According to Clutch, in 2023, 27% of small businesses in the U.S. were looking for new outsourced providers in marketing. It’s no secret that businesses of all sizes are continuously discovering the transformative benefits of outsourcing marketing departments. The outsourcing process is simple and efficient: you leverage the expertise of specialized talents and optimize your budget while having access to top-tier professionals.
So how much does it cost to outsource marketing services? On average, outsourcing a marketing project can cost your organization from $2,500 to $25,000 (and more) depending on the location, complexity, duration, and other important factors we will explore in this guide.
From PPC campaigns and social media management to content creation and SEO, the costs of outsourcing marketing services can vary. It is vital to understand the outsourcing cost as it directly affects how much you can invest in marketing efforts and ensure maximum ROI.
Find out how Go Carpathian can help businesses keep costs down and hire marketing talents offshore efficiently!
With years of experience delivering exceptional outsourcing services, Go Carpathian is here to break down the true costs of outsourcing marketing and help you make smart decisions and investments.
What is Marketing Outsourcing and Why Should You Care?
Marketing outsourcing refers to the process of hiring external professionals or teams to handle specific marketing projects. For example, you might want to outsource advertising, social media management, or content marketing. Business owners who outsource marketing efforts can access specialized professionals without having to hire them full-time.
That said, it is no surprise that outsourcing has become a global trend; with 60% of U.S. companies outsourcing at least one of their departments to lower costs and improve efficiency, outsourcing has become a global trend that keeps growing.
As experienced outsourcing service providers, we understand the value that outsourcing marketing brings to organizations at every stage of their business growth.
How Does Outsourcing Directly Impact Business Owners?
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the true costs of outsourcing marketing and the factors that affect it.
Why Outsourcing Your Marketing is the Smartest Decision You’ll Make
A high-performing marketing team consists of a diverse set of skills, including content creators, data scientists and data analysts, SEO strategists, social media managers, PPC specialists, visual designers, PRs, and tech experts.
There is a stark cost difference that makes outsourcing a practical choice without sacrificing quality:
The cost of a Marketing Department in the US
- In-House Marketing Team Costs: $250,000–$400,000 annually (salaries, benefits, and overhead).
- Outsourcing Domestically: $6,000–$15,000 per month.
The cost of an Offshore Marketing team
- Offshore Teams: $2,000–$5,000 per month.
How Much Should You Pay an Offshore Marketing Team?
While rates vary depending on the type of work they do, one of the biggest benefits of outsourcing a marketing team is that it will always be at lower costs compared to an in-house team. To make these comparisons clearer, we collected rates for the most outsourced marketing roles:
How Much Does Outsourcing SEO Services Cost?
A strong SEO campaign can increase organic traffic by over 30%, making it a valuable long-term investment.
- Monthly Retainer: $750–$2,000/month.
- Hourly Rates: $80–$150/hour.
- Project-Based: $5,000–$15,000 per project.
How Much Does Outsourcing Social Media Management Services Cost? (in-house marketing team costs included)
Outsourcing a social media team gives you access to trend-savvy hires who can improve your brand’s reach at a much lower cost. Social media outsourcing covers content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement:
- In-House Marketing Team Costs: $50,000–$70,000 annually.
- Outsourced Costs: $1,000–$5,000 per month.
How Much Does Outsourcing Content Creation Services Cost?
Outsourcing content production allows for faster content delivery and consistency, which is critical for building an engaged audience. Whether it’s blogs, videos, or graphics, outsourcing content management helps companies maintain quality while scaling:
- Blog Posts: $100–$300 per post.
- Videos: $1,000–$3,000 each.
How Much Does Outsourcing PPC Advertising Services Cost?
Paid campaigns require expertise in ad management and optimization. With professional management, you can maximize your ad budget while lowering cost-per-click (CPC) by up to 40%.
- Campaign Setup: $500–$2,000.
- Management Fees: 10–20% of your ad spend.
How Much Does Outsourcing Email Marketing Services Cost?
Email marketing can become a high-ROI channel and more cost-effective when outsourced. Outsourced email strategies ensure targeted, high-conversion campaigns, freeing up internal resources:
- Monthly Campaign Management: $1,000–$2,500.
- Per Email: $50–$200 for smaller-scale projects.
5 Factors that Affect Offshore Marketing Costs
Several regions in the world have emerged as popular offshore hiring hubs, such as the Balkan region, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Latin America, the Philippines, etc. While they are all culturally different, these regions offer lower labor costs compared to the U.S. and Western Europe.
