Choosing who should build or manage your website isn’t a straightforward decision for most. The terms web designer, freelancer, and agency are often used interchangeably, but they often represent very different working models, skill sets, and levels of support.
Pros & Cons of Hiring a Freelancer
A freelancer in the website creation field is an independent professional who works on their own. If they offer you a full new website build, they may handle the design, development, or both, and usually work directly with clients. The final website you're delivered may vary in quality depending on one person’s skills and availability. Though, freelancers may partner with other freelancers to outsource some of the work.
Pros:
- Lower costDepending on skills offered and level of involvement, they usually charge less than agencies because they have fewer overhead expenses. However, not all freelancers are budget / cheap.
- One-on-one communicationYou work directly with the person doing most if not all of the work, which can make feedback faster and communication clearer.
- FlexibilityFreelancers may be more adaptable to changes in timelines, scope changes, and custom requests.
Cons:
- Slower with limited availabilityA freelancer may juggle multiple clients and roles quickly leading to becoming unavailable due to workload, illness, or time off. Freelancers who juggle less clients may charge more for limited, direct services.
- Skill gapsOne freelancer may not cover all areas (design, development, SEO, copywriting) at a proficient level. They may offer some expertise in one area and wing it with the rest. The less expensive they are, and the more they promise, the more you risk of a lower quality product being delivered.
- Scalability issuesLarge or fast-growing projects can be harder for a single freelancer to manage alone. This is where an agency is better suited to handle more significant projects or timely deadlines.
Pros & Cons of Hiring a Web Design Agency
An agency is typically a team of specialists. They offer a complete suite of website services, from planning and design to development and ongoing website support. Agencies are most suited for bigger and vital projects with tight deadlines and expectations, an important consideration when hiring for a new web build or complete redesign. Hiring an agency has many benefits over hiring a freelancer. However, they typically cost more than hiring a freelancer.
Pros:
- Full-service team of professionalsAgencies are equipped with designers, developers, project managers, graphic designers, search engine optimization specialists, covering all aspects of a website. This spreads the responsibility out.
- Project scalabilityAgencies can usually scale or shift resources for bigger projects or tight deadlines. They may have more experience handling government or non-profit projects with special requirements.
- Reliability and supportThey may have refined, structured processes and can handle ongoing web maintenance or larger projects.
Cons:
- Higher costAgencies generally charge more than freelancers due to overhead and a team of specialists handling various aspects of your project.
- Slower more indirect communicationMore structured processes and multiple layers of communication and approval can make projects take longer or more difficult.
- Less direct personal attentionYou may communicate with project managers instead of the people actually doing the design or development work.
Are Web Designers and Developers the Same?
A web designer may solely focus on how a website looks and feels. They create page mockups, choose or align with your brand colors and fonts, and make sure the site is easy to use. Freelancer web designers should have a knack for UX ("User Experience") as well, which is more considerate of your website visitors experience navigating the website and their journey to conversion. Their main role is visual design but isn't always full website development and turning a design into a functioning website product. However, that isn't always the case. Likewise, developers aren't always capable of design or UX. A developer may be more skilled in best practices turning a mockup design into a full-fledged custom website. So, while many professionals flex both skillsets, they do not always excel in both roles.
Finally, Consider Your Goals Before Hiring
Before hiring for a new web build, choosing between a web designer, freelancer, or agency, take a clear look at your project goals, budget, and timeline. Consider the level of expertise, support, and flexibility you need to succeed. Choosing the right partner from the start can make your website project smoother and more effective.
Looking for an Idaho-based website designer? Ever Marketing is a step above your average freelance website designer. While not an agency, our professional web designer specializes in design and development. Additionally, they can help ensure your site has on-page optimization for SEO best practices and growth. Ever is based out of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and would love to hear about your website needs. Consider reaching out today!
