Marketing Consultant or Agency, which is right for you?

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IAre you a small business owner who is considering hiring a marketing consultant or marketing agency? If so, you're likely wondering which option is the best for your business. In this post, we'll compare and contrast the two options, so you can make an informed decision. By the end of this post, you should have a good understanding of what each option has to offer and which one is right for you. So, let's get started!

WHAT IS A MARKETING CONSULTANT?

A marketing consultant is an individual who provides expert advice and guidance on marketing-related matters. They are typically hired by small businesses or startups that don't have the internal resources to handle their marketing needs. Marketing consultants can help with things like developing marketing strategies, planning and executing marketing campaigns, conducting market research, and more.

WHAT IS MARKETING or ADVERTISING AGENCY?

On the other hand, marketing agencies are companies that provide marketing and advertising services to their clients. They typically work with larger businesses or organisations that have the budget to outsource their marketing needs. Marketing agencies can help with things like creating and placing ads, developing marketing campaigns, managing social media accounts, and more.

So, which is right for you?

Firstly, it's important to note that it's not necessarily one or the other. Many businesses will use both depending on their needs and their budget. You could look at a consultant to an agency as an architect to a builder. 

But you’re here because you want to know which of the two is right for your business. So let's look at the pros and cons of both. 

MARKETING CONSULTANT - The pros

There are a lot of marketing consultants out there these days. And with good reason - marketing is essential for any small business that wants to succeed. But what are the benefits of using a marketing consultant? Here are three good reasons to consider hiring one:

1. They bring fresh eyes to your business. A marketing consultant can take a look at your business with fresh eyes and see things that you may not have noticed. They can also offer new perspectives on marketing strategies and how to reach your target market.

2. They have expertise and experience in marketing. Marketing consultants have the expertise and experience to help you develop and implement effective marketing plans. They can also provide guidance on choosing the right marketing channels for your business.

3. They can save you time and money. Marketing consultants can save you a lot of time and money by helping you develop and implement marketing plans that are effective and efficient. In addition, they can help you avoid costly mistakes that could set your business back.

MARKETING CONSULTANT - The cons

One of the biggest cons of hiring or engaging a marketing consultant is you may also have to give up some control over your marketing decisions, which can be frustrating if you're used to making all the decisions yourself. 

MARKETING AGENCY - The pros

1. For starters, marketing agencies have a team of experts. They have the resources and manpower to execute your marketing plan effectively.

2. They can be specialists. There are digital marketing agencies, social media marketing agencies, and even agencies that specialise in specific industries like healthcare marketing or real estate marketing. Because they specialise in a specific area, they're able to work quickly and efficiently to get results. And because they have a deep understanding of the market, they can often negotiate better rates for their services. 

3. Marketing is a complex and time-consuming process, but marketing agencies have the resources to get it done quickly and efficiently. This frees up your time so you can focus on other aspects of running your business.

MARKETING AGENCY - The cons

First of all, it can be expensive. Marketing agencies typically charge by the hour, and unless you have a large budget, you may not be able to afford their services for long. Additionally, marketing agencies usually require a long-term commitment; if you decide to cancel your contract early, you may be required to pay a hefty fee. 

If you're a small business owner with limited marketing resources, then a marketing consultant may be the better option for you. They can provide expert guidance and advice without breaking the bank. However, if you have the budget to outsource your marketing needs, then a marketing agency may be a better fit. They can provide a full range of marketing and advertising services to help grow your business.

Still not sure which option is right for you? Don't worry, we can help! Contact us today and we'll be happy to chat with you about your options. We'll help you determine which route is the best for your business.