Should I hire an in-house digital marketing team or outsource to an agency?

Should I hire an in-house team or outsource to a digital marketing agency?

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Big agency service for very competitive prices

In-House or Agency? The Big Digital Marketing Question for UK Businesses

The decision of whether to hire an in-house digital marketing team or outsource to an agency is a significant one, with no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options offer distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, and the ideal choice ultimately depends on your business's specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.

Should I Hire an In-House Digital Team?


Building an in-house team gives you complete control over your marketing efforts. You can closely align marketing strategies with your overall business objectives and ensure that your brand voice and values are consistently communicated. In-house marketers are deeply immersed in your company culture, which can lead to a more nuanced understanding of your target audience and unique selling points.


Furthermore, an in-house team is readily available for day-to-day tasks and can respond quickly to emerging opportunities or challenges. This can be especially valuable for businesses with rapidly changing needs or those requiring frequent content updates and campaign adjustments.


However, building a high-performing in-house team can be expensive and time-consuming. You'll need to invest in recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development. Additionally, maintaining a full-fledged marketing department requires resources for salaries, benefits, software subscriptions, and other overhead costs.


Should I Hire a Digital Marketing Agency?


Partnering with a digital marketing agency provides immediate access to a team of experienced professionals with diverse skill sets. Agencies stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring that your marketing efforts remain cutting-edge and effective. They offer a wide range of specialised services, from SEO and PPC to social media management and content creation, allowing you to scale your marketing efforts as needed without the hassle of expanding your in-house team.



Moreover, agencies can often be more cost-effective than hiring in-house staff, especially for smaller businesses with limited budgets. You'll pay for specific services and deliverables, rather than fixed salaries and ongoing expenses. This flexibility allows you to allocate your budget more efficiently and adapt your marketing strategy as your business grows.


However, agencies may not be as intimately familiar with your brand as an in-house team, and there can be a learning curve as they get up to speed on your unique value proposition and target audience. Communication and collaboration are crucial for successful agency partnerships, requiring clear expectations and ongoing dialogue.


Making the Right Choice for Your Business


Consider the following factors when deciding between in-house and agency:

  • Budget: Agencies can be more cost-effective initially, while in-house teams require ongoing investment.
  • Expertise: Agencies offer specialised skills and experience, while in-house teams can develop deep brand knowledge.
  • Control: In-house teams offer greater control over marketing activities, while agencies bring external perspectives and flexibility.
  • Scalability: Agencies can easily scale services up or down, while in-house teams require more significant adjustments.
  • Time: Building an in-house team takes time, while agencies provide immediate access to expertise.


H10 Marketing's Recommendation


At H10 Marketing, we believe that the best approach often lies in a hybrid model. Many businesses benefit from having a small, in-house marketing team to manage day-to-day tasks and brand messaging, while partnering with an agency for specialised services and strategic guidance. This allows you to leverage the strengths of both options, maximising your marketing ROI and achieving your business goals.

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OUR WORK

Our approach

Whether you're leaning towards in-house, agency, or a hybrid approach, H10 Marketing can help you develop a tailored digital marketing strategy that aligns with your unique needs and budget. Our team of experts can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape and achieve lasting success.



The key members of our team have been together for over 10 years. We bring all of that knowledge and experience to your project. Our approach incorporates data-driven decisions and high-quality content, ensuring that each client receives optimal results from our services.

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Clients we've helped:

  1. Construction

  2. Engineering

  3. Health

  4. Hospitality and Leisure

  5. Manufacturing

  6. Not for Profit

  7. Retail

  8. Professional Services

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