Social Media Agency vs In-House Team: Which is Better for Perth Businesses?

Social media has become an essential part of any business’s marketing strategy. However, deciding whether to hire a social media agency or build an in-house team can be a difficult decision for Perth or West Australian businesses and NGOs. This article will compare the two options to help you make an informed decision that best suits your organisation needs.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Working With a Social Media Agency.

A social media agency can provide a range of services, including social media strategy development, content creation, community management, and advertising. One of the main advantages of working with an agency is the breath of their expertise and experience in the field. They have a team of professionals who are up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in social media marketing.

Working with a social media Agency allows your business or NGO to quickly access a range of Social Media specialist expertise, you may only need to access some of that expertise once or twice in two years … if you get locked out of your Facebook Advertising account or if you get a competitor leaving negative reviews.  However, when starting out, working with an agency may seem costly. Alternatively, you can begin with an in-house team, engaging someone to draft and schedule content.

Engaging a social media agency might initially require more time from senior executives. The agency needs to familiarize themselves with your brand and messaging. On the other hand, an in-house team may already be acquainted with the brand through previous organizational work. During the initial briefing phase, executives may feel they have less control over content and messaging when working with an agency. This is because more tweaks may be required until the agency fully grasps the nuances of the brand. There will be pros and cons to the decision to work with a social media Agency, especially at the beginning of the partnership.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of an In-House Social Media Agency Team.

While working with a social media agency has its advantages, building an in-house team can also be a viable option for some Perth businesses. One of the main benefits of an in-house team is the level of control the executive team has over the content and messaging. Having a strong marketing background and staying informed about social media algorithm changes is beneficial for your executive team. A in-house team are also likely to have worked with your organisation and be already familiar with your brand’s message and your organisations values, which can result in more authentic and personalised content. However, building an in-house team can be time-consuming and expensive, as it requires hiring and training staff, as well as investing in equipment and software. Working with a social media Agency, you pay the full cost of the campaign at the time it is run where with an in-house team you are paying additional costs for annual and sick leave, maybe redundancies, relocation and workers compensation at a later time.  Because all of the staff overheads are paid up-front with a social media Agency, it can seem that the cost of an Agency is more expensive.

Because the cost of commercial rental is much lower in Perth and Western Australia than it is in Sydney and Melbourne, the cost of the overhead in Perth maybe lower than the cost of overheads in some of the other Australian capital cities, yet it is still important to consider the specific needs and goals of your business before deciding which option is best for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between an Agency and In-House Team.

When deciding between a social media agency and an in-house team, there are several other factors to consider. Firstly, consider your budget and resources. An agency may be more expensive upfront, but an in-house team requires ongoing investment in staff and equipment. It is possible that you may lack an executive team with the expertise to train and mentor an inexperienced Social Media Manager. Additionally, evaluating the effectiveness of their work might be challenging for your team. Secondly, consider your goals and objectives. An agency often possesses specialized experience and expertise in specific areas. On the other hand, an in-house team may have a quicker grasp of your brand and values, resulting in more accurate messaging. Finally, consider the level of control and flexibility you require. On the other hand, an agency offers flexibility and scalability in challenging and successful situations. Allowing you to respond effectively. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what is best and most sustainable for your business or NGO’s unique needs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Perth Business.

Choosing between a social media agency and an in-house team can be a difficult decision for Perth businesses. It’s important to consider the cost and as well as the level of expertise and resources each can provide. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific organisations needs and goals.

If you would like to explore Social Media Marketing as a strategy for your business or NGO why not book your free initial consultation with our Founder, Kimmaree Thompson to gain clarity on if working with #thePOSITIVE Digital Business and Digital Marketing Agency could help sustainably grow your business or NGO.

First Published 5 April 2023