Are you thinking of outsourcing your content? Read here to learn about the difference between a content creation agency and freelancers. Decide which is best for you.

Have you found that your internet marketing plan is no longer working as well as it used to? Are you relying on landing pages, pop-up ads, and other traditional marketing methods? If you haven’t kept up on industry changes, you may need to rethink your overall strategy and take a fresh new approach.  Deciding whether to use a content creation agency or a freelancer is a big decision and one we felt was an important topic for our readers to understand.

Internet users are becoming savvier and less tolerant of obvious sales pitches. In fact, over 200 million internet users now take advantage of ad-blocking software. This makes it much more difficult to get in front of your intended audience, especially in a competitive industry.

Changing your focus from traditional marketing techniques to a content marketing strategy can be one of the best ways to grow your business. This strategy relies on the creation and distribution of relevant, valuable information, and it’s usually for free.

The ultimate goal is to engage the reader, solve a problem or answer a question, and then lead them to your call to action.

Many business owners are missing out on this opportunity. They either lack the skill needed to consistently create high-quality writing or have found that it is far too time-consuming. In most cases, outsourcing is the answer.

Read on to learn how a content creation agency may be right for your business needs. 

Outsourcing Your Content Creation Needs

Outsourcing can save you a significant amount of time and money, particularly when it comes to content creation. A qualified professional can do more than just write. He or she can also optimize posts for readability, apply SEO principles, and ensure that content flows naturally.

When choosing to outsource your writing needs, you have two primary options. Hire a freelance writer, or work with a content creation agency. Deciding which one is right for you depends on a number of factors including:

    • Your budget
    • Project deadlines
    • Your ability to plan and coordinate
  • The variety of services needed

Cost of a Content Creation Agency vs. Freelancer

In most cases, freelancers are the less expensive option. Pricing is typically based on a per-word fee, a flat fee for each project or piece of content, or an hourly rate. Freelancers don’t have as much overhead as an agency, so rates are often negotiable.

Freelancers are often willing to take on a single project and are happy to work only when you need them. This is attractive to some business owners for obvious reasons.

A content creation agency, on the other hand, usually requires more of a commitment. You may have a contract with a monthly fee. However, an agency is equipped with a multitude of tools and resources that a stand-alone freelancer simply won’t have.

When choosing a marketing partner, you should never base your decision on price alone. If you’re going to put your brand behind the content, you want it to be compelling, well-written, and essentially error-free. Poor-quality content can hurt your site rankings, lose the trust of your audience and damage your credibility.

Be wary of proposals with obscenely low rates, as it’s true that you often get what you pay for.  This is especially true with content creation.  If you think hiring a good writer is too expensive, you must consider the hidden costs of hiring a poor one. Knowing what to look for when conducting writer or agency interviews can help you make the right decision.

Urgency of Project Deadlines

If you need to create a quick one-off project right away, then a freelancer may be your better bet. The hiring process is usually simple and straightforward. It’s not uncommon to engage a freelancer after exchanging a few quick emails.

Freelancers are more likely to be available on evenings, weekends, and holidays. If you catch them at the right time, they can often turn projects around on short notice when you’re in a pinch.

Content creation agencies may require you to go through a more thorough onboarding process. They will usually want to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy before beginning work on a project.

Agencies often follow more traditional office hours. Though this may not be as much of an issue because they usually have enough staff on hand to cover your needs without working extra hours. If you suddenly have a large volume of work, an agency is more likely to have the resources needed to meet your deadlines.

Development and Coordination of a Comprehensive Marketing Plan

Creation of a comprehensive marketing plan is an important step that should not be skipped. Studies have shown that companies with a plan in place grow 30 percent faster. 

A freelancer may be right for you if you have the ability to create and manage your own marketing plan. You will need to know exactly what type of content is needed and be able to manage your own workflow and deadlines. Unless your freelancer has the skills to edit and publish your content, you will also need to complete these tasks internally.

Content creation agencies are more likely to provide you with a comprehensive solution. Your contract may include the following services:

    • Researching timely topics
    • Planning out your editorial calendar
    • Managing workflow and timeliness
    • Editing and proofreading
    • Publishing
    • Promotion on social media and other platforms
  • Analytics and reporting

Variety of Services Needed

If your marketing plan includes a variety of services like videos, eBooks, blog posts, and white papers, then a content creation agency is a better fit for you. Freelancers typically have a more narrow skill-set, with expertise in one or two areas. Agencies come with a staff of people carrying a large breadth of knowledge.

If you choose to use freelancers, you may be tasked with managing multiple people and coordinating their efforts. Hiring an agency can take that responsibility off of you and allow you to focus more on running your business.  The thing you do best!

Some businesses find that using both an agency and a few select freelancers gives them the flexibility that they need.  Occasionally, agencies will coordinate with a writer of your choice and work alongside them to provide your complete comprehensive content creation solution.  Carefully consider the scope of your projects and your internal resources for managing them. Be honest with yourself about the amount of time you’re willing and able to devote to your marketing plan.

Still not sure which is right for you? Contact us to discuss your needs and we can help you to decide.