So you’re on the hunt for a new Marketing strategy. One of the first questions you’ll need to address is whether to hire a marketing agency or an in-house marketing staff? The answer…it depends.

Every company is unique, and there is no one size fits all solution. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses, and to figure out which is right for you depends on your goals. To help figure out which option is best, let’s break down the cost and value of hiring a marketing agency and an in-house marketing team.

Cost Comparison

We ALL want to save money, but we also don’t want to sacrifice the quality of our work. When it comes to marketing, it may seem like outsourcing to an agency is the pricier option. But when you take a step back, agencies can be far more cost effective.

A marketing agency is readily staffed with Web Designers, Creative Directors, SEO Specialists, Graphic Designers, Social Media Specialists, Copywriters, Paid Search Specialists…the list goes on. Assembling an in-house team would require hiring individuals for each of these roles…aka…SEVEN NEW SALARIES and benefit packages you will need to finance.

When you hire a marketing agency, you are hiring an already trained team that lives and breathes the industry. There’s no cost for onboarding and they can get to work immediately.

If you are considering a digital marketing strategy, you also have to account for the necessary software subscriptions. An agency will already have access to the platforms you need for success, which saves you money and the pain of learning a new program.

For a more detailed comparison, check out the infographic below where we breakdown the true cost (we love data) of an agency vs. in-house staff.

Value Comparison

While a marketing agency supersedes an in-house team when it comes to cost, both options have pros and cons in terms of value.

First, let’s take a look at an in-house staff. When you hire a marketing team for your company, their sole focus is your brand. They have inside access to your work and are easily accessible to implement necessary changes.

When you outsource to an agency, you are likely one of several clients. But don’t let this hinder your desire to hire an agency. At most agencies, ChatterBuzz included, you will be paired with a stellar Account Manager who will be your direct point of contact.

For a marketing agency to remain competitive in the field, they have to stay up to date with the latest developments in the industry. So, if you choose to hire an agency, you are guaranteed to have the most current and effective strategy. An in-house staff may not be able to keep up with changes in the field because they are sheltered by the brand they represent.

It’s also important to consider the software access I mentioned earlier. As your company grows and your goals change, so will your marketing strategy. Having access to a variety of applications and subscriptions allows for your marketing efforts to adapt alongside you.

The Final Verdict: Should I Hire a Marketing Agency or an In-House Marketing Staff?

So which is better, an in-house staff or an agency? That’s up to you! For some companies, in-house is more effective, for others, an agency is the answer. It’s not even uncommon to see a combination of BOTH!

There is no precise recipe for marketing success. As long as you remain flexible and agile, you will see results.

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