Determining if you should work with a digital marketing agency or in-house team is a common struggle for business owners. Both option have their advantages and challenges, often depending on your goals, budget, and resources. In today’s blog post, let’s consider the pros and cons of both an agency and in-house marketing team and look at some tips for making the best decision for you and your business.

To start, let’s focus on the benefits and drawbacks of working with a digital marketing agency.

One of the main advantages of hiring an agency is the wide range of skills and expertise. You often work with a team of specialists who focus on different areas, including strategy, design, content writing, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, and more. Given this reach, then, they can offer well-rounded perspectives and understandings on your industry and the current market. Plus, they can easily add to your team based on project needs and timelines. 

Of course, working with an agency presents challenges as well. First, it’s important to find a company that aligns with your vision and values. It may take a while to find a group that is the right fit for your business! Once you establish an agency partner, it’s important to communicate clearly and consistently and establish a strong relationship. Lastly, hiring an agency can be costly, depending on the depth of your digital marketing needs. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of an in-house marketing team.

With your own employees handling your marketing needs, you’ll have more control and consistency over your output. You can hire people who understand your goals and feel invested in your brand. As time goes on, you can add to the team in a way that makes sense with the growth and goals of your business. This approach often creates a more collaborative and cohesive environment. Plus, should an emergency arise, an in-house team is often more efficient than an agency who serves multiple clients.

Although an in-house team often costs less, building that team takes effort! You need to invest in recruiting, retaining, motivating, and rewarding your staff — which can be tricky in a space that is competitive and constantly evolving. You also have to provide them with the tools, platforms, and resources to perform their tasks well. Part of your job is to help them avoid burnout or getting stuck in a rut as they promote your business!

If you’re struggling with the decision between an agency and in-house marketing team, consider the questions below:

• What are digital marketing objectives and timeline? For instance, is your primary focus social media, or do you have website design and content writing needs as well?
• What is your budget?
• What do you need in terms of control and flexibility?

If it makes sense, consider a digital marketing team that includes internal employees for day-to-day operations and an agency for special projects or added support.

If you’re looking to develop a digital marketing strategy and expand your online reach, please reach out to our team today.