Performance marketing is crucial for any business’s success. However, deciding whether to hire an agency, a freelancer, or an in-house marketer can be challenging. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s deep dive to help you make an informed decision.

In-House Performance Marketer: Pros & Cons

An in-house marketer dedicates their efforts solely to your company, which allows them to develop a deep understanding of your brand and customers. This intimate knowledge enables them to create tailored strategies specific to your business needs.

One of the primary benefits of hiring an in-house marketer is having direct control over their activities. However, proper management and coaching of in-house performance marketing personnel require a strong understanding of advertising platforms like Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok, as well as a process for constantly applying platform innovations.

The major drawback of in-house marketers is their limited exposure to broader industry trends compared to those working in agencies or as freelancers. This can sometimes slow the adoption of innovative marketing tactics. While in-house marketers often excel in branding and communication, they may struggle to match the expertise in performance marketing that agencies or freelancers can provide.

Moreover, hiring in-house team members is a significant investment, including salary, equipment, office space, and employee benefits. Even with remote work options, there can be complications and additional costs, particularly for EU-based businesses.

Performance Freelancer: Pros & Cons

Freelancers can be a cost-effective option, often charging lower rates than agencies and working remotely, eliminating the need for office space and employee benefits. They are ideal for short-term projects with clear objectives or for low-intensity long-term projects. Freelancers excel when a deep business understanding is not crucial to the quality of the work.

However, a freelancer, as a single individual, comes with some level of inconvenience. They need to be managed similarly to in-house team members, which adds complexity and requires management oversight.

Another point is that freelancers cannot provide the company brand and industry expertise that a team can offer. Although they often stay updated on industry trends through their work with multiple clients, they may prioritize other clients, leading to potential delays or reduced focus on your project.

Relying on a single person for a crucial part of your business poses significant risks, as every vacation or illness can interrupt your marketing plans. For businesses that require consistent and timely work on their paid channels, working with freelancers can be a significant drawback.

Performance Marketing Agency: Pros & Cons

Agencies offer several advantages, including access to a team of experienced professionals with diverse skills. This diversity ensures comprehensive coverage, often resulting in more effective and innovative solutions.

However, agencies can be more expensive than hiring a freelancer or internal marketing professionals. But on the positive side, agencies usually provide immediate capacity and can scale their performance team as required by your business needs.

Agencies also benefit from working on a variety of projects across different industries, allowing for rapid knowledge and experience sharing across their teams. This exposure helps identify patterns and effective strategies that can be applied to your business.

Furthermore, agencies are led by business professionals and experienced entrepreneurs who can translate your business goals into actionable strategies.

The major drawback with agencies is the cost of the service but if the stakes are high, it’s definitely worth it

Bonus Tip from ROImonks

For fast and efficient growth, consider a combination of an in-house marketer or marketing manager (focused on branding, content, and organic activities) and a performance marketing agency.

The in-house marketer ensures alignment with your company’s values and tone, while the agency excels in executing growth strategies with the best ROI. This partnership can enhance communication and expedite work, offering an approach that balances organic and performance marketing.

When you’re ready for your next growth phase, we’d be delighted to discuss your project and explore how we can help you achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Choosing between a marketing agency, freelancer, or in-house marketer depends on your business size, budget, and goals. An agency can offer comprehensive and experienced support if resources allow. If cost is a concern, a freelancer or in-house marketer may be more practical, depending on your desired level of control and involvement. Carefully consider these factors to determine the best solution for your company’s unique needs.