Meta Ads: In-House vs. Agency - Which one is better for small businesses?

In this issue I want to discuss the differences between having an in-house team (DIY) vs. having an agency doing your Facebook Ads.

As a small business owner myself and who have worked with a lot of startups and small businesses in the past 10 years I rather have paid media done by me or my team.

Why? Well, I'm a marketing guy. I like the creative process and I also like the analytics part of the paid advertising.

If you are a like minded founder or owner then you should not even think about outsourcing Meta Ads, rather learn it and DIY.

But there are a lot of owners who are not in this situation, so what should they do?

Meta Ads can be driving force for growth for a small business or a startup brand. So, do not take this lightly, as Facebook Ads is a big part of the overall marketing strategy.

Let's jump right in and explore the advantages, disadvantages, and key differences between DIY and outsourcing Facebook Ads.

I understand the critical decision every business faces: whether to invest in an in-house team or outsource to external agency.

Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact the success of your marketing efforts.

I hope this will help you make the right choice for your business.

Advantages of an In-House Meta Ads

There are two ways to do this. Do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you.

If you are a marketing oriented founder, and other main business tasks like finances and operations are done by others then I truly recommend to learn and do it yourself.

If you want it done, but still have a big say in the process and hire a someone or a team to do it under your supervision.

Control: Having direct oversight and control over Facebook Ads ensures consistent messaging and coherent branding. You control the budget, the ad creation process and you have first access to results.

Deep Understanding of the Brand: Your live and breathe your brand, translating into authentic and resonant marketing campaigns. You know your products/services the best.

You know the USPs which can translate to unique offers that can be tested with Meta Ads.

Speed and Efficiency: Speed is key in business and if you are able to pivot and change faster with an in-house team.

Quick decision-making and implementation, coupled with real-time adaptability, lead to efficient marketing strategies.

Integration with other departments: Collaboration between in-house marketing and other departments fosters a holistic approach to meet business goals.

Disadvantages of In-House Marketing Teams

Expertise: While intimate with your brand, in-house teams may lack the diverse skills essential for comprehensive Meta Ads.

Facebook changes the Ads Manager almost on a daily basis. You need to keep up with them or you get lost and rentability will suffer.

Creative Limit: Immersed in the same culture, in-house teams might struggle to innovate and bring fresh perspectives. One thing is sure when it comes to ads: change.

You need to have great variety of ideas for ads to succeed. An in-house team might suffer to constantly come up with different sales angles and messaging.

Scaling: As your business grows, scaling Meta Ads with an in-house team can be a problem.

You might have the experience, the hours basically to recoginze which ads can be scaled. This is because you only ran ads for your own business.

These advantages and disadvantages underline the importance of carefully weighing your options and aligning them with your business objectives.

Whether you choose to DIY, nurture an in-house team or collaborate with a specialized Facebook Ads agency, the key lies in finding the right fit for your unique marketing needs.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Hiring a Marketing Agency

When it comes to marketing strategies, the choice between building an in-house team or hiring a marketing agency is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your business.

Let's delve into the benefits and drawbacks of opting for a marketing agency:

Benefits:

Expertise: Marketing agencies bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their specialized skills in various areas such as SEO, content creation, and social media management can elevate your marketing campaigns to new heights.

Fresh Perspectives and Scalability: One of the key advantages of working with a marketing agency is gaining fresh perspectives on your marketing strategies. They can offer creative solutions and scalable approaches that may not have been considered in-house.

Cost-Effectiveness: While hiring a marketing agency may involve upfront costs, it can often be more cost-effective in the long run. Agencies provide access to resources and reduced rates for marketing tools, leading to significant savings.

Drawbacks:

I want to start here with a warning. Please do your due diligence and screen the agency you want to work with. I saw so many agencies that promise the world then fall short because they simply don't know better. 

At my agency we took over so many flawed ad accounts. For example, websites with no conversion tracking, traffic campaigns, reports with reach, impressions and clicks.

Just a heads up, know the basics of Meta Ads, so you don't get screwed by fake agencies.

No Direct Control: One of the main drawbacks of hiring a marketing agency is the lack of direct control over the day-to-day operations of your marketing strategy.

While agencies consult with you, the ultimate execution is in their hands.

Miscommunication: Working with external partners like agencies carries the risk of miscommunication.

With multiple clients and projects, there is a chance that messages may get lost, affecting the alignment of marketing initiatives.

Strategy Mismatch and Trust: Another drawback is the potential for a mismatch in strategies. It's essential to ensure that the agency aligns with your brand values and goals to avoid discrepancies.

Building trust with an external agency is crucial for a successful partnership.

Considering these factors when deciding whether to hire a marketing agency can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your business needs and goals.

This decision isn’t just about your brand's visibility; it's about shaping the narrative that connects your business with the world.

Making the Right Decision for Your Business

When it comes to making the right decisions for your business, particularly in the realm of marketing, there are several crucial factors to consider.

As someone who has navigated through these decisions in my own business journey, I understand the importance of weighing different variables to ensure the best outcomes.

Business Size, Industry, and Marketing Goals: Understanding the unique characteristics of your business, the industry landscape you operate in, and the specific marketing objectives you aim to achieve is fundamental.

This trio forms the foundation upon which all your marketing decisions should be built.

Aligning Marketing Strategies with Business Objectives: It's not just about having a marketing strategy; it's about ensuring that this strategy aligns seamlessly with your overall business goals.

Whether it's increasing brand visibility, driving sales, or engaging with your target audience, every marketing initiative should contribute to the bigger picture.

Customizing Marketing Approaches for Maximum Impact: Recognizing that one size does not fit all in marketing is key.

Tailoring your approaches to maximize their impact based on your business's specific needs and distinguishing factors can set you apart in a crowded market.

As I've learned from my own experiences, these aspects form the cornerstone of effective decision-making in the realm of business marketing.

By carefully evaluating these factors and crafting strategies that align with them, you can pave the way for sustainable growth and success.