Hey there, savvy business owner!

Are you thinking about outsourcing your WooCommerce project? Smart move! But hold up, before you dive in, make sure you avoid these common pitfalls.

Trust us, we’ve seen it all: more horror stories than a spooky movie marathon.

grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice) and let’s chat about the mistakes to dodge when outsourcing that shiny new WooCommerce project of yours. We hope to save you a lot of headaches and maybe even a few greens with this article.

Let’s break it down into categories. We’ll also keep this updated as we learn new horror stories from our clients.

Expertise Limitations

When outsourcing your WooCommerce development, one of the first things you need to look out for is expertise limitations.

Not all developers or agencies are created equal, and failing to vet their true capabilities can land you in hot water faster than you can say “shopping cart abandonment.” The assumption that any developer can handle WooCommerce with ease could cost you time, money, and create a subpar user experience.

Here’s a quick list of pitfalls to avoid:

• Assuming All Developers Know WooCommerce: Just because someone has a “developer” title doesn’t mean they know their way around WooCommerce and WordPress. Ask for concrete examples of past WooCommerce projects, in our case; we actually write guides and posts on WooCommerce to help our clients out!
• Freelance vs Agency: WooCommerce can be pretty flexible, but specialization is key. For example, a single person may have a background in front-end design, but might struggle with complex backend functionalities. This is where picking an agency to do your task can come in handy.
• Ignoring Industry Expertise: Different industries have unique needs. A developer who excels in e-commerce for fashion brands might not be the best fit for a B2B industrial equipment WooCommerce site. While a lot of the experience is easily transferable between different industries, you should ask if the other party is comfortable with your niche.

Avoiding these mistakes can dramatically increase your chances of a smooth, successful WooCommerce project. Remember, expertise is not just about having skills; it’s about having the right skills for your specific needs.

Planning Mistakes

Effective planning is the foundation of any successful WooCommerce development project. Failing to plan adequately can lead to chaotic workflows, missed deadlines, and ultimately, a website that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Here are some planning mistakes to steer clear of:

• Unclear Project Scope: You should clearly define the scope of the project as not doing so will lead to scope creep, where new requirements keep getting added without adjusting timelines or budgets. Not only is this the #1 cause of failed projects, but it is also a great way to get a sub-par final product.
• Lack of a Realistic Deadline: Without a well-defined timeline, your project can quickly fall behind schedule. Break down tasks into manageable milestones and set realistic deadlines. Regular check-ins can help track progress and make adjustments as needed.
• Budgeting Mistakes: Underestimating the budget can result in compromises on quality or, worse, a half-finished project. We have detailed post on WooCommerce outsourcing where we also break down the costs for a project.
• Ignoring Scalability and Future Growth: Designing a WooCommerce site without considering future growth can lead to headaches down the line. Plan for scalability from the beginning and have that discussion with your developers to avoid having to redo major parts of the site as your business grows.

You need a plan to set the stage for a WooCommerce development project which runs smoothly and meets your business objectives, but creating that plan requires an active effort!

Communication Problems

Communication—the Achilles’ heel of many outsourced projects.

When it comes to developing your WooCommerce site, clear and constant communication is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Misunderstandings can lead to missed deadlines, blown budgets, and a finished product that’s miles away from your initial vision.

So, what can you do to prevent your project from teleporting into the murky waters of miscommunication? Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

• No Defined Person of Contact: Establish a primary person of contact who will be responsible for all communications. This avoids the classic “too many cooks in the kitchen” scenario and ensures that information is centralized and consistent.
• Time Zone Clashes: If your developers are in different time zones, ensure you establish common working hours or regular check-ins. We recommend having at least one texting-channel to minimize delays in decision-making and keep the project moving smoothly.

There are a ton of other communication problems as well, such as language barriers and cultural differences, but we’re going to assume that both parties are mature and can keep these at bay on their own!

Post-Launch Misunderstandings

So, you’ve crossed the finish line, and your shiny new WooCommerce store is live. Congrats!

But hold on… your journey isn’t over yet! A common mistake that trips up many new business owners is failing to account for what happens post-launch. Neglecting this crucial phase can lead to misunderstandings, frustrations, and worse, surprise operational hiccups.

Here are some pitfalls you’ll want to dodge:

• Assuming Unlimited Support: Just because the development phase is over, doesn’t mean you’ll have unlimited access to support. Many development agencies have limited post-launch support windows unless explicitly stated in your contract.
• Lack of a Maintenance Agreement: Assume nothing. Ensure there is a clear maintenance agreement in place, outlining who is responsible for ongoing updates, security patches, and bug fixes. Software is never finished as modifications need to be made all the time, and e-commerce websites are no different, discuss these things in advance!
• No Scalability Plan: Your business will hopefully grow, and so should your website. Ensure there’s a roadmap for scaling your WooCommerce store to accommodate increased traffic, more products, or additional features once you have launched the site.
• Neglecting SEO and Analytics Setup: Post-launch is the perfect time to fine-tune your SEO settings and ensure your analytics are correctly implemented to measure traffic and conversions. Overlooking this can lead to lost opportunities and poor decision-making.

Want to Outsource Your WooCommerce Project?

Avoiding these pitfalls can make a world of difference, letting you smoothly sail from start to finish. Remember, when it comes to outsourcing: thorough planning, clear communication, and consideration for the future are your best allies.

Want to take the next step without the headaches and horror stories? Request a quote today and let us build something incredible together!

Got questions or need more insights? Feel free to reach out anyway and we can have a chat!