Hire Dedicated Front-End Developers: Steps, Things to Consider, Rates
As new startups find their place, having a skilled front-end team to make websites or apps look good and work well is really important. Actually, when people visit your website or application, they mostly care about how it looks and functions. They don't really think much about what's going on behind the scenes. Yep, what really counts is the front end. It greets new users, walks them through your brand's mobile or web stories, and convinces them to make a purchase or take action.
Let's take a look at how things go with user spending. According to data.ai, people worldwide are spending more money than ever on mobile apps, it reached about $67.5 billion in 2023. Evidently, it would be barely possible without developers going more user-centric in their front-end effort, translating from business and design to beautiful functional language.
If you're looking to hire dedicated front-end developers, read on to grasp all the smart moves in bringing on the perfect people to build your solution.
What Is a Dedicated Front-End Development Team?
You've probably heard about front-end developers and teams, but what's the deal with dedicated teams? Alright, let's get into this question.
- A front-end developer is the one who makes the design come alive. Basically, they're the guys who make the button change the color when clicked and the text smoothly appear when scrolling the page. You know this pretty well. Looking through front end developer resume you can understand what the person specializes in.
- A dedicated team is an externally hired team that's all in for a specific project or task within your startup or company. This crew works closely together, bringing their individual expertise to the table to overcome challenges and push the project forward. These teams can wear many hats, covering everything from development and design to marketing and project management within your industry. For example, if you're planning to become a new Spotify, your dedicated team will be different from the one required for another healthcare app, right?
Bringing it all together, a dedicated front-end team is completely dedicated to perfecting or building the visual and interactive parts of your solution. Commonly, this crew can be hired from an outsourcing company that lends you its team, comprised of the best front-end developers for your industry, tech stack, complexity, and other special criteria.
Thus, the close link of the dedicated team to your business' or startup's idea is the number one reason to go for it. Need more?
Why Should You Hire a Front-End Dedicated Development Team?
You may ask: "Why would I want to hire a dedicated team rather than gathering an in-house team?."
Even if it doesn't stand out right away, there are some benefits to having a front-end dedicated development team that you should definitely check out.
Save Time
Getting a front-end development team comes with a big time-saving perk. The whole process of hunting for the right candidates, recruiting software engineers, bringing new hires on board, getting them up to speed on projects, and training in-house specialists can consume a lot of time. On average, it takes up to 1 month to make newcomers keep up with the required tempo.
Once you hire a front-end development team, you get instant access to a crew of seasoned pros who are all set to quickly and efficiently handle your project tasks with their expertise in your niche.
Save Money
Now, let us spin you a tale about the cost of building your dream team. Initially, the thought of hiring a team might make you raise an eyebrow or two — it sounds like a ticket to the pricey side of town. But you need to understand what you're really investing in when you bring on employees or opt for a dedicated team.
In the traditional in-house team setup, you're locked into dishing out fixed monthly salaries, no matter if the project is cruising or during the holiday lulls. And oh, don't forget about those annual vacations, sick leaves, and the bill for fancy training and certifications.
Now, picture this: with dedicated front-end developers, you're only footing the bill for the hours they're pouring into your project. It's a sure way to cut down on any unnecessary expenses. If the dedicated team's go-to guy is nursing a headache today, well, that's not your headache — it's the outsourcing partner's. Talk about having your cake and eating it, too.
Hire Experience and Expertise
The real charm of dedicated teams is the freedom to handpick front-end specialists from the vendor's talent pool with laser-focused expertise — whether it's a specific technology, making leaves move and wiggle while scrolling, making a 3D model spinning on click, or any niche where your existing team might need a boost.
But wait, there's more. You can strike a deal with this dedicated team to not only get the job done but also train your in-house people in the skills and technologies that pique your interest. It's a strategic move to empower your team with extra know-how, nurturing a continuous learning culture within your company.
In-House Front-End Team vs. Dedicated Front-End Team
To bring it all home, let's pin the tail on this donkey: take a peek at the comparison of how key things differ between employing an in-house front-end development team and a dedicated front-end development team. Weigh the options to find the perfect fit!
Now that you've wrapped your head around the major perks of a dedicated front-end development team, let's burrow into bringing one on board.
What to Consider When Hiring a Front-End Team?
Making sure you're getting a team on board with precisely the skills and experience your project demands is a smart move. So, in this part, we're going to dissect the important factors to keep in mind when you're in the process of bringing a front-end development team into the fold.
Experience and Skills
Zooming in on the area of expertise of the dedicated front-end team is absolutely essential. Tailor this assessment to the specific goals of your project or task, and get a clear picture of the expected team's level of proficiency (whether it may be some juniors with a fresh look at things or long-bearded seniors knowing every detail in their technology). But, like, who are they really?
