What to Outsource First: A Startup’s 2025 Guide

What to outsource first - A startup outsourcing guide.

It’s July—Time for a Smart Reset

We’re halfway through 2025. If you’re a startup founder, this is your moment to pause, reflect, and refocus. Are you spending your time where it matters most? Or are routine tasks pulling you away from growth opportunities?

At this stage of the year, one of the smartest moves you can make is outsourcing, but not just anything. You need to know what to outsource first to free up time, optimize costs, and scale efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll help you figure out where to start, what to delegate, and how to stay lean while building strong.

Why Startups Need to Outsource in 2025

Startups today are expected to do more with less. Limited funding, lean teams, and pressure to move fast all demand smart resource management.

By outsourcing the right tasks at the right time, startups can:

  • Cut overhead costs
  • Access top-tier global talent
  • Boost operational efficiency
  • Focus on core business activities

But not all tasks deliver equal returns when outsourced. Let’s explore what brings the most impact.

What to Outsource First (And Why)

Here are the most impactful tasks to outsource during your early-stage startup phase:

1. Customer Service

  • Why: As you gain more users, customer questions and support needs pile up. Quick, helpful responses build trust.
  • Outsource to: Trained agents who can handle chat, email, or phone support—24/7 if needed.
  • Pro Tip: Our Customer Service Outsourcing team is designed for fast-moving startups.

2. Bookkeeping and Accounting

  • Why: Clean financials help you stay investor-ready, tax-compliant, and confident in your cash flow.
  • Outsource to: Bookkeepers who understand startup financial structures and can handle monthly closings and reporting.
  • Explore: ATS Accounting Services.

3. Data Entry and Admin Tasks

  • Why: These are time-consuming but necessary. Let your core team focus on high-level tasks.
  • Outsource to: Remote admin assistants for CRM updates, email organization, and basic reporting.
  • Check out: Data Entry Outsourcing from ATS.

4. Marketing Support

Why: Without consistent visibility, even great products get ignored.

Outsource:

  • Social media management
  • Blog content
  • Email campaigns

Build your brand while focusing on product and sales.

5. IT Support

  • Why: Tech hiccups slow down progress. IT support ensures uptime and helps you scale securely.
  • Outsource to: IT providers familiar with startup tools, software, and cloud services.
TipTip
Curious about the common pitfalls startups face when outsourcing? Read our guide on outsourcing challenges for startups to avoid costly mistakes.

Mid-Year Startup Outsourcing Trends in 2025

Some fresh stats to consider:

  • 70%+ of startups outsource at least one business function by their first year.
  • Customer support and finance are the most commonly outsourced functions.
  • Startups that outsource early grow up to 30% faster than those that try to do everything in-house.

Source: Deloitte Insights

Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner

Look for:

  • Startup-friendly pricing (no locked-in long-term contracts)
  • Industry experience (especially if you’re in SaaS, eCommerce, or healthcare)
  • Clear communication and performance tracking
  • Flexible scaling as your business grows
TipTip
ATS offers all of this—plus a dedicated team that understands the startup hustle.

Let’s Recap

Your 2025 outsourcing checklist:

PriorityWhy It MattersOutsourcing Benefit
Customer ServiceFirst impressions count24/7 support, happy customers
BookkeepingKeeps your finances cleanFewer errors, investor-ready books
Data EntryDrains your timeMore focus on core tasks
MarketingYou need visibilityGrow your audience fast
IT SupportTech issues = lost revenueStay online, stay stable

Final Thoughts

The second half of the year is your window to build smarter, scale faster, and lead stronger.

Outsourcing is not about doing less—it’s about doing what matters more.

At ATS, we help early-stage founders like you streamline operations and unlock real growth. Whether you’re prepping for Q3 launches or mapping out your 2026 roadmap, we’ve got your back.

Let’s talk about what your startup can outsource today!

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Joniel Roy
I am an experienced SEO expert, Web Hosting Specialist, Full Stack Web Developer, and Content Writer with a strong background in digital marketing. My expertise spans from optimizing websites for search engines to developing robust web solutions and crafting engaging content. With a deep understanding of the latest industry trends and best practices, I help businesses enhance their online presence and achieve their digital goals.
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