Woah, have I really written down a billion reasons? I guess you’ll have to read on to find out.
If you have a project and need some help with it: who you gonna call? You might be weighing up going with a freelancer versus an agency. There are probably some benefits to going with an agency, but this is my website and I don’t have to be balanced. Here’s why you should definitely go with the freelancer.
Cheaper
Oh yeah, you like cheaper, don’t you? Little old me at a desk in the corner of my living room has way lower overheads than Big Agency with their fancy office in central London. Sure they have a sweet snack station and loads of bean bags, but you know who’s paying for all that? You.
A freelancer has lower costs and a leaner business model. That doesn’t mean they’re cheap. [Note to freelancers reading this: raise your rates!] But you, as the client, do get the benefit of a less-giant invoice.
One point of contact
You don’t have to learn a load of names. You don’t have to think which email addresses you should be copying in. You don’t have to wait while your query gets bounced to a different department. You don’t have to be nervous that the person you’ve been dealing with will be made redundant part-way through the project.
You have one person who all your questions can go to, who knows all the aspects of the project and who’ll be there from the beginning to the end. Of the project, not your life.
One vision
Queen singalong? Maybe. We can chat about it on our discovery call. When I say one vision I mean that a freelancer will understand your goals and know exactly how to reach them. You’ve got their brain and skills shaping the whole project. No design by committee, crossed wires or disjointed elements.
A freelancer probably won’t have loads of different clients at once, so you get their focus. You’re not just another account.
Secret team
Think a freelancer is a lonely troll holed up in their home office, only chatting to their plants? Let me tell you a secret. Here, come closer, I need to whisper. Here it is: we have loads of mates.
While you’re getting the benefit of one point of contact, you can also get the power of a team working on your project. For instance, if you work with me on your website, I’ll be strategising, managing and building. But what if you need a rebrand or illustrations or copy or SEO strategy? Don’t worry, I know a guy. I know loads of great guys and I can get them on board to get you the best result.
Queries and bumps
Caveat: I am not saying you’re allowed to get into scope-creep territory with too many ‘can you just?’s. However, if you have further questions or something comes up which means part of the project needs to flex or change, it’s more easily done with a freelancer. [Note to freelancers: charge more money if it’s more work!]
A one-person business is more agile and can adapt quickly around what you need.
Unlikely to upsell
Big Agency might be adamant that your business will only succeed with some other services you didn’t really ask for on a pricey retainer. You’re way less likely to be assertively upsold by a freelancer.
Another secret about us? We can be a bit shy. Even if we genuinely think an extra service or ongoing support would really help you, we can feel a bit icky about being ‘salesy’ and might not pipe up. So generally, the price you’re quoted at the start is what you pay, no nasty surprises. But maybe ask them if there’s anything else they can help with, to bring them out of their shell.
Passionate person
If you find a freelancer you click with and who really gets you and your business, they really care. That’s the kind of energy you want. Your project will go on their portfolio, so they’re personally invested in making it shine.
Downsides
Fine, I guess there are some ways that Big Agency has the edge. For example, a freelancer doesn’t have a fancy office you can visit and get wined and dined (or at least tea and biscuited). But if you want to meet face to face, guess what? We can go to any Pret you like. There are so many to choose from!
The choice is yours
As a passionate freelancer (did you know I’m a columnist in Freelancer Magazine?) I will always fly the flag for the solo-preneurs. So please email me and ask if you want any recommendations of awesome people to work with.
Whichever way you decide to go, I genuinely hope it’s the right fit and your project goes really well.
Did I really write a billion reasons? No. But this is one of the things I love being freelance: I’m in charge of my time and my work and I’ve decided this post is finished. Bye!
