Outsourced marketing is increasingly becoming a go-to strategy for businesses that want to maximise their marketing efforts without the overhead of maintaining an in-house team. Whether you're a small business looking to scale or a larger company aiming to streamline operations, outsourcing your marketing can be an efficient and cost-effective solution. But how much does it really cost to outsource your marketing? Let’s delve into the various factors that influence the cost and what you can expect when you decide to take this route.

Understanding Outsourced Marketing
Before diving into the cost, it's essential to understand what outsourced marketing entails. Outsourced marketing means hiring external professionals or agencies to handle your marketing needs instead of building an in-house team. This can include various services such as social media management, digital marketing, content creation, and more. Businesses can choose to outsource a portion of their marketing efforts or the entire function, depending on their needs and resources.

The Cost Factors of Outsourced Marketing
Several factors influence the cost of outsourced marketing. Let’s explore them in detail:

1. Scope of Services - The cost largely depends on the scope of services you require. For example, if you're only outsourcing social media management, the cost will be significantly lower than outsourcing a full suite of marketing services, including digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and PPC campaigns. Some businesses may only need help with specific tasks, while others may require comprehensive marketing support.
2. Level of Expertise - Another factor influencing the cost is the level of expertise you’re seeking. Hiring a top-tier marketing agency or seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience will undoubtedly cost more than hiring freelancers or less experienced marketers. However, the quality of work and the results you can expect will also vary significantly.
3. Geographical Location - The location of the marketing agency or professionals you hire can also impact the cost. For example, agencies in major cities like London or New York typically charge more due to higher operational costs. Conversely, offshore marketing agencies or professionals based in countries with lower living costs might offer more affordable rates, but communication and time zone differences could be a challenge.
4. Engagement Model - The engagement model—how you hire the outsourced team—also affects the cost. Here are some common engagement models:

• Hourly Rates: You pay for the hours worked. This model is often used for specific projects or tasks and provides flexibility. Hourly rates can vary widely, ranging from £50 to £200+ per hour, depending on the expertise and location of the marketer.
• Retainer-Based: This is a common model for ongoing marketing support. You pay a fixed monthly fee, which typically covers a set number of hours or services. Retainer fees can range from £1,000 to £10,000 per month, depending on the scope of work and the agency’s reputation.
• Project-Based: For specific campaigns or projects, a project-based fee is agreed upon upfront. This model is ideal for businesses that need help with a one-time campaign, such as a website redesign or a product launch.
• Performance-Based: In some cases, agencies might offer performance-based pricing, where the cost is tied to the results achieved, such as leads generated or sales conversions. While this model aligns the agency’s incentives with your business goals, it can also be riskier and more expensive if the targets are met.

1. Social Media Management - Social media is a crucial aspect of modern marketing, and managing it effectively requires time and expertise. Outsourcing social media management typically costs between £1,000 to £5,000 per month, depending on the number of platforms managed, the frequency of posts, and the level of engagement expected. This cost includes content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and responding to interactions.
2. Content Creation - Content is king, and outsourcing content creation—blogs, articles, videos, etc.—can range from £500 to £3,000 per piece, depending on the complexity and length. Agencies offering bundled content packages might charge £2,000 to £10,000 per month, which usually includes a set number of blogs, articles, social media posts, and perhaps video content.
3. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) - SEO is vital for driving organic traffic to your website. Outsourcing SEO services can cost between £750 to £5,000 per month. This fee usually covers keyword research, on-page optimisation, link building, and regular reporting. The cost can be higher if your industry is particularly competitive or if you require local or international SEO.
4. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising - PPC campaigns, such as Google Ads, require constant monitoring and adjustment to ensure optimal performance. The cost of outsourcing PPC management can range from £500 to £5,000 per month, not including the ad spend itself. Many agencies charge a percentage of your ad spend (typically 10-20%) as their fee, so the total cost will vary based on your budget.
5. Email Marketing - Email marketing remains a powerful tool for customer engagement and retention. Outsourcing this service can cost between £500 to £2,000 per month, depending on the size of your email list and the frequency of campaigns. This cost covers the creation of email templates, content writing, list management, and performance tracking.

1. Access to Expertise - Outsourcing gives you access to seasoned professionals who specialise in various aspects of marketing. Instead of hiring one or two in-house employees, you gain a whole team of experts who can handle everything from strategy development to execution.
2. Scalability - Outsourced marketing is highly scalable. Whether you need to ramp up your efforts during a product launch or scale back during quieter periods, you can adjust the level of service according to your needs and budget.
3. Cost-Effectiveness - Hiring an in-house marketing team can be costly, with salaries, benefits, and overheads. Outsourcing, on the other hand, allows you to pay only for the services you need, when you need them. This flexibility can result in significant cost savings.
4. Focus on Core Business - By outsourcing marketing, you free up time and resources to focus on what you do best—running your business. Marketing requires constant attention and expertise, and outsourcing ensures that your marketing efforts are in capable hands.

Outsourcing vs. In-House: A Cost Comparison
Let’s consider the cost comparison between outsourcing and hiring an in-house team. A full-time, in-house marketing manager can cost upwards of £5,000 per month, excluding benefits and other employment costs. In contrast, outsourcing can start as low as £1,000 per month for essential services and scale up depending on your needs.

For businesses with a limited budget, the ability to access a wide range of marketing skills without the commitment of full-time salaries makes outsourcing an attractive option. You can tailor the services to match your budget while still achieving your marketing goals.

Conclusion: Is Outsourced Marketing Right for You?
Outsourced marketing can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes, offering flexibility, expertise, and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s essential to choose the right agency or professionals who understand your industry and can deliver results.

At Miles Marketing, we specialise in providing tailored marketing solutions to help businesses thrive. Whether you need help with social media, digital marketing, or developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, our team is here to support you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your outsourced marketing goals without breaking the bank.