What a dilemma. At first glance, a freelancer could seem less expensive; on the other hand, an agency could provide more quality, options, and added value.  The reality is that both options can deliver the end result, but what determines which route you should take depends on your project needs. So, who should you hire? Let’s define and take a look at what the two typically have to offer.

Freelancer: The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a freelancer as a person “earning money by being hired to work on different jobs for short periods of time rather than by having a permanent job with one employer.” Freelancers can work on a full-time or part-time basis. Some freelancers may have day jobs and pick up work on the side. They usually specialize in one area, such as web design, web development, copy-writing, etc.

Freelancers provide great savings and specialized work. Understanding the scope and requirements of your web project is essential to ensure your budget and time are spent wisely. Remember, “you get what you pay for.” Below are some Pros and Cons to consider when hiring a freelancer:

Agency: An agency is defined as “an establishment engaged in doing business for another.” Most agencies consist of individuals who may specialize in a field (content creation, web design and development, internet marketing, etc) following established processes and industry standards. While agencies incur higher overhead and costs, they are able to provide a broader choice of services and on-demand availability.

Agencies bring infrastructure and experience to your project. From a team of specialized staff to technical support, agencies meet most, if not all, requirements of a project. Below are some Pros and Cons to consider when hiring an Agency:

There is not a right or wrong answer as to whom you should hire. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. It may come down to the individual project and how you prefer to work.

What other pros and cons do you see for freelancers and/or agencies? Any experiences you would like to share? We welcome your comments below!