Choosing the right partner is important when taking on the huge project of redesigning & rebuilding your brand’s website.
The decision usually boils down to three options: hiring a freelancer, a smaller web design agency or a big agency.
While each has its advantages, the sweet spot lies in choosing a smaller web design agency, like Squibble (now we may be biased, but we have points to back this up!).
Let’s dive into why these mid-sized players offer the perfect balance between personalised service, expertise & scalability:
#1 Tailored attention with a team-based approach
Freelancers often work solo. They can be stretched when juggling multiple roles – design, development, project management & client communication – they do everything (props to them!). However this can lead to delayed timelines or even burnout, which may affect the quality of your project.
On the other hand, a big agency typically assigns a large team to your project, but the process may feel impersonal & you may only interact with account managers rather than the people actually doing the nitty gritty.
So how does a smaller web design agency offer the best of both worlds?
You’re more likely to work directly with the creative team – designers, developers & strategists – who are hands-on with your project. Our team-based approach ensures your project is given full attention, but with more specialised roles than a freelancer can provide. You get the personalisation that freelancers promise with the expertise & support structure of a larger company. AKA the sweet spot.
#2 Balanced pricing
Freelancers tend to have lower overheads, so their rates can be appealing, especially for small businesses or startups. However, this cost-saving may come at the expense of having access to a wider range of skills, or the project may take longer if the freelancer works alone.
On the flip side, large agencies often have significant overheads – offices, large teams & administrative costs – which make their services more expensive. While their expertise can be vast, you’re paying for more than just the web design. You’re also covering the cost of their corporate structure, which may be overkill for your needs.
A smaller web design agency, like Squibble, offers competitive pricing while still providing access to a full range of services – design, development, UX/UI & SEO – at a more manageable cost. These agencies often have lower overhead than big firms, allowing them to offer affordable packages without compromising on quality.
#3 Scalability without bureaucracy
One of the limitations of working with a freelancer is their inability to scale quickly if your project grows or needs additional resources. This could lead to bottlenecks & longer timelines. On the other hand, while large agencies can scale projects, they often involve multiple layers of management & approval processes, which can slow things down and lead to miscommunication.
Squibble, a smaller web design agency, is nimble & flexible. We have enough in-house talent to adapt quickly to changes & we can bring in specialised freelancers or consultants as needed without being bogged down by bureaucracy. By working with us, you benefit from a streamlined, agile process that can evolve with your project, without unnecessary delays or complications.
#4 A balance of creativity & strategy
Freelancers often excel at executing a vision but may lack the broader strategic insight that comes from collaborating with a team. On the other hand, big agencies often split creativity & strategy into separate departments, leading to a more compartmentalised approach that could lack cohesion.
Smaller web design agencies tend to strike the perfect balance.
They’re creative powerhouses, but they also understand the strategic aspect of design – how it impacts user experience, conversion rates & brand identity. Because they work closely & collaboratively as a small team, their process naturally integrates creativity with strategy, leading to more thoughtful, effective web designs that achieve your business goals.
#5 Direct access to experts
When you work with a freelancer, you’re often dealing with one person who handles everything, from the design to the client communication. While this can lead to a very personal experience, it also means you may not have access to specialists in areas like UX/UI design, SEO or more complex development tasks.
At a big agency, you’ll likely have access to top-tier experts in these fields, but you may never speak with them directly. Instead, communication is filtered through project or account managers, which often leads to a disconnect.
Smaller agencies, like Squibble, offer direct access to experts without the hierarchy of big firms. You get to collaborate closely with specialised professionals who are actively working on your project. This leads to clearer communication & faster problem-solving.
#6 Long-term relationships & growth
With freelancers, once a project is done, the relationship is likely to end there. Some may be available for long-term support or retainer-based work, but many are constantly moving between clients & might not have the capacity to stick around for future work or SLA work.
Big agencies, on the other hand, often aim for long-term relationships but may lock you into costly retainers, even if your needs don’t justify it.
Smaller web design agencies are in it for the long haul. They often build strong, lasting partnerships with their clients because they can provide ongoing support, yet aren’t driven by high-pressure retainers. They grow with your business, offering continuous improvements & updates that align with your evolving needs.
#7 Agility in trends & technology
Technology & design trends are constantly evolving. Freelancers may struggle to stay on top of the latest advancements due to their limited bandwidth & big agencies may be slow to adapt because of their complex approval processes.
A smaller web design agency, however, is typically more agile. They have the resources to stay current with industry trends & emerging technologies, but without the red tape that slows down larger agencies. At Squibble, each team member has dedicated “learning time” so they can focus on evolving their skills or catching up with the latest web design trends.
Smaller web design agencies hit the hard-to-find sweet spot between the personalised service of a freelancer & the comprehensive expertise of a big agency.
Are you considering your next web design project? Choosing the right-sized partner can make all the difference. A smaller web design agency might just be the perfect fit for your needs! If that’s the case, get in touch today.
