Are freelancers and independent consultants the same thing?
Both freelancers and independent consultants are self-employed professionals who sell their services.
When deciding between hiring a freelancer or an independent consultant, it’s helpful to know what they have in common and where they differ.
What freelancers and independent consultants have in common
Both freelancers and independent consultants may work with one or several different clients at the same time.
For the most part, freelancers and independent consultants work remotely, though there are exceptions depending on the service they offer. Both freelancers and consultants may also travel for in-person meetings or to other locations as and when necessary to complete the project.
Where freelancers and consultants differ
The primary difference between a freelancer and a consultant is in the nature of the service they provide.
Freelancers can be thought of as boots on the ground. They do the work to complete a specific project or deliverable.
Consultants, on the other hand, typically provide expert guidance, help develop strategies or evaluate needs.
While many consultants only consult, some also offer other services that could be considered freelance work. This is the route I take.
My storytelling and other content creation projects are classed as freelance work.
My strategic science communication projects are classed as consulting work.
My research support projects could be classed as either freelance or consulting work. Which one the work falls under depends on the level of involvement I have in the research process.
One of the nice things about doing freelance and consulting work is that I can combine my expertise to deliver fuller packages.
For example, you might hire me as a science communications consultant to help develop a content strategy and produce the content.
Or you might hire me to help with your research and then create a communications plan to get the results of the work in front of the people who need to see it, like policymakers or communities whom the work impacts.
What about retainers?
Freelancers and independent consultants may offer retainers to some clients who use one or more of their services regularly. If you are on retainer, you pay (upfront) for the freelancer or consultant’s time to provide a pre-defined service on a regular schedule.
For example, a client might want a retainer in place to create two science stories a month, each around 800 words, or to have monthly or bi-monthly Power Hour sessions.
Is there a difference in the quality of work a consultant or freelancer offers?
Absolutely not! Both freelancers and consultants strive to do the best they possibly can for you. Choosing a freelancer or consultant who has expertise in your field, on the problem you want to solve, or with the project you want is much more important than whether they are classed as a consultant or a freelancer.