Should You Hire a Freelancer Web Developer or a Web Design Agency?

Are you considering developing a new website or redesigning an existing one? Then sooner or later you’ll be faced with the obvious question… should you find a freelance web developer or go all-in with a web design agency?

It’s a tough decision, because both solutions offer advantages and disadvantages, and which one is a fit depends entirely on your business.

What is the real difference?

First and first, let’s agree on what each option actually implies.

– Freelance Web Developer:
This is usually a one or two person show. They usually have some experience developing websites and may even dabble in some design work. You’ll be working directly with them, so it’ll be more personal, but they’ll most likely be working on other projects as well.

– Web Design Agency: A web or marketing agency that has a team of specialists. Often this is a team of designers, developers, project managers, and SEO experts working together to get your website just right. It’s a more comprehensive service that brings a number of specialists together.

When a Freelancer Could Be Your Best Bet

Freelancers can be great if:

– You Are Watching Your Budget and don’t care much about speed or scalability. Let’s be honest freelancers generally cost less than agencies because they don’t have the same overheads, however good freelancers often have difficulty managing multiple clients because they are wearing all the hats in their business – designer, client manager, project manager, developer, accountant etc.

– If you only need a small website, such as a portfolio or a basic brochure site, a freelancer may probably be a good choice if you’re not in a hurry for it and don’t require it to act as a shop for your business.

– Working with a freelancer puts you in direct contact with the person who is constructing your website. No middlemen, just you and the developer working out the details. This can be an advantage if you only have one person dealing with the website in your business. A freelancer might find it hard to manage communications with multiple people from your team whilst also managing their development work.

When Hiring an Agency Could Be the Best Option

On the other hand, a web design agency may be the preferable option if:

– You Require More Than Just A Website. Agencies offer a wide range of services delivered by experienced specialists, including branding, SEO, and long-term support and maintenance. If you want a full-service experience, we have you covered.

– Your Project is Complex.

If your website has a lot of moving pieces, an agency team approach can be very beneficial. We have the expertise and team to execute very complex tasks in a reasonable time span.

– Want Long-Term Support? Then an agency is your best bet. Freelancers can decide to stop working and get a job at any time and leave you out in the cold when it comes to support. Agencies are typically better suited to provide continuing assistance. If you require updates, modifications, or someone to contact when things go wrong, an agency is much more likely to be there for you in the long run.

Shopping around for an agency to help with your web project?
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