The short answer
Doing it yourself costs the least money and the most time, and works well for a simple site and a Google profile. A freelancer is a good fit for one focused job at a lower cost. A studio or agency costs more but covers design, build, search, ads, and AI under one plan, with a team that stays after launch. Whichever you pick, own your accounts.
| Studio or agency | Freelancer | Do it yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | A small team with different skills. | One person, sometimes with help. | You or someone on your staff. |
| Cost shape | Fixed projects and monthly retainers. Highest cash cost. | Hourly or per project. Usually lower. | Software subscriptions plus your time. |
| Speed | Several people can work in parallel. | Depends on one calendar. | Fits around running the business. |
| Range of skills | Design, code, search, ads, and AI in one place. | Deep in one or two areas. | Whatever you learn. |
| Continuity | Someone covers if a person is out. | Work pauses if they get busy or move on. | Depends on your time. |
| Account ownership | Insist accounts stay in your name. | Insist accounts stay in your name. | Already yours. |
| Best for | Businesses that want one accountable plan across channels. | One clear job with a clear end. | New or small businesses with simple needs. |
When doing it yourself fits
Builders like Squarespace and Wix, plus a well-kept Google Business Profile, are enough for many new and small businesses.
If your time is cheap and your market is not crowded, start here and upgrade when the site holds you back.
When a freelancer fits
A good freelancer is great for one defined job: a site refresh, a logo, an ads cleanup. Check past work and references, and agree the scope in writing.
Ask who covers support after launch and what happens if they are unavailable.
When a studio fits
A studio makes sense when the site, search, ads, and follow-up need to work as one system, and you want a team that measures and keeps improving after launch.
With us, websites start from $25,000 project and monthly search starts from $3,500 / mo. If a budget is too small to matter, we say so and point you to someone who fits.
Whatever you choose
Keep your domain, hosting, Google profile, analytics, and ad accounts in your own name. Give others access instead of handing over ownership.
Get the scope and price in writing before work starts.
Is an agency always better than a freelancer?
No. A strong freelancer often beats a weak agency. The right choice depends on how many skills the job needs and how much continuity you want.
Can I build my own website?
Yes. Modern builders make a simple site very doable. The harder parts are clear copy, speed, tracking, and search structure, which is where outside help tends to pay off.
Who should own my domain and ad accounts?
You should, always. Anyone working for you should get access through your accounts, so you keep everything if you part ways.
How do I compare quotes?
Compare scope, not just price. Ask what is included, who does the work, how progress is shown, what happens after launch, and whether the price is fixed.
When is French Press Labs not the right fit?
When the budget is too small to make a real difference, or when a simple builder site would do the job. In those cases we say so.