Today, in this competitive world, it is common to have doubts about whether digital marketers should freelance or join a digital marketing agency. Most professionals will be confused about this decision and doubt whether they will regret it. Both decisions have their own pros and cons. You must understand that both provide an opportunity to explore the world of digital marketing. This article will give you more information about which is better and who can opt for them.
Understanding Freelancing and Agency Work
Before making an important decision about where to work in an agency or as a freelancer. You have to understand how these two work. Some people prefer being part of the teams in an agency, while others wish to set their own world and work independently and run their own businesses. Both environments are unique. Let’s go deep into both below.
The Way Agencies Operate
Digital Marketing Agencies provide personalised services to their clients. If a company lacks resources, it can consider collaborating with an agency to complete the project. Some companies never establish their own sales and marketing teams; instead, they try to outsource these services to an agency. Examples of agencies include digital marketing agencies, branding agencies, and others.
In most of the agencies, you will get an opportunity to work with multiple clients at once or work on a project by yourself. Smaller Agencies will provide you with a chance to work in different roles. At the same time, big marketing agencies will have a proper structure and will also allow you to learn from experienced professionals. Some agencies only provide customised work on a particular niche, whereas other agencies provide different services one at a time.
The Way Freelancing Works
Freelancing happens when a professional offers a service to clients independently. Freelancers have to find their clients individually and offer specific services. As a freelancer, you can work on several online platforms like Upwork. One of the most important perks of being a freelancer is that they can decide which client they should work with. Most freelancers work on an hourly basis or under fixed-priced contracts. They do not work as an employee for a specific organisation.
Unlike agency work, freelancing is not a full-time commitment. You can continue freelancing even if you haven’t completed a certification course. Here, talent is more important than educational qualifications. If you know how to do everything, you can confidently do freelancing.
Differences Between Freelancing and Agency Work
Every Digital Marketer has two options: either step into an agency and learn from senior professionals or be your own boss and step into freelancing. There are numerous differences between the two arenas. If you understand the difference between these two, you can make the right decisions.
The significant difference between them is knowing whether you want to be assigned clients or projects. In an agency, there will be a team consisting of a manager whom you report to. There will be multiple team members who are contributing to the same project. An agency often enables you to work with senior professionals. So that you can learn many things from these senior professionals, as they have years of experience in this field. As a beginner, you will slowly learn to handle projects and work on them yourself.
In the case of a freelancer, they have to work independently on different projects. A notable fact is that they are not tied to a particular employer. They can accept as well as reject projects in a specific niche. It is up to them whether to work on a particular project. They must track and bill hours, as well as market their own services. The way you work with clients can vary from contract to contract. Freelancers in the digital marketing arena usually work on SEO, PPC Advertising, and Content marketing. One primary responsibility of freelancers is to communicate with clients and actively secure projects. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be used by freelancers to find projects.
Essential Skills Needed for Digital Marketing Freelancing and Agency Work
Certain skills a digital marketing agency worker should have are:
- Teamwork: An agency worker must collaborate with their team and actively share concerns about the projects, and also find a solution as a team.
- Effective Communication: Communication is a must between agency workers and senior professionals.
- Problem Solving: An agency worker should possess expert problem-solving skills.
Specific skills a digital marketing freelancer needs are:
- Time Management: A freelancer must submit their projects on time. They must possess practical time management skills to handle multiple projects.
- Good Communication: A freelancer must communicate with their clients in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that projects are flawless.
- Decision-Making Skills: A freelancer must have decision-making skills to decide which projects they should handle and which they should not.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Agency Work
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to working through an agency. We can discuss each one below.
Advantages:
- Financial Security: You will receive a fixed monthly salary in an agency that provides financial security.
- Internal growth opportunities: An agency will have an environment which have the caliber to provide more networking opportunities to the employees. Therefore, there is a scope for internal growth for these workers.
- Job Stability: Your job does not depend upon incoming projects. Therefore, you will have job stability and certain benefits in your organisation.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Control: You will never have the opportunity to choose projects or find clients.
- Fixed Pay: It is good that you have a fixed pay, but you cannot ask for a raise according to your preferences
- Less Creative freedom: Mostly, the leaders are taking creative decisions, you will have a minimal role in that
- Work-life balance: Long work hours and a stressful work environment can disrupt your work-life balance
Advantages and Disadvantages of Freelancing in Digital Marketing
There are certain advantages and disadvantages to working as a freelancer. We can discuss each one below.
Advantages:
- Creative Freedom: You can decide which client you should work with, and you answer to the client, not a manager
- Earning Potential: You can set your rates, and you also have the power of negotiation with the client.
- Remote Work: You can work wherever you wish as the job is remote.
- Freedom of Saying No: You can reject the client if you are not satisfied with the client’s norms
Disadvantages:
- No Employer Benefits: You will not have any employer benefits, such as health insurance or other perks.
- Irregular Pay: If you reach a particular milestone in your project, then only you will receive your pay.
- Find Clients: You must find clients on your own and market yourself to secure additional projects.
- Job & Financial instability: The employment and salary fluctuate when you move on to another client. If the existing client did not like your work, you will not get paid. Sometimes, the salary will also be inconsistent.
Which should you choose- Freelancing or agency work?
It’s up to you to choose which arena suits you. If you are a beginner, you just go for the agency because, as a fresher, you don’t know anything apart from the basics of digital marketing. It is essential to gain knowledge and experience first. Once you have gained some experience and are confident in it, you can opt for freelancing. However, you should be aware that you must have the ability to secure clients and projects independently. It is always your decision to choose which one is best for your financial and professional growth.
Wrapping Up
We have discussed both the freelancing and agency work options for digital marketing professionals. We have gone through both the pros and cons of each role. Now it is up to you to make your decision and choose the path that excites you. You should thoroughly review every aspect of these job roles before joining without hesitation. To work in both roles, you must know about the digital marketing basics. A strong foundation in digital marketing prepares you to become a knowledgeable professional. To acquire that foundation, you must search for the best digital marketing institutes that offer expert mentors and placement support. You can consider finprov- a trusted digital marketing training institute in Calicut, which offers the same.
FAQs:
- Which is better for beginners—freelancing or agency work?
If you are a beginner, consider agency work to gain knowledge and experience. If you are experienced enough, you can opt for either a senior role in an agency or a freelancing option. If you opt for freelancing, you must have the confidence to handle clients independently.
2. Who earns more—freelancers or agency professionals?
Freelancers usually can earn more as they set their own rates and take multiple clients. But they have no financial security. Agency professionals will have a fixed salary with benefits, and it also comes with job security.
3. Which gives more work flexibility?
Of course, freelancing offers more flexibility because you can choose your clients, projects, and working hours. At the same time, agencies impose client deadlines and fixed schedules. As a result, agencies have less flexibility.
4. Do agencies provide better career growth than freelancing?
Yes, Agencies do provide better career growth opportunities because there is a chance for promotions and networking. Freelancers have to grow their reputation on their own, but it can be rewarding in the long run.
5. Which option is more secure—freelancing or agency work?
When comparing freelancing to agency work, it becomes clear that agency work offers financial and job security, whereas freelancing income can be irregular during the initial phase.
