Whether you need a visual identity, rebranding, a website or content for social media, you have probably wondered if you should opt for an agency or a freelancer. There is no “it’s best this way”, both can work equally well, it depends on which option best suits the needs of your business.

First of all, you should have answered the following questions:

1. What are the needs of the business and what is the ultimate goal?

2. What is the budget?

3. What is the deadline?

Who, what?

The Freelancer

Self-employed person, specialized in a field.

Photo source: GIPHY

Agency

A team of several people specialized in a field led by a manager.

Photo source: GIPHY

Both collaborations with a freelancer and an agency come with a number of pros and cons. By relating them to your needs, you can make an informed decision quite simply.

Arguments pro freelancer

Costs

In most cases, a freelancer charges less than an agency.

Flexibility

Working hours are not necessarily restricted by a 9-5 schedule, freelancers can move them so that they coincide with other needs.

Dedication

If they don’t pursue burnout, freelancers will avoid working on 10 projects at the same time, devoting more attention to your project.

Arguments against freelancers

Addiction

Being one person, if the freelancer gets sick or has personal emergencies, your project will be postponed.

Trust

Not all freelancers have an established reputation, so it’s a good idea to check out their portfolio or talk to other people who have worked with them. Given that you wonder if the freelancer will deliver what you need, he will in turn wonder if he will be paid on time. Thus, the effective functioning of a collaboration depends on mutual trust.

Specialization

Usually, a freelancer will specialize in one or two areas. If he is good at everything: branding, web design, content and implementation, on top of all at a low price, the quality will most likely not be at the level of expectations.

Myths about freelancers

“You can contact him at any time, he works at night and on Sundays.” – Being more flexible, you can ask for discussions or deadlines at certain times, but these require you to set clear limits beforehand.

“Charge less because they don’t deliver such good quality.” – Charge less because they are a solo player, a freelancer can even have 10 years of experience. (mindblowing fact: there are freelancers working at an agency at the same time, wow)

Pro-agency arguments

The whole package

The agency can help you with a project from start to finish, each team member being specialized, but also having an overall perspective.

Troubleshooting

If a problem arises, an entire team can participate in solving it, with each member bringing their own unique point of view.

Extra effort

As a rule, an agency will point out various gaps/problems that exist at the level of the entire brand. For example, in the case of a rebranding, if the brand name is inappropriate, this will be flagged and can be changed by a specialized team member.

Safety

The control of the team, the observance of the times and conditions will be done by a project manager, who is responsible for the entire project.

Work process

A project carried out end-to-end by a consolidated team (as opposed to working for a website with a freelancer on design, one on content, one on implementation) will have continuity and will save you from assuming a project manager role yourself in relation to a team of freelancers (who do not know each other and do not know their way of working, auch.)

Arguments against the agency

Cost

The biggest obstacle for businesses that have a small budget available. Agencies charge more because they have more employees and more costs.

Parallel projects

Most likely, an agency is working on several projects in parallel, which can mean that the completion time is longer.

Myths about the agency

“If you don’t talk directly to the designer, it means that he doesn’t know what you need.” – All team members work based on the information received from the project manager and the initial brief. If meetings with the designer/content writer are needed, they are possible and even encouraged.

“If the agency takes care of it, your job is done.” – You are still in charge of your brand’s vision, mission and values, the team will take care of shaping them more clearly and communicating them effectively online.

Working with an already formed agency team may be what you need, or maybe a solo freelancer is better suited for you. Now you can make an informed decision based on the needs of your business.

Do you think you need a digital marketing agency? We invite you to a coffee.

Still not sure what you need? We also invite you to a coffee to help you make the right decision.