In today’s world, marketing is an essential part of running a business. Using digital marketing channels to reach potential customers and turning them into loyal brand followers is a worthwhile challenge for any business, irrespective of size. There are several different types of digital marketing agencies in the UK, each designed to suit different business needs. Before signing up with an in-house agency, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into.
Key Facts About Digital Marketing Agencies
These days, almost everyone has a digital wallet stored in the cloud, meaning that they can access banking details, store documents, and send and receive messages without having to worry about security. As a result, more and more people are using their mobile phones to access the internet and perform day-to-day activities online. This has driven a rise in the number of digital marketing agencies in the UK, many of which offer tailored solutions to businesses looking for digital marketing expertise. These solutions can include anything from search engine optimisation (SEO) to content marketing and social media marketing. In terms of size, the majority of digital marketing agencies in the UK are small to medium-sized businesses, providing flexible, in-house solutions to clients.
The Difference Between In-House, Freelancer, And Agency Models
Nowadays, almost everyone is aware of the benefits of having an in-house marketing department. These are generally located within a business, meaning that the team are often based alongside other members of staff. This can create a nice integration between marketing and other areas of the business, allowing marketers to take a more holistic view of the customer from the point of view of an entire business. Naturally, as the name suggests, in-house marketing is performed within the walls of the company. Since the department is essentially based within the company, there’s no need to worry about geographic restrictions when it comes to expanding into new areas. This is especially beneficial for businesses operating across multiple countries.
With this type of setup, companies can take advantage of the full resources of the in-house marketing department, including talented marketers, researchers, and developers. However, not all businesses can afford an in-house marketing department, particularly smaller businesses. This is where freelance marketing comes in.
An independent contractor, or freelancer, is someone who provides a service to different businesses, typically in exchange for cash payments. While the marketing performed by freelancers is usually restricted to one specific industry or area of expertise, the ability to connect with potential customers in new and exciting ways makes this type of marketing a lucrative option for digital marketers. The downside is that working for different businesses means that you’ll often be required to follow different pricing structures, which can make it more difficult to establish pricing parity. To ensure that you’re providing value to your customers, you should focus on creating consistent, high-quality content that is relevant to their needs. Doing this and creating multiple, varied streams of income will increase your chances of establishing and growing your freelance business successfully.
The final option is a marketing agency. As the name suggests, marketing agencies are businesses that provide a one-stop-shop for marketing services. In return for taking on this role, businesses typically receive discounted rates and an increased amount of free marketing resources, such as online advertising and offline activities, like print and radio ads. Agency models usually work on a retainer basis, with clients paying an up-front fee and then invoicing for each project performed. Naturally, as a result of their combined expertise, agency marketing teams are typically able to offer more value to business clients than can be provided by individual freelancers or in-house marketers.
When choosing a digital marketing agency, make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable agency. Perform a quick Google search on the agency’s name and you should be presented with a variety of positive reviews from previous clients. Look out for agencies that have an established presence and can demonstrate an impressive portfolio of previous work. As with any new partnership, it’s essential to do your research and make sure that you’re not being fooled by using common sense and common decency. If you feel that you’ve been misled or duped by an agency, then it’s time to cut your losses and deal with your current partner for digital marketing expertise. Your business will thank you for it later.