So, your company is thinking, "How do we get to where we want to be?" Whether you're in marketing, IT, or operations, you've been handed the task of getting a new, secure website up and running with a content management system. You've done some basic research, and a Drupal multisite setup looks like it could be the perfect fit. As you dive deeper, there are so many options, from digital, SEO and marketing agencies to large firms and freelancers. What's the best approach?
What is Drupal Multisite?
If you maintain many websites, you know it can be frustrating.
Keeping up with maintenance, security and compliance tasks takes time and budget away from more valuable marketing activities. Adding microsites compounds the problem, and asking your developers for improvements is expensive, takes forever, and is often not shared between all your sites.
Drupal Multisite solves all these issues and more through a robust website management platform that lets you take charge of your existing websites, easily roll out new ones for less, and truly become the boss of your brands.
What are my options when juggling multiple websites?
Here's an analogy to consider. Your company knows it needs to make changes and stand out from the crowd, but you can't just dive in headfirst. We've seen companies do this time again and have helped them pick up the pieces. Think of it like building a museum. Sure, it might seem simple to create a nice-looking, functional building for the public. Easy, right? Not quite. You need to consider planning laws, access requirements, fire regulations – the list goes on. You'd consult with an architect and engage with the wider community. What's legally required? What are the best practices? Does it serve all stakeholders? The same level of thought and planning should go into setting up a Drupal Multisite.
Each option – whether it's a large agency or a solo freelancer – comes with its own set of pros and cons. The goal is to find the right fit for your company. From our experience, it's crucial not to jump in blindly. Take the time to plan thoroughly. It's about understanding what the business needs, not just what you think it needs.
Let’s explore some of the options available and the pros and cons for using each.
What are the pros and cons of using an internal team vs. outsourcing your digital transformation?
Using an internal team for digital transformation can be beneficial when it comes to direct communication and immediate access to stakeholders in the project. It also means that internally everyone should have a good understanding of your company culture and goals, meaning that everyone is singing from the same song sheet. However, it does come with hiring challenges, such as higher costs and sometimes limited expertise.
They can provide more personalised attention and fresh perspectives based on their varied experience, plus access to a wide range of expertise and project scalability. However, smaller agencies might struggle with larger projects, and outsourcing can lead to communication barriers, reduced control, and dependency on external parties.
What are the pros and cons of using an outsourced company compared to a freelancer?
An outsourced company generally offers a comprehensive service, covering everything from design and development to marketing and analytics. With a larger client base, it's often easier to vet their track record for credibility and quality. Plus, with multiple team members working on different aspects of your project, things can move faster and more thoroughly. However, this comes at a higher cost since you're paying for a team’s services. You might also get less personalised attention, as companies often have multiple clients. Larger agencies can also have more rigid processes and less flexibility compared to freelancers.
Freelancers, on the other hand, are usually cheaper, with lower overheads. They often provide more personalised attention and are more flexible with their schedules. Many freelancers are highly specialised in their fields, offering deep expertise. But a single freelancer can only handle so much work at a time, which might be limiting for larger projects. There’s also less stability, as freelancers might juggle clients, leading to potential delays or availability issues. And the quality of work can vary significantly, so finding a reliable freelancer can be a bit tricky. Also, implementing a full multisite strategy is likely beyond the scope of what a freelancer can provide.
Should we use a marketing agency or digital agency when developing a Drupal multisite?
Marketing agencies are fantastic at creating and executing comprehensive marketing strategies. Their expertise is in developing a strong brand identity and offer a wide range of services, from traditional marketing to social media and web development. However, working with a full-service marketing agency may provide a more general approach to web development but without the specialist Drupal skills required to create you a first-class content management system and integrations with your other business systems.
Digital agencies, on the other hand, have an in-depth understanding of the latest technologies and trends. With advanced technical know-how, they can provide innovative solutions that give you a competitive edge. They also excel at integrating with your company's software and using them to their full potential. However, while they’re tech-savvy, they might focus more on the technical side of things rather than your overall brand strategy. Finding an agency that offers consultancy services is key to ensuring your digital transformation not only integrates with your software but also aligns with your company's vision and master plan.
Critical success factors for your digital transformation
When embarking on a digital transformation, it's crucial to have someone who ensures that all needs from different operational areas are met. This person should proactively communicate with all stakeholders and uncover what the business truly requires. It's not just about implementing a marketing tool; it needs to have leadership support throughout the process. Think of it as hiring an architect rather than buying a ready-made plan. You need to evaluate your company's specific needs and find an option that offers a well-rounded solution. Choose someone who can develop a comprehensive plan and understand the processes needed to support it.
Pivale’s formula for successful digital transformation
At Pivale, we bring focus to your project. We empower your business, putting you in the driving seat for digital transformation. With our Pivot and Scale Workshops, you can turn your needs into reality. Don't leave your digital transformation to chance. Apply the Pivale formula for success!
Let us join your transformation journey, working collaboratively to take the reins and make it seamless for you. Does it all feel a bit overwhelming and like a task to put off for another day? We can help.
- Get the ball rolling and get in touch.
- Pick our brains with any questions and concerns, and we'll help organise your ideas.
- If you're not sure where to start, leave it to the dream team at Pivale.
It might sound cheesy, but our experience and dedication to successful digital transformation is all the evidence you need.
