In a digital-first society, there’s never been more demand for brands. Our ‘always on` culture means there’s no longer that distance between you and your audience. From customer service via your social channels, to the need to be in front of your audience across multiple platforms at multiple times, companies are demanding more from their marketing departments than ever.

Do You Outsource to an Agency or Build an In-House Team?

Attracting and retaining the right talent is one of the hardest parts of running a business, but when you’re looking for expertise in a different industry to the one you operate in, it can be even more challenging. It’s one of the many reasons that brands partner with agencies. Not only do you get access to a wider skillset and range of marketing tools, but you also have more flexibility when it comes to how much resources you need and when.

It can also be more cost-effective too – the true cost of hiring someone is said to be two and a half times their salary, by the time you factor in insurance, tax, pension schemes, holiday and sick pay, plus training and equipment.

Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for you. Some brands prefer to have someone more embedded in their team, where they have a deeper knowledge of your brand and an understanding of the way you operate.

We’ve put together an infographic of the pros and cons of building an in-house team against working with a digital marketing agency and, crucially, the questions to ask yourself before you make the decision.