In this fast-paced, connected world we live in, it has become an integral part of businesses to run or manage their own websites. One of the most important elements of business success for any business (startup or established) is a functional and user-friendly web design. Having a website is important for any marketing plan as it acts as the central hub for a business’ marketing efforts, blogs, social media accounts, and etc. With a well-designed website, businesses can reach out to their target market and even attract new ones. If you’re planning on getting a new website or redesigning your old one, you have two options: hire a web design freelancer or work with a web design company.
Whichever option you choose, know that you will be doing you and your business a favor. But, working with a web design freelancer to build and maintain your website has more advantages. This is because freelancers work alone, and they are more flexible compared to traditional web design companies.
There are a number of advantages to hiring a freelance web designer and they are as follows:
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Cost is Cheaper
Because most freelance web designers work from home, this means that they have fewer overheads. Freelancer can often pass those savings onto their clients and still earn a good income. Freelancers only need their computer, laptop, internet connectivity and time to do their job and so you pay a lot less than a web design company for the same work.
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Better and Faster Communication
In web development companies, you usually work with an account manager who passes the information regarding requirements, and changes about the job to the developer. The developer implements the changes or requirements and then talks to the account manager, who will then pass the information to you. Seems too much work to get things done, right? Fortunately, when you work with freelancers, you don’t have to deal with an account manager. You can speak with them directly. Being able to communicate directly with your web designer is important because you can provide them with information on deadlines and what needs to be done right away. You end up saving a lot of time in the process. It’s important that you make sure your freelancer responds to calls, text and e-mails during the start of the contact.
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Speed
Web development companies usually follow a traditional 5-day (Monday-to Friday), 8-hour work week. Freelancers, on the other hand, set their own hours and schedule, so they can finish their projects on time or even earlier. It usually takes more than five days for freelancers to finish a project as soon as they can. Changes to the design get done faster when there is only one person to coordinate the tasks to. However, keep in mind that freelancers are humans too, and that they also need rest. Regardless of how fast they can finish their tasks, there’s no need to pressure and overwork them.
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They are Dedicated Resources
When you work with a web design company, you shouldn’t assume or expect that you’re the only or main client they have. It’s quite normal for them to take on multiple projects at a given time due to the number of people they have working for them. And so, they tend to prioritize projects with huge companies more compared to projects with smaller companies.
With a web design freelancer, you don’t have to worry about your projects given less importance because they work on one project at a time. This means they can focus more on the project at hand and therefore becomes a dedicated resource for you and your company.
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You Pay Only for The Work You Need
When you work with a web development company, you pay extra for resources that may not be relevant to your project. When you hire a freelancer, you only pay them for their time and expertise required.
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Good Network
Like web development companies, web design freelancers also have and maintain connections with people in their industry such as copywriters, SEO experts and other web designers that provide freelance-based services. When you hire a freelancer, you’ll still get to experience the entire package to create a good website.
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Innovative
A web design company operates under a set of procedures and systems which they strictly abide by for every project they undertake. They follow it as a part of their company culture, which mean they are not always easy or flexible to changes. Established web design companies aim to deliver their work as efficiently and consistently as possible, but oftentimes, innovation and fun are compromised. Freelancers, on the other hand, are able to operate with freedom and transparency. They are able to constantly develop and grow from the diverse range of experiences they get. They are accepting of high-class solutions and innovative ideas. A web design freelancer usually has work-life balance, enjoys their job, and continues to grow professionally.
The Bottomline Is…
There are so many benefits you can get from having your own business website, but before you can reap its benefits, you need to have a good website first. This is made possible with the help of a web design company and/or a web design freelancer. If you have to choose between the two, go for the latter.
Unlike traditional web design firms and their team of specialists, a freelance web designer can handle all work aspects on your site by themselves. They do not only provide you with direct communication, but they also offer reduced overhead costs, flexible schedules and quality and consistent work.
You may hire a freelance web designer, or a web design company based on the requirements of your project. Below are some important things you need to remember if you’re thinking of availing service from either of them:
- Check their portfolio first
- See if they have at least 3-5 years’ experience on the kind of work you require
- See if you can directly contact the person responsible for web design projects
- How much do they charge?
- Check reviews or client’s testimonies
Once you have all these figured out, you’ll be able to decide which service suits your needs and budget better.
