New year, fresh marketing: Why partnering with a marketing agency saves you more than you think

As we usher in the new year, it is the perfect time for businesses to reevaluate their goals, budgets, and strategies. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) marketing remains one of the biggest challenges: How do you reach more customers without stretching your resources too thin?

If you are debating whether to hire an in-house marketer or invest in a marketing agency, this article will help you make an informed decision.

Spoiler alert: Partnering with a marketing agency can save you more money, and headaches, than you might think.

Breaking down the costs: In-house marketer vs. marketing agency

Let us take a closer look at the numbers:

1. The cost of an in-house marketer

When you hire an in-house marketer, the expenses go far beyond their annual salary. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs for hiring a mid-level marketer:

• Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 per year.
• National insurance and pension contributions: ~13% of salary.
• Recruitment costs: £2,000 - £5,000 (or more if using an agency).
• Software and tools: £2,500 - £5,000 annually (think email platforms, design tools, and analytics software).
• Training and development: £1,000 - £2,000 per year to keep up with trends.
• Holidays, sick pay, and other benefits: These vary but can significantly add to the total cost.
• Total annual cost: £40,000 - £50,000+.

And here is the kicker: You are investing all of this into just one person. While they may be skilled, they cannot be experts in every aspect of marketing, from SEO to graphic design to social media strategy.

2. The cost of hiring a marketing agency

When you partner with a marketing agency like Plenty of Stuff Studio, you gain access to an entire team of experts for a fraction of the cost of an in-house hire. Here is what you are typically paying for:

• Monthly retainer: £695 - £4,000, depending on the scope of work.
• No extra overheads: No recruitment fees, software costs, or training expenses, we have got that covered.
• Total annual cost: £8,340 - £48,000.

While the upper range might seem comparable to hiring in-house, it is important to remember what you are getting:

• Specialised skill sets: From SEO and content creation to graphic design and paid ads, you have access to experts in every area.
• Team effort: Instead of one person juggling multiple tasks, you have a dedicated team collaborating to deliver results.
• Flexibility: Agencies can scale their services based on your needs, unlike an in-house hire whose workload may fluctuate.

The value beyond cost

Partnering with an agency does not just save money, it adds significant value to your marketing efforts. Here is how:

1. Fresh perspectives: When you work with a marketing agency, you gain access to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. Agencies work across various industries, giving them a unique ability to identify trends and personalised strategies that resonate with your audience.
2. Tools and expertise: The marketing world is fast-paced, and staying ahead requires cutting-edge tools and knowledge. Agencies invest in industry-leading software and ongoing training so you don not have to.
3. Time savings: Marketing is time-consuming. Outsourcing to an agency means you can focus on running your business while the experts handle your campaigns.
4. Results-driven approach: Agencies are results-oriented. They measure success through key performance indicators (KPIs) and continuously refine strategies to maximise ROI, something that often requires a team effort, not just one individual.

Is 2025 the year you rethink your marketing?

The new year is a time for fresh starts and bold decisions. If your business is ready to grow but your marketing feels stagnant, it might be time to consider the benefits of working with a marketing agency.

At Plenty of Stuff Studio, we specialise in helping SMEs across the UK achieve their goals through personalised marketing solutions. From crafting standout websites to launching targeted ad campaigns, we are here to make your marketing work smarter-not harder.

The numbers speak for themselves: Investing in an agency is not just cost-effective-it is the smarter choice for businesses that want expert support, fresh ideas, and measurable results.

Ready to start the year strong?

Let us help you kick off 2025 with a marketing strategy that saves you time, money, and stress.

Book a free consultation with us today and discover how we can transform your marketing efforts into a growth engine for your business.

Let us make this your best year yet.

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Written by Kiana Douglin

Written on Monday, 13 January 2025

Kiana Douglin

Director, Plenty of Stuff Studio

Kiana draws on years of marketing experience, playing a key role in helping businesses grow and launching startups with effective marketing strategies and operations. Her background combines marketing expertise with skills in sales and events. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in nature-hiking in the mountains, chasing waterfalls, and traveling the world-while her love for poetry and music fuels her creative spirit.

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