Most businesses that operate within the online realm will need a web developer at one time or another. In some instances, however, the specialist skillset of a Laravel web developer will be required.
Laravel can be used to create a live website, a progressive web app, and various tools used online – including databases, caches, and forums. Laravel is highly popular with web developers, not least because it is built with PHP.
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A Laravel web developer boasts specialist knowledge and skills related to working within the Laravel framework.
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Offshore Laravel web development is becoming increasingly popular, either through a specialist agency or by hiring a freelancer. The most significant advantage of outsourcing Laravel web development offshore is potentially saving money.
The best Laravel web development companies will have the relevant experience, the right skillset, a strong track record, great communication skills and competitive pricing, among other qualities.
The process will be much easier if you already have a web design team in-house. Your existing team can interview your choice of Laravel web developer and hatch a plan between them.
Above all, a Laravel web development agency will build and maintain a fully functional and interactive website or app that delights your audience and ensures that you remain at the forefront of consumer thinking.
If you’re ready to bring a Laravel web developer into your business, follow this seven-step process to ensure you find the optimum employee or agency for your needs.
Expect to pay between $18 – $100 (£13 – £75) per hour. Of course, the level of experience and the complexity of the product at hand will also influence an asking price.
What is a Laravel web developer?
As you have probably worked out for yourself, a Laravel web developer boasts specialist knowledge and skills related to working within the Laravel framework. Typically, the developer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Writing web code that meets the needs of a website or web app
- Ensuring compatibility of technologies through platforms, including CSS, JavaScript and HTML
- Designing databases (including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MS SQL) and keeping entries up to date
- Testing the user interface of a website or app, ensuring that no level of functionality is compromised for consumers
- Overseeing web development projects, often acting as a lead developer – or, at worst, a trusted collaborator
Most Laravel web developers are educated to university degree level in a field related to IT and will boast several years of direct experience of working within this framework. Laravel was first released in 2011, so your developer should have enjoyed plenty of opportunities to gain practice.
A Laravel developer is usually brought into a business on a contractual basis rather than employed permanently. To find the optimum assistance, you’ll need to bring in support from an individual freelancer or an agency.
Freelance Laravel developer vs Laravel development agency – pros and cons
If you’re lucky enough to have a skilled Laravel web developer on your company payroll, hold onto this employee as long as you can. This is not a standard skill set. You’ll likely need to bring in external support at some stage.
The first choice you’ll need to make in such an instance is whether to utilise a freelancer or an agency. There are pros and cons to both approaches, which this table will summarise.
| Pros of hiring a freelance Laravel web developer | Cons of hiring a freelance Laravel web developer | Pros of hiring a Laravel web development agency | Cons of hiring a Laravel web development agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usually cheaper than an agency | Potentially limited in scope and experience | Multiple perspectives from a comprehensive team | Experience and knowledge cost money! |
| Will typically perform any task set | May not have all relevant software due to expense | Will boast the latest and greatest technology | Will have other clients, so you’ll need an NDA |
| Can work from any location, all over the world | Reliant on one person’s availability and health | Always have team members on hand to assist |
We recommend bringing in an agency for your security – and that is not just because Creative.onl lists Laravel web development among our business offerings! All the same, it seems pertinent to point out that we’d be delighted to offer a free quote for any needs you may have. Just get in touch to learn more.
What about offshore Laravel development?
Offshore Laravel web development is becoming increasingly popular, either through a specialist agency or by hiring a freelancer. There are numerous international territories with an increasing number of Laravel web development experts. Popular territories include:
- Asia, most notably India and the Philippines
- Eastern Europe, with Ukraine and Slovenia particularly popular
- Western Europe, though nations like Germany and Switzerland tend to charge much more than their Eastern counterparts
- The USA and Latin America – the latter is a very slow adopter of modern technology, but you may find a bargain by locating a skilled developer in this part of the world
As discussed, the most significant advantage of outsourcing Laravel web development offshore is potentially saving money. There are also drawbacks to take into consideration. These include:
- Anticipated cost savings can be wiped out by fluctuating currency exchange rates or unforeseen overseas events – keep an eye on these factors
- Time differences, cultural variances and language barriers can be a little problematic and lead to misunderstandings
- Different laws govern every nation, so compliance is sometimes an issue
- Software licenses are not always global – if you want particular elements including in your website or app, ensure an offshore developer has access to everything they’ll need
Perhaps the biggest flaw is that you will not be able to oversee the project as it unfolds. All you can do is sit back and wait for files to be shared online, exchanging the occasional phone call to keep on top of developments. This will be hell on earth for a project leader that likes to retain strict control, so ensure you’re prepared for such a dynamic.
Best Laravel web development companies – what features should they have?
Having explained that a Laravel web development agency is likeliest to meet your needs, we should also elaborate upon what you should seek from such an establishment. The key features that any reputable web development agency will boast include:
- An eye-catching portfolio and engaging website. Why would you trust a website development agency that cannot create a website that captures your attention?
- Evidence of a track record of working within your business niche, and an understanding of your customer base
- A compelling argument for why Laravel is still relevant as a framework in 2022. Technology moves quickly, and Laravel has been around for some time now – why is it still superior to younger rivals?
