Successful B2B Marketing: Full-time Employee vs Freelancer vs Agency
Here's what most people don't realize: marketing, especially for a B2B startup or business, is all about strategy and precision.
You need to make sure that your resources and efforts are in the right place. And for most startups, the debate is often between hiring a full-time employee, a freelancer, or an agency. In this blog, we will review the pros and cons of marketing each, to help you make an informed decision. Let's dive in!
Full-Time Employee(s)
Full-time employees handle the bulk of your company's marketing efforts. So, companies that do their marketing in-house normally don't need to supplement with freelancers or marketing agencies.
Pros of In-House Marketing
Perhaps one of the major benefits you can get from doing your marketing with your employees is their familiarity with services and products. Your internal staff is more knowledgeable about your target audience and where prospects and customers are in the buyer's journey.Marketing with your employees also ensures quicker communication and improved collaboration. This then allows you to make decisions and respond to new trends more swiftly. It also reduces long lead times because you can easily inform stakeholders.
Cons of In-House Marketing
In-house marketing has some drawbacks that you need to know before making that plunge. For starters, your marketing efforts will heavily depend on the quality of talent you have hired. Additionally, the type and size of campaigns that you launch rely on the resources you have at your disposal.You should also keep in mind that marketing tools are too expensive for in-house teams with limited resources. Additionally, you'll need to vet possible tools to discover which ones are best for your company, which can be time-consuming.
Marketing Freelancers
Freelancers are employed on a contract basis to supply clients with specific marketing services on a project-by-project basis. Some independent marketers may also work full- or part-time for other companies.
Pros of Freelancers
Freelancers have their fair share of benefits to your organization. For instance, they are your best alternative if you have a limited budget. Freelancers also save you money because you do not have to offer them any benefits. With no long-term commitments, you pay for the marketing and creative services you require.Additionally, freelancers are much easier to scale up and down. They require less emotional engagement on your part as an employer compared to full-time employees.
Cons of Freelance Marketers
While they can benefit some, freelancers also have their faults. It may be tough to schedule phone calls and coordinate meetings if your freelancer lives in a different time zone. The flexible work hours associated with freelancing may not always be available throughout the typical workday.Some freelancers often lack the necessary expertise to handle numerous marketing functions, thus prompting the hiring of additional workers, which can be difficult to manage.
Marketing Agency
Marketing firms employ specialists in various fields who collaborate with you to reach your business objectives. Depending on your resources and needs, you can outsource some or all of your marketing to an agency. (Like TAM)
Pros of Marketing Agencies
Agencies typically hire seasoned marketing gurus who can produce results faster and more efficiently. They can also scale up and down to meet your needs, so you won't have to let go of employees if you want to pause your marketing efforts.Agencies often specialize in specific sectors, so you'll have no trouble finding one who understands your market's issues and potential. Ultimately, working with an experienced marketing firm ensures that you get the best value and return on investment (ROI).Finally, working with an agency requires less initial and recurring expenditure. You do not need to invest time or money in training new internal staff. The best part is that agencies already have access to the best marketing tools, so you won't have to invest in costly software.
Cons of Marketing Agencies
The main downside of working with a marketing agency is that it will take them time to learn everything there is to know about your company. They will largely rely on your knowledge base to guarantee they stay on track. So, there will be a lot of engagement at first to ensure that campaigns and goals are aligned.Working with an agency also means giving up some control over your marketing, as they thrive when given the leeway and freedom to make strategic judgments. This is why it's critical to choose a company you can rely on to always act in your best interests.
Make the Right Choice
Making the right choice all boils down to your marketing objectives. What do you hope to achieve? Do you have the necessary resources? You have to weigh your options against your strengths and weaknesses. Given the circumstances, you will probably get the best marketing results with a marketing agency.
Do you need an extra set of eyes on your marketing strategy, procedures, and options? Then allow our team of experts to make recommendations to help you achieve your company's objectives and improve your bottom line. Schedule a call with us today.
