Running a business is filled with a never-ending laundry list of to-dos. No matter what industry you’re in, business owners are tasked with wearing many hats to try to fulfill every role. At some point, you can’t do it all (trust us, we’ve tried).
For many growing businesses, partnering with a large agency is seen as the natural next step. Agencies have the connections, strategies, and the latest tools and trends at their disposal. However, bigger doesn't always mean better—especially when looking for flexibility, personal attention, and tailored support.
If a big-agency model isn’t for you, freelancers are another viable option due to their flexibility, modernity, and adaptability. They can also be more budget-friendly.
On the horizon exists a third option, one that takes a bit of column A and column B to make a unique offering for those businesses and entrepreneurs stuck in between.
Still unsure where to start? Here’s our quick guide to determining what type of support works best for your business.
Sometimes, it’s best to go back to the drawing board and determine what you and your business are trying to accomplish.
Raising more awareness is a different goal from meeting a sales quota. In the same way, launching a new product is different from running a new PR campaign. Also consider what your KPI’s are - do you care more about views on a blog post, increasing your number of followers, or getting conversions on an email marketing campaign?
A large agency can often take your directives and hit the ground running, ready to deploy any tools, connections, and team members to make it happen. They are best for businesses with a clear goal already set, with an even clearer list of to-dos.
Freelancers are similar in that they can react quickly to your needs and often fill the role of a team player. They are ideal for businesses that have a goal and plan, and need someone to help hand off specific, well-defined tasks.
A boutique agency is for those who may not have as much to start with, need help determining the KPIs and strategic guidance and development that best suit their business model.
One of the most critical, yet difficult things to determine is the budget. How a business determines a budget depends on many factors, but once decided, you should see how far your dollar will go.
Large agencies will require larger budgets, often with little wiggle room for negotiation. This is usually better tolerated by larger companies with pre-established departments and budgets.
Freelancers usually offer higher hourly rates, which can quickly run away from a business depending on the scope of the project. They are an excellent option for those seeking a straightforward application of where one’s budget is spent. If you hire a graphic designer freelancer, you can trust that your budget is spent on graphic design assets.
A smaller agency can offer more flexibility and negotiation, allowing a business to pick and choose what they need without any of the excess that makes large agencies inaccessible. With a small agency, you often don’t have to pay for overhead, lock into retainer fees, have random surcharges, etc. They are an ideal option for businesses who aren’t ready or do not have the resources to commit to a full-scale agency engagement but still need high-quality, strategic support.
For most businesses, the answer is likely “Effectively.” But, as with other factors, communication cadence isn’t always the same.
Large agencies often have to communicate through corporate “red tape”, opting for third-party platforms to send messages, and usually require multiple follow-ups due to the fact that they have multiple projects going on at the same time.
Freelancers are more direct with communication, but can be unpredictable with their hours and with proactive communication.
A smaller agency can run similar risks, but usually offers direct relationships and more direct communication practices based on ease-of-use.
Ultimately, choosing between a large agency, a freelancer, or a boutique agency comes down to what your business truly needs. Large agencies bring scale and resources, freelancers offer flexibility and affordability, but boutique agencies strike a balance, delivering tailored, high-quality service with a personal touch. They’re nimble, accessible, and deeply invested in your success.
Expect some trial and error, and focus on choosing the option that feels most authentically aligned with your values and practical needs. That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but when you find the right fit, the results speak for themselves.
