When to Hire an In-House Marketing Staff or Agency
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2025 9:56 am
Having an in-house marketing staff has its benefits. But so does hiring an agency. Here's how to know which one is right for your growing business.
As companies grow, they face a tough choice about whether to hire an in-house marketing staff or work with an agency partner. There are pros and cons to each. And, of course, there’s the cost.
What is a marketing agency?
First, let's look at what a marketing agency is, and then how an in-house marketing team functions.
A marketing agency is an outside group of people with a variety vietnam phone number list of skills. Marketing agencies can be full-service, offering everything from postcard printing to Google Ads management. Or they can specialize in one aspect of marketing, such as local SEO.
Typically, a growing business needs a full-service option that also allows for the ability to expand marketing as the business changes and adapts. Often, full-service marketing agencies are comprised of a variety of experts. This includes website developers, SEO gurus, copywriters, designers, social media experts, strategists, and more.
Familiarize yourself with the marketing agency's areas of expertise and consider potential long-term needs. While you may view advertising as something you'll add later once you've established a strong online presence and strategy, don't discount these services just yet.
What does internal marketing include?
In-house marketing means hiring full-time or part-time employees to develop, execute, and monitor marketing efforts. The challenge facing growing businesses is hiring employees with a variety of backgrounds to handle everything.
And generalists tend to know a little bit about a lot of things without being experts. Often, it takes time for an in-house marketing staff to build up. You can start by hiring one generalist who you think will lead your marketing team, and then as your revenue grows, you gradually add expertise to expand the team.
As companies grow, they face a tough choice about whether to hire an in-house marketing staff or work with an agency partner. There are pros and cons to each. And, of course, there’s the cost.
What is a marketing agency?
First, let's look at what a marketing agency is, and then how an in-house marketing team functions.
A marketing agency is an outside group of people with a variety vietnam phone number list of skills. Marketing agencies can be full-service, offering everything from postcard printing to Google Ads management. Or they can specialize in one aspect of marketing, such as local SEO.
Typically, a growing business needs a full-service option that also allows for the ability to expand marketing as the business changes and adapts. Often, full-service marketing agencies are comprised of a variety of experts. This includes website developers, SEO gurus, copywriters, designers, social media experts, strategists, and more.
Familiarize yourself with the marketing agency's areas of expertise and consider potential long-term needs. While you may view advertising as something you'll add later once you've established a strong online presence and strategy, don't discount these services just yet.
What does internal marketing include?
In-house marketing means hiring full-time or part-time employees to develop, execute, and monitor marketing efforts. The challenge facing growing businesses is hiring employees with a variety of backgrounds to handle everything.
And generalists tend to know a little bit about a lot of things without being experts. Often, it takes time for an in-house marketing staff to build up. You can start by hiring one generalist who you think will lead your marketing team, and then as your revenue grows, you gradually add expertise to expand the team.