Tim Armstrong’s Post

𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗧𝗠 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸? Last week, I shared some thoughts on “Service-as-a-Software” and how agencies can adopt outcomes-based models by providing access to tools, so clients focus on results and not the hassle of upgrading their martech stacks. The idea sparked some interesting conversations: 1️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲? Not necessarily. For SMBs, outsourcing tools often makes sense; it’s flexible, fast, and avoids large upfront costs. But for larger enterprises, it gets more complicated: Ownership of data, integrations, and even legal concerns can make outsourcing less viable. ⤷ The sweet spot for agencies? Complementing core systems (like CRMs, MAPs, paid advertising suits) without replacing them, while still driving results quickly and efficiently for their clients. 2️⃣ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹? As AI continues to simplify execution, and with Vertical AI Agents in the horizon, the role of agencies is shifting. It’s no longer enough to just connect tools or manage campaigns. The real opportunity lies in solving complex, unique problems that off-the-shelf solutions can’t handle, and delivering the kind of creative and strategic thinking that AI can’t replicate. ⤷ Agencies that master this balance, being both enablers and creative partners, are the ones that will thrive in this new model. 3️⃣ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆? A big concern is, what happens if the agency relationship ends? If the tools and workflows are tied too closely to the agency, transitioning away can become a challenge. But here’s the thing: the tools an agency brings in don’t have to be exclusive to them. This approach can actually be a great way for companies to test tools without committing to buying them outright. ⤷ If the relationship ends, the company can always choose to purchase specific tools directly and integrate them into their own stack as part of the transition. In this way, the agency acts as a low-risk entry point to explore and validate new tools before making a long-term investment. Take a look at the visual. It’s v1 of a framework to decide what to own and what to outsource in your GTM stack. Does this resonate with your experience? Are there areas where you think owning or outsourcing makes more sense? Thanks for all your feedback and for geeking out with me Andrea 🤓 Lechner-Becker Phil Gamache Odd Morten Sørensen Patrice Greene Juan Pablo Garcia Jon Pittham

The advances in technology are creating outsourcing opportunities in marketing, where innovation meets efficiency, and the possibilities are LIMITLESS! Some of the advances will still ‘need a driver to drive the bus’. We humans, can’t be replaced, but below are some areas where we can already see technology stepping in to take over tasks. 1. AI-Powered Marketing Wizards: Imagine having an AI-driven marketing strategist at your disposal, crunching data, predicting trends, and crafting personalised campaigns that hit the mark every time. From chatbots to automated content creation, the future of outsourcing is about leveraging cutting-edge technology to supercharge your marketing efforts. BUT - you will still need your marketing person to review to ensure that what is ‘churned out still matches your future business goals, aligns with the problems you are solving for your customers and is in your company’s tone of voice. 2. Global Talents: Why limit your talent pool to your local area? The future is global! 🌍 Outsourcing opens the door to a diverse array of creative marketing minds from around the world. Get ready to infuse your brand with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a multicultural flair. But be mindful that while you can get marketing from different cultures at different rates and abilities, only those located in your area will know the nuances of your culture and language. 3. 24/7 Marketing: In the future, the marketing clock never stops ticking. With outsourced teams spanning different time zones, your marketing machine can operate around the clock. Launch campaigns while you sleep, respond to customer queries in real-time, and keep your social media buzzing day and night. It's marketing on steroids! However, if your market is local, then you should probably make sure that you stick to your local timezone… 4. Hyper-Personalisation at Scale: Say goodbye to generic marketing and hello to hyper-personalisation! Outsourcing allows you to tap into specialised expertise in data analytics and consumer behaviour, enabling you to create tailored experiences for each of your customers. Think personalised video messages, bespoke product recommendations, and targeted ads that feel like a one-on-one conversation. But remember, trust is only built with genuine connection. 5. Eco-Friendly Marketing: The future is green, and so is marketing! 🌿 Outsourcing can help you adopt sustainable practices by partnering with eco-conscious agencies and freelancers. From digital-only campaigns to environmentally-friendly promotional materials, you'll not only boost your brand but also contribute to a healthier planet. With all the technological advancements, it is important to know that they are still all tools, not replacements. Your marketing team will still be needed to guide the data, tech and AI. Drop a comment below with your wildest outsourcing ideas - are they person or technology-driven? #FutureTrends #Outsourcing #DigitalMarketing #AI

