Could your business benefit from outsourcing digital marketing?

When you're steering your business's marketing efforts, the daily grind of tasks can become overwhelming. Amidst the hustle, have you considered outsourcing your marketing activities? In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of entrusting your marketing to external agencies and how this move can propel your business towards growth.

What does it mean to “outsource” your marketing? 

Outsourcing your marketing involves delegating specific aspects of your marketing efforts to external professionals or an agency. Rather than handling all marketing tasks in-house, you delegate responsibilities such as campaign planning, content creation, social media management, and advertising to a third-party team with specialised expertise. 

It’s much more common than you might think too. According to Semrush’s recent study, “nearly 94% of businesses outsource some or all of their marketing activities.”

How can you benefit from outsourcing digital marketing services?

According to a Deloitte study the biggest reasons companies say they have outsourced their marketing are increasing the pace of technology and digital transformation, to gain access to new capabilities, and because of increasing and more complex cybersecurity threats.

By outsourcing your marketing efforts you can:

GAIN ACCESS TO EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

Outsourcing your marketing extends your internal team with experts who boast knowledge spanning various industries. This invaluable resource brings diverse perspectives and specialised skills to the table, enriching your marketing strategies with insights garnered from a wealth of experience.

INCREASE EFFICIENCIES & FREE UP TIME

By outsourcing, you free up time that would otherwise be consumed by marketing endeavours. This newfound freedom allows you to redirect focus towards other critical aspects of your business, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity. Our agency specialises in streamlining your marketing processes, allowing you to concentrate on your core business objectives.

EXPLORE FRESH PERSPECTIVES

Collaborating with external marketing professionals injects fresh perspectives and innovative approaches into your strategies. Drawing from their diverse experiences and industry insights, these experts offer novel solutions that can breathe new life into your business and drive sustainable growth. Code Milk prides itself on creative thinking and out-of-the-box strategies tailored to your unique business needs.

GET ACCESS TO MORE TOOLS

External marketing agencies are armed with an arsenal of cutting-edge tools and technologies, many of which may be unfamiliar to you. Leveraging these resources can revolutionise your marketing efforts, empowering you to stay ahead of the curve and outshine competitors.

SCALE UP OR SCALE BACK

Outsourcing allows you to scale your marketing efforts according to your business needs. Whether you're ramping up for a major campaign or scaling back during quieter periods, external agencies can adapt to accommodate fluctuations in workload, ensuring optimal resource allocation at all times.

SAFEGUARD YOUR BUSINESS

Entrusting your marketing activities to external experts can mitigate risks associated with in-house operations. Experienced agencies are well-versed in navigating industry challenges, compliance issues, and market fluctuations, helping safeguard your business against potential pitfalls. Our team is committed to protecting your brand reputation and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

MEASURE RESULTS ACCURATELY

Professional marketing agencies employ robust analytics and tracking mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and strategies. This data-driven approach enables you to assess the impact of your marketing efforts accurately, identify areas for improvement, and optimise future campaigns for maximum ROI. At Code Milk, we provide comprehensive analytics reports to keep you informed of your marketing performance every step of the way.

SAVE MONEY

Outsourcing tasks like content writing or paid media management can be cost-effective if you don’t currently have the budgets or ability to hire a full-time employee dedicated to those tasks.

Key considerations when outsourcing your marketing

Before taking the leap and outsourcing your marketing, it's essential to assess your business needs, goals, and expectations. Asking the right questions can help you make an informed decision and ensure a successful partnership with your chosen agency. 

Here are some key considerations to ponder:

WHAT ARE MY MARKETING OBJECTIVES?

Define your short-term and long-term marketing goals. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, generate leads, boost sales, or improve customer engagement? Understanding your objectives will help you align your outsourcing strategy with your business priorities.

WHAT IS MY BUDGET?

Determine your marketing budget and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing versus hiring an in-house team. Consider factors such as agency fees, project scope, hiring costs and potential return on investment (ROI) when budgeting for outsourcing services.

WHAT LEVEL OF CONTROL DO I WANT?

