Rock Springs vs. Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
A freelancer builds your site once and hands it to you. Rock Springs builds it and keeps it running for one flat monthly price.
The short answer
Hire a freelancer if you want to own every file and you have someone to keep the site updated. Pick Rock Springs if you want no upfront cost and someone who handles hosting, security, and edits for you.
$0 up front
Freelance builds often cost $2,000 to $6,000 before launch. With Rock Springs, your first payment is on day 16.
Live in about a week
Freelance projects often take 4 to 8 weeks. Most Rock Springs sites are done in 7 business days once I have your content.
Edits included
Freelancers usually bill edits by the hour. Here, every change is part of your $150 a month.
One person to email
You always work with me, the person who built your site. You’ll hear back within 24 hours.
Side by side
| Freelance designer | Rock Springs | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Often $2,000 to $6,000 | $0. Your first payment is on day 16. |
| Monthly cost | Hosting and upkeep, often $30 to $150, with edits billed by the hour | $150 covers hosting, security, and unlimited edits |
| Time to launch | Often 4 to 8 weeks | About 7 business days once your content is in |
| Changes after launch | Extra cost, and you wait for their schedule | Included, done within 3 business days |
| Who owns the site | You usually own all the files | The site comes with the subscription. You keep your domain, logo, photos, and content. |
The cost over two years
Say a freelancer charges $4,000 for the build and $50 a month for hosting and upkeep. After two years, you’ve paid $5,200, plus any edits billed by the hour.
Rock Springs over the same two years is $3,600, with every edit included. You can read more in How Much Does a Small Business Website Cost? and Website Subscription vs. One-Time Build.
When a freelancer is the better pick
- You want to own every file and move the site anywhere.
- You need special features like a member area or a custom booking system.
- You plan to keep the site for years with very few changes.
When Rock Springs is the better pick
- You don’t want to pay thousands up front.
- You want to see your finished site before you pay anything.
- You want one person to email any time something needs to change.
See everything that comes with the plan on the services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will I work with?
Me. I build your site and handle every change myself. You always work with the person who built it.
I already paid a freelancer. Can I still switch?
Yes. I build your new site without touching the old one, so you stay live until you’re ready.
Is there a contract?
The plan has a 6-month minimum. If you cancel during the 15-day free trial, you pay nothing.