TOBIAS SCHOTTSTÄDT
FULL-STACK DEVELOPER
FROM KASSEL

If you are looking for a new website or web application in Kassel, you will most likely search for a web agency. What is often overlooked: for most projects there is an alternative that is more personal, more flexible and frequently more economical – working with an independent full-stack developer. As a web developer from Kassel, let me give you an honest breakdown of when each option is the right one.

What a web agency does well

First things first: web agencies have their place. A well-coordinated team of design, development, copywriting and marketing can handle large projects in parallel and roll out campaigns across many channels. If you are looking for full-service support including social media, ads and print, or are planning a project with many stakeholders, an agency is a good choice.

Where a freelancer has the edge

1. You talk directly to the developer

In agencies, communication runs through project managers: your requirement is written down, passed on, interpreted – and sometimes reaches the developer differently than intended. With me, you talk directly to the person building your website. Questions are resolved in a conversation instead of ticket loops.

2. No agency overhead in the pricing

Office space, sales, project management, administration: all of that is baked into an agency's hourly rates. As a freelancer I keep my costs lean – you pay for the development of your website, not for the machinery around it.

3. One contact person – even two years from now

Agency teams and responsibilities change. The developer who built your project may no longer be around for the next update. With me, you know exactly who to call – and I know your project down to the last line of code.

4. Custom code instead of off-the-shelf templates

Many agencies rely on site builders or ready-made themes for efficiency. I build custom solutions with Laravel, Livewire and Vue.js: the code belongs to you, is tailored to your requirements and can be cleanly extended for years.

5. Short paths, fast decisions

No coordination marathon between departments: you discuss change requests directly with me, and I implement them. That makes projects more predictable and often significantly faster.

6. Honest advice without sales pressure

I have no sales targets. If a feature will not help your goal, I will tell you – even if I would earn money building it. In the end, what counts is that your website does its job.

When an agency is still the better fit

• Very large projects that permanently require several developers in parallel
• Full-service marketing with campaigns across many channels
• Contractually guaranteed 24/7 availability with staff cover

For the majority of company websites, landing pages and web applications for self-employed professionals and small to medium-sized businesses, however: an experienced developer with a direct line delivers the same result – more personally and more economically.

Conclusion: talk first, then decide

You do not have to take my word for it: tell me about your project in a free initial consultation and you will get an honest assessment – including a recommendation for an agency if your project is better placed there. You can find an overview of my services as a web developer in Kassel here – or write to me directly via the contact form.