In the almost 19 years of online marketing and SEO, I’ve been asked a lot of questions. There is no doubt that when someone finds out you do SEO (and they know what that means), they are going to try to pick your brain. “What’s the secret?” “How do I handle multiple locations for my business?” “Can you get me some good links?” It can get annoying, and I’ve had too many conversations in which I couldn’t drink my beer fast enough to get away from the conversation.
There are few that I get asked a lot from smaller businesses when it comes to them deciding to hire an agency or user a freelancer. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a big supporter of freelancers. Many times (and still do) we have used freelance writers, photographers, even developers to help us out with specific projects. And I am very grateful for their help.
So long story short, here are a few tips, reasons, whatever you want to call them, as to why you should hire and agency or a freelancer.
Why Hire A Marketing Agency:
1. Experts In Multiple Areas: Marketing agencies often have specialists in different areas such as social media, content creation, SEO, and PPC, providing a comprehensive skill set. It can be hard to find all these talents in one person…if you do find them, I’d like to hire them!
2. Better Tools & Toys: To provide clients with a great strategy, many times we rely on top-notch marketing tools and technologies (SEMRush, Hubspot, Sprout Social, etc.). This provides your business access to the latest and most effective resources. Unfortunately, these are not always cheap and it may not be cost effective for a freelancer to pay for each month.
3. More Experience Across Industries: Marketing agencies typically work with clients from various industries and locations. Having larger budgets and online exposure, agencies have the ability to target business on a local, national, or international level.
4. Scalability: Since agencies have more than one person, they can quickly scale their efforts up or down based on your business needs, adapting to the everchanging Google and social platforms.
4. Performance Tracking: Agencies are accustomed to setting measurable goals and tracking performance, providing transparent reports on the effectiveness of your campaigns. This also falls into the “tools & toys” category and having an expert to understand your data
6. Time: Hiring an agency allows you to focus on your core business functions while experts handle your marketing efforts. We see ourselves as an extension of your business or team.
Why Hire a Freelancer:
1. The Cost: by far, freelancers often have lower overhead costs, making them a more affordable option for smaller businesses or specific projects.
2. Specialized Expertise: Freelancers often specialize in certain areas, offering deep expertise in specific aspects of marketing. As mentioned before, we have hired photographers and database developers for specific projects.
3. Quick Turnaround: Freelancers can often deliver results more rapidly than larger agencies. Many times they are provided with a task or a list of what is needed. And when it is done…it’s
4. Contract or Project Based: Hiring a freelancer for a specific project doesn’t usually require a long-term commitment, providing flexibility for one-time or short-term needs.
5. No Location Needed: Freelancers often work remotely and can be anywhere in the world. This allows companies to access a talent pool without being restricted by geographical boundaries. Freelancers don’t always work 9-5, so it is a pleasant surprise to open your email in the morning and find an update or a finished project…. all while you slept.
So whether you are looking to hire a marketing agency or a freelance, I think it comes down to your budget, preference, and project needs. There are good agencies and some that are not so good, and that is the same with freelancers.
Online marketing is still highly effective and crucial for businesses. Marketing strategies, including social media marketing, content marketing, SEO, and paid advertising, provide businesses with the opportunity to reach a global audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. You just need to find the best person or team to help you reach your goals.