Should I Hire a Freelance Website Designer?

There's a common urge for business owners to choose a professional Internet company when considering a website. But today's market is a much different place than it was decades ago, and there has never been a better time to consider a freelance website designer for your next project.

Freelance vs. Professional

GothEagle: Freelance web designers are hard-working people who are anxious to please their clients. If you're considering a freelance website designer to design your small business website, take a look at some of their attributes...

• Traditionally, freelancers work for less and are more willing to offer a tailored budget rather than a set price.
• Freelancers are more willing to start work the same day, and with a lower deposit, or without any deposit at all.
• They work harder because they know they're competing with established companies. In order for them to distinguish themselves, they must work harder in their efforts to brand themselves as "developers" or "specialists."
• Clients get immediate attention to their requests because there's no middle-man or gate-keeper.
• Freelancers listen better because it's a personalized one-on-one experience.
• Because freelancers have smaller advertising budgets, they must try harder with every potential client they get and are willing to work harder to keep them.
• They remember details better when listening to their client's requests.
• When it comes to pride, a freelancer looks at each and every client request as an opportunity to create something special. Consequently, they take much more pride in what they do. They are people with individual identities who desire to add their own unique style to what they consider a "personal project," rather than just another job assignment.
• Freelancers are individuals who work alone for the most part, and more likely to accept only as much work as they think they can handle. They are more likely to avoid heavier work loads, thus are better at meeting deadlines.
• Freelancers are more likely to stay in touch with a client long after the work has been completed. They are more likely to pick up the phone and call rather than sending a formal email when it comes to a simple "hello," or "how are things going with your business?" Starting a chat is easier because it's a more of a true and honest feeling based on a personalized approach. This makes a client feel more like a "human being" rather than "just another client."
• Instead of punching a time-clock 9-5 everyday, there is more flexibility in a freelancer's schedule when it comes to "on-and-off" work. They are willing to put themselves in a holding period when a client is sick or on vacation.
• They are always ready for new challenges that come their way. They will say "Yes" to a tough project involving a steep learning curve because they know that in order to keep up with emerging technologies they must prepared to "learn on-the-job." When it comes to tough clients with unexpected requirements, they will get up early and go to bed late (even do "all-nighters") when a specific project involves something they are unfamiliar with or that is just too difficult for them to accomplish within a normal 8-hour day. According to Indeed.com, "Freelancers are often top experts in their field, providing specialized work to fill the skills gap at your company."
• Freelancers are usually willing to work either remotely or within the four walls of the client's home or office, which means traveling to a specific location in order to accommodate the client. Yes, they make "house calls!"
• Freelancers usually have no problem working under different employment statuses, either as a temporary contract (remotely or on-site), under W-2 or 1099.
• Freelancers will start and stop a project as needed by the client, whether it's a one-time project or a long-term project that's described as "on-going" or "indefinite."

How much does it cost to hire a freelance web designer?

The average cost of hiring a freelance web designer is much lower than hiring a large company. Depending on the freelancer's level of expertise, the incurred savings can range from 10% to 90%. Additionally, payment plans are usually easier to work with because freelancers are willing to work with their clients one-on-one and charge according to personal needs and requests. There are some who will begin working with no up-front fees or deposits. Overall, freelancers work for less and are more willing to offer a tailored budget rather than a set price.

Freelancers truly LOVE what they do!

There's no boss when it comes to a freelance web designer, so they have the freedom to do things in a personalized style without working under restrictions. A freelance web designer is fueled by the sheer desire of what they do and how they do it, and they're generally happier people because of this. They truly LOVE what they do!

It's true that freelancers blend in a more personalized touch into how they deal with clients. So you might say that a freelancer is prone to disagreeing, or even arguing about what is best for the client. But in fact, that can be counted as a major benefit because the client might have otherwise chosen to do business with a mindless robot, yes, a typical company employee who doesn't really care one way or the other how your project turns out. Freelancers pour their passion into every project as if though it were their own, and yes, they really "do care!" If you're a small business owner and considering a website to represent your company, consider hiring a freelance website designer.

Talk to a freelancer!..

Talking to a freelancer is more like talking to someone you already know. They will work out all the fine details of your web project and will help you one-on-one in real time with the marketing, writing, brainstorming and SEO aspects. All of your questions are answered by someone who is actually listening to you and responding to your requests.

Don't hire a large IT company to complete your project. Avoid the mindless robot-like customer service reps.

Hire a Freelancer Instead!

Read What is a webmaster? next.