Choosing between a freelancer and an agency for website design should be based on your budget, project complexity, and support needs.
If you have a limited budget or a simple web design project, hiring a freelancer can be a cost-effective and flexible solution. You will benefit from direct communication with the freelancer, leading to quick turnaround times.
However, an agency is the better choice for complex design and development projects that require priority support or expertise across multiple areas. With an agency, you gain access to a team of specialists and structured project management, ensuring long-term reliability and scalability.
Both options have their advantages and limitations, and each works best in different scenarios. A freelancer might be ideal for smaller, well-defined tasks, while an agency can provide long-term reliability, scalability, and a broader skill set.
In this guide, we’ll break down when to hire a freelancer vs. an agency for website development, helping you make an informed decision.
Table of contents:
- Should I hire a freelancer or an agency for website design work? – Explained
- Pros and cons of working with a website design agency
- Advantages and disadvantages of hiring a freelance website designer
- Best Platforms to Hire Freelance Website Designers
- Things to consider while hiring a freelancer
- Things to consider while hiring an agency
- Market share & the impact
- Get professional help with webapex
- FAQs
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency for website design work? – Explained
Let’s examine the different aspects of hiring a freelance website developer vs. an agency, including cost, advantages, and disadvantages, using the table below and in-depth coverage afterwards.
| Item | Hire A Freelancer | Hire An Agency |
| Project Size | If your website design requirement is small and clearly defined. | If you need an agency for large projects that require teamwork and priority support. |
| Budget | If you have a limited budget and need a cost-effective solution. | If you have the budget to invest in higher-quality work and timely support. |
| Expertise | If You are looking to hire a beginner to mid-level expert for a straightforward project. | If You need a team with a mid to expert-level website development team. |
| Support | If you require only occasional general support after project completion. | If you need consistent, high-quality, and priority support for ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. |
| Team | Freelancers usually work alone or with a small team, which may limit availability and scalability. | Agencies have a dedicated team that includes designers, developers, and security experts, ensuring a more structured and reliable process. |
Project Size
If you need a small business website, portfolio site, or a simple landing page, hiring a freelancer is a practical choice. Freelancers can deliver high-quality work quickly and affordably.
For large-scale projects such as eCommerce websites, custom requirement websites, or complex business websites with multiple integrations, hiring an agency is the smarter option. Agencies provide a team-based approach, ensuring the project is handled efficiently and professionally.
Budget
Freelancers usually charge lower fees than agencies because they have minimal overhead costs. This makes them a suitable option if you’re on a tight budget and need a basic website.
Agencies, on the other hand, have a team of designers, developers, and marketers, so their pricing reflects the level of service and expertise provided. While hiring an agency may cost more, it ensures a higher quality website, advanced features, and long-term support.
Visit the website design pricing page to learn more.
Expertise
Freelancers typically specialise in one or two areas, such as web design, UI/UX, or development. They may not always provide full-service solutions, such as SEO, security, and advanced custom development.
Agencies offer diverse expertise and a well-rounded approach that includes UI/UX design, coding, digital marketing, SEO, security, and maintenance. If you need a comprehensive solution, an agency is the way to go.
Support
A freelancer may offer limited support after delivering the project, meaning you might have to hire additional professionals for future updates or troubleshooting.
An agency provides ongoing support and maintenance packages, ensuring your website is always up-to-date and secure. This is especially crucial for businesses that rely on their website for sales, lead generation, or customer interaction.
Team
Freelancers work alone or with a small network of professionals, which can limit their availability and turnaround time.
Agencies have dedicated teams, including project managers, designers, developers, and security experts, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
Pros and cons of working with a website design agency
| Pros | Cons |
| A team of experts with diverse skills | Higher costs compared to freelancers |
| Reliable project management and structured workflow | May have longer turnaround times due to multiple project commitments |
| Ongoing support and maintenance services | Communication may go through multiple team members instead of direct contact |
| Scalability for large projects | Less flexibility in terms of last-minute design changes |
| Access to the latest web technologies and industry best practices | Requires a bigger budget investment |
Advantages and disadvantages of hiring a freelance website designer
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| More affordable for small projects | Limited scalability for complex projects |
| Direct communication with the freelance designer | May lack expertise in all areas (SEO, security, UI/UX, etc.) |
| Flexible working arrangements | May not provide long-term support or maintenance |
| Faster turnaround for simple projects | Risk of delays if the freelancer is handling multiple projects |
| Can be ideal for small or one-time projects | No dedicated project management, which can lead to workflow issues |
Best Platforms to Hire Freelance Website Designers
It is easier to find website design freelancers online but finding a quality one is not easy.
There are a variety of online platforms that connect businesses with talented professionals worldwide. These platforms offer access to designers with different skill levels, experience, and pricing, allowing you to find the right fit for your project.
