Freelance social media manager or agency in Dorset
A freelancer often suits a small local business, and an agency suits bigger or more complicated jobs. Here is how to tell which one you need, with questions to ask whoever you pick.
Rated 5.0 on GoogleThe problem
Two kinds of help and no clear way to choose
You have decided to get help with social media. Now you have two quotes that look nothing alike, and you cannot tell what each one gets you.
You might be nodding at these
- You cannot tell which is cheaper
- You are not sure what is included
- You worry an agency will treat you as small fish
- You worry a freelancer might disappear
- You do not want to be locked in
The short answer
Which one for a small business
A freelancer often suits a small local business. You talk to the person who plans and writes your posts, and you pay for the work, not for an office. An agency is usually the better choice for bigger or more complicated jobs, such as several locations or a large campaign.
If you are not sure, the table and the questions below will help you decide. I give a straight answer on a free call, even when the answer is an agency.
Why it matters
What choosing wrong can cost you
Three costs that are easy to miss.
Money on the wrong fit
Paying for a service that does not suit your business.
Time explaining again
Telling a new person about your business all over again.
Stuck in a contract
A poor fit can cost you months before you can leave.
Side by side
Freelancer and agency compared
These are general patterns, not rules. Every freelancer and every agency is different, so always ask.
| Compare | Freelancer | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Who you speak to | The person doing the work | An account manager, often |
| Who does the work | Usually one person | A team of writers, designers and managers |
| Cost | Often lower, with no office costs in the price | Often higher, to pay for the team |
| Speed of changes | Quick, because it is one person | Can take longer to pass through the team |
| Range of skills | Strong in a few things | A wider mix under one team |
| Cover if someone is away | Ask how it is handled | A team can cover each other |
| Contracts | Varies, so ask | Varies, so ask |
| Reporting | Ask what you will see each month | Ask what you will see each month |
A freelancer
When a freelancer suits you
One person can be the right fit in these cases.
You want one person who knows you
You talk to the person who plans and writes your posts, so you never have to explain yourself twice.
You want to pay for the work
No account managers and no office costs in the price. The money goes on your posts.
You want quick changes
A plan that fits your week, and a quick reply when something changes at short notice.
An agency
When an agency is the better choice
A freelancer is not right for every business, and I would rather tell you that now.
Several locations
A full team can look after each one.
Advertising at scale
Large paid campaigns need more hands.
Cover from a whole team
Holidays and illness never leave a gap.
A big campaign
A launch or a big push needs a full team.
Cost
What freelancers and agencies cost
Compare what each price includes, not only the number.
Freelancers are usually cheaper
But two quotes can be for very different jobs. See what freelancers charge in the UK.
Read moreMy packages
Starter from £250 a month, Growth from £750 and Video from £1,500. See what each covers.
Read moreAd spend is never included
Money paid to the platform for adverts is always separate. Read my full cost guide.
Read more
Cover
What if your freelancer is ill or away
One person means cover is a fair question to ask. My work is all online, so I can do it from anywhere. If I am away, your posts and replies carry on as normal.
Before you choose
Questions to ask whoever you choose
A good provider will be happy to answer these. If you get a vague reply, be careful.
- What exactly is included in the price?
- Who writes my posts?
- Who owns the accounts?
- How long is the contract and how much notice do I need to give?
- How will you show me what is working?
How I work
You approve everything and I keep it simple
I work as a freelancer, so you talk to me and I do the work.
You approve everything
Nothing goes live without your yes, month to month with 30 days notice.
Read more
What a client says
What a client says about working with a freelancer
This is a Google review from a Bournemouth clinic. I work with every client in the same way, one to one.
LairdPage runs all the social media for our clinic, and we couldn't be happier. He takes care of everything, so we don't have to stress about posting or keeping up with trends.
IV Health CareWellness clinic, BournemouthRead next
Keep reading
Your questions answered
Questions about freelancers and agencies
Not on the list?
Tell me what you're after and I'll come back with a straight answer.
Book a free callIs a freelancer cheaper than an agency?
Usually, but compare what is included. I explain the ranges in my cost guides.
How much of my time will it take with a freelancer?
Very little. A short call to start, then a quick yes or no on what I send you.
Will I still approve every post?
Yes. You approve everything before it goes live.
Do I need a contract?
Mine runs month to month, with 30 days notice to stop. Ask any provider how long theirs lasts.
What if my freelancer is ill or on holiday?
It is a fair question for any freelancer, so ask before you agree. My work is all online, so I can do it from anywhere. If I am away, your posts carry on as normal.
Will a freelancer get me results?
Nobody honest can promise results. A good provider shows you each month what went out and what it did, in plain English.
Can a freelancer do video as well as posts?
Yes. I do short video as well, built from your clips and photos. See my short-form video service.
When should I choose an agency instead?
If you have several locations, a large team or a big campaign, a full team can be the better choice.
Want to talk it through?
Tell me what you need and how your business works. I will give you a straight answer, even if the right choice is an agency.
No pressure and no sales pitch.