With freelance companies such as Fiverr, companies can find a solution to an in-house void. However, when do you know how to choose between an agency and a freelance contractor? In this article we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both freelance and agency web and graphic designers.
Thousands of people operate as freelance web designers and graphic designers, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the requisite experience or skills to deliver the results you’re after. While there are many talented professional designers offering their services on a freelance basis, you’ll need to do some deep dive research to find a freelancer who can provide the high-quality design services your company needs.
You’ll find that plenty of freelancers will tell you, ‘graphic design is my passion’, but can they back this up with a portfolio of work and glowing references? If not, it might be time to move on.
However, this isn’t the only disadvantage that can arise when working with freelance web designers and graphic designers. Other difficulties could occur, such as:
While it certainly seems like there are plenty of cons when it comes to working with freelance web designers and graphic designers, it’s important to remember that each freelancer is different. One freelance professional might deliver high-quality work on a tight deadline with regular communication, but another might commit to the work and disappear without a trace or send ad hoc communication and continually push back deadlines.
It is, perhaps, this lack of consistency that makes companies so wary about relying on freelance professionals but there are some benefits to consider too:
Freelancers need to build and maintain a good professional reputation, which means that they should be eager to please and dedicated to delivering good work in return for a positive review. Furthermore, freelancers often enjoy working outside of regular business hours, which can equate to enhanced flexibility when it comes to meeting deadlines (but bear in mind you might pay extra for work completed during evenings or weekends). Similarly, freelancers tend to have fewer projects on the go at one time, which allows them to confirm their availability and dedicate themselves to your project – if they choose to.
Working with a digital agency seems like an obvious choice when you need web design or graphic design services, but are there any hidden disadvantages that you haven’t considered? Of course, we think working with a digital agency is pretty straightforward, but not everyone agrees! Some potential issues to look out for include:
As digital agencies have larger in-house teams compared to freelancers (who tend to work alone), you might be concerned that you’ll be working with a range of different professionals, rather than having a single point of contact. However, this depends on the agency you choose as many firms do assign a ‘project lead’ who will act as your main source of communication. Furthermore, having access to a bigger team can be a distinct advantage for companies and clients.
You might have a range of professionals working on your project, from a graduate web developer or a new starter on a graphic design apprenticeship who is full of new ideas, to skilled designers with decades of experience. Being able to access input from a wider range of professionals only serves to enhance creativity and improve project outcomes, which makes for a better service and finished product.
In addition to this, there are many other benefits associated with working with a digital agency, including:
Most digital agencies offer more than one service, which is handy because most clients require more than one service! If you want to leverage your new graphics, for example, you might be looking for a content marketing agency who can put your new media assets to good use or a Shopify web developer to launch your new online store. Instead of working with a myriad of freelancers, choosing a full-service digital agency gives you access to all of the services you need under one roof and enables you to access the broad skillset you need to build and market your business.
As you might expect, digital agencies tend to have access to a wider range of resources too. Professional design software often costs thousands of pounds, which means that many freelancers don’t have industry-grade programs to work with. In contrast, agencies have access to a range of software that can enhance the quality of their work.
Another advantage associated with web development and graphic design agencies is the consistency and reliability they offer. With set communication structures, you’ll get regular project updates at pre-agreed intervals, as well as responses to ad hoc queries when required. Similarly, a formal contract is easily established, which will give you peace of mind when sharing confidential brand information.
Although some digital agencies charge higher rates than freelance web designers and graphic designers, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll pay more overall if you choose to hire a digital agency. In fact, working with an agency can actually reduce your marketing spend in the long-term. This is because work tends to be completed more quickly and requires fewer revisions, thus minimising the amount of time spent and lowering the cost.
As you can see, there are pros and cons when it comes to working with both digital agencies and freelancers. However, the experience, reliability and consistency associated with top digital agencies is certainly beneficial.
Before deciding whether to hire a freelancer or a digital marketing agency, talk to potential candidates and discuss your needs with them. Building a rapport and learning more about services and working methods will give you the chance to find a freelance professional or digital agency that can deliver exactly what you’re looking for.
So, without further ado, get in touch with us at H2 Creative and find out how we can deliver all of the pros that a digital agency offers – without any of the cons!
With freelance companies such as Fiverr, companies can find a solution to an in-house void. However, when do you know how to choose between an agency and a freelance contractor? In this article we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both freelance and agency web and graphic designers.
Thousands of people operate as freelance web designers and graphic designers, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the requisite experience or skills to deliver the results you’re after. While there are many talented professional designers offering their services on a freelance basis, you’ll need to do some deep dive research to find a freelancer who can provide the high-quality design services your company needs.
You’ll find that plenty of freelancers will tell you, ‘graphic design is my passion’, but can they back this up with a portfolio of work and glowing references? If not, it might be time to move on.
