Lately, I’ve become obsessed with DIY projects. Most plans never make it beyond my Pinterest boards, but the sense of accomplishment I get from holiday crafts and homemade sunscreen is indescribable. But, I’m not alone. This self-sufficiency based trend is growing, and there are even websites and communities with various do-it-yourself solutions for fashion, home décor and even solar gadgets.
Although a self-sufficient lifestyle can reduce your impact on the environment and save money, it’s not the best concept to adopt in the business world. One of the most common mistakes I see among start-ups and small businesses is to opt for a do-it-yourself marketing campaign, rather than hiring an agency. Subsequently, not having a sound public relations strategy can hurt profits and ruin a company’s reputation.
Four Advantages of Hiring the Right PR or Marketing Agency
Although no one knows your product or service better than you, there are a number of reasons to hire an agency to help with your public relations or marketing efforts:
Objectivity
Let’s face it. It’s impossible for you or your team to be unbiased when you’re working passionately behind your goods or services. You need people who are neutral and can help you accurately define your target audience and messages.
Consistency
One clear sign that a company doesn’t have an experienced marketing team is inconsistency. Changing your positioning language and/or logo based on the marketing channel or who is delivering it can confuse your audience. Branding is all about consistency and your website, press releases and brochures should define who you are and what you offer in the same language.
Increased Productivity
Having an agency solely dedicated to your marketing goals leaves more time for you and your team to focus on the business. Whether you’re a start-up of five people or a small business with 10 or more employees, one of the most effective ways to increase productivity is to outsource as much as you can.
Expertise
Successful entrepreneurs understand the basic principles of marketing, but even that doesn’t make them experts. Obviously you’re more knowledgeable about your offerings, but a great marketing agency has experience working with many brands. Marketing professionals with years of training, access to the right tools and familiarity of the latest trends can develop an effective campaign to help meet your business goals.
Of course, there are many advantages of working with a marketing agency. The benefits mentioned here are especially important for start-ups and small businesses with limited resources or the ability to hire a skilled in-house marketing team. Still, even large companies hire agencies to plan and execute campaigns or manage ongoing marketing efforts.
Are you a start-up or small business with a DIY marketing plan? What are your concerns about working with a public relations or marketing agency? To learn about our service offerings for small businesses and startups, schedule a free consultation here or call us at (678) 957-7675.
