Back to Glossary
What Is Freelancer?
Strategy & Planning
Updated 18 September 2026
Quick Answer
A freelancer is an independent individual hired to complete a specific marketing task — like writing, design, or ads management — typically on a project or hourly basis, rather than as a full-time employee.
Freelancer vs. Agency — What's the Difference?
| Freelancer | Agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Usually one individual handling the work | A team with multiple specialists |
| Cost | Often lower for a single task | Often higher, but with broader capacity |
Why It Matters
- It offers flexible, often lower-cost access to specific expertise without the ongoing commitment of an agency retainer or employee.
- Quality and reliability can vary significantly between individuals, making vetting genuinely important.
How It Works
- A business identifies a specific task needing outside expertise.
- It hires a freelancer, typically per-project or hourly, often found through referral or a freelance platform.
- The freelancer completes the defined task, usually without an ongoing employment relationship.
Key Takeaways
- A freelancer is an independent individual hired for a specific task, unlike an agency team.
- It's often more flexible and lower-cost, but quality varies more between individuals.
- A clear brief and defined scope avoid most common problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a good freelancer?
Referrals from other business owners are often more reliable than freelance platforms alone — check past work and references either way.
Is a freelancer cheaper than an agency?
Often yes for a single specific task, though an agency can offer broader capacity and accountability across multiple specialties.
What should I include when hiring a freelancer?
A clear brief, defined scope, timeline, and payment terms — clarity upfront avoids most common freelance working relationship problems.