Founder of Goodspeed
Framer Agency vs. Freelancers: Why an Agency Often Delivers Better Results
As a business owner or startup founder, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of hiring a Framer agency or a freelance Framer developer.
With over 70 million freelancers in the U.S. and freelancing contributing $1.3 trillion to the economy, it’s easy to see the appeal of working with freelancers. However, while freelancers can offer flexibility and specialized skills, there are key reasons why a Framer agency might be a better fit for your needs.
This article will help you weigh the pros and cons of Framer agency vs freelancers. We’ll explore how agencies provide scalability, reliability, and a team-based approach to tackle complex projects—something freelancers may struggle with when projects expand.
(For a broader framework on how to choose the right partner, you can also check out our “How to Choose the Right Framer Agency” article.)
Common Misconceptions About Freelancers vs. Agencies
Before we dive into the advantages of hiring a Framer agency, it’s important to address some common misconceptions about freelancers and agencies. Many businesses assume freelancers offer a more cost-effective and personal service, but the reality is more nuanced.
A. "Freelancers Are More Cost-Effective in the Long Run"
Many assume freelancers are more cost-effective due to lower hourly rates, but hidden costs often arise. As projects grow, hiring additional freelancers for specialized tasks can lead to delays and miscommunication. Managing multiple individuals rather than a cohesive team can increase overall expenses.
The average income of a freelancer in the U.S. is $6,269 per month, which may seem cost-effective but often means they juggle multiple clients at once. This can lead to divided attention and delays in project completion.
A Framer agency, on the other hand, offers an efficient workflow, ensuring each part of the project is handled by the right expert. Agencies provide predictable pricing and eliminate unexpected costs by integrating design, development, and project management within a structured team.
For instance, imagine hiring a freelancer to build a Framer-based website for your product launch. Midway through the project, they take on another high-paying contract, causing delays in your timeline. In contrast, an agency would have multiple team members to ensure steady progress, preventing disruptions.
B. "Freelancers Give More Dedicated Attention"
Freelancers may appear to offer personalized service, but they often work on multiple projects simultaneously, which can impact availability and responsiveness. If a freelancer becomes unavailable, your project may stall.
With more than 30% of freelancers working fully remotely, time zone differences and availability can slow down projects. Agencies, however, ensure consistent communication and structured workflows.
One of our clients noted: 'Goodspeed was well managed, even with our shifting out-of-scope add-ons and were able to deliver on time with excellence and attention to detail.'
Consider a scenario where a freelance developer handling a crucial feature update suddenly becomes unavailable due to personal commitments. Your project could be delayed for weeks while you search for a replacement. With an agency, however, another team member could step in immediately to keep the project on track.
C. "Agencies Outsource Everything Anyway"
While some agencies use contractors for niche skills, reputable Framer agencies handle core design and development in-house. This ensures continuity and reduces the risk of disjointed work.
Freelancers contribute significantly to the economy, but they often lack the resources to execute large-scale projects seamlessly. Agencies provide structured teams that ensure high-quality execution, making them a more stable and reliable choice.
Key Advantages of Hiring a Framer Agency
While freelancers may be suitable for smaller projects, a Framer agency offers key advantages that make it the ideal choice for larger, more complex work. Let’s explore the reasons why agencies stand out when it comes to scalability, reliability, and expertise.
A. Comprehensive Skill Sets & End-to-End Services
Larger projects often require expertise beyond design or coding. Agencies offer a full suite of services, covering everything from UX to development and post-launch optimization.
For example, while working with Dwellr, we took their initial concept and built a fully-interactive prototype, ensuring a smooth workflow right from idea to execution.
So, a Framer agency brings together specialists in various fields, ensuring a seamless final product. Freelancers, while skilled, may require additional hires to cover all necessary aspects, increasing costs and coordination efforts.
B. Scalability & Faster Turnaround
As projects grow, scalability becomes critical. Freelancers may struggle with increased workloads, leading to delays. Agencies, however, can allocate additional resources as needed, maintaining speed and quality.
With over 30% of freelancers working fully remotely, time zone constraints and communication lags can slow down workflow. Agencies, with structured internal workflows, ensure efficient execution and quicker delivery without compromising on quality.
One of our clients shared their experience: 'The Goodspeed team was highly professional, provided great advice, and delivered a top-notch website on time despite a fast turnaround.'
C. Project Management & Reliability
Coordinating a project with a freelancer can be challenging without dedicated project management. Agencies provide structured workflows, clear communication, and regular updates, ensuring that timelines are met and deliverables maintain high quality.
Freelancers may lack the resources to manage unexpected challenges, whereas agencies have dedicated teams to anticipate and resolve issues proactively.
D. Post-Launch Support & Long-Term Relationship
Project completion is just the beginning. Ongoing maintenance, updates, and optimizations are essential. Many freelancers move on to new projects after completion, making post-launch support uncertain.
With more than half of freelancers lacking employer-provided benefits, including health insurance and paid leave, long-term reliability may be a challenge. Agencies offer structured support and retainer models, ensuring your project remains updated and aligned with business needs.
You must also check out the common mistakes to avoid while hiring a Framer agency to play safe.
When a Freelancer Might Be Sufficient?
While Framer agencies provide the best solutions for complex projects, freelancers can be ideal for:
Smaller, One-Off Projects
If you need a simple landing page or a minor design tweak, a freelancer can complete the task quickly and cost-effectively. With fewer moving parts, they offer a budget-friendly alternative for well-defined, short-term work.
Very Tight Budget
For businesses with extremely limited budgets, freelancers provide an affordable solution. Since freelancers charge an average hourly rate of $47.71 in North America, they may be a viable alternative for small tasks that do not require full-scale development.
Specific Specialized Skill
If your in-house team handles most of the project but needs an expert for a specific Framer animation or custom feature, hiring a freelancer can be a more efficient option than engaging an entire agency.
Return on Investment: Agency vs. Freelancer
Now that we’ve explored the differences, let’s look at how cost vs. value and risk play a significant role in deciding between hiring a Framer agency and a freelancer. This section will help you understand the long-term benefits of each option.
Practical Tips for Making Your Choice
Still unsure whether to choose a Framer agency or a freelancer? This section offers practical tips for evaluating your project needs and making the best decision based on scope, resources, and future requirements.
Assess Your Project’s Scope & Future Needs
If your project requires future expansions or integrations, an agency’s broad skill set and structured processes ensure smooth scalability. Freelancers, while effective for smaller projects, may struggle with ongoing development needs.
Evaluate Internal Resources
If your business already has a strong design or development team, a freelancer may be enough to fill a specific skill gap. However, if the project demands a variety of expertise, an agency provides a more integrated solution.
Request Proposals & Compare Deliverables
A strong proposal should include clear timelines, structured processes, and a track record of success.
Consider the Post-Launch Phase
Post-launch support is crucial for ongoing success. Agencies offer long-term commitments, ensuring that your project continues to evolve. Since freelancers often move on to new projects, their availability for ongoing improvements may be uncertain.
Conclusion
In this article, we talked about the differences between Framer agency vs freelancers in detail. While freelancers can be a great fit for small or specialized tasks, a Framer agency provides a wider range of expertise, faster turnarounds, and greater reliability—leading to a stronger return on investment and a more stable partnership.
Agencies streamline workflows, minimize risks, and offer structured project management and ongoing support, ensuring your project evolves smoothly over time.
If you’re looking for a Framer agency that delivers reliability, scalability, and long-term support, explore our case studies and see why businesses trust Goodspeed for their Framer projects!
Written By
Harish Malhi
Founder of Goodspeed
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