Many people often assume that freelancers are a better choice for their design work due to low costs. Freelancers might be the right option for you if you have a simple project, but it’s important to keep in mind that most freelancers only have expertise in one or two specific areas. 

Very few possess all the skills required for extensive work like web development or company branding.

The advantages of an agency 

Alternatively, hiring an agency for your project will provide you with an entire team. Different components of your project are assigned to individuals who specialize in that area of expertise. For instance, during web development, one person may be in charge of photography and graphics, someone else may focus on the design and visual branding, and a few team members may work on the programming and search engine optimization. This leads to a more efficient workflow, a faster turnaround, and fewer revisions down the road. In branding and marketing, a team of experts participating in a joint effort tend to have far better results than projects handled by one individual.

The hidden costs of working with freelancers

Since freelancers deal mostly with their specific area of expertise, your project may require hiring additional freelancers for other tasks, which not only costs money, but also takes up much more of your time as you will need to take on the role of project manager. The lack of organization can cause delays and the need for more revisions. When it comes to handling more substantial projects, hiring a full-service agency is always the best option.

An agency will have a project manager to oversee each part of your project, along with a creative director to assure that your brand is being portrayed consistently throughout the process. Also, since you’re dealing with a team that’s in constant  communication with each other, the project is more likely to be completed quickly and with fewer errors.

Large vs. small agencies 

Large agencies don’t necessarily guarantee high quality work. Many large firms will outsource work to smaller companies or freelancers to make a bigger profit margin. Smaller companies have tight-knit teams of specialists who are masters of their particular craft, all working towards the same goal. From a creative standpoint, this type of environment allows for closer control over brand cohesiveness and stay more open-minded and creative. From a productivity standpoint, it allows for delivery of excellent results with a quick turnaround, and competitive pricing due to lower overhead.

It takes an entire team to build an award winning site. Contact Slightly Mad to find out more about our various creative services and see if we’re the right fit for your project.