Freelance or marketing agency, the eternal dilemma

BeeFounders
Inside BeeFounders
Published in
3 min readFeb 3, 2023
Pexel credit

When deciding for your startup between a freelancer and a marketing/digital/creative agency, it is important to consider the structure, resources available, and cost-effectiveness.

Factors such as the stage of the project, budget, and the individual’s experience and track record should be taken into account. Open-source tools and the gig economy have made it easier for people to become self-made professionals, while agencies must now compete with the new wave of digital workers. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of flexibility and agility, making it essential to choose the right option for success in the post-pandemic world.

In this article we share with you some food thoughts on which one you should choose between freelancers and an agency. The choice of one or the other will depend on your needs as a startup. There is no right or wrong choice.

Freelancer or Agency: what’s the difference?

The main distinction between a freelancer and an agency lies in the structure and the resources available. A freelancer is an individual person working on a certain topic on a self-employed basis, while an agency is a more structured organization with several people managing an account. Generally speaking, a freelancer is more flexible and cheaper, and an agency is more structured and has access to multiple fields of expertise, ranging from marketing and communication to legal and HR.

Is the era of agency dead?

The traditional agency model of the 90s has certainly seen a decline, as the world has become more flexible and agile in its approach to work. Open-source tools have made it easier for people to become self-made professionals, while freelancers of all ages are taking advantage of the search for freedom that the gig economy offers. This has led to a revised value proposition for traditional agencies, which must now compete with the new wave of digital workers.

What is the best choice in the post-pandemic world?

The pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of flexibility and agility for businesses and individuals. In the post-pandemic world, the ability to adapt to the ever-changing VUCA world (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) will be key for success.

How do I know if I need to hire agencies or a freelancer?

It depends on the stage of your project and your own expertise in the domain. If you have a good understanding of the topic and just need an extra pair of hands, then a freelancer may be the better option. On the other hand, if you need a more strategic view or are looking to manage a larger project, then an agency may be the right choice.

Is the thought “freelancers are less expensive than agencies” really true?

In certain cases, this can be the case; however, it can depend on the scope of your project. Working with multiple freelancers may require additional time to brief, adjust, and rework, which could lead to a higher bill than working with an agency. Moreover, some freelancers in certain domains may be more expensive than agencies.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of hiring freelancers?

The key advantage of hiring a freelancer is the flexibility and cost-management that it brings. However, if the workload increases suddenly, there may not be the capacity to cope with the increased demand, and for longer-term projects, such as a court judgement, a freelancer might not be the best choice.

What are the advantages & downsides of hiring an agency?

The main upside of working with an agency is the strategic view and capacity to manage larger projects. However, this comes at a cost, as agencies tend to be more expensive than freelancers, and there is often a longer lead time to get approval and validation due to internal processes.

What are the Top 4 tips for choosing between an agency and a freelancer?

  • 🤝Get to know the person and ensure that there is a good fit.
  • 🕵️‍♀️ Look at their experience and track record.
  • ✍️ Understand the stage of your project and what is necessary.
  • 💶 Consider your budget and what is most cost-effective.

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