If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely tempted to hire a freelance writer to take care of your content marketing needs. There’s a good chance you’re intimidated by the idea of working with an agency, thinking that agencies only work with huge corporations. 

Hiring a freelance writer and working with an agency like WriterArmy both have their pros and their cons. Here, we’ll help you to decide which option is right for you.

Why Hire a Freelance Writer? Pros and Cons

Freelance writers can be found all over the internet, from referrals to job boards and more. Plenty of small businesses think it’s their only attainable option, but that’s not necessarily true. 

Pros

Freelance writers are great for businesses that are just starting their content marketing strategies or those that don’t want much content each month. If you hire a freelance writer and charge per project, you can save money over an agency in the long run, particularly if your content marketing needs are minimal. 

Another benefit to hiring a freelance writer is the dedication to your company. Agencies have dozens or even hundreds of clients who need their attention, while your freelancer probably has a dozen or fewer. You’ll always have a direct line of contact, putting you in control. 

Cons

One of the biggest cons of hiring freelancers is dependability. Content marketing agencies have to build good relationships with dozens of clients in order to attract new ones. But on freelance job platforms, nearly anyone can create a profile and claim whatever they please. If your freelancer doesn’t deliver on a job, there’s really no way to make up for your lost time and money. 

Of course, that depends on your luck with finding a freelance writer in the first place. Availability is incredibly low these days, and the freelancers that you will find are likely already established – meaning they’re probably going to charge more. Agencies can give subscription plans or flat rate pricing per project, but either way, they’re likely more affordable than freelancers. 

Image Source: Peak Freelance

Finally, having a freelance writer can take more of your time than you might think. Since you’ll be in direct contact, you’ll have to check in to provide project details, request updates if needed, and perhaps send the work back for edits. The back-and-forth can get tiring fast and may even leave you wondering if you should have done the job yourself. 

Why Work with WriterArmy? Pros and Cons

If you want to do something besides hire a freelance writer, you might be interested in working with a content agency like WriterArmy. Content agencies often have teams of dozens of writers prepared to create everything from social media posts and blogs to video scripts and eBooks. Most agencies offer subscription services for a set amount of content each month, while others will allow you to simply order content as you need it. 

Pros

Hiring an agency can save you lots of money in the long run, especially if you’re looking for a lot of content. Agencies are equipped to handle heavy workloads, so you can rest assured that your project will be done on time. Plus, since agencies are likely to have more experience running successful marketing campaigns in your industry, you won’t waste as much time trying to find the content that works with your audience. 

If you don’t have the time to hire a freelance writer and be constantly managing or directing them, then working with an agency is the way to go. Agencies have their own training and quality control for their writers, meaning that your content will be ready to post as soon as you receive it. Freelancers, on the other hand, don’t have the same level of quality control, so you’re more likely to have to send the content back for edits. 

Those who work in more technical fields like finance, SaaS, medical, and legal can particularly benefit from hiring an agency. The average freelancer simply won’t have the detailed knowledge of your field to produce convincing content for your audience. But at an agency, it’s likely that the company (or at least several specific writers) has an in-depth understanding of what your audience is looking for. 

Cons

At WriterArmy, we pride ourselves on providing the best content possible, every single time. But that does mean that you’ll be relinquishing a little control. We understand not only the ins and outs of your industry but also how to make your business sound appealing to an audience. While we’ll do everything we can to provide exactly what you’re looking for, we may need you to compromise a little to get there. 

Another con of working with agencies is the onboarding process. When you hire a freelance writer, they can typically get started on a new project right away with very little instruction. They can get away with this practice because they’re probably producing a small amount of content. But if you’re hiring an agency to handle all of your content needs, it’s going to take some time to communicate your brand tone, messaging, values, and the like. The experts at WriterArmy work to expedite the process as much as possible without sacrificing quality. 

Get Started Today

Whether you choose to work with a freelance writer or partner with a content agency like WriterArmy, there’s no question about the impact that an effective content strategy can have on your business. Each piece of content serves to engage your audience, spread the word about your company, and prove your industry authority. 

If you’re considering hiring a content agency, WriterArmy is here. For the last decade, our talented team of American and Canadian writers has been producing top-quality content in verticals like real estate, travel, education, medical, legal, and others. Each client is connected with their very own Project Manager, offering a direct line of contact and a personal expert about your content. 
There’s never been a better time to invest in content marketing. Contact WriterArmy today to learn more or request a free quote!