Junior Front-End Developer
When a company's juggling smaller projects or looking to be savvy with expenses while nurturing talent, bringing in junior front-end developers to the dedicated team is like playing the ace card. These rookies bring in a fresh vibe, eager to learn and dive into tasks that match their experience level.
And here's the golden nugget — they also get insider tips from the seasoned pros on the team. It's a sweet deal, creating a win-win scenario where growth gets a green light, and projects get the job done with flair.
The CV-related things to look for in a Junior front-end developer are:
Experience:
- Typically has 0-2 years of professional experience.
- May have completed relevant academic courses, bootcamps, and nurtured industry- or stack-specific interests.
Key Hard Skills:
- Proficient in fundamental front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Basic knowledge of popular web development frameworks and libraries.
- Familiarity with version control systems.
Key Soft Skills:
- Eagerness to learn and adapt in your niche.
- Strong communication skills.
- Collaborative mindset.
Responsibilities:
- Assisting in the implementation of website designs.
- Debugging and troubleshooting.
- Collaborating with senior developers to enhance skills.
This way of doing things not only spices up the work vibe but also gives these rising stars the chance to spread their wings and really bring something special to the workflow, making the whole thing click just right.
Middle Front-End Developer
Think of middle developers as the sweet spot — hitting that perfect balance between cost and quality. They bring a solid set of skills without breaking the bank, making them the go-to choice for projects looking for a reliable mix of expertise and affordability.
The skills to look for when assessing a Middle front-end developer:
Experience:
- Generally has 2-5 years of professional experience in your industry or stack.
- Demonstrates proficiency through completed live projects and may have references.
Key Hard Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of front-end technologies and frameworks, including industry- or project-specific.
- Experience in responsive and cross-browser design.
- Competent in code optimization and performance improvement.
Key Soft Skills:
- Effective independent time management.
- Ability to work solely on projects.
- Mentorship capabilities for junior team members.
Responsibilities:
- Leading smaller projects or specific modules.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Participating in code reviews and providing constructive feedback.
Buckle up because middle front-end developers aren't just your average coders — they thrive on independent projects and double as the mentors that the newbies rely on. Their knack for responsive design and skills in code optimization adds a whole new level.
Senior Front-End Developer
Now, if you're plunging into the complex universe of projects that demand seasoned leadership and a serious technical punch, the move is to lock in a dedicated front-end team with senior developers. These are packing over 5 years of battle-tested experience.
They roll in with a treasure trove of insights, finesse in project management, and the strategic smarts needed to dance through complex challenges.
A Senior front-end developer will have:
Experience:
- Typically have 5+ years of professional experience in your niche and stack.
- Demonstrates a strong portfolio of successful live projects and references.
Key Hard Skills:
- Expertise in complex front-end architectures and design patterns.
- Proficient in testing and debugging methodologies.
- In-depth knowledge of security and performance optimization.
Key Soft Skills:
- Leadership and project management skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent mentorship and coaching capabilities.
Responsibilities:
- Overseeing the entire front-end development process.
- Providing technical leadership and guidance.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to define project goals and strategies.
Their talent for guiding the team through challenges and always staying ahead makes them the magic touch for hitting the company's long-term development goals out of the park.
Developers Proficiency Comparison Cheat Sheet
And just to keep you in the loop, take a glance below at a nifty spreadsheet comparing the basic skills you should have your eyes on. It's your cheat sheet to hire front-end programmers.
Company Portfolio and Background
The presence of similar projects in the team's portfolio is a big green flag for you as it's among the crucial outsourcing vendor selection criteria. Do your homework and find everything possible about the company you're planning to partner with. These resources are gold mines of relevant information.
Company Website, Case Studies, and Blog Posts
Take a plunge into the dedicated team's website — it's your backstage pass to uncovering the ins and outs of their past endeavors through case studies. And while you're at it, stay in the loop with their industry insights via blog posts. It's your chance to have a front-row seat to their expertise and get the lowdown on how they tackle challenges.
Team's Social Media
Take a stroll through their LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram — think of it as peeking into the company's vibe, seeing how engaged they are, and catching a sneak peek at their ongoing projects. It's a real-time feed of what they're all about and how they like to communicate.
A quick tip: if you notice a lack of social presence, it might make you do a little head tilt. A confident, well-recognized company wouldn't pass up the chance to shout about its wins. So, keep an eye out for those social signals — they often tell a story of their own.
Online Reviews: Clutch, Glassdoor, Trustpilot
Get the inside scoop by checking out what clients and employees are dishing out on platforms like Clutch, Glassdoor, and Trustpilot. It's your backstage VIP entry to figure out if they really walk the talk and, most importantly, how satisfied people are with their work. It's real talk straight from the source.
