Most digital marketers reach a crossroads when deciding which career path to take: freelancing or joining a digital marketing agency. Most professionals are confused at this point as they fear they will regret the road they have taken or not taken. Either choice has its positives and setbacks. Nevertheless, both provide an opportunity to explore the world of digital marketing. If you are a digital marketer standing confused at the crossroads, we will guide you through.
Difference between Freelancing and Agency work
Every digital marketer stepping into the professional world ought to start somewhere. You have two options: work for a digital marketing agency and learn from experts, or be your own boss and start freelancing. A lot of differences exist between freelancing and agency work in terms of working style, income, responsibilities, job stability, etc. Knowing the difference helps you make the right decisions.
A digital marketing agency consists of a team of professionals specialised in various digital marketing services such as SEO, social media marketing, PPC advertising, content marketing, etc. Working in an agency allows you to work on multiple projects simultaneously with an experienced team. It enables you to learn and work alongside other professionals with years of experience. As a beginner, you can experience working on different projects and handling various scenarios. Surrounded by experienced professionals, you learn how to handle different challenges at work.
Freelancers work independently on various projects. They are free to choose projects and work in the niche of their interest. Unlike in an agency, they are not tied to an employer and can avoid working on projects they are least interested in. Freelancers usually provide specialised services like SEO, Social media marketing and management, PPC advertising, content marketing, etc. Freelancers must actively connect with clients and find new projects on their own. Platforms such as Freelancer, Upwork, Fiverr, etc., are exclusively developed for freelancers. Unlike agency work, freelancing does not necessarily be a full-time commitment. Also, you can start a career as a freelance digital marketer without completing a certification course. In contrast, some agencies would only hire you if you have prior knowledge of digital marketing or after completing a digital marketing course.
Skills required for digital marketing freelance and agency work
There are specific skills required for a career in digital marketing; however, the soft skills may vary depending on the mode of work you choose. Here are some soft skills that a digital marketing freelancer must have;
- Time management – efficiently manage projects and not miss out on deadlines.
- Communication – you must effectively communicate with the client to achieve the desired outcome. Also, communication is necessary to connect with potential clients and grow your network.
- Problem-solving – As a freelancer, you must possess a quick wit to handle and solve various scenarios and challenges that arise in your work.
Here are some soft skills required for a digital marketing agency worker.
- Teamwork – The ability to collaborate and work effectively within a team and with other departments is needed to achieve successful output.
- Communication – communication is the key to successfully collaborating and sharing ideas with the team members.
- Stress management – the ability to handle stress in the workplace and manage stressful situations like multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
Pros and cons of digital marketing freelance and agency work
Agency work and freelancing both have their pros and cons. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions regarding a career in digital marketing.
Pros of freelancing in digital marketing
- Work in your preferred place and time
A freelancer can work from anywhere at any time. They do not have to remain in a confined office space from morning until evening. This flexible work environment allows for more time for oneself and family.
- Higher income
In freelancing, you set your income. You can charge your clients based on your experience and availability and negotiate with them directly. As you gain more experience, you can give yourself a raise.
- Freedom of choice
You have the freedom to choose your clients and niche. If you are not comfortable with a client, you can refuse to work with them.
- Exploring your creative potential
Freelancers make the creative decisions in their work. You are answerable only to your client, allowing you to work together and explore your creative potential. You have the freedom to make creative choices for the project.
Cons of freelancing in digital marketing
- Job instability
You are not guaranteed to get projects all the time, and there might be times when you stay unemployed if you cannot find enough clients.
- Financial instability
Staying financially stable can be challenging when the salary is inconsistent. A long hiatus between projects can lead to financial struggles.
- Finding clients
As a freelancer, you control the overall business, including finding clients, client management, and marketing. You may feel exhausted from doing all the work on your own.
- Lack of social interaction
Depending on personal preferences, some may find this a disadvantage, while others may see it as an advantage. Freelancers work alone most of the time unless there are meetings with clients. For some, the lack of social interaction can be an isolating experience, while others may find this comfortable.
Pros of agency work in digital marketing
- Teamwork
Working in a team provides opportunities for self-learning and growth. You can collaborate and share ideas with other team members, which makes your work less burdensome.
- Job stability
Your career is not dependent on the individual projects you get. As a full-time employee, you will have career stability and other perks and benefits.
- Financial stability
Regardless of the size or number of the project, you will get a fixed income every month.
- Do not have to handle the burden of the whole project
You will be assigned specific tasks and can focus solely on them. Each employee will be assigned a role, and the manager will likely oversee the project.
Cons of agency work in digital marketing
- Work-life balance
Finding a balance between work and personal life can be challenging if the working environment is stressful.
- Fixed income
Even though fixed payments can be a good thing, you cannot control your income and cannot request a raise immediately based on your preferences.
- Limited creative freedom
You are not always free to explore your creative potential, as you will be expected to do the work according to the manager’s directions. You are not free to experiment with your creativity, as the team leaders and managers usually decide the project strategies.
- Cannot choose the clients
If you are not comfortable with a client, you cannot refuse to work. Irrespective of your personal preferences, you are bound to do the work that the agency takes for the client.
Scopes of freelancing and agency work in Kochi
Kochi is a thriving city with a lot of businesses and IT firms. Kochi is also home to several multi-national companies. Digital marketers have employment opportunities in the city. Major companies usually seek the help of digital marketing agencies to promote their websites and social media pages. If you are a beginner looking for a guide in digital marketing and seek to work with top companies, consider applying for agencies. In these agencies, you will work alongside experienced professionals, and you can gain valuable knowledge from them. To build experience, it would be better to start with an agency. Besides, if inexperienced, freelancers struggle to get hired by big companies. If you are comfortable working with a team and want to gain practical experience, agency work may suit you the best.
Freelancers also have a promising career in Kochi. If you like working independently and in your comfort zone, you can be a freelancer. You can find freelance work from platforms like Freelancer, Upwork, or Fiverr. There, you will find plenty of freelance job opportunities. You can apply for jobs, and if the clients are satisfied with your portfolio, you might be selected. You can charge them according to the workload and your experience level. A freelancer in Kochi can work for companies worldwide and gain profound experience.
Conclusion
If you want a safe career with a stable income, consider agency work. However, if you are good at networking and managing the job independently, freelancing can provide you with a good income. If you are a fresher in digital marketing, you should work for an agency and gain experience by working alongside experienced professionals. If a freelancing opportunity excites you, you can always turn that path after gaining expertise in your field. Choosing between freelance or agency work depends on your career goals and personal preferences.
We have discussed everything you need to know about freelancing and agency work, including their differences, pros, and cons. After carefully considering your preferences, you can choose the path that excites you the most.
Aviv Digital is one of the leading Digital marketing course in Kochi. We offer a wide variety of globally recognized certification programs that include SEO, SEM, SMM, Email Marketing and Inbound Marketing courses. For more details, Contact us at: +91 8156998844
