The AI revolution is in full swing – and few industries were more impacted than the writing industry.
In 2025, the state of content writing looks wildly different than it did in 2021. The process to create A-level content has changed, and the demand is higher than ever. Reports predict that content marketing will generate more than $107 billion collectively in 2026.
When you need expert level content, you have four choices to get it done:
- Write it yourself
- Hire a writer in-house
- Hire a freelancer
- Hire a content writing agency
Each of these has pros and cons. But in most cases, numbers one and two are not possible for business and agencies due to time and budgetary constraints.
But it’s important to remember that ALL successful brands are built on exceptional content. Choosing how to source the production side can shape your entire digital marketing strategy. In this post, we will discuss the differences between choosing a content writing agency or a freelancer – and how to decide which best fits your needs.
But I have ChatGPT, can’t I just whip up a million pieces of content in minutes?
ChatGPT changed everything in the content marketing world. More specifically, the role of the content writer.
To be honest, we were initially worried our jobs as human writers would mirror that of typewriters. But that’s not the case (at least not as of this writing in 2025). AI writing tools are just that. Tools. They can help write content more efficiently – but AI writing tools alone won’t give you A-level, optimized content.
Moment of truth here: nearly all content writing agencies and freelancers are using AI assistance for content creation (we used it for this article). The ones that aren’t probably won’t be around much longer. Humans still have huge roles in the content writing process, which includes:
- Cleaning up the useless jargon
- Adding real opinions
- Creating SEO optimized content
- Fine-tuning the brand voice
- Making sure the post adds actionable value
- Meeting the EEAT threshold
Understanding Content Writing Services from an Agency
A content writing agency is more than just a pool of writers.
These agencies operate as structured teams for their entire content creation process, typically involving:
- Writers
- Editors
- Project managers
- SEO/content strategists
- Designers
- Web developers
- Battle-tested quality assurance protocols
This team approach in content writing services allows agencies to deliver the full spectrum of services. The spectrum commonly includes keyword research, SEO content writing, blog writing, copy for web pages, sales collateral, and website support. The process is designed to provide a one-stop shop that delivers the complete package.
The multi-step process improves error detection, guarantees brand alignment, and delivers more systematic feedback conducive to a content marketing strategy.
For growing businesses and agencies, the ability to quickly scale content production is everything. Instead of scrambling to find new writers for larger projects, a trusted agency offers the infrastructure and bandwidth needed to keep campaigns on track.
Another point is collaboration.
Content writing agencies invest in onboarding to understand your brand voice and goals. They’re also accustomed to working with multiple stakeholders, making them ideal for businesses managing more layered campaigns or with several internal teams.
Freelancers and Their Advantages
Freelancers are one-person shows.
These independent writers typically work in specific content types or industries. Many businesses appreciate the flexibility that comes from hiring freelancers. Just like content writing agencies, you can scale up or down as needed. It’s certainly possible to find writers with deep expertise in your particular niche to deliver quality content for your target audience.
By far, the biggest advantage of freelancers is cost. Freelancers tend to have lower overhead than agencies, which can mean lower rates per piece. This is especially advantageous for startups or small businesses that need to stretch every dollar.
However, not all freelancers are priced the same. A highly specialized freelancer may cost even more than a content writing agency.
Comparing Quality Content and Consistency
Content Writing Agencies
Quality and consistency are the hallmarks of A-level content writing services for businesses building a recognizable online presence.
Content writing agencies typically formalize editorial processes, with every piece undergoing multiple rounds of review and revision. This leads to fewer errors and makes sure your brand voice is maintained across many types of content.
Agencies are well-equipped to handle large, ongoing projects – and multiple accounts for partner agencies. With a team in place, they can support regular publishing schedules or major content launches without sacrificing quality.
Freelancers
Freelancers, while they can certainly produce high-quality content, may not always meet the same consistency standards for quality content, especially if they are juggling many clients or working within tight deadlines.
Without a second set of eyes, errors can slip through the cracks. However, a talented freelancer with experience in your niche can produce high-quality, on-brand content—provided the partnership is managed well and expectations are clear from the start.