However, this isn’t the only disadvantage that can arise when working with freelance web designers and graphic designers. Other difficulties could occur, such as:
While it certainly seems like there are plenty of cons when it comes to working with freelance web designers and graphic designers, it’s important to remember that each freelancer is different. One freelance professional might deliver high-quality work on a tight deadline with regular communication, but another might commit to the work and disappear without a trace or send ad hoc communication and continually push back deadlines.
It is, perhaps, this lack of consistency that makes companies so wary about relying on freelance professionals but there are some benefits to consider too:
Freelancers need to build and maintain a good professional reputation, which means that they should be eager to please and dedicated to delivering good work in return for a positive review. Furthermore, freelancers often enjoy working outside of regular business hours, which can equate to enhanced flexibility when it comes to meeting deadlines (but bear in mind you might pay extra for work completed during evenings or weekends). Similarly, freelancers tend to have fewer projects on the go at one time, which allows them to confirm their availability and dedicate themselves to your project – if they choose to.
Working with a digital agency seems like an obvious choice when you need web design or graphic design services, but are there any hidden disadvantages that you haven’t considered? Of course, we think working with a digital agency is pretty straightforward, but not everyone agrees! Some potential issues to look out for include:
As digital agencies have larger in-house teams compared to freelancers (who tend to work alone), you might be concerned that you’ll be working with a range of different professionals, rather than having a single point of contact. However, this depends on the agency you choose as many firms do assign a ‘project lead’ who will act as your main source of communication. Furthermore, having access to a bigger team can be a distinct advantage for companies and clients.
You might have a range of professionals working on your project, from a graduate web developer or a new starter on a graphic design apprenticeship who is full of new ideas, to skilled designers with decades of experience. Being able to access input from a wider range of professionals only serves to enhance creativity and improve project outcomes, which makes for a better service and finished product.
In addition to this, there are many other benefits associated with working with a digital agency, including:
Most digital agencies offer more than one service, which is handy because most clients require more than one service! If you want to leverage your new graphics, for example, you might be looking for a content marketing agency who can put your new media assets to good use or a Shopify web developer to launch your new online store. Instead of working with a myriad of freelancers, choosing a full-service digital agency gives you access to all of the services you need under one roof and enables you to access the broad skillset you need to build and market your business.
As you might expect, digital agencies tend to have access to a wider range of resources too. Professional design software often costs thousands of pounds, which means that many freelancers don’t have industry-grade programs to work with. In contrast, agencies have access to a range of software that can enhance the quality of their work.
Another advantage associated with web development and graphic design agencies is the consistency and reliability they offer. With set communication structures, you’ll get regular project updates at pre-agreed intervals, as well as responses to ad hoc queries when required. Similarly, a formal contract is easily established, which will give you peace of mind when sharing confidential brand information.
Although some digital agencies charge higher rates than freelance web designers and graphic designers, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll pay more overall if you choose to hire a digital agency. In fact, working with an agency can actually reduce your marketing spend in the long-term. This is because work tends to be completed more quickly and requires fewer revisions, thus minimising the amount of time spent and lowering the cost.
As you can see, there are pros and cons when it comes to working with both digital agencies and freelancers. However, the experience, reliability and consistency associated with top digital agencies is certainly beneficial.
Before deciding whether to hire a freelancer or a digital marketing agency, talk to potential candidates and discuss your needs with them. Building a rapport and learning more about services and working methods will give you the chance to find a freelance professional or digital agency that can deliver exactly what you’re looking for.
So, without further ado, get in touch with us at H2 Creative and find out how we can deliver all of the pros that a digital agency offers – without any of the cons!
We must be mad! Rachael, Lewis and Rob are doing a sponsored wing walk in May! Rachael asked in the office one day: “Does anyone fancy doing a wing walk?”. A resounding “NO” was the reply (or something along those lines!) from everyone except Lewis and Rob. So, it was arranged and there’s no going back now!
Every year, the H2 team fundraises for local and national charities that are close to their hearts. And this initiative is in aid of Dorothy House – a local hospice that provides exceptional, personal care for people with life-limiting illnesses.
Your support to help them soar to new heights is greatly appreciated!
We’ve recently been working with innovative jewellery company Ti2 Titanium – a team of skilled designers and jewelry makers who craft each unique piece in their collection. We’ve revamped their brand, redesigned and built their website and taken bespoke photography, as well as managing their social media.
To enhance their online visibility and increase brand recognition and engagement, we’ve utilised intricate social media tactics and created compelling photo and video content. This has significantly increased their followers, reach and interaction. We’ve also streamlined their online checkout process and product customisation, gaining excellent feedback for user experience and resulting in a considerable increase in sales.
We’re looking forward to working with Ti2 Titanium more in the future!
Read full case studies below:
Ti2 – Rebrand & Website
Ti2 – Social Media
Ti2 – Photography
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