Freelancer or Agency? The honest pros and cons
You’ve reached a point where you can’t do it all yourself. Maybe your to-do list keeps growing, your marketing efforts feel scattered (or non-existent), or you simply don’t have the time (or brain capacity) to write content, manage campaigns, or refine your brand messaging.
Whatever the reason, you know it’s time to bring in external support.
But now comes the next decision: do you hire a freelancer or work with an agency?
Both options have their benefits, and neither is necessarily better than the other - it all comes down to what works best for your business. Some people need the structured, full-service approach of an agency, while others benefit from the flexibility and direct collaboration of a freelancer.
So how do you choose? Here are the questions you need to ask yourself to decide what’s right for you.
Freelancer vs. Agency: Weighing up the options
When you’re choosing between hiring a freelancer or an agency, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your business needs, budget, and your preferred way of working.
To help you figure it all out, here’s a little break down of some of the key differences that should help you decide which is the best fit for you.
Do you need a team or a specialist?
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, an agency will be able to bring together a team covering everything from copywriting and design to social media and strategy. That means you don’t have to juggle relationships with multiple specialists - everything is handled under one roof, through one key point of contact.
The downside? Agencies work with multiple clients, so you might not get the same level of personalised attention as you would from a dedicated freelancer.
Freelancers on the other hand tend to focus on a specific area, offering deep expertise in their niche. If you need highly skilled support in a particular field (like a copywriter who really gets your brand voice - wink, wink), a freelancer can bring that level of detail. But if you need a mix of services, you may have to hire multiple freelancers and manage them yourself.
What’s your budget?
Agencies typically charge more because their fees cover more than just the work - you’re also paying for project management, account handling, and a structured process. This can be worth it if you want the convenience of an organised, full-service approach.
Just remember, higher costs don’t always guarantee better quality, and you might be paying for services you don’t actually need.
Freelancers often have lower overheads, making them a cost-effective option - especially for businesses with specific needs. But rates vary; top-tier freelancers charge premium prices that reflect their expertise, so don’t assume ‘freelancer’ always means ‘cheaper’.
While freelancers may offer great value, if you need multiple services, hiring multiple specialists could end up adding up to a similar cost as an agency.
How do you prefer to work?
With an agency, you’ll usually be working through an account manager, rather than directly with the person doing the work. This structured approach keeps things running smoothly but can feel a little less personal.
The extra layer of communication can sometimes slow things down, and feedback may take longer to be actioned.
Working with a freelancer means direct collaboration with the person creating your content. This can make things more flexible and responsive, but since they don’t have a team handling admin, response times might vary depending on their workload.
Do you need to scale up quickly?
Agencies have more resources to handle bigger projects, and if you suddenly need extra support, they can usually scale up without a problem. They also have backup - if one team member is unavailable, someone else can step in.
The downside? Larger teams mean more moving parts, so projects can sometimes feel less agile, and urgent requests may need to go through a formal process.
Freelancers work solo for the most part, so availability depends on their current workload. If they’re booked up, you might need to wait. That said, they tend to be more adaptable, working around your specific needs rather than sticking to a rigid process.
Would you prefer a familiar team, or a dedicated partner?
Agencies offer a structured team-based approach, meaning that even if individual members of staff change, the agency itself remains a constant presence. This can be useful if you need a service that runs like clockwork, regardless of who’s handling your account.
That being said, different team members working on your projects over time can lead to inconsistencies in style or understanding of your brand.
When you work with a freelancer long-term, you’re getting someone who truly knows your brand inside out. There’s no handover between team members - just a dedicated partner who becomes deeply attuned to your voice, style, and needs. Many freelancers prioritise long-term clients, valuing the ongoing relationship just as much as you do.
So, which one is right for you?
There’s no universal right answer when it comes to choosing between a freelancer and an agency - only the right choice for you.
If you want an all-in-one solution with a team covering multiple areas, an agency might be the way to go. If you’re looking for specialist expertise, direct collaboration, and a more tailored approach, a freelancer could be a better fit.
Whichever route you take, the most important thing is finding someone who understands your business, aligns with your goals, and delivers the support you need, when and how you need it - because when you get that right, everything else falls into place.
If a freelancer sounds like the right fit for your business, take a look at my content and copywriting services here to see how I can help.
