Hiring a Web Design Agency versus a Freelancer

A common conundrum is whether you should hire a web design agency or a freelance designer – find out the pros and cons.

There are no hard and fast rules about whether a web design agency is better than hiring a freelancer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages – it may come down to the individual project and how you prefer to work. Some companies want the security of working with a larger team of people whereas others prefer the intimacy and direct contact of working with a freelancer – find out more about the positives and negatives of each.

High-profile client list

One benefit of going with a bigger web design firm is that they may have a very large, diverse portfolio, allowing you good insight into the quality of design they have produced for other similar clients. You can also see at a glance what industries they specialise in whether it is the tourism and hospitality trade, ecommerce or beauty websites and whether they can produce distinct designs that are a combination of form and functionality.

Broader skill sets

An agency can draw on a pool of talent with a broader skill set to find unique design solutions while a freelancer is just drawing on their own experience. However, a consultancy may be restricted or stifled by bureaucracy but at the same time a freelancer may be ego-driven and not listen to the needs of their client. By meeting with them and speaking to their clients, you can get a better idea of their design ethos and work practice.

Additional services

A full-service design agency may also have team members such as SEO experts, SEO copywriters, link building analysts, social media consultants and branding experts. Whilst it’s plausible a freelancer could be an expert in one or more niches, it’s unlikely they have the specialist knowledge and expertise an agency can deliver. However, a freelancer may have a trusted network of other contractors they call upon – ask them.

Affordability

A web design team may also be a part of a bigger agency and be able to offer you competitively-priced package deals for services such as search engine optimisation, link building packages and social media marketing. A freelancer may be able to offer a more competitive rate based on lower overheads – although it is a deciding factor, your ultimate choice should not be based on budget alone.

Project management

Agencies often assign account managers who are your sole contact and you may not be able to speak to designers directly. The positive is that the account manager may speak to you in a language you understand minus the jargon but if they do not have a technical background, some of your ideas may get lost in ‘Chinese Whispers’. With a freelancer, you will be able to speak to them directly but it may be harder to get a hold of them.

Capacity to handle larger projects

Another area where an agency may win out is the capacity to handle larger projects and meet deadlines simply due to the fact that they have more resources. A freelancer may be able to outsource excess projects but the design quality may suffer in the process due to lack of control. The client also isn’t reliant on the health of one person for the successful completion of the design project and freelancers may take on more than they can handle.

Whether you choose to work with an agency or a freelancer is ultimately up to you and your personal preferences. At Web Design Works, we are a full-service agency that can offer an experienced and professional team of web designers as well as SEO experts, SEO copywriters, link building specialists and social media gurus. Contact us to find out more about our web design packages and services.

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