You’re ready to outsource your marketing but not sure where to start or who to start with.

Maybe you’ve been cutting costs by taking the DIY approach to marketing…

Or you’re looking to branch outside of your in-house resources…

Regardless of your situation… hiring a marketing resource is a great step to let an expert take over. You deserve the time back and it’ll help your business generate results!

The first step to outsourcing marketing is to understand your options. Many businesses choose to hire a freelance marketer or a marketing agency.

So let’s start with the basics…

What is a freelance marketer?

A freelance marketer is an independent contractor who provides marketing services. Most freelancers come from larger companies and are professionals in their niche.

Freelancers set their own rates, speak with you directly, and work independently.

What is a marketing agency?

A marketing agency is a team of professionals with various skill sets. When you hire an agency, you sign on a team of individuals and will communicate through a project manager.

Agencies often set rates for each employee and will charge an hourly or fixed monthly rate.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a freelancer or an agency. Let’s dive into some of the top points of consideration.

Budget and Price

It shouldn’t come as a surprise a freelance marketer is more cost-effective than an agency. The cost savings of hiring one resource vs. a team of marketing experts is significant.

Freelancers work from home to manage your project from start to finish. Aside from a fixed hourly or project rate, there are almost no hidden costs.

Agencies need to cover overhead costs for their team of employees. They generally work out of rented spaces and need to cover employee expenses. Think everything from benefits to laptops and software. Agencies also hire top graphic designers and tech experts… and they come with a huge price tag.

Skillset and Project Type

Your marketing needs will be a deciding factor in whether you go with a freelancer or an agency.

Freelancers are usually well-rounded marketing professionals that have a broad perspective on business. They provide specialized marketing support like copywriting or social media management. A freelancer is a good option to execute specific projects like blog posts and social media.

With an agency, you’ll get a team of experienced professionals. They’ll have a wider range of skills and are better for multi-faceted campaigns. Examples of large-scale projects include customer journey mapping and high-budget paid ad campaigns.

Priority Level and Flexibility

A freelancer acts as an extension of your business. They have fewer clients and an unstructured workday. This allows them to work around YOUR schedule. They can also turn around edits quicker because they don’t follow an internal approval process.

Agencies have more resources in place to work on your project but take on more clients. They might be able to turn around a project quickly, it will likely come with fees and be within the hours of 9-5.

What is the best option for you?

A freelancer is better if you’re seeking an alternative to a full-time marketing headcount. Freelancers are cost-effective and well-rounded resources that can manage small business marketing needs. They will also keep you close to projects and work within flexible timelines.

An agency is better suited for large companies with complex marketing projects. They come with a hefty price tag but respected agencies will deliver top-quality work.

How to choose the right marketing resource

Research, research, RESEARCH!

When you’re hiring a marketing resource, make sure to ask for samples of previous projects. All experienced marketers have portfolios to showcase published work.

If reviews are available, take a look at what other clients have said about working with them. Are they reliable? Do they deliver quality work? Is their communication seamless?

Finally, set up a time to meet them! You’ll be able to gauge their marketing experience and if they are the right fit for your job.

Looking to hire a freelance marketing copywriter? I’d love to chat!

Hi there! I’m Lindsay- a freelance marketing copywriter. I specialize in marketing for small businesses and experienced professionals. If you’re looking to get started with your blog or refresh your website content, I’d love to work with you. I also offer small business marketing consulting and planning.

Contact me to get started!