The short answer
Hire a freelancer for a small, well defined site when budget matters most and you can manage the project yourself. Hire a studio when the site needs design, build, copy and motion together, a fixed date, or backup if someone is ill. Freelancers usually cost less per hour; studios usually cost less in delays and rework.
What is the real difference?
A freelancer is one person with one set of skills. A studio is a small team where design, build and project management sit in different hands, with one person responsible for the result.
How do they compare?
- Price: freelancers are often cheaper per hour. Studios more often quote a fixed price for a fixed scope
- Skills: a freelancer is strong in one or two areas. A studio covers design, build, copy and motion
- Speed: a studio can work on design and build at the same time
- Risk: if a freelancer is ill or busy, the project waits. A studio has cover
- Management: with a freelancer you often manage the project. A studio runs it for you
When is a freelancer the right call?
- A small site or a set of changes with a clear brief
- A tight budget and a flexible date
- You know exactly what you want and can review the work yourself
When is a studio the right call?
- The site needs strategy, design, copy and build working together
- There is a launch date that cannot move
- You want one fixed quote and one team responsible for the result
Where does Enthros fit?
We are a small studio with two senior partners on every project, priced closer to a freelancer: websites from $350, stores from $450 and apps from $1,500, each with a fixed quote and a week by week plan.
Planning one?
Websites at Enthros start from $350 and take 2 to 7 weeks.
