From Agency to Freelancer
After two advertising agencies and countless projects, the leap into freelancing. What I learned and why agencies are now my best clients.
Two Agencies, Lots of Projects
I worked at two advertising agencies. Tight deadlines, all kinds of clients, constantly changing requirements. And I'll be honest: I learned an incredible amount during that time.
I learned how clients think. What matters to them (results, not code). How to deliver under pressure. And most importantly: how to build tech that non-technical people can actually use.
Why Freelancing
It wasn't an escape. More of a logical next step. I realized that I create the most value in the technical implementation. And that agencies love to outsource exactly that part.
The insight was simple: Agencies do design and communication. I do the tech. Perfect match.
What I Do Differently
Many freelancers position themselves as lone wolves who do everything. My approach is different:
- I work with agencies, not against them. I'm the external tech partner who complements the team.
- I speak the agency language. Briefings, timelines, feedback rounds. That's my everyday.
- I don't deliver tech that gets in the way. My solutions are built so clients can manage them on their own.
My Tech Stack Today
After the switch, I aligned my stack with what delivers the most value for my clients:
- Next.js & React for high-performance web apps
- WordPress Block Themes for websites that clients want to manage themselves
- Own server instead of cloud, full control, predictable costs
- TypeScript everywhere, fewer bugs, better maintainability
What I'd Tell Agencies
If you're looking for a developer who doesn't just write code but understands your business: I was in the middle of it for years. I know how your projects work.
The best tech is the tech you don't notice. Because it just works.