Assess your comfort level with relinquishing control over certain aspects of your marketing activities. Are you open to collaborating closely with external experts, or do you prefer a hands-off approach? Clarifying your expectations regarding communication, decision-making, and strategy implementation is crucial for a successful outsourcing partnership.

WHAT EXPERTISE DO I LACK INTERNALLY?

Identify areas where your internal team may lack the necessary expertise or resources to execute effective marketing campaigns. Whether it's SEO, content marketing, social media management, or paid advertising, pinpointing your gaps will help you determine which services to outsource.

WHAT IS THE REPUTATION AND TRACK RECORD OF POTENTIAL AGENCIES?

Research prospective marketing agencies thoroughly and evaluate their reputation, industry experience, and track record of success. Look for client testimonials, case studies, and portfolio examples to gauge their credibility and suitability for your business.

WHAT LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY DO I NEED?

Consider your business's evolving needs and the flexibility required from your outsourcing partner. Are you anticipating changes in market trends, seasonal fluctuations, or expansion into new markets? Choose an agency capable of adapting to shifting priorities and accommodating your changing requirements.

Addressing common concerns about outsourcing marketing

While outsourcing your marketing activities can offer numerous benefits, it's not uncommon for businesses to have reservations or encounter challenges when considering this option. Let's address some common concerns and provide insights on why outsourcing might still be a viable solution for your business:

FINANCIAL VIABILITY

Concern: Some businesses may perceive outsourcing as too expensive and believe they can't afford it within their budget constraints.

Our perspective: While outsourcing may involve upfront costs, it's essential to consider the long-term return on investment (ROI). By leveraging the expertise of external marketers, you can optimise your marketing efforts and generate higher returns that outweigh the initial investment.

LACK OF CONTROL

Concern: Entrusting marketing activities to outside professionals may raise concerns about losing control over brand messaging, strategy execution, and decision-making.

Our perspective: Collaborating with a reputable marketing agency doesn't mean relinquishing control entirely. Instead, it's about fostering a partnership based on transparency, communication, and shared goals. With clear guidelines and regular updates, you can maintain oversight while benefiting from the specialised skills and insights of Code Milk.

DIFFICULTY EXPLAINING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

Concern: Businesses with complex products or services may struggle to convey their value proposition effectively to outside marketers.

Our perspective: Experienced marketing agencies thrive on understanding their clients' offerings and target audiences. By investing time in thorough onboarding and communication, you can ensure that we grasp the nuances of your products or services and develop tailored strategies that resonate with your audience.

LACK OF FOCUS ON COMPANY

Concern: Some businesses fear that external marketers may not prioritise their company's projects or initiatives, leading to subpar results.

Our perspective: Choosing the right marketing agency that aligns with your values, goals, and vision is crucial. We have genuine interest in our clients and are committed to their success. With open communication channels and regular check-ins, you can ensure that we remain focused and dedicated to achieving your objectives.

PREVIOUS NEGATIVE OUTSOURCING EXPERIENCE

Concern: Businesses that have had negative experiences with outsourcing in the past may be hesitant to try again.

Our perspective: Every outsourcing partnership is unique, and past experiences shouldn't deter you from exploring new opportunities. Take the lessons learned from previous experiences and apply them to vetting potential partners more rigorously. Look for agencies with a proven track record of delivering results and fostering collaborative relationships.

COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES

Concern: Effective communication is vital for successful outsourcing, but some businesses may struggle to convey their needs and expectations to external marketers.

Our perspective: Communication is a two-way street, and both parties play a crucial role in fostering clear and open dialogue. We prioritise communication and value your input. Establishing regular meetings, providing detailed briefs, and utilising project management tools we can help streamline communication and ensure alignment throughout the outsourcing process.

Key takeaways

Outsourcing your marketing activities can be a strategic move towards streamlining operations, maximising efficiency, and unlocking new growth opportunities for your business. By tapping into expert knowledge, accessing cutting-edge tools, and embracing fresh perspectives, you pave the way for enhanced competitiveness and long-term success. 

Ready to take your business to new heights? Consider outsourcing your marketing today with Code Milk.