Manufacturing Marketing Services: In-House vs Agency Team? The Pros & Cons.
Manufacturing Marketing Services: In-House vs Agency Team? The Pros & Cons.
Facing the unique marketing challenges of a manufacturing business, you may feel overwhelmed. You're busy with day-to-day operations and might often lean on hired experts or distributors for marketing. However, simply replicating your distributor's plan can blur your brand and cause missed opportunities for customer engagement.
If you've faced disappointment or confusion with marketing, you're not alone. One big question stands: should you hire an agency or keep your manufacturing marketing services in-house?
Today, we're breaking down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best choice for your business. Let's help you answer that all-important question, “should I hire an in-house marketing team or outsource to an agency?”
Exploring the Options: Marketing Agency vs In-house?
Let's delve deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of keeping marketing in-house versus outsourcing to a marketing firm.
You may be wondering how you will gauge the success of your marketing efforts. If manufacturing marketing strategies may not result in immediately trackable sales, what results can you expect to see from your marathon of marketing efforts? The strategies we have listed below all support two long-term marketing goals that should be a priority for all manufacturers. Both will generate new and repeat sales in the long run.
In-House Marketing: Pros and Cons
Marketing Agency: Pros and Cons
Pro: Access to Diverse Skills
Digital marketing agencies are external powerhouses of diverse skills and expertise. They provide manufacturers with access to a wide range of skills essential for comprehensive marketing strategies.
Pro: Cost-Effective
Hiring a digital marketing agency can be nearly 50% more cost-effective than an in-house team, with the annual cost averaging $258,700. This cost-efficiency can free up resources for other vital business operations.
Pro: Scalability
Manufacturing marketing services from agencies can be scaled according to your needs and budget. This scalability offers manufacturers the flexibility they need to adapt their digital marketing strategy to changing business landscapes.
Pro: Fresh Perspectives
Agencies bring a fresh perspective to your marketing efforts. They infuse your campaigns with innovative ideas and strategies, potentially unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Pro: Up-to-Date Expertise
Agencies are consistently on top of the latest marketing trends, technologies, and best practices. Their industry knowledge can equip manufacturers with cutting-edge strategies to navigate their marketing challenges.
Con: Reduced Control
Conversely, hiring an agency may result in a perceived loss of control over marketing operations. The extent of control is often limited to defining the overall strategy and approving final deliverables.
Con: Potential Communication Issues
Agencies often manage multiple clients, which can sometimes lead to communication and coordination issues. Manufacturers may need to proactively manage the agency relationship to ensure their needs are prioritized.
Con: Brand Representation
Ensuring that the agency fully understands and represents your brand and values is essential but can be challenging. You'll need to invest time in educating the agency about your brand to ensure authentic representation.
Not sure what your brand identity is? We think you’ll like our other blog, “Building A Strong Brand Identity: Your 10-Step Guide.”
Making the Decision: A Step-by-Step Process
When it comes to making the decision between in-house and agency for your manufacturing marketing services needs, consider the following steps:
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
Identify your specific marketing needs and goals. This step will clarify what you're looking to achieve with your marketing efforts.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Resources
Examine your available marketing budget, time, and internal resources. This assessment will help you understand what you can realistically support.
Step 3: Consider the Complexity
Think about the scope and complexity of your marketing tasks. This consideration will help you identify whether you have the expertise needed to perform these tasks in-house.
Step 4: Weigh the Pros and Cons
Reflect on the pros and cons of each option. This process will help you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Vessel: Bridging the Gap for Manufacturing Marketing Services
Remember, marketing isn't just about selling products—it's about telling your story, defining your brand, and connecting with your customers.
So, whether you go in-house or hire an agency, choose the path that allows you to tell your story in the most authentic, compelling way. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.
At Vessel, we understand the challenges that manufacturers face. That’s why we bridge the gap between in-house and agency marketing.
We combine in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing industry with a diverse team of marketing experts to provide tailored marketing solutions for manufacturers.
Our unique model gives you the best of both worlds, providing control, expertise, and efficiency in your marketing efforts.
Book a free strategy call today to see how our talented team can become like your own in-house marketing department, helping you get the marketing results you deserve.