Communication and Project Management
Content Writing Agencies
Project management is usually where the difference between agencies and freelancers becomes clear. An experienced content writing company usually has dedicated points of contact — typically an account manager or project coordinator — who oversees deliverables, schedules, and revision cycles. This creates a single channel for feedback, minimizing confusion and streamlining the review process.
Additionally, content writing agencies rely on formal systems and tools for content tracking and approval, timelines are usually well defined. Accountability is built in, with contractual agreements specifying scope, delivery windows, and responsibilities for both sides. These systems reduce risk for businesses needing dependable, repeatable outcomes.
Freelancers
Freelancers usually manage all the writing, editing, optimization, communication, and project management solo. This may mean that you have to handle scheduling, provide creative briefs, and manage revisions. While this gives you more control, it can be time consuming with larger or multi-part projects.
Cost Structure and Budget Planning
Content Writing Agencies
Agencies and freelancers approach pricing in different ways. Agencies usually charge on a project basis, retainer pricing, or flat rates – which provides cost predictability and covers a defined range of deliverables.
Their terms outline what’s included (keyword research, revisions, etc.), helping control costs and mitigate surprises.
Freelancers
Freelancers may charge hourly rates, per-word prices, or flat rates per assignment. While this can seem more affordable upfront, it’s important to keep an eye out for scope creep and hidden expenses: extra revisions, research time, or urgent turnaround fees can add up quickly.
Regardless of the path, value should be measured by more than just price. Consider turnaround times, content quality, and whether the provider can support your growth plans over time.
Transparent communication up front about rates, timelines, and deliverables is key — whether you’re signing on with an agency or building a stable of freelancers.
When to Choose a Content Writing Agency
Hiring a content writing agency usually makes sense for businesses or agencies with large or growing content needs – and minimal time to manage projects internally. If you need regular blog posts, website updates, and campaign materials, an agency brings the resources and project management muscle to keep you on schedule.
Content writing agencies are well-suited for projects that cross multiple channels for a complete content strategy, such as synchronized blog, email, and social campaigns. For organizations with strict brand guidelines or regulated industries, an agency’s editorial checks and structured workflow can add a level of security and confidence in each deliverable.
Scenarios where an agency fits best include:
- High-volume content requirements
- Ambitious multi-part campaigns
- Situations needing depth and consistency in brand messaging
- In-house teams have limited time to oversee deliverables
When to Work with Freelancers
Freelancers can be a good fit for businesses or agencies with more modest, specialized, or infrequent content needs. If you’re piloting a new initiative, developing a one-off white paper, or testing messaging in a new vertical, individual writers may offer the right mix of expertise and agility.
Freelancers can also be ideal for businesses on a tighter budget or in the startup phase. Startups making their first foray into content marketing often turn to skilled freelancers for their early stages.
Typical scenarios for freelancers include:
- Single or infrequent blog posts
- Product descriptions
- Content experiments with low budgets
Deciding between a content writing agency and freelancers usually hinges on cost, related to your business’s goals, scale, and growth trajectory.
Final Thoughts
Content writing agencies offer structure, editorial consistency, and scalability — perfect for companies with high-volume needs or brand-sensitive work across multiple channels.On the other hand, freelancers can deliver niche expertise, budget-friendly options, and the agility needed for short-term or experimental projects.
Carefully consider your content marketing efforts, content calendar, organic traffic needs, the complexity of upcoming initiatives, and your internal bandwidth for project management. For ambitious US businesses and digital agencies, taking the time to match the right model for professional writers with your needs will set the foundation for a stronger, more engaging online presence.
At Razorcopy, we combine the flexibility of freelancers with the time-tested processes and team approach of a content writing agency. Whether it’s web content, blogs for search engine optimization, email newsletters, press releases, eBooks, or anything else involving the English language, we’ve got you covered with professional content writers.
Are you looking to level up your content this year? Schedule a call to learn more about our AI-fueled content writing solutions.
