Marketing is one of those things that small business owners know they need but often struggle to execute effectively. You might have tried handling it yourself, delegating it to an overworked employee, or even hiring someone in-house…only to realize that marketing is a full-time job for a team and requires a mix of strategic thinking, creativity, technical know-how, execution skills, and, and, and.
Enter outsourcing marketing for small business. For many, it’s the best way to get expert-level marketing support without the hefty price tag of a full-time hire.
5 real reasons to outsource your marketing
1. You need strategy, not just tactics
Writing blogs, posting on social media, running ads, and sending emails are all necessary, but without a strategy, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall. Most small businesses don’t need a full-time marketing director, but they do need someone thinking strategically. That’s what outsourcing marketing gives a small business—a high-level marketing brain without the full-time salary. An outsourced marketing team will map out a plan, execute it, measure what’s working, and adjust accordingly. They look at the big picture and align marketing with your business goals.
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2. You want to see ROI
As you know, marketing is an investment. As a small business with a (likely) limited budget for ads, content, or social media, you need to know what’s working and what’s not. But too many businesses pour money into marketing without tracking returns.
If your marketing efforts feel like a black hole, outsourcing to a team that prioritizes data and ROI can help you make the most of your money. A good outsourced team will measure performance, optimize campaigns, and cut what isn’t working.
3. You need to focus on running your business
You started your business because you’re good at what you do, not because you wanted to spend hours tweaking copy or analyzing website traffic. Every hour you spend trying to figure out marketing is an hour you’re not spending running and growing your business.
An outsourced team takes marketing off your plate so you can focus on what you do best. They handle execution, keep things moving, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Check out how we helped our client, Kevin Wilde, go from sending his own sporadic newsletter to engaging subscribers with a consistent strategy, cadence, and design.
4. You need expertise without the overhead
Hiring an in-house marketing director is expensive. According to Salary.com, the average marketing director’s salary is nearly $200,000 a year! For most small businesses, forking out budget for a full-time hire is simply not realistic.
Outsourcing gives you access to top-tier talent at a fraction of the cost. You get the skills of a full team without the burden of salaries, benefits, and office space. Plus, you can scale up or down as needed without the complications of hiring and firing.
5. Fresh ideas and outside perspective
When you’re in your business every day, it’s easy to get stuck in the same thought patterns. An outsourced team brings experience from working with multiple industries and clients. They see what’s working elsewhere and apply those insights to your business. A good agency will challenge your assumptions, push you toward smarter marketing decisions, and bring fresh ideas to the table.
See how we stopped John Merrill Homes from sinking resources into the wrong social media platform.
When outsourcing marketing might not be the right fit
Despite all the benefits above, outsourcing isn’t for everyone. Here’s when it might not work:
- You want full, real-time control: If you need someone sitting in your office, working only on your brand, and responding immediately to every request, an in-house team might be a better fit. That said, make sure you understand the role you’re hiring for. In the majority of cases, it’s unrealistic to expect one individual to handle everything required for great marketing. If you really want a marketing employee but can’t afford to bring on a full team, you’ll get better results with a combination of in-house and outsourced talent.
- You have the budget for a full-time team: If you can afford a team of marketing specialists, then building an in-house team might make sense. Ensure you have well-defined roles for the team and find the best people to fill them.
- You’re not ready to invest in marketing. Good marketing isn’t free. If you’re not prepared to allocate a significant budget toward marketing efforts (whether in-house or outsourced), you likely won’t see meaningful results.
How to choose the right outsourced marketing partner
So, you’ve decided that outsourcing is the way to go. Now it’s time to partner with the right agency. Here are some tips to help you find the best fit:
- Look for a strategic partner: You don’t just need someone to do stuff under your direction; you need someone to guide the overall strategy.
- Check their track record: Ask for case studies or examples of how they’ve helped similar businesses grow.
- Ensure they align with your business goals: The right partner should understand your industry, your customers, and your long-term vision.
- Prioritize transparency and communication: You need a team that will keep you in the loop, provide clear reporting, and adjust based on results.
You may also be interested in: How to hire a digital marketing agency for your small business
A final tip: be wary of investing in technology prior to partnering with a marketing agency. Some agencies have preferred platforms that they recommend. Other times, the app you think you need may not actually be the best fit for your business. There are few things more painful to your marketing team than being locked into a long-term contract for an ill-fitting software solution. We’ve found that creating a solid marketing strategy often affects the tech stack.
If you’re spinning your wheels trying to do it all or struggling to justify the cost of an in-house hire, outsourcing marketing for your small business could be the right move. The right outsourced partner will save you time and money and help you grow in ways you couldn’t on your own.
Ready to see if outsourcing marketing is right for your business? Let’s talk.
