Where To Hire Web Developers: Freelance, Web Agency?

Nowadays, web developers aren’t exactly scarce: in fact, you can find them anywhere. But what’s the best place to use to hire web developers that are perfect for you?
Where to hire web developers: freelance, web agency?
Let’s just say there are many options. Too many. You have giant freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr with thousands of eager candidates; you have agencies, forums, and social networks. What’s the best place to use?
It depends on what you need. Upwork is massively popular and attracts lots of developers of varying quality. It’s a good place if you need something on a small scale: one page, a plugin, or a tweak. Some freelancers work for almost free in order to fill their profile with good reviews. But while a low price is enticing, it might backfire: there are many stories about missed deadlines, subpar results, or straight-up disappearances in the middle of a project. Even small tasks can become a headache. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
Social networks are similar but even less reliable: while Upwork doesn’t offer guarantees, it has a rating system that helps filter out unreliable talents. Social networks can be good for learning more about a person and their style or portfolio, but once again, you get no guarantees. Some people enjoy the personal connection, but it’s up to you to decide whether it matters more to you.
Web development agencies: worth your time and money?
Web agencies offer something the other platforms cannot: ease of mind. Their services tend to be costlier, but you can count on getting quality results in time. There’s quality control, guarantees, and a whole team of project managers, designers, and coders.
Sure, projects tend to take more time due to complex schedules, but the result is almost always worth it.
So, what will you choose? Every option has its pros and cons, and your choice will depend on the scope of work. Think of your priorities and only then decide. But take it from us: don’t try to cut corners. A good project needs a good investment. It can be tempting to choose a cheaper option (and sometimes it is enough), but most of the time the risk is just not worth it.