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MyShopfront vs hiring a web designer or agency

A freelancer or agency can build something highly bespoke. MyShopfront trades some of that bespoke scope for speed, a lower ongoing cost, and no waiting on hourly-billed changes.

From £39/month · no contract · free preview first

Freelancer / agencyMyShopfront
Upfront costOften £800 to several thousand pounds£0 to preview, from £39/month if you go live
Time to first draftDays to several weeksA few days
Changes after launchOften billed separately, sometimes hourlyReasonable updates included in the monthly price
ContractSometimes a minimum termNo contract, cancel anytime
ScopeCan be fully bespoke, multi-page, custom featuresA strong, real homepage built from your existing information

What a freelancer or agency is genuinely good for

A business that needs something highly bespoke, multiple distinct pages, custom functionality, or a brand identity built from scratch. That's a job suited to a dedicated designer's time and judgement.

Where the cost adds up

Beyond the initial build fee, changes afterwards are frequently billed separately, sometimes hourly, which means updating a price list or adding a new photo can carry a cost every time.

What a done-for-you monthly service trades for that

Less bespoke scope for a homepage-level site, in exchange for a lower and more predictable ongoing cost, a much faster first draft, and updates that don't generate a fresh invoice each time.

How to tell which fits

If your needs are genuinely complex, multiple locations, online booking, a large catalogue, a freelancer or agency's flexibility is probably worth the higher cost. If what you need is a strong, accurate homepage that represents your business well, that's exactly the gap a service like MyShopfront is built for.

In short

Common questions

Can I switch from a freelancer-built site to a service like MyShopfront later?

Yes, moving between approaches is possible at almost any point, though a full rebuild is usually simpler than trying to migrate an existing bespoke site's design.

What if my needs grow beyond a single homepage?

That's worth a direct conversation, get in touch and we'll be straightforward about whether a homepage-level site still fits or whether you'd be better served elsewhere.

See what a straightforward homepage looks like, before you commit to anything.

A free preview, no design brief needed.

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