Here are some of the most popular platforms to hire freelance website designers:
- Upwork: One of the largest freelancer marketplaces, offering a wide range of web designers and developers with verified reviews, work history, and hourly or fixed-rate pricing.
- Fiverr: Best for budget-friendly projects, Fiverr allows you to browse freelance designers based on their portfolio, pricing, and client reviews.
- Freelancer: Simply post a project or contest for what you need to be done and receive competitive bids from freelancers. Browse freelancer profiles. Chat in real-time. Compare proposals and select the best one.
- OnlineJobs.ph: Ideal for hiring affordable yet skilled website designers from the Philippines, a country known for its strong outsourcing talent pool.
Each platform has its strengths, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, project scope, and preference for direct hiring versus reviewing bids and proposals.
Things to consider while hiring a freelancer
Finding a reliable freelance website designer can be challenging, especially when working with professionals from different time zones, backgrounds, and skill levels. Unlike agencies that offer structured teams, freelancers work independently, which means factors like availability, communication, and reliability play a crucial role.
Here are some things you should consider before hiring a freelance website designer:
- Portfolio & Experience: Review their past projects to assess design quality, industry experience, and technical skills. A strong portfolio is a good indicator of expertise.
- Technical Skills & Tools: Confirm that they are proficient in the design platforms as per your needs, coding languages, or CMS (e.g. WordPress, Shopify, or custom development) that your project requires.
- Client Reviews & Ratings: Check reviews on freelance platforms, read them, and discuss any inputs you may have received while checking reviews.
- Availability & Time Zone: Ensure their working hours align with your needs, especially if real-time collaboration is required regularly.
- Communication & Responsiveness: A freelancer who communicates clearly and promptly can prevent delays and misunderstandings. It is also important to follow the preferred method of communication offered by the platform to avoid any violation that may result in the account being blocked.
- Pricing & Payment Terms: Learn how payment works on specific platforms, and follow their terms to avoid scams or misuse.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can increase the chances of hiring a reliable freelancer who delivers high-quality website design work that meets your expectations.
Things to consider while hiring an agency
Website design agencies typically have a design and development team, structured workflows, and a proven track record of delivering quality projects.
However, not all agencies are the same, and choosing the right one requires careful evaluation.
Here are some key factors to consider before hiring a website design agency:
- Portfolio & Industry Experience: Review their past work and case studies to assess design quality and technical expertise. It is also wise to check if they have experience in your industry. A well-established agency should have case studies showcasing successful projects from an idea to a fully functional product.
- Client Reviews & Testimonials: Check online reviews, ratings, and client feedback on platforms like Google for credibility.
- Team & Skills: Don’t get caught up in the hype, learn about the team who will do the actual work. If you have specific requirements then it is worth matching your needs with the team’s skill sets (Eg. WordPress, Shopify, custom development, UI/UX, SEO, etc.) to see if they are the right fit.
- Pricing & Project Scope: Understand their pricing structure, i.e. whether it’s a fixed-price model or based on project complexity. Ensure the scope of work is clearly defined upfront to avoid unexpected costs.
- Communication & Project Management: An agency should have a dedicated point of contact, typically a project manager, and a structured project management process to keep you updated.
- Support & Maintenance Services: Check whether they provide ongoing support, updates, and maintenance after project completion. Also, check for priority support if you may need it in the future. One of the reasons for working with an agency is to have reliable support when you really need it.
Market share & the impact
The global freelance platforms market was valued at approximately $4.39 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% from 2023 to 2030 – humancloud.work.
The U.S. web design services industry generated around $11 billion in revenue in 2022, though this reflects a 1.9% decrease from the previous year, indicating a potential decline in traditional web design services – colorlib.com.
The freelance market is projected to reach a value of $455.2 billion by 2023 and is expected to surpass $500 billion by 2025, highlighting the significant expansion and potential of the freelance industry – clientmanager.io.
Get professional help with webapex
At webapex, we bring years of expertise to provide high-quality website-design services to build and scale your online business. We provide support for e-commerce and standard website design at competitive pricing.
If you need help with your website design, don’t hesitate to contact us to see if we can meet your requirements.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to hire a freelancer vs an agency for website design?
Yes, hiring a freelancer is generally cheaper than an agency since they have lower overhead costs. However, agencies provide structured workflows, dedicated teams, and long-term support, which may justify the higher cost.
Which payment method is best for paying freelancers?
Escrow-based systems on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are ideal. They ensure both parties are protected and payments are made upon agreed milestones. For direct payment PayPal and Wise also have some degree of protection.
Can you expect quality work from a freelance website designer?
Yes, many skilled freelancers deliver high-quality work. However, quality varies, so it’s important to check their portfolio, reviews, and previous client feedback and do a proper interview process before hiring.
Are agencies expensive to hire for website design work?
Agencies typically charge higher rates due to their structured teams, expertise, and additional services like support and maintenance. While more expensive, they often provide a more reliable and scalable solution.
