pool: Your pool of candidates goes from hundreds to thousands.
- Cost Savings: Remote developers eliminate the need for various overhead costs.
- Flexibility: Remote teams often operate across different time zones, handy if you deal with clients from different time zones.
Of course, there’s a higher risk involved in hiring remote and offshore IT developers, but we Upstackers believe it all begins and ends with a solid filtering and hiring process.
Hire wisely, and you’ll get good people from all over the world.
Hire poorly, and you’ll get developers who exclusively cook with spaghetti code!
Happy hiring – and for the love of God, if you go with an agency, don’t try to poach their talent.
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