Both have distinct advantages and potential downsides. But as we discussed this with our clients at TYPO3 Projects, we realized that this is an important point to address.
This blog post examines in more detail both sides of the decision, so you understand the real differences between a TYPO3 agency and a TYPO3 freelancer for your next project.
Let's get started!
What is a TYPO3 Agency?
A TYPO3 Agency consists of professional developers, designers, and project managers who together offer complete website solutions. Agencies are well-prepared for projects that require different skills and a structured work process.
Advantages:
- Variety of Skill Sets: Agencies are made up of individuals with multiple skill sets, ranging from front-end and back-end development to design, SEO, and testing.
- Organized Project Management: An organized project workflow and a definite project manager framework can help keep projects on schedule.
- Long-Term Support: Many agencies offer regular maintenance and updates, so you know the website will be in good hands
Considerations:
- Expensive: Agency costs tend to be driven up by the size of the team, overhead, and the professionalism required to be process-oriented.
- Onboarding: Getting the first project off the ground and working with the agency's coordination can take longer than expected.
- Perhaps Limited Communication: One downside for companies could be only being able to communicate through a project manager, and not as a direct line to communicate with different developers.
Overall, TYPO3 agencies are best suited for large projects, complex websites, or businesses looking for a reliable long-term partner.
What is a TYPO3 Freelancer?
A TYPO3 freelancer is an independent developer who provides expert TYPO3 services either on a project or an hourly basis. Freelancers are typically more flexible and can be easier to work with, especially for smaller projects or specific tasks, where hiring a whole team may not make sense.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Generally, a freelancer will charge a lower rate than an agency because they have less overhead.
- Direct Communication: You will speak directly with the developer so that conversations may be quicker and more personal.
- Speed: Freelancers can often start more quickly and commonly make quicker decisions, which is especially helpful for short-term or small changes or updates.
Considerations:
- Limited Capacity: A freelancer can only take on so much work at a time, making larger or more complex projects more difficult to manage.
- No Back-Up: If the freelancer gets sick or is unavailable for some other reason, your project may be delayed.
- Less Process: Project management, testing, and quality are up to a single individual, which may require extra work on your side; a more typical agency will have more of a process for these tasks.
In summary, freelancers are best for smaller TYPO3 projects or more focused tasks where budget, speed, and direct collaboration are priorities.
Factors Affecting the Choice of TYPO3 Agency or TYPO3 Freelancer
The decision between a TYPO3 agency and a freelancer depends on the size of your project, your budget, and your goals. Here are the key points you should consider:
1. Project size: Agencies are better suited for larger or more complex TYPO3 projects that require multiple areas of expertise. A freelancer is well-suited for smaller, clearly defined tasks.
2. Cost: A freelancer is often more cost-effective and therefore a good choice for small businesses or start-ups. Agencies are generally more expensive but offer a complete team with a structured approach and clear accountability.
3. Timelines: A freelancer can usually start work more quickly, while agencies can adhere to larger timelines thanks to coordinated teamwork.
4. Skills: Agencies combine the knowledge and experience of many TYPO3 professionals, while a freelancer, although very talented, usually covers a more limited area of expertise.
5. Long-term support: An agency often offers ongoing maintenance and support, while a freelancer may not be available after the project is completed.
In summary, your choice will depend on complexity, budget, and long-term needs.
Cost Comparison – TYPO3 Agency Vs TYPO3 Freelancer
Criteria | TYPO3 Agency | TYPO3 Freelancer |
Hourly Rate | Higher due to team structure, management, and overhead costs | Lower since there are no agency expenses or overheads |
Included Services | Project management, design, testing, QA, and long-term support | Development-focused; may need external help for design or QA |
Initial Cost | More expensive upfront | More affordable for small projects |
Long-Term Value | Often more cost-effective in the long run due to code quality and reliability | May require additional costs later for fixes or improvements |
Project Complexity Handling | Ideal for large, complex projects requiring multiple skills | Best for small to medium or single-scope projects |
Risk Level | Low – multiple experts and backup resources available | Higher – dependent on one person’s availability and capacity |
Maintenance & Support | Usually included as part of ongoing service contracts | Depends on freelancer’s availability; may require a separate agreement |
TYPO3 Agency Vs TYPO3 Freelancer - whom to hire?
The best option will depend on the size, complexity, and your long-term vision for your project. Both TYPO3 agencies and freelancers have advantages that will fit the needs of your project.
Hire a TYPO3 Agency for:
- You have a large or enterprise TYPO3 website designed for scalability and requiring continuous development and support.
- Your project requires expertise in design and development, TYPO3 SEO, and regular maintenance.
- Your company has structured processes, defined QA measures, and the need for long-term reliability.
Hire a TYPO3 Freelancer for:
- You have a small to medium TYPO3 website with clearly defined requirements and outcomes.
- You need to implement a project quickly and have a limited budget.
- Your TYPO3 project involves a specific task, such as TYPO3 upgrades, bug fixes, or the development of extensions.
If your project is small or an MVP, it might make sense to start with a freelancer. As your project develops, a TYPO3 agency can provide the extra capacity, stability, and expertise to scale effectively.
Why do TYPO3 Agencies Charge a bit more than TYPO3 Freelancers? (old)
When establishing project security with a TYPO3 agency, one benefit it brings you is the likelihood of a relatively higher quality TYPO3 code, since numerous TYPO3 developers are doing code reviews.
Here are various aspects that will address your doubts:
- Access to a Full Team: Agencies have project managers, developers, testers, and occasionally SEO/UX experts to cover all functions of your project.
- Higher Code Quality: Having more developers and additional code review alike produces cleaner, more reliable, and scalable TYPO3 solutions.
- Project Security: If a team member is sick, typically, someone else can continue the work. This reduces project delays, risks, etc.
- Organized Development Process: Agencies operate in an organized workflow assignment, including automated testing and quality assurance, to help promote consistency on all projects.
- Current Training and Certification: Agencies can afford to continually train and certify their developers to stay ahead of the latest updates and advancing TYPO3 methods.
- Long-term Value: Although the initial investment may be higher than that of freelancers, the ongoing stability, security, and maintainability may not be as high for a freelance developer.
Conclusion
Yes, that’s it! I hope that, above all the prominent reasons, you will make a decision and clear your confusion regarding hiring a TYPO3 Agency or a TYPO3 Freelancer for your dream TYPO3 Project or TYPO3 website.
If you are looking for a reliable TYPO3 development partner, NITSAN is your TYPO3 Agency in Germany. Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions, leave them in the comment box below!
We’re happy to talk!
FAQs
Agencies tend to be more dependable due to having multiple team members, having structured processes, doing quality checks, and offering ongoing support. Freelancers can be reliable too, but their availability and capacity may vary.
Yes, freelancers usually charge less as they have fewer fixed costs. That said, agencies could provide better long-term value through code quality, scalability, and support.
Yes, of course. Many companies start small, using a freelancer and then eventually hire an agency if their projects become larger or require more complex solutions.
Be clear about your project requirements, choose your development partner wisely, and work collaboratively throughout the project. It also makes sense to test regularly and keep your project updated and maintained.
Contact for Internet agency and TYPO3 projects
Sven Thelemann
Service Partner - Germany

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