There are many advantages and disadvantages to hiring a marketing company or learning marketing skills yourself. As a small business owner, it is important to understand both options before making a decision. Either option could be a fit for your company and you may decided to start with one option and transition to the other over time, and vice versa. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision and decide which works best for you right now.

The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Marketing Company:

Hiring a marketing company can be a big decision for any business. Before you do so, there are some important questions to answer. Firstly, do they do the work themselves or do they outsource it to other marketing professionals? Secondly, can they provide you with any case studies or a client list to verify the quality of their work? Lastly, what are the terms, cancellation periods and other details of their agreement? Every marketing company has their way of doing business, so it is always a good idea to get several opinion and get more than one offer to compare. Be careful for long term agreements until a successful relationship is established and always be aware of how much "notice" is required prior to terminating an agreement. The biggest con for working with a marketing company is a lot of time they are more of a sales company, focused on getting your business rather than growing your business.  To prevent this a proper vetting process is suggested.  The biggest pro for having a marketing company run your marketing for you is that, most of the time, they are experts in the field and have already done due diligence and are aware of the latest trends and best practices.  Most times, you get what you pay for! While there are pros and cons to hiring a marketing agency, it can be a great way to grow your brand and gain exposure if you do your research first and find an agency that will continue to grow with you as your business expands.

The Pros and Cons of Learning Marketing Skills Yourself:

Learning marketing skills yourself can be an overwhelming endeavor, especially if work and life commitments keep you busy. But the work-life balance that comes with being able to work on your own schedule makes it worth considering. With a steep learning curve, learning these skills can involve dedicating a chunk of time to developing expertise. Fortunately, the Internet provides an array of resources in the form of online skill shares and lessons that make it easier to pick up the basics quickly. I plan to put together a separate blog listing and reviewing various online tools used for learning marketing skills.  Long story short, the main cons of doing the work yourself are the long hours and dedication required for expertise, but with that, the biggest pro is that once you learn the skills, you can save money in the long run.  If you're patient and persistent in honing your craft, then taking matters into your own hands may be the way to go for acquiring some important marketing expertise.

Which is the Better Option For You, Depending On Your Needs:

It is important to weigh your options when deciding which is better for you depending on your needs. Before making a decision, it is worth your time and effort to consider the pros and cons of each option. The value of making a well-informed decision should not be underestimated as it might have a significant impact in the long run. Doing research and taking into account the different factors involved can be very helpful in determining which option will suit your needs the best.

How To Get Started With Either Option:

Deciding between top marketing agencies and local marketing agencies is an important decision for any business looking to expand their presence. Although top marketing agencies provide high quality services that can bring a business higher visibility, consider the benefit of working with a local agency who understand the demographics and trends of the area. A great way to begin is by reading reviews of top local agencies in your area and reaching out directly. Once contact has been established, ask about agreement terms and services offered before shopping competitors. Doing this gives you a great starting point when deciding which option best suits your needs.

Conclusion:

So, you’ve decided to invest in marketing. Congratulations! Marketing is one of the most important investments your business can make. But now the question is, should you hire a marketing company or learn the skills yourself? Both have their pros and cons, which we will outline for you here. If after reading this you still aren’t sure which option is best for you, don’t worry. Email us for a free consultation and we will go more in-depth on both options, using your specific business/brand as an example: info@dataforagemarketing.com