These days, it’s safe to say the gig economy is growing at a massive rate, and with good reason.
Not only are today’s professionals realizing they no longer need to work for someone else to earn a good living (as an employee), but companies are fully aware of the benefits of working with talented freelancers.
According to research, over 50 percent of the American workforce will consist of freelance workers by 2027, so that’s a huge talent pool to take advantage of. But which is truly the right choice for your company – a team of freelancers or traditional in-house employees?
Let’s go over what you need to know when considering freelance vs. in-house to make a sound, informed decision.
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What to Consider When Choosing Between a Freelancer vs. In-House Employee
While there’s definitely nothing wrong with hiring full-time in-house help, it’s important for modern marketers to understand that it’s not their only option anymore.
Some of the most talented professionals out there prefer freelancing to traditional employment, and they can help your company meet its goals (at times even better than an in-house team can).
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing between freelancer vs. in-house for your future marketing team.
- Hiring costs
- Necessary skills or experience
- Project management requirements
- Scope of work needed
The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Freelancer
Whether they ultimately wind up hiring individual workers or outsourcing projects to a larger content management agency, more and more businesses are discovering the benefits of outsourcing to freelancers.
Here’s a closer look at the biggest pros and cons to consider.
PROs
Freelancers are more cost-effective
Although businesses and companies of all sizes may decide to outsource various tasks to freelancers, this is an especially popular approach for small businesses on a tight budget.
Freelance talent is plentiful and relatively inexpensive, especially compared to the costs of hiring a full-time employee. And you work with freelancers on a project-by-project basis, so you pay only for the help you need.
Freelancers are convenient ways to fill talent gaps
Sometimes a marketing project calls for special expertise or experience – something necessary and non-negotiable. But often, it can be impractical to onboard a full-time employee to cover a talent gap that could just as easily be fulfilled by a freelancer.
They are diverse, varied, and collectively possess just about any ability you could possibly need, so you can cover talent gaps at a fraction of the cost and hassle.
Freelancers are passionate and specialized
They are rarely doing what they’re doing just for a paycheck. They offer the services they do because they’re great at them and have lots of experience. They’re also typically very passionate about their work and any specialties they might have.
In other words, hiring a freelancer for a project likely means having a seasoned expert on the job who feels personally invested in what they’re doing – a dream come true for any company or marketing team.
CONs
There can be communication delays
Many freelancers work odd hours, as they typically arrange their work schedules around the rest of their responsibilities, not the other way around.
And even if a particular freelancer does work according to a standard business schedule, time zone differences can still mean the person isn’t available to chat in real-time right when you need them to be.
Communication gaps are common and likely. However, in most cases, they are also easily overcome during the hiring process by being upfront about any time management requirements.
There may be a lack of understanding of company culture
Unlike in-house employees who are immersed in the day-to-day operations and culture of the company, freelancers may not have the same level of insight into the organization’s values, norms, and communication styles.
This can sometimes lead to challenges in seamlessly integrating freelancers into team projects or aligning their work with the company’s overarching goals and objectives.
However, with clear communication, onboarding processes, and regular check-ins, it’s possible to mitigate these challenges and ensure that freelancers feel connected to the company’s culture while delivering high-quality work.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring an In-House Team
If your company is like most, then the chances are pretty good that you have at least a few full-time employees on your payroll, and that’s as it should be. Some roles within a company really are best filled by traditional employees.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when figuring out whether that’s the best fit for a role you’re looking to fill within your existing team set-up.
PROs
In-house employees are more familiar with your company
For jobs, especially long-term ones, hiring an in-house employee often makes the most sense. It’s usually when the person needs an intimate working understanding of how your company operates.
In-house employees are on the premises daily. They interact directly with other team members and possibly also the company’s clients.
For those reasons, there’s no need to brief the person on company policies and practices before they’re ready to get to work on a new project.
Opportunities for mentorship and development
Unlike freelancers who typically work independently and remotely, in-house employees have the advantage of direct access to senior team members, managers, and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback on their work.
This mentorship not only facilitates skill development and career growth but also fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty to the company.
In-house workers can benefit from ongoing training programs, workshops, and professional development initiatives tailored to their career aspirations, helping them thrive in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.
CONs
In-house employees are expensive
The cost of onboarding a new employee is quite high compared to the cost of hiring a freelancer instead. There’s your employee’s salary to consider, but also vacation time, tax costs, insurance coverage, and more.
Retention of those employees is costly, as well. An employer must be prepared to invest in the person’s ongoing training, keeping them happy with their job, etc.
In-house employees require commitment
Sometimes this type of commitment doesn’t make sense for a small business. When it comes to certain tasks that can easily be outsourced, often it should be the go-to choice.
Great content writers, graphic designers, editors, and SEO specialists are easy to find via top freelance marketplaces. A business owner or manager can easily hire help as needed and pay for only the work that they need.
Freelancer vs. In-House Pros and Cons
Freelancer vs. In-House FAQ
What is the difference between freelance and in house?
Freelance workers are independent contractors who work on a project-by-project basis, often for multiple clients, while in-house employees are full-time or part-time staff members who work exclusively for one company. Freelancers have more flexibility but less job security, whereas in-house employees typically have more stability and benefits.
What is the difference between working for an agency in house and freelance?
Working in-house at an agency means being a regular employee with a fixed salary, benefits, and a consistent work schedule. Freelancers working for agencies are hired for specific projects or tasks, offering more flexibility in terms of work hours and location but without the same level of job security or benefits.
Is it better to be a freelancer or employee?
Whether it’s better to be a freelancer or an employee depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Freelancing offers more flexibility and control over work, but comes with less stability and benefits. Being an employee provides more job security, consistent income, and benefits, but usually involves a fixed schedule and less autonomy.
What is the difference between freelance and work from home?
Freelance work refers to the employment arrangement where individuals are self-employed and work on various projects for different clients. Work from home refers to the location where the work is performed. Freelancers can work from home, but so can traditional employees if their job allows remote work.
Why do freelancers get paid more?
Freelancers often get paid more on an hourly basis because they are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits. They also need to cover downtime between projects and administrative tasks. Additionally, companies may pay a premium for the specialized skills and flexibility that freelancers provide.
Why choose a freelancer over an agency?
Choosing a freelancer over an agency can be more cost-effective and provide more personalized attention to a project. Freelancers often offer specialized skills and can be more flexible with timelines. They are typically more agile and can adjust quickly to specific project needs without the overhead costs associated with an agency.
Wrap-Up
Ultimately, the freelancer vs. in-house employee decision will shake out differently for every company, marketing team, and project. But in many cases, outsourcing tasks to freelancers make more sense in the vast majority of cases.
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