Portfolio Websites: Behance and Dribbble
Swing by Behance and Dribbble for a visual feast of the company's design chops. These websites are the art gallery of their projects, letting you see the creative flair they bring and what complexity of designs their front-end crew is capable of implementing.
GitHub or GitLab
Get your tech goggles on and take a peek at their GitHub or GitLab profiles for a deep dive into the technical side of things. You might want to check out the code quality, standards, proficiency with a certain stack, and contributions.
Upwork or Freelancer Profiles
Even on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, you can find nuggets of info. Feel free to check out their freelancing history, client feedback, and how versatile they are in handling different project needs and if they actually accomplished any similar things.
The Vendor's Niche Expertise
This is the real deal, and it's worth diving deep into. As we mentioned before — different products have different dedicated teams. So, when you're making your pick, you want the folks who really know their stuff. No one wants to foot the bill for a learning curve, right?
Make sure you're snagging a team that's specialized in your core niche. To check if it's legit, hit them with the bare bones of it, super-niche questions about your industry, like how'd they ensure HIPAA compliance when you integrate with 20+ things at once. Remember, opting for HIPAA compliant video conferencing APIs like Iotum is crucial to safeguard sensitive medical information and maintain regulatory compliance. Or ask guys about the encryption requirements for the insuretech application and spectate the response.
The Outsourcing Company's Pricing Structure
Understand the hourly rates, nail down the payment terms by employing paychecks calculators, and be crystal clear on any additional expenses that might pop up. Getting a thorough roadmap for your project's finances is a move to steer clear of any unexpected budgetary surprises down the road.
And here's the kicker: the world's your oyster. You've got the freedom to hire front-end web developers from any corner of the globe (as long as you're not hung up on synchronized business hours). Keep in mind, though, that the team's location can play a pivotal role in the prices and hourly rates you'll be dealing with.
Now that we've covered the financial ground and other aspects, let's talk about hiring that development team. We will dish out some practical insider tips before stepping into the hiring ring.
How to Hire a Front-End Development Team
Let's unravel the essentials for a successful deal as you venture into how to hire dedicated front-end developers:
- Where to scout for companies offering dedicated front-end developers?
- What's the typical communication flow?
- What are the steps before sealing the deal with a handshake?
We'll walk through each detail, ensuring you're well-equipped for bringing aboard your development team.
Where to Hire a Dedicated Front-End Team
We'll try to give you as many hints as possible to raise your odds of finding the real deal. Where can you find an outsourcing partner to spare you a dedicated front-end team? Here are several options.
Online Platforms
A basic Google search can suggest various options, and LinkedIn and GoodFirms are your allies too. Plus, you can dive into freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, where many skilled front-end developers and agencies showcase what they can do. It's an online talent marketplace with front-end developers for hire at your fingertips.
There, you get the whole scoop on their capabilities, past projects, and even some straight-up truth from client reviews. And here's the real zinger – companies can't just sweep the not-so-great reviews under the rug, so you're looking at some pretty genuine opinions while choosing your hero.
Tech Communities and Forums
Explore the vibrant founder communities and tech forums, like the bustling squares of Indie Hackers, Stack Overflow, Reddit, or GitHub as you continue your search to hire front-end programmers. These digital hangouts are where developers and agencies often gather. Recognition in these places is like a badge of honor, earned through positive feedback and upvotes — a virtual thumbs-up that speaks volumes about a developer's chops.
Industry Events and Conferences
Attend industry-specific events and conferences. Whether in-person or virtual, these gatherings help discover reputable front-end development teams.
While it might sound a bit old-school, if you're on the hunt for a partner who's truly passionate about their work and deeply involved in the tech scene, they're likely to be actively participating in top-tier events and seeking out new partnerships.
Referrals and Recommendations
Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask colleagues, industry peers, or even your professional network for recommendations. Sometimes the best ones come from the least expected corners. You definitely want to cast a thorough glance at the most trusted sources to ensure you don't miss out on a hidden gem.
After all, you never know where that bold recommendation might be waiting for you or a piece of advice on how to hire a front-end developer or an entire team.
Communication Flow and Steps to Hire a Dedicated Front-End Team
Once you shortlisted the potential partners, it is time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Most hiring of a dedicated team occasions share the same typical structure from deal to deal, regardless of whether you're taking on only the front-end developers or the whole web development team.
1. Initial Contact
It all kicks off with that first hello. Whether it's an email, a direct message, or a good old-fashioned phone call, that initial contact sets the tone for what follows.
Go and dip a toe in it. You'll get a feel for their responsiveness, communication style, how genuinely interested they are in your project, and if they really care about your niche.
