Most first-time business owners might feel reluctant to outsource any type of service. This often comes down to cost–but it can be a smart move, especially when it comes to marketing.
Think of it this way. You need to market your business, but you just don’t have the time, knowledge, or extra pair of hands needed to do a decent job. You have two options: hire an in-house marketing team or outsource digital marketing services to a professional.
Both of these options will cost you money. But it’s about weighing the pros and cons of each and figuring out what works best for your budget. Read on for more.
Outsourced vs. In-House Marketing
Before you make your decision about which option to choose, it’s a good idea to understand what you’re actually paying for. Outsourced marketing means you hand over the responsibility of marketing your business to a third-party organization.
Generally, a sales and marketing agency will offer a range of services that can help your business grow. Some of these might include:
- Digital marketing expertise
- Sales research and strategies
- Marketing production and design
- Client liaison and communication
Outsourcing your digital marketing frees up time in your business which you can dedicate to other tasks. Yes, it will incur an overhead cost, but for some business owners, the prospect of having more free time is far more valuable. Check out 1st Reputation Marketing Agency for more.
In-House Marketing
When you choose the route of in-house marketing, this means you’ll have to establish and run a marketing department within your business. An in-house marketing department requires a team of marketing professionals. This might include branding experts, digital marketers, copywriters, graphic designers, and public relations specialists.
The reality is that establishing an in-house marketing department could be more expensive. But down the line, it could benefit your business due to having direct access and control over your marketing.
But let’s say you choose to outsource your marketing. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons.
Pro: It’s Cost-Effective
Believe it or not, outsourced sales and marketing is actually the more cost-effective option. You can simply outsource exactly what you need while improving your bottom line and growing your business.
If you’re still a small business and you only need a few digital marketing services, it’s a far more budget-friendly option. Some agencies may offer a pay-as-you-go structure, too. This allows you to pay for the services you use, and that’s it. In comparison, an in-house marketing team means you’ll need to pay upfront costs and the salaries of full-time employees which will always be more expensive.
Pro: You Can Scale Your Business Quickly
Outsourced marketing teams have the expertise and know-how when it comes to growing your business. If you’re looking for a decent amount of expansion, in a short amount of time, outsourcing your marketing is the smart option. In short, their expertise allows your business to scale, while keeping your overhead costs low.
Today, there are a plethora of marketing agencies with the staff complement and skillset to service your business, no matter your industry. These teams have the right tools in place to keep your marketing running smoothly, no matter what type of issues crop up.
Pro: There’s Less Employee Turnover
Hiring an entire marketing department is a risky endeavor. You’re taking a chance on a bunch of employees who could be the wrong fit for your business. The bottom line is that it’s difficult to find (and keep) talented employees who are truly worth the overhead cost.
This is where outsourcing can help you save money on employee turnover. The right marketing firm will offer a number of different specialists to meet your needs. This way, you don’t have to worry about their experience, knowledge, and whether they fit in with your company dynamic.
Pro: Expand Your Marketing Skillset
Access to a professional marketing agency means access to skilled people and their knowledge. This is one of the best ways to upskill your own employees and broaden your own skillset as a business owner.
The major advantage here is that you can learn from them, without having to actually hire them! Not only this, but outsourced marketing invites a fresh perspective into your business. These professionals have an outside, unbiased view of your products/services.
It’s a great way to help you understand where and when your business falls into repetitive, unhealthy patterns that aren’t serving you. Outsourced marketing breeds fresh creativity and innovation.
Con: You’re Exposing Confidential Data
One of the major drawbacks of outsourcing anything is the potential to expose sensitive company data. Outsourcers need access to confidential information in order to offer the full-scale service that you expect. For example, they might need access to company plans, financial data, or future project information.
All of this information is necessary for building a marketing plan that works for you. The more details they can get, the better they can understand your business, too.
Con: You Can Lose Control Over the Marketing Process
It goes without saying that when you choose to outsource your marketing, you’re essentially handing over control to an outside party.
It’s difficult to maintain control over all marketing elements when they’re not performed in-house. It’s also a challenge to gain insight into everything the marketing team does. There’s also the possibility that they are not experts in your specific industry, so might not have the understanding that you need.
This is why you need to have a stringent approval process in place.
Outsource Digital Marketing Services for a Better Business
The choice to outsource digital marketing services comes down to a few factors. The most important include your budget, available time, and marketing expertise. If you don’t have the capacity to run and maintain a successful marketing department, outsourcing is the way to go. Especially if you’re a small, up-and-coming business.
If you’re keen to learn more about digital marketing, SEO, and social media as a new business owner, you’re in the right place. Explore the rest of this site for a great assortment of knowledge.
