We will not pretend otherwise: a freelancer will almost always be cheaper than BusySeed. So this page does not compare prices. It compares what you get, who is accountable, and when a freelancer is honestly the better pick.
Usually one specialty, sometimes two
Typical freelance setupMost freelancers bill by the hour or by the project
Upwork and ZipRecruiterMarketplace fee Upwork adds on top, depending on plan
UpworkUnder one roof at BusySeed, from SEO to automation
BusySeed services pageNo prices on this one. Just what each option includes.
| Hiring a freelancer | BusySeed | |
|---|---|---|
| One person or a team | One person, sometimes with subcontractors you never meet | BusySeed's senior in-house team |
| When they are busy or disappear | Work waits until they are free, or stops if they move on | You work with BusySeed's senior in-house team, the team that has grown 550+ businesses since 2013 |
| Skills covered | Usually one: ads, or SEO, or design | SEO, AI search, paid ads, social, email, web design, graphic design, CRO and automation |
| Accountable for results | For the task you hired them for. Results across channels are yours to manage. | For the program as a whole, built and run by one team |
| Tools | Their own, or yours to buy | Our proprietary Seed suite (SeedGEO, SeedLanding, LeadChaser and more) is included in every engagement |
| Reporting | Depends on the freelancer | Reporting is part of how we work with every client |
| Strategy | Usually you set it and they execute | Built into the engagement |
| Best for | A clear, contained task | Ongoing growth across several channels |
Most growth plans need three or four of these at once. With freelancers, that is three or four people to find and coordinate.
Shown for a typical paid ads freelancer. Swap in whichever skill yours has. Every service in the BusySeed column is one we list on our services page.
None of this shows up on an hourly invoice, but someone has to do it.
Reviewing profiles, portfolios and trial tasks for every skill you need.
Setting the strategy and explaining it to each person.
Making sure the ads, the landing page and the follow-up emails match.
Combining reports from several people into one view of what is working.
Starting over when someone gets busy or moves on.
Keeping logins, ad accounts and files in your name.
Leonard Truck Accessories sells truck, Jeep and SUV accessories online and in stores. It came to BusySeed in 2019 after working with several freelancers and agencies. With BusySeed, Facebook grew from 986 to 6,418 followers, alongside 199 Google conversions.
Often. Here is when we would tell you to hire one.
A logo, a single landing page, a site migration or a one-time audit. A good freelancer is faster and cheaper.
If you know exactly what you need done and can describe it, one specialist can do it well.
If someone on your team sets the strategy and manages the work, freelancers can be great extra hands.
When every dollar counts, start with one freelancer on the one channel most likely to pay you back.
Checked October 30, 2026.
Freelance rates vary enormously by skill, country and experience. These are reference points, not a quote.
Book a free 15-minute strategy session with founder Omar Jenblat. He'll look at your funnel live and show you exactly where the revenue is hiding. No deck, no fluff, no obligation.