2. Technical Interviews
This step is an optional power move. If you've hired a CTO and your team's got some serious expertise in the subject, consider running technical interviews. It's your chance to put the team through the wringer, testing their problem-solving skills, coding prowess, and how deep their understanding of the relevant technologies. Give them a pop quiz to ensure they're not just lip service, but real commitment.
3. Project Discussion
When the ice is officially broken, let's get to the heart of the matter. It's time for in-depth discussions about your project, goals, and expectations. The golden rule here is hearing and being heard. Let the company spill the beans on their approach to similar projects, get a clear picture of their workflow, and iron out any wrinkles of confusion. A good team won't leave you hanging with the unanswered question, they'll lay down the plan for you.
After that, it's your turn to shine. Lay out your expectations for project durations, the type of communication that floats your boat, and any other preferences you might have. The goal? Make sure you're both on the same page. This phase assumes sketching the preliminary outline of your collaboration and ensuring they not only grasp your vision but can articulate exactly how they plan to breathe life into it.
4. Clarifying Doubts
Encourage and address any doubts or queries you might have. The more relevant and deep the questions will be, the more confidence you'll feel that it's the real deal. Do it, repeat it with other companies, and compare.
Tip: Keep track of the communication with different companies and lay down all of the details you feel relevant to mention.
5. References and Testimonials
Go the extra mile by reaching out to their previous clients for an insider sneak peek. Ask for references and testimonials. If you're feeling bold, set up a quick call with their previous clients. Insights from these past collaborations offer firsthand perspectives on the company's expertise and reliability.
6. Collaboration on a Small Task
Consider a small collaboration or a trial project. This allows you to assess how the team works in a real-world scenario and whether their skills and industry knowledge align with your expectations.
Feel free to pick something sophisticated and niche-specific to get the most out of this trial. Since dedicated teams usually work with hourly rates, your test investments will bring the valuable immersive experience of interacting with a dedicated team and let you personally assess if it looks comfier than working with an in-house team.
Still with us? Now that we know how to hire a front-end developer or a dedicated front-end team, keep tight as we come to one of the most important topics of this article — prices and rates.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Dedicated Front-End Developers?
Let's demystify the numbers now. Obviously, the level of proficiency plays a role in the hourly rate of the front-end developer or the monthly flat fee of the team. Yet another point to consider is the location of the dedicated team. We won't be breaking any new ground here, but the location of the team is one of the fundamental pricing factors of various outsourcing models.
Depending on the number of specialists in the team, their proficiency, and location, the average monthly flat fee of the dedicated front-end development team will vary.
When it comes to pricing, things can get even steeper, especially if we're talking about something super specific. For instance, getting a custom Know Your Customer (KYC) feature set up for a banking application is likely to hit your wallet much harder than adding a new feature to an email automation Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
It's all about the level of intricacy and specialization, and you can bet that really specific stuff often comes with a heftier price tag.
How Upsilon Can Help with Front-End Development
At Upsilon, we're blending the cool factor of building our own B2B SaaS products with the savvy of being your dedicated tech partner. We know exactly how and why business mindset matters in development.
We're a remote-by-design squad of 50+ people scattered across 8 countries on 3 continents. No time difference is a challenge in this setting. We're ready to jazz up your project with a front-end team that's as global as it gets.
For our startup pals, we turn killer ideas into fully functional MVPs in just 3 months. Whether it's slick SaaS apps or customer tracking software, we know exactly how the front end differs in each scenario for each buyer persona when providing MVP development services for startups.
Fast-growing business? We've got your back. In as little as 1-2 weeks, we'll plug in A-class professionals with our tailored team augmentation services for growth-stage businesses (think business analysts, developers, UX/UI people, and more — right into your in-house team).
Our guiding principles:
- Commitment to startup vital metrics;
- Tech mastery without compromises;
- Keeping it clear and transparent;
- 'Fast beats perfect' is the motto;
- Bold ideas, no fear;
- Not just coders, we're visionaries.
At Upsilon, these principles aren't just words on paper; they're the vibe that shapes everything we do, including front-end development. So, feel free to browse our case studies and reach out to us to discuss your needs!
Concluding Thoughts on How to Hire Front-End Developers
So, we've covered a bunch on how to hire a front-end developer partner — from decoding front-end teams to understanding who's who in the developer world. We talked about where to find your dream team, how to talk to them, and even peeked at the price tag.
As you come into hiring, remember, that you will craft a team that vibes with your vision. With this knowledge and the right allies, you're all set to conquer the front-end hiring journey. Happy hiring and make sure to include Upsilon on the list of dedicated front-end team candidates and check out our dedicated team pricing at any time.
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