Scrum, one of the most popular frameworks for agile project management, is often associated with product and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. Its emphasis on iterative development, continuous feedback, and cross-functional collaboration makes it a natural fit for SaaS products that evolve over time. But is Scrum relevant for web development agencies, particularly those working on smaller or fixed-scope projects? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no – it depends on how it’s applied and the nature of the projects.

Why Scrum Is Often Tied to SaaS and Product Teams

Scrum thrives in environments where projects are complex, requirements are likely to evolve, and teams need to deliver incrementally. SaaS development is a textbook example:

• Iterative Releases: SaaS products are continuously updated with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
• Customer-Centric Development: Regular user feedback informs the product roadmap.
• Long-Term Teams: Teams often work together for years, refining the same product over time.

These factors align perfectly with Scrum’s iterative sprints, backlog prioritization, and focus on delivering value incrementally.

The Challenges for Web Development Agencies

Web development agencies often face different constraints:

1. Shorter Timelines: Many agency projects have a fixed timeline, such as a three-month window to build and launch a website.
2. Fixed Scope: Clients often provide detailed specifications upfront, leaving little room for iteration or evolving requirements.
3. Diverse Projects: Unlike SaaS teams, agency teams may juggle multiple unrelated projects simultaneously, each with unique goals and challenges.

These factors can make Scrum feel unnecessary or cumbersome. However, with the right adjustments, web development agencies can still benefit from its principles.

Adapting Scrum for Web Development Agencies

Scrum doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Agencies can borrow elements of Scrum to suit their needs without implementing the entire framework. Here’s how:

Use Sprints for Timeboxing

Even if a project has a fixed scope, dividing the work into time-boxed sprints can help teams focus on smaller, manageable chunks. For example, a two-week sprint could focus on building the homepage, while the next sprint tackles the CMS integration.

Prioritize Backlogs Collaboratively

Scrum emphasizes a prioritized backlog managed by a product owner. Agencies can adapt this by working closely with clients to prioritize deliverables. This ensures that the most important features or pages are completed first, even if timelines shift.

Incorporate Reviews and Retrospectives

Scrum’s sprint reviews and retrospectives can be valuable for agencies. Regularly reviewing work with clients ensures alignment, while retrospectives help teams identify process improvements for future projects.

Be Flexible with Roles

Agencies often lack the dedicated roles found in Scrum teams, like product owners or Scrum masters. Instead, project managers can take on a hybrid role, ensuring communication flows smoothly between the team and the client.

When Scrum Might Not Be a Good Fit

Despite its flexibility, Scrum isn’t always the best choice for web development agencies. For example:

• Tightly Scoped Projects: If the project is small, with clearly defined deliverables, a traditional waterfall approach might be more efficient.
• One-Off Projects: Scrum works best when teams can iterate on a product. For one-off projects, the iterative aspect may add unnecessary overhead.
• Resource Constraints: Scrum assumes a cross-functional team working full-time on a single project, which may not align with an agency’s resource model.

Is Rockety a good fit for web development agencies?

Rockety is designed to be flexible and cater to the unique needs of web development agencies, whether or not they follow Scrum. If sprints don’t align with your workflow, they can be turned off for specific projects or even renamed to something more fitting, like “Months” or “Phases.” This adaptability ensures that Rockety supports your team’s preferred project management style, whether it’s agile, waterfall, or a custom hybrid.

The Bottom Line

Scrum isn’t exclusive to SaaS companies. With thoughtful adaptation, its principles can benefit web development agencies, even if they’re working on smaller or fixed-scope projects. The key is to use what works—timeboxing, prioritization, reviews—and leave behind what doesn’t. By blending agile practices with traditional approaches, agencies can create a workflow that suits their unique needs and delivers exceptional results for their clients.