Posted by: Ainsley McWilliams
19 May 2023
If you are considering Umbraco for your website or already use Umbraco and need support, maintenance and hosting working with an Umbraco Partner is beneficial. Here are some reasons why:
Expertise and experience
An Umbraco Partner has a team of experts with extensive knowledge of the platform. They work with various clients and can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience.
Partners pay an annual fee for Umbraco credits, which are then exchanged for services such as training. The partnership provides official verification of their skills and expertise and is an indicator of the good relationship they have with the software.
Faster development
Working with an Umbraco Partner can speed up development. Umbraco teams really understand the platform and can identify solutions to problems that arise.
Access to the latest features and updates
Umbraco Partners have access to the latest features and updates from Umbraco HQ. This means they can help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your website is always up-to-date. Partners get early experience with new Umbraco products and releases, allowing our engineers to build you the correct solution.
Ongoing support and maintenance
An Umbraco Partner can provide website support and maintenance to ensure stability and security, saving time and money. No need to maintain the site yourself. HQ support and efficient handling of code issues in the Umbraco core, enabling a partner to find solutions faster.
Partnership and collaboration
Working with an Umbraco Partner is a true partnership. They understand your business and goals and develop a website that meets your needs. This collaboration leads to a better end result and positive working relationship.
Umbraco Partners commit to the continuous education of their developers through mandatory training courses.
Risks of Working with a Freelance Umbraco Developer or an Agency that employs contractors
Yes, it’s true that developers can self-certify and there are many freelancers and contractors. Collaborating with a freelance Umbraco developer can be a cost-effective option, but it's essential to be aware of the potential risks.
Lack of accountability
There is no guarantee that a freelance developer or contractor will complete the project or deliver the expected results.
Lack of experience or expertise
It is unlikely that a freelance developer or an individual contractor will have the same level of knowledge and experience as a highly trained Umbraco team.
Multiple projects
A freelancer or contractor may be managing multiple projects without the support of project managers, UX specialists, a team of developers, quality assurance, and infrastructure engineers. As a result, their attention may be divided, which could affect the quality of their work.
Security
Access to sensitive information and code may be a concern when working with a freelance developer or an agency that hires contractors
Shared knowledge
Working with freelancers or contractors means that when they complete work on your project the knowledge of the project often leaves with them.
Minimising risk
To minimise these risks, it is crucial to thoroughly vet potential freelance developers and agency contractors, establish clear communication channels, and protect your intellectual property through contracts and non-disclosure agreements.
By choosing a partner, you can work with a team of developers who are highly skilled in Umbraco and committed to delivering the best solutions for your project. Good partner agencies will ensure that the knowledge of your solution is shared across your team, avoiding silos and knowledge gaps.
Thoroughly vet potential freelance developers and agency contractors, establish clear communication channels, and protect your intellectual property through contracts and non-disclosure agreements.
Why is GrowCreate an Umbraco Gold Partner?
Good question. We have been an Umbraco agency since 2012 and became a Umbraco Gold Partner in 2014. Over that time we have invested heavily in our Umbraco capabilities and the group is keen to continue to do so.
The new Umbraco partnership offering enables us to exchange credits for training which can only be a good thing. It means that we get to double down as Umbraco-certified developers and up skill our team through Continuous Professional Development.
Umbraco training
Extending the Umbraco back office
Do you have a question about Umbraco Partners?
GrowCreate is the UK’s first Umbraco Gold Partner and is here to support digital teams with Umbraco development, support and maintenance. Contact Ainsley McWilliams and ask anything.