The business benefits of hiring a freelancer
Freelancers are a highly skilled subset of the solo self-employed. We supply specialist services on a per-project basis, and our ranks include consultants, designers, content creators, and copywriters.
There are currently around 4 million freelancers in the UK. We’re often lured by the promise of independence, a better work/life balance, and (last but not least) the freedom to spend our work week in elasticated-waist pants.
But it’s not a one-way street. Hiring freelancers has many benefits for businesses, from cost savings to accessing specialist skills and fresh perspectives on demand.
Here are five reasons why bringing a freelancer on board is a smart move for your business.
1. It saves you money
Hiring a freelancer is often more cost-effective than bringing a permanent employee on board, especially for short-term projects that require specialist skills.
At first glance, a freelancer may seem more expensive. But it’s important to look beyond the hourly or project rate when you make a comparison.
Employees come with a range of overheads on top of their salary. And when you compare the total costs, the savings become clear.
These employee overheads include:
Recruitment and onboarding costs
Paid time off
Pension contributions, national insurance, and taxes
Bonuses and incentives
Training
Equipment and office space
Another big cost-saving difference is that you only pay a freelancer for the hours they spend working for you. You won’t pay for downtime or unproductive hours.
With full-time employees, you’re paying for an eight-hour workday, even though it’s unrealistic to expect every hour to be productive.
2. You can access specialist talent
In today’s competitive market, finding top-tier talent can be tough. That’s where freelancers come in.
They’re often experts in their field, allowing you to tap into specialist skills and knowledge when you need them.
Whether they’re crafting killer copy, designing stunning visuals, or tackling a niche technical challenge, freelancers bring a depth of expertise that’s hard to beat.
As savvy business owners, they understand it’s crucial to keep their skills sharp and relevant to outpace the competition. And a survey found they’re more likely to update their skills than non-freelancers.
This means when you hire a freelancer, you’re not just getting specialist talent, you’re getting someone who’s ahead of the curve.
3. It gives you flexibility
Freelancers give your business the agility to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Need help with your twice-yearly campaigns, annual brochure, or other regular projects? A freelance copywriter can step in with the expertise you need.
They’re often available at short notice, making them perfect for last-minute emergencies.
They're also a great solution when you have an increased workload or need temporary cover, such as during maternity leave or staff sickness.
In short, hiring a freelancer allows you to scale up your workforce and boost productivity, without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire.
4. It gets the job done better
OK, that’s a bit of a sweeping statement, but there are plenty of reasons why freelancers consistently deliver high-quality work, including:
Freelancers bring insights from working on various projects across multiple industries, offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions for your business.
They focus on the work they enjoy most, choosing projects they’re passionate about and where they can make the biggest impact.
Their reputation depends on delivering exceptional results every time. Freelancers are motivated to exceed expectations with every project, helping to attract new clients and keep existing ones coming back for more.
Since freelancers typically charge by the project, you’ll likely benefit from faster turnaround times too.
In addition, they often bring valuable suggestions beyond the scope of the project they’re hired for, identifying new opportunities to benefit your business.
5. You don’t need to make a long-term commitment
Hiring a full-time employee is a big commitment. Recruitment and training come with a hefty price tag. And if things don’t work out, you’ve not just lost time and money—your team’s morale and productivity could take a hit too.
Freelancers offer a more flexible option. You can bring them on board for a specific project without being tied down when it’s over.
And if you’re thrilled with their work, great! You can call on them again whenever you need a hand.
If you need their input more regularly, you could explore a retainer arrangement to ensure they’re always available.
This way, they’ll get to know your business and industry even better, giving you consistent, reliable support.
Not sure if you need a permanent hire? Freelancers are perfect for filling the gap while you figure it out. They can take the pressure off, helping you keep things running smoothly while you decide what your business needs long-term.
Ready to learn how a freelancer can benefit your business?
Freelancers give you ultimate flexibility and can save you money too. Hire them when you need them, no strings attached. And if the fit’s perfect, you can make them a regular part of your team without the commitment of a permanent hire.
Freelance copywriters are perfect for recurring or one-off projects. Need help crafting your monthly blog posts, quarterly newsletters, or refreshing your web copy?
Get in touch. I’d love to help you hook new fans, build relationships with your ideal audience, and grow your business.