- Skill and experience in every coding language possible – Laravel is a melting pot of different languages, all of which require mastery
- Ability to manage a project. You’ll be looking for your Laravel web developer to take a significant role in creating a website, not just blindly follow orders
- Great communication skills. You’ll need to check in with your agency regularly, and you’ll expect the same from them
- Cost-effective solutions. Laravel web development does not always come cheap – specialism comes at a cost, after all – but a high-quality agency will not let the costs run away from them
Perhaps the more vital quality of all, though, is chemistry with your existing staff team. Only bring in the services of a Laravel web development agency that you feel confident that you can work with for some time. Make the right selection, and this will become a working bond that lasts a lifetime.
Laravel web design – should you hire a separate designer?
Laravel describes itself as “the PHP framework for web artisans“, but that does not mean that it’s built with design in mind. Web development and web design are different disciplines. This means that you’ll need a professional in each of these fields – and they’ll need to work closely together.
This process will be much easier if you already have a web design team in-house. Your existing team can interview your choice of Laravel web developer and hatch a plan between them. If you have two separate freelancers, though, there is always the risk that you’re trying to combine oil and water in terms of their working or communication styles. That can be a disaster.
This is another reason why hiring an agency is advisable. A full-service agency will provide you with the assistance you need in all roles. If you have no in-house support, this may even end up cheaper than using two different freelancers. Even if it doesn’t, the additional expense will be worthwhile when it results in a successful, high-quality website or app.
Laravel web development services – what is typically on offer?
A Laravel web development agency or freelancer worthy of your attention will offer the following services.
- Optimisation of any code used to develop a website or app
- Constantly reviewing the performance of these websites and apps, patching and repairing as necessary
- Creating links and working relationships between Laravel and other third-party apps related to your business
- Keeping an eye on the security related to your website or app
Above all, a Laravel web development agency will build and maintain a fully functional and interactive website or app that delights your audience and ensures that you remain at the forefront of consumer thinking.
How to hire a Laravel web developer
If you’re ready to bring a Laravel web developer into your business, follow this seven-step process to ensure you find the optimum employee or agency for your needs.
How to hire a Laravel web developer
- Assess whether you need a Laravel web developer
Your first step is deciding whether a Laravel web designer is a necessity for your business. Would you be better off using a different framework, such as Django? Needs vary according to business, so there is not necessarily a black-and-white answer to this query. If you need advice, contact Creative.onl to discuss your needs in a little more detail.
- Build a strategy and plan for your website
Once you have confirmed that you need to bring a Laravel web developer into your business, make it clear why this is the case. Gather your team and strategise, determining what you will be looking for from your online endeavour.
- Decide what kind of developer your business needs
As we discussed previously, you’ll need to decide if you need a freelancer or an agency to aid with your Laravel development. If your primary concerns are financial, a freelancer is the way to go. If your budget can stretch to an agency, though, you’ll enjoy a greater array of viewpoints, perspectives and team members that are keen to help.
- Investigate potential Laravel developers
Take to the internet to find potential Laravel web developers, freelance or agency-linked alike. If it is a business that you’re seeking, a Google search will produce local or national options.
If you’d prefer a freelancer, you may have some joy with generic sites like Fiverr or People Per Hour. Quality control is not a primary concern for these portals, though, so seriously consider paying a little more and hiring from a site like Toptal or Turing. - Interview developers
Reading profiles and browsing portfolios is essential, but chemistry cannot be determined without a meeting – or at the very least, a real-time conversation over video conference. Your Laravel web developer will be working with your team closely, so bring anybody interesting into your office and ensure you can be sure all parties will collaborate harmoniously.
- Set targets for your Laravel web developer
If you hire a third party to help with Laravel web development, you’ll be doing so for a reason. What are you looking to achieve from the process? Write these targets down and share them with your Laravel web developer. Ensure that your developer is aware of these intentions and that their performance will influence your long-term working relationship.
- Review performance of your Laravel web developer
As discussed in step 6, you’ll need to review the performance of your web developer periodically and ensure that your expectations are being met. If this is not the case, investigate why – were your targets unreasonable or unrealistic? If this is not the case, consider parting company with your web developer and returning to step 4 again.
Laravel web developer costs – how much should you be paying?
The expenses related to Laravel web development will play into your thinking when arranging third-party support – and your business needs. As we discussed earlier, the location of your Laravel developer will likely influence the asking price of their services.
Of course, the level of experience and the complexity of the product at hand will also influence an asking price. This table provides a rough idea of what you should expect to pay for freelance Laravel web development services. Agency fees will typically be a little higher.
| Location | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Asia | Between £13 ($18) and £30 ($40) hourly |
| Europe | Between £15 ($20) and £75 ($100) hourly |
| Latin America | Between £15 ($20) and £40 ($50) hourly |
| USA | Between £30 ($40) and £75 ($100) hourly |
Of course, Creative.onl would be delighted to offer your business a no-obligation quote for our Laravel web development services. You’re always welcome to get in touch if you’d like to discuss this further.