Here are some cultural and economic factors that impact offshore marketing costs:
- Scope of Marketing Services
The broader the range of services, the higher the cost. However, many real-life examples have shown that more comprehensive outsourcing often yields greater results. - The Seniority of the Hire
Junior-level marketing hires cost less, usually around $10–$25/hour offshore, while senior marketing strategists can charge $50–$150/hour. - English Fluency
Professional hires with high proficiency in English often ask for higher rates, especially in regions like Eastern Europe and South Africa. - Reputation of the Outsourcing Partner
Established outsourcing service providers with proven success may cost more, but investing in the right hires who will generate more income for the company always pays off. - Geography and Market Considerations
Offshore outsourcing hubs like the Philippines, South Africa, and Eastern Europe offer skilled professionals at competitive rates, often 50–70% lower than U.S. prices.
Benefits of Having Marketing Team In-House
Of course, there are certain benefits of having an in-house marketing team. Here are some of the key advantages of hiring in-house:
Control and Consistency
Having an in-house marketing team in your office space allows for greater control. It ensures that campaigns align with your vision and fosters a unified brand identity.
Deep Understanding of the Brand
In-house marketing teams usually have a profound understanding of your values and mission..
Speed
In most cases, in-house marketing teams can respond faster to internal needs.
Faster Integration with Other In-House Departments
Of course, an in-house marketing team that collaborates closely with other departments allows for a more holistic approach to marketing efforts.
The Biggest Downsides to Having an In-House Marketing Team
There are, however, many downsides to having an in-house marketing team. Here are some of the most notable ones:
High Costs
Maintaining an in-house marketing team requires a significant financial investment. At the same time, this is one of the main reasons why business owners opt for outsourcing marketing teams.
Gaps in Expertise
While they are always present in your office space, in-house marketing teams may struggle with limited access to specialized skills. On the other hand, outsourcing opens the door to global talent pools with endless options when it comes to specific skill sets you are looking for.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
The fast-paced advancement of digital marketing tools can be overwhelming for in-house marketing teams as they need to manage daily responsibilities.
Why Outsourcing Marketing Efforts Is a Game-Changer for Your Business
Having an outsourced marketing team isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about unlocking new opportunities.
- Access to Expertise: When you choose to outsource marketing, you choose to work with industry leaders and professionals who stay ahead of the latest trends.
- Cost Efficiency: By hiring global talents at lower rates, you are not only saving money on a monthly and yearly basis, but you are also saving on salaries, benefits, and overhead costs.
- Scalability: Running a business is never linear. There are ups and downs, and it is important to stay flexible during these periods. With outsourcing, your business has the power to scale up or down depending on your needs.
- Focus on Core Activities: With outsourcing, business owners can focus on core tasks, such as growth and innovation. Outsourcing helps in-house employees free up their time and finally focus on their day-to-day tasks instead of spreading their resources too thin.
How to Choose the Right Marketing Outsourcing Partner (Hint: It’s About More Than Just Cost)
Finding the right partner goes beyond pricing. As professional outsourcing service providers, we know that choosing the right partner for outsourcing marketing roles is a matter of trust and strategy. Here’s what to consider:
- Experience and Track Record: Choose outsourcing providers with a proven history of success in your specific industry. The bigger this track record is the more chance you have to find the right fit for the roles you want to outsource.
- Transparency: Always look for clear pricing, deliverables, and timelines. Discuss your cost expectations upfront to save time and avoid misunderstandings.
- ROI-Focused Approach: Seasoned outsourcing agencies might come with higher prices, but ultimately, investing in high-quality service leads to the best results. Always try to prioritize value over cost because it pays off.
- Red Flags: Be careful and stay away from outsourcing providers who are offering rates that seem “too good to be true.” Usually, this means they may lack the expertise to deliver quality.
Take the First Step Towards Smarter Marketing Outsourcing
Outsourcing marketing is more than a smart way to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and scale your efforts. Outsourcing is all about tapping into global talent pools, maximizing your business potential, and saving your core resources.
Ready to outsource your marketing? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s craft a marketing solution tailored to your needs.
FAQs
How do I know if outsourcing marketing is right for my business?
If you’re looking to reduce costs, improve ROI, and access top global professionals, outsourcing is a strong option you should consider.
What’s the difference between a freelancer and an agency?
Freelancers specialize in specific tasks, while agencies offer a full suite of marketing services and strategic expertise.
Can outsourcing help small businesses compete with larger companies?
Yes. Outsourcing levels the playing field by providing access to the same expertise and tools as larger corporations.
How can I align my marketing goals with an outsourced team?
Clear communication, regular performance reporting, and well-defined expectations ensure your goals are met.
