In 2022 and 2023, being freelance is “in vogue”. In this dynamic, numerous collectives are being formed and developing every day. However, contrary to what one might (often) read on LinkedIn, the agency model is not dead. I believe that both models will continue to coexist, and, in fact, agencies will regain popularity.
The topic is fascinating, yet it is far too often addressed from a single perspective. That is why Benoit (Co-Founder of a web developer collective) and I (Co-Founder of a web agency) have decided to open up the debate on these two models with our respective experiences.
1. Agencies VS Collectives: The Match!
Is there really a match? What if collectives and agencies simply serve different needs (for businesses and workers)?
1.1 Freelance Collectives or Agencies? The Context of the Debate.
Create a collective? Start an agency? Join a collective or an agency? Does signing a permanent contract mean the end of independence? What about the structural costs of the models? How to attract talent?
The questions are numerous given how captivating the subject is. And it is almost always defended by a pro-collective or pro-agency advocate. Each highlights the advantages of their model while overlooking its limitations and drawbacks.
That is why we decided to - for once - open a real discussion with participants from “both camps”.
1.2 The Participants
Benoit Eveillard
Benoît is the co-founder of Justa, a collective of freelancers bringing together experts in web development. Benoît specializes in development and also trains in the no-code/low-code web development tool Webflow.
Florian Bodelot
I am the co-founder of Digidop, a web agency specializing in showcase website creation for small, medium, and large businesses. Digidop is internationally recognized with numerous accolades, including being named Webflow Professional Partner of the Year in 2023. The agency is divided into two sectors: Design and Development. My professional focus is also centered on no-code/low-code web development with Webflow.
Learn more about Florian Bodelot ↗
1.3 The Live Program
Both models prompt curiosity and discussion; here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from the program:
- Presentations of our respective models (Justa & Digidop)
- Quick definition of an agency (employment) vs. a collective (freelance)
- Internal organization and structure: What are the differences? (Project management, Marketing/Sales, Flexibility of work methods, Compensation)
- The pricing system and its impacts (Overdelivery/profitability?)
- Expertise? Niche? Missing skills? Attracting talent
- Conclusion: Advantages and disadvantages of both models
- Q&A
A captivating topic that promises a packed live session! Stay tuned:
- 📆 On December 19, 2023
- 🕘 12:00 CET
On...
2. The Link to the Live (and Replay) Video
3. Reactions Following the Exchange
This part of the article will be updated with your comments and reactions across various social networks following this debate. My opinion will also be updated after this discussion.
3.1 Your Shared Feedback
3.2 My Opinion
To "regain popularity," agencies must - like any business - quickly adapt to new demands by combining alignment: missions + values + attractive work environment to attract and unite talent.
Currently, we receive daily inquiries from freelancers who wish to switch to an agency like ours, and this is one of the reasons that, before discussing it with Benoît, made me think that both models are appealing: freelance collectives and agencies. Each with a different strategy, various client types, organizational structures, and individual and collective goals.
In 2023, I believe we can be proud to belong to a group, a team, and that these collective goals remain stronger and more stable in an agency context - employment - than in a gathering of individuals without an official structure.
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