Digital Marketing Agency vs. Freelancer: The Pros + Cons
Both are great options – but which is best for you? ♡
If you're here, you're probably trying to figure out the best way to up your social media game – but you’re overwhelmed at all of your options. Who wins in the battle of digital marketing agency vs. freelancer?
Luckily, there is no competition here. There is merit to all three – and it all boils down to fit.
You’ve got options and I’m here to break it all down for you, but in a way that feels like you're chatting with your best business friend over coffee. So, grab your favorite mug, and let's dive into the conversation of digital marketing agency vs. freelancer.
Should I Hire A Freelancer?
Price Range
The average freelancer charges between $500 to $2500 per monthly retainer.
Hiring A Freelancer Is Best If You:
– Have a smaller budget
– Need help with smaller marketing projects
– Want more flexibility, like same day content requests
The Pros Of Hiring A Freelancer:
Freelancers are like the Swiss Army knives of marketing—they're versatile, flexible, and can handle a lot with limited resources. Hiring a freelancer is the go-to choice for startups, solopreneurs, and small businesses with revenue under $250k a year.
If you're a one-person show or a small team and just need someone to keep your digital marketing presence looking fresh, a freelancer might be your best bet. They can also be a good choice if you need specific services, like content creation or community management, without all the bells and whistles of a full-service agency.
Additionally, if you’re looking for more flexibility like same day content requests and someone who can fit into your current processes and systems, a freelancer will be great for you.
The Cons Of Hiring A Freelancer:
They usually work solo, which means you're likely getting one person's expertise. That can be great if you click with them, but it also means they might not have the bandwidth to scale as your business grows.
Hiring a freelancer is often more affordable, and if you find the right one, it can feel like you've struck gold. However, keep in mind that because they’re juggling multiple clients, response times might not always be lightning-fast, and they might not have the resources for large-scale campaigns.
Should I Hire A Boutique Digital Marketing Agency?
Price Range:
A small + local boutique digital marketing agency will likely charge between $1,500 to $5,000 per month, while a medium-sized boutique digital marketing agency will charge closer to $5,000 to $10,000 per month. Click here to find Scott Social’s packages.
Hiring A Boutique Agency Is Best If You:
– Need a small + dedicated team that can be creative and nimble
– Are looking for specialization of services
– Value a team of professionals that excel in their specific trade
The Pros Of Hiring A Boutique Agency:
Boutique agencies like Scott Social are perfect for small to medium-sized businesses with revenue of at least $500k per year.
If you need a dedicated team that offers personalized service and has the creativity to match your brand’s vibe, a boutique agency could be your sweet spot. This is especially true if you're looking for more than just a content calendar—think strategy, branding, and growth.
Working with a boutique agency feels like working with an extension of your own team. You’re not just another account number; you’re a partner. At Scott Social, for example, we make it our mission to understand your brand inside and out, so we can craft campaigns that don’t just meet your goals—they exceed them.
Boutique agencies bring the expertise of a full team—think strategists, designers, copywriters, and community managers—without the hefty price tag of a large agency. You get the creative flair and strategic thinking that can take your social media from "meh" to "wow," and because they're usually smaller, the relationship feels more personal. Plus, they're nimble enough to pivot quickly if your needs change.
The Cons Of Hiring A Boutique Agency:
The experience of working with a large agency can feel a bit like being in a large lecture hall—you’re there, but you might not always get the one-on-one attention you want.
The processes are more rigid, and changes can take longer to implement. That said, if your business is in growth mode and you need consistency and scalability, a large agency can deliver just that.
Want to learn more about boutique digital marketing agencies? Here are some additional resources:
👉 Top 7 Digital Marketing Agencies By Niche
👉 What To Look For In A Boutique Digital Marketing Agency
👉 What Results Can A Boutique Social Media Agency Achieve?
Should I Hire A Large Digital Marketing Agency?
Price Range:
A large digital marketing agency will typically charge $7,500 in a monthly retainer.
Hiring A Large Digital Agency Is Best If You:
– Are reaching $50M+ in revenue and have a large marketing budget
– Want to outsource your entire marketing department
– Need specialization across traditional, digital, media buying, and more
The Pros Of Hiring A Large Digital Marketing Agency:
Partnering with a large agency is like hiring an army to run your marketing efforts. These agencies have the manpower and resources to handle massive campaigns that span multiple platforms and regions. They’re great if you need a one-stop-shop for all things marketing and have the budget to back it up.
Large agencies are best suited for big corporations or companies that are outsourcing the entirety of their marketing department. If you’re running a large-scale operation and need an agency that can handle everything from traditional marketing to digital ads, media buying, and more, a large, established agency is where you’ll find that level of service.
The Cons Of Hiring A Large Digital Marketing Agency:
The experience of working with a large agency can feel a bit like being in a large lecture hall—you’re there, but you might not always get the one-on-one attention you want. In the debate of digital marketing agency vs. freelancer, you might find that a boutique agency or freelancer fits your company a bit better.
The processes are more rigid, and changes can take longer to implement. That said, if your business is in growth mode and you need consistency and scalability, a large agency can deliver just that.
So Which Is Best → Digital Marketing Agency vs. Freelancer?
Settling the digital marketing agency vs. freelancer debate comes down to where your business is right now and where you want it to go.
If you’re just starting out or need something simple and cost-effective, a freelancer is a solid choice. If you’re ready to step up your game with personalized service and creative strategy, a boutique agency like Scott Social can take you there. And if you’re a big player with a complex operation, a large agency will have the resources to manage it all.
At the end of the day, it's about finding the right fit for your brand and your budget.
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And hey, if you ever want to chat about what Scott Social can do for you, you know where to find us. Cheers to making the best decision for your business! 🥂
IS A BOUTIQUE AGENCY BEST FOR YOU? FIND OUT ↓
WRITTEN BY:
Chelsea Evans-Flower
Founder + CEO