Agencies vs. Freelance Copywriters: Who comes out on top?
*Cue the America’s Next Top Model music.*
You’re probs here ‘cause you’re tossing up a copywriting agency and a freelancer. Well, here’s our hot take – and we’re gonna be super real with you here – one doesn’t exactly hold the title of Queen Bee. It all comes down to the level of collaboration, guidance and expertise that you’re after, plus the type of project. There’s a whole heap to consider, but we’ve got you, boo.
Let’s start with where we sit on the scale. See, NN has the benefit of not quite being an agency – we are a studio, but we’re basically freelance copywriters. (So, for the purpose of this blog, when we talk about freelancers, we’re talking about yours truly.) But enough about us; if you need some copywriting help and you’re wondering whether to go the freelancer or larger full-service agency route, here’s the scoop:
For one-off projects that need flexibility
Go for: A freelance copywriter
Freelance copywriters *typically* have more flexible schedules and can adapt quickly to changes in your project. (If Ross were in charge, he’d be the king of the speedy PIVOT!) They might also say yes to shorter timelines or one-off projects, where agencies would probably be too bogged down to do so. (IYKYK.)
🪩 Here at NN, we live laugh LOVE one-off projects! Whether you need some fun taglines, product descriptions or a TOV refresh, we’re here to make things super interesting in the word department.
Talk about a power move.
For a multifaceted approach that goes beyond writing
Go for: An agency
The great thing about agencies is that they have a team of professionals with a whole heap of experience. So, if you need strategists, marketers, and other specialists, partnering with an agency could be a better fit for your brand. While some freelancers do collaborate with designers and other experts, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive or integrated approach, an agency might be the right choice.
For keeping things niiiice and consistent
Go for: A freelance copywriter
Hey – not everyone loves change, and that’s A-OK. When you hire a freelance copywriter, you’re typically working with one person throughout your project, which can create a consistent voice and style. You don’t have to worry about different team members coming in and making a mess of the tone or messaging, or not having the full focus of your writer. In other words, it’s more streamlined – just the way we like it!
For when there are too many bits and pieces to count
Go for: An agency
Agencies can often handle larger volumes of work and more complex projects, which can be important if you have high demand or need multiple types of content produced simultaneously (for example, blogs, web copy, social media posts, oh and you need a new eDM flow, like, yesterday). If you have a lot of projects on your plate and they can be spaced out, a freelance copywriter might be happy to take you on as a client. However, if everything is due at the same time, it may require more people-power. (You know, agency power.)
Yup – this meme format will never get old.
Truth be told, we love our freelancers, and we love our agencies. Here at NN, we work with both! Alongside our three Creative Copywriters (Dani, Simi & Izzie) and our part-time designer (we love you Yas!), we also collab with other freelancers who have set up shop all over the world.
So, yeah. We don’t quite operate under a typical agency model – but we love it that way! (It really is the best of both worlds!).