7+ Questions To Choose Between a Digital Marketing Agency vs. Freelancer
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Okay bestie, let's talk about one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your brand's social presence: choosing between a digital marketing agency vs. freelancer.
It's giving Sophie's Choice (but make it marketing). Trust us, we get it — both options have their moments. But before you slide into anyone's DMs, let's break down the questions you need to ask.
Digital Marketing Agency vs. Freelancer: What's The Difference?
Think of it this way: hiring a freelancer is like getting a solo artist for your brand, while an agency is bringing in the whole band. A freelancer is your go-to person for specific tasks — they're usually specialists in their lane, whether that's design, copywriting, or strategy. They're nimble, often more budget-friendly, and perfect for brands who know exactly what they need.
An agency? That's your full-service marketing orchestra. You're getting a whole team of specialists who collaborate to create your brand's symphony. Graphic designers, video editors, paid ads specialists, copywriters, and strategists all working in harmony. Sure, it might cost more than a solo act, but you're getting an entire production team dedicated to your brand's success.
Project Scope & Management: Size Matters
When it comes to managing your marketing strategy, size really does matter. Here are the tea-spilling questions you need to ask yourself:
What's your total marketing budget looking like?
This isn't just about whether you can afford an agency or freelancer—it's about getting the best bang for your buck. Agencies might start at $2,500+ monthly, while freelancers could range from $50-150 per hour. Think about the value you're getting: a full team versus one expert.
Do you need someone who can do it all, or are you looking for that one specific superstar?
If you're looking to dominate TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn while keeping your aesthetic on point, an agency's got the dream team ready to go. But if you just need killer copy for your captions? A freelance copywriter might be your perfect match.
Are you a planner or more of a "can you post this right now?" kind of brand?
Freelancers might offer more flexibility for those last-minute content drops, while agencies usually work best with structured planning.
How hands-on do you want to be?
Some brands want to be in every brainstorm session, while others prefer to pass the ball and watch the magic happen. Agencies typically have structured processes, while freelancers might be more flexible with collaboration styles.
The Experience Check: Expertise That Actually Hits Different
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a marketing partner actually worth their salt:
Do they have specialists for everything from graphic design to video editing?
Because in 2025, content variety is everything. You need more than just someone who can write a caption. Algorithms and individuals more than ever prefer video content and graphic design that engages audiences.
Can they show receipts?
We're not talking about a few likes here and there. Look for case studies that show real growth in followers, engagement, and—most importantly—conversions. If they're keeping it vague, that's a red flag.
Are they actually up on trends, or are they still trying to make planking happen? (It's not going to happen.)
Social media trends move faster than Kim Kardashian’s marriages. Your partner needs to be living and breathing these changes, not using 2023's playbook.
Communication & Workflow: The Make-or-Break Details
The way your marketing partner communicates can either have you floating on cloud nine or ready to throw your phone into the ocean:
What project management tools are they using?
A Google doc and some DMs aren't going to cut it. Look for partners using proper project management tools like Asana or Monday.com. Bonus points if they have a client portal.
Who's actually running the show?
With agencies, make sure you're not getting passed around like a hot potato. Your point person should know their stuff, not just be a messenger between you and the "real" team.
How do they handle feedback?
Because "no ❤️" isn't exactly constructive criticism. Look for clear revision processes and feedback loops that make sense.
What's their approach to reporting?
Monthly metrics should tell a story, not just throw numbers at you. Your partner should be explaining what those numbers mean for your brand's growth.
Risk & Reliability: The "What If" Scenarios
Let's talk about those scenarios that keep you up at night:
What's the backup plan if your contact gets sick or decides to live their best life on a month-long vacation?
Life happens—people get sick, take vacations, or have emergencies. Agencies have built-in redundancy (your content never stops), while freelancers might need to pause everything.
Can they scale with your success?
When your brand goes viral (manifesting this for you), you need a partner who can level up without breaking a sweat. Freelancers might hit capacity, while agencies can often expand their support.
What's in writing?
Get everything in writing, from deliverables to revision limits. A proper contract protects everyone and sets clear expectations from day one.
Cost Structure: Let's Talk Money, Money, Money
Finally, let's get down to the dollars and cents:
Are they charging by the hour, project, or retainer?
Retainers give you predictable costs and usually better value. Project-based might work for one-offs, while hourly can get expensive fast if things take longer than expected.
What's included, and what's going to cost extra?
Hidden fees are so 2010. Get clear on what's included—content creation? Analytics? Community management? Emergency posts? Being aware of these factors will help you plan within your budget.
How do they handle those "one quick thing" requests that aren't so quick?
Those "quick favors" add up faster than your coffee budget. Clear boundaries on what's included (and what costs extra) keep everyone happy.
Digital Marketing Agency vs. Freelancer: The Recap
Whether you choose a digital marketing agency vs. freelancer comes down to your specific needs, budget, and goals. Agencies like Scott Social bring you a full team of specialists who can handle everything from strategy to execution, while freelancers might be perfect for specific, focused projects.
Questions Answered—Let’s Get Social
Look, choosing between a digital marketing agency vs. freelancer is a big deal — we get it. But if you're looking for a full squad of creative experts who can handle everything from strategy to execution (and make it look effortless), Scott Social might be your perfect match. We're that rare combo of strategy and style, metrics and aesthetics, expertise and energy. Ready to transform your social media from meh to major?
Book your discovery call today and let's get social!
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WRITTEN BY:
Halie Engler
Social Media Strategist + Copywriter
