Finding the Perfect Balance: In-House Team or Marketing Agency? 

Choosing between an in-house marketing team and partnering with an agency can be an important yet daunting decision to make. Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges so it can be hard to be sure you’re making the right decision.  

So, what’s the best option to get the job done? 

Why do you need a marketing team? 

Having a dedicated marketing team whether in-house or agency is essential to identify your target audience and create a strategy that makes them choose your product over a competitor. 

You could be doing some exciting work but if nobody knows what you’re doing, what’s the point?  

To be seen you need to show up, be present and be loud.  

But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you make an informed decision about your marketing strategy. 

Where do you start? 

When creating your marketing team, there are a few choices you need to make. You can build an in-house team to do the bulk of your marketing which can then be further supported by outsourcing projects externally if required. 

Alternatively, if an in-house team isn’t for you, you can hire a range of marketing suppliers from freelancers and agencies to produce your marketing materials or hire an agency that offers a full service (hint, hint! 😉). Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks.  

Let’s explore these options further. 

Benefits of In-House Marketing Team 

With an in-house team, you have greater control over your marketing channels. This ensures that your marketing efforts are closely aligned with your company’s culture, values, and goals, promoting a unified brand message. 

You will have a stronger understanding of your company, its values, the products and the services that you sell than a third-party provider.  

A big benefit of having an in-house team is that you can quickly adapt to changes in the market or feedback from internal sources. This allows you to adjust your marketing strategies and tactics whenever you want to. 

While having your own marketing team has its benefits, there are some downsides to this option. Your in-house team might not have the same wide range of skills and knowledge that a specialised agency does.  

As a standalone marketing manager there can be the expectation to wear a lot of hats and be knowledgeable in all areas of marketing which we know at Shooting Star just isn’t realistic. Bringing in an agency to help share the load and take on some of those ‘hats can allow you to focus on more important tasks.  

Benefits of Agency Marketing 

A specialised agency can bring a fresh set of eyes and a wealth of expertise and specialised skills to the table. As part of their role, they will stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring your marketing strategy stays current and performs effectively. 

Hiring an agency can be a more cost-effective option for your business as they offer flexible contracts and scalability. You can access a range of services without the overhead costs associated with an in-house team. 

With experience across different industries, agencies can provide fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see what can take your brand to the next level. 

Working with agencies is not without its challenges. You may have less control over your marketing activities than if you did in-house, and there is a risk of misalignment with your brand values. This is why communication and coordination with your agency team is important so that you can work together to create a strong strategy that represents your company.  

At Shooting Star, we take the time to do a thorough induction process and get to know our clients’ businesses, their customers and their staff, so when they call us, it is like talking to a member of their team. 

The Ideal Solution: A Hybrid Approach 

Neither option is ‘better’ than the other, it is personal preference and down to how the business works best. One of the best approaches is a hybrid approach which allows you to retain control over your core values whilst outsourcing more specialised tasks such as PR or social media management to an agency.  

This provides you with more flexibility to scale your marketing efforts up or down as needed and allows us to work with you as a creative team. We would become an extension of your in-house team. 

At the end of the day, if you succeed, we succeed. It’s a partnership; we will provide recommendations and expertise, but you have the final say. 

Ready to transform your marketing?  

Contact our friendly team of experts and let us take some of your marketing hats! We can create a custom marketing strategy and provide the skills and resources you need to achieve your goals. 

DB