Sep 26, 2023

Should You Hire an Inbound Marketing Agency or a Digital Marketing Freelancer?

by Cameron Burns

inbound marketing

digital marketing

< BACK

You've received your yearly digital marketing goals; now it's time to execute them. However, a dilemma confronts you – your small team lacks the expertise necessary to achieve the desired results.

A man standing on arrows painted on asphalt trying to make a decision. | Watermark

Now, you must decide between two viable options:

1) Hiring several digital marketing freelancers

2) enlisting the services of a digital marketing agency.

This article will explore both options and provide essential criteria to help you make an informed decision. We'll evaluate each option based on the following:

Timeliness
Cost
Expertise
Availability
Results

What Is the Role of an Inbound Marketing Agency?

Selective focus on an inbound marketing agency team gathered around the table, analyzing new design with team leader. | Watermark

An inbound marketing agency is a strategic partner specializing in attracting and engaging potential customers through various digital channels.

Unlike traditional outbound marketing, inbound agencies focus on creating valuable content and experiences that naturally draw prospects toward your business.

Agencies use

inbound marketing solutions

like content marketing, SEO, social media, and email marketing to help companies grow and connect with their audience.

The benefits (and drawbacks) of working with an inbound marketing agency are:

Timeliness

Inbound marketing agencies can expedite project execution, especially if time is of the essence. They have more staff and resources to allocate to your project, ensuring quicker progress. However, more prominent agencies might struggle with small, one-time projects because of their established procedures, which can delay project kick-off.

Cost

Depending on the project's scope, boutique agencies may be pricier than individual digital marketing freelancers.

However, costs can accumulate quickly when hiring multiple freelancers at an average rate of $50-$75 per hour. In such cases, an agency can provide cost-efficiency by assigning the right experts at the right time.

Expertise

Agencies typically boast a diverse team of experts covering various areas such as SEO, design, content development, and more. Be sure to inquire about their competencies during the hiring process.

Availability

Agencies streamline communication by providing a single point of contact, allowing you to focus on results rather than managing multiple freelancers.

Results

Collaboration among a team of experts fosters innovative ideas and often leads to superior results compared to an isolated freelancer.

Understanding the Role of a Digital Marketing Freelancer or Contractor

A digital marketing freelancer provides flexible and cost-effective solutions for businesses requiring expertise in specific digital marketing tasks or projects. It is also possible that you bring a freelancer in as a contractor.

A young woman working independently as a freelancer on her laptop. | Watermark

It's important to note that there are
differences between freelancers, contractors, and employees
; knowing the distinction is essential.

In this section, we'll examine the role of a digital marketing freelancer and discuss their pros and cons.

Timeliness

Freelancers excel at quickly handling specific one-off projects.

However, their availability might be challenging as they juggle multiple clients and tasks simultaneously.

Cost

Hiring freelancers can save money, especially for smaller tasks. Yet, managing freelancers can be time-consuming. Agencies are better for achieving long-lasting and measurable results, especially in advertising.

Expertise

Freelancers often specialize in a specific skill set, making them ideal for focused tasks with clear objectives.

Managing multiple freelancers may require robust project management skills and tools to ensure effective communication and resource sharing.

Availability

Freelancers can be more self-reliant when given a clear direction. However, they may need a team to generate ideas outside their expertise, requiring your support to bridge the gaps.

Results

Freelancers can work within budget constraints, but agencies are often more suitable for achieving long-term and measurable results, particularly in advertising campaigns.

When to Choose a Freelance Marketing Contractor or Agency: Practical Scenarios for B2B Companies

B2B companies often must decide between hiring a freelance marketing contractor or an agency based on their needs and situation.

Business goal achievement, workflow, and process automation flowchart. Wooden cubes representing work process management and target icon on yellow background.| Watermark

Here are two practical scenarios where a freelance digital marketer may be the more suitable choice:

1. Special Projects

Hiring a freelance marketer can save money for quick, specialized tasks like website redesigns, SEO audits, or niche content creation. They deliver results without long-term commitments.

2. Flexible, Ongoing Help

When a B2B company needs ongoing but adaptable marketing support, freelancers are a good fit. For instance, periodic email campaigns or occasional social media management can be efficiently handled by freelancers, reducing long-term obligations.

Conversely, B2B companies may prefer an inbound marketing agency in situations such as:

1. Multi-Channel Campaigns:

When a B2B company wants to run complex marketing campaigns across multiple channels like

, and

, agencies can efficiently coordinate these efforts.

2. In-House Support:

Some B2B companies with in-house marketing teams hire agencies to complement their skills and resources, especially when they lack expertise for specific projects or campaigns.

3. Ongoing Strategy and Monitoring:

Businesses needing continuous strategic planning, monitoring, and optimization of their marketing efforts often prefer agencies. They can provide ongoing support, adapt to market changes, and deliver consistent results.

The choice between hiring a freelance marketer or an agency depends on the company's goals, project scope, and resources. Assessing each situation will determine the best fit.

The Takeaway

Group of business persons shaking hands in the office. Multi-ethnic business team, businessman and businesswoman shaking hands congratulating for outstanding work and success. Meet and Greet new colleagues in the group.| Watermark

Both inbound marketing agencies and digital marketing freelancers have their merits, and the right choice depends on your company's unique needs and budget.

Are you looking to Remix your Marketing Strategy?

Discover your marketing goals, team capacity, and the right choice between agency or freelancer with our Marketing Remix tool.

Start now!

Should You Hire an Inbound Marketing Agency or a Digital Marketing Freelancer?