Comparison
Agency, freelancer or DIY: who should build your website
There are three routes to a website. None of them is best in absolute terms. It all depends on your time, your needs and the support you expect once the site is live.
Why the question comes up
When you set out to create a website, you come across very different offers: tools to do it yourself, independent freelancers, agencies of every size. The gaps in price and promises are wide, and comparing them is hard.
Rather than comparing prices, it is better to compare what each option asks of you and what it leaves you with once the site is delivered. That is what we do here, while staying honest about our own limits.
The options
Building your site yourself · Hiring a freelancer · Going through an agency
Building your site yourself
With an online website builder, you create and manage everything yourself.
Pros
- The lowest cost to get started.
- Total freedom, at your own pace.
- No middleman to change anything.
Limits
- A lot of time, especially at the start.
- Copywriting, layout and SEO to learn.
- Nobody to help if something goes wrong, apart from the platform’s support.
- A site that depends on the platform you chose.
The right choice if : Businesses that are just starting out, with time available and a simple need.
Hiring a freelancer
An independent professional builds your site, often with direct contact and plenty of flexibility.
Pros
- A single point of contact, often responsive.
- A cost that is generally gentler than a large agency.
- Some freelancers are highly specialised and excellent.
- A simple, direct relationship.
Limits
- Continuity depends on one person: holidays, illness, a change of career.
- Aftercare after delivery is not always planned.
- Skills vary widely from one freelancer to another.
- Check who holds the domain name and the logins.
The right choice if : Well-defined projects, with a freelancer whose work you have seen and who commits to aftercare.
Going through an agency
A business that handles the project from start to finish, then looks after it over time.
Pros
- A clear framework: written proposal, timeline, price.
- Aftercare once the site is live, often through a maintenance subscription.
- A range of skills: website, software, automation.
- Continuity that does not rest on a single person.
Limits
- A cost that is often higher than a freelancer’s.
- Depending on its size, your contact may change along the way.
- Some agencies keep control of the site or the domain name.
- Offers that are sometimes oversized for a small business.
The right choice if : Businesses that want to hand everything over, with long-term support and a project that can grow.
The criteria side by side
| Criterion | Building your site yourself | Hiring a freelancer | Going through an agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Medium | Higher |
| Time required | Significant | Moderate | Low |
| Aftercare once live | Yourself | Varies | Usually included |
| Continuity | You | One person | A team |
| Site ownership | Tied to the platform | To be checked | To be checked |
When we are not the right choice
We are a small agency. If you are looking for a large team for a very complex website, with dozens of contributors, advertising campaigns and a full brand strategy, other businesses will be a better fit.
Conversely, if your need fits on one page and you have the time, do it yourself. And if you already know a trusted freelancer who provides aftercare, keep them: changing for the sake of it will get you nowhere.
What we bring: a price set out in writing before we start, a monthly fee that covers hosting, maintenance and small changes, and a site, data and logins that remain yours.
How to decide
Whichever option you choose, ask the same questions before signing. Who holds the domain name and the logins? What happens after the site goes live, and at what price? What exactly does maintenance include? Are the price and timeline in writing?
If the answers are clear, you can choose calmly between the three. To get an idea of the budget for a professionally built website, our estimate tool gives you a ballpark figure in a few questions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freelancer always cheaper than an agency?
Often, but not always. Compare what is included, especially aftercare once the site is live.
How can I be sure I remain the owner of my site?
Ask for it in writing: domain name in your name, admin logins handed over, the option to leave with your files. With us, that is the rule.
Can I start on my own and then hand the site over to a professional?
Yes. Your text, photos and domain name can be carried over. The layout will often have to be rebuilt.
Do you work remotely?
Yes, in France and Switzerland, remotely or on site depending on the project.
How much does a website with you cost?
Our starting prices are on the pricing page. The estimate tool helps you place your project, and the exact price is set out in writing before we start.
Further reading
- Websites and online shopsProfessional websiteFor small businesses with several trades, several types of customer or a range of services to explain. One page per service, a useful quote form, and a site your team is happy to show.
- GuidesHow much does a website cost for a tradesperson?You have two quotes for your website and the amounts are miles apart. That is normal: “website” does not always mean the same thing. This guide helps you understand what you are paying for, what comes back every month and what to check before you sign.
- Free toolsEstimate the price of your website.A few choices, a price range based on our rates, and the matching monthly fee. No sign-up.
A frank opinion on your project
The first call is free. We will tell you whether you need us, a freelancer, or nobody at all.
Discuss my project