The AI automation market is crowded and confusing. Zapier, Make, n8n, a freelance developer, a traditional agency, or a managed AI agent service. Each solves a different problem. Here is how to choose.
The Four Options
Automation Platforms (Zapier, Make, n8n)
Simple, rule-based workflows between apps
Complex logic, AI decision-making, or processes that require judgment
£20-£500/month depending on volume
Medium, requires setup and ongoing maintenance
Good for connecting apps. Not good for replacing human judgment.
Freelance Developer
Custom one-off automations with specific technical requirements
Ongoing support, iteration, or processes that evolve over time
£500-£5,000 project cost, then you own the maintenance
High, you manage the relationship and the output
Good for bespoke builds. Not good for ongoing managed automation.
Traditional Automation Agency
Large-scale enterprise automation projects with long timelines
SMEs that need fast deployment and flexible pricing
£5,000-£50,000+ project cost
High, long discovery, long build, long handover
Good for enterprise. Overkill and overpriced for most SMEs.
Managed AI Agent Service (e.g. Converze)
Specific, high-impact business processes that require AI judgment
Businesses that want to own and manage the infrastructure themselves
Monthly subscription, typically £300-£1,500/month per agent
Low, agent is built, deployed, and maintained for you
Best for SMEs that want results without technical overhead.
The Decision Framework
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do I want to own the infrastructure or just the outcome? If you want outcomes without technical overhead, a managed agent service is the right choice.
- Does the process require judgment, or just rules? If it requires judgment (qualifying leads, personalising messages, triaging support), you need AI, not just automation.
- How fast do I need this running? Platforms and freelancers take weeks to months. Managed agents can be deployed in days.
The honest answer for most SMEs:
You do not need to build automation infrastructure. You need a specific process automated, running reliably, with someone responsible for maintaining it. That is what a managed AI agent service provides.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Run the intake and get a personalised recommendation based on your specific situation.
Start the Free Intake