Building a business or keeping a young company afloat is challenging, with pressure from product development, operations, and decision-making. Effective marketing becomes essential to reaching your target audience and driving growth as you scale up. But that raises the crucial question: how do you establish the right marketing setup?  Do you build an in-house team or outsource it to an agency? Let’s break it down to help you decide what works best for your business. When to Build an In-House Marketing Team: 💸 Budget for recruitment and training: If you have the resources to hire, train, and continuously upskill your team, going the in-house route is a no-brainer. 💼 Full control over strategy and brand voice: With an in-house team, you can directly steer your marketing efforts while ensuring every campaign is deeply aligned with your brand’s vision, tone, and messaging for consistent communication across all platforms. 💬 Faster communication and exclusive focus: Your in-house team is just a message away for urgent tweaks or quick turnarounds, and since they’re solely dedicated to your brand, you’ll get their undivided attention without competing priorities. However, while an in-house team offers control and exclusivity, it also comes with high costs, challenges in scalability, and the need for constant skill development. That’s where outsourcing makes sense. What a Marketing Agency Brings to the Table: 👥 Access to diverse expertise: Marketing agencies offer a team of specialists—strategists, content writers, SEO experts, social media managers, and more—ensuring all aspects of your marketing are handled seamlessly, so you can focus on core business operations. 🔧 Access to resources, tools, and industry connections: Agencies provide the latest tools and strategies, saving you from costly investments. They also leverage industry connections to give your brand a competitive edge through collaborations with top experts and platforms. 📈 Scalability: Agencies can scale up or down as your business grows, allowing flexibility without worrying about managing a large in-house team. 💡 Significant cost savings: Outsourcing to an agency saves you the costs of hiring, training, and buying expensive tools, providing expert services at a fraction of the cost of an in-house team. Choosing between an in-house team and an agency depends on your business needs, goals, and budget. While an in-house team offers control and close alignment with your brand, a marketing agency provides flexibility, expertise, and cost efficiency. If you’re a small or growing business, outsourcing to agencies like Voynic Media means getting your marketing off the ground without the hassle. We’ll bring the expertise and tools so you can focus on what matters—building your brand. #MarketingMadeEasy #BusinessGrowth #InHouseVsAgency #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusinessSuccess #VoynicMedia #DigitalMarketing

Outsource marketing or keep it in-house? Here’s what you need to know... When I first started advising companies on growth strategies, I saw one question pop up repeatedly: “Is it better to outsource our marketing or build an in-house team?” Companies struggle with this decision, often feeling like they’ll lose control if they outsource. But in-house teams often face limitations—time, resources, or expertise gaps when scaling for growth. Many companies waste money on marketing that doesn’t move the needle, stuck between high agency costs and stretched in-house teams. They end up with disconnected strategies that underperform or fail to connect with the audience. The problem exists because both in-house teams and agencies have unique strengths. Without a clear strategy, companies often miss out on the benefits that a well-chosen agency or team could bring. 5 key considerations: 1. Assess your core needs - If you need specialized skills (SEO, analytics, content strategy), outsourcing can give you access to top-tier expertise without adding headcount. 2. Consider scalability - Agencies can quickly scale campaigns up or down, providing flexibility for fast growth or seasonal needs without extra hires. 3. Maintain a hybrid model - A small in-house team focused on brand direction, combined with an agency for execution, provides balance and control over the brand. 4. Evaluate your budget - Consider the total cost of building and training a team versus an agency that’s already fully equipped. Outsourcing may save time and resources. 5. Focus on communication - An agency that prioritizes transparent communication will feel like an extension of your team, keeping your brand experience top of mind. The companies we work with at ChannelCore achieve high-impact results by using a hybrid approach—leveraging the agency for specialized campaigns and an in-house team for brand management. With this structure, they maintain control and gain access to resources for accelerated growth. Outsourcing can be a smart move when done strategically. The right balance keeps your brand strong, your growth profitable, and your customer experience consistent. #marketingstrategy #inhousevsagency #scalingbusiness #growth ________________________________________ 👋 Hi, I'm Jeremy - a marketing executive turned agency owner helping you build synchronized strategies that amplify your brands message, drive meaningful engagement, and accelerate growth. 🚀 Check out my agency ChannelCore here → https://channelcore.com 📲 Send me a DM to set up your FREE strategy session. 🔥Enjoying my content? Consider following to never miss an article.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼👍 Over the years, I've been in positions where leadership requires a different approach. And with that comes great power, but also a lot of responsibility. One key lesson I've learned is understanding what to outsource and what to keep stay in-house. This isn’t a silver bullet – it depends on whether you're in B2B, D2C, or something else entirely. Let’s start with what I would outsource: ✅ 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 While your owned media – like websites and blogs – might seem like something to keep internal, outsourcing can bring in fresh perspectives and specialized expertise. Paid media campaigns, in particular, demand constant monitoring and optimization, making them great candidates for outsourcing. Similarly, earned media, like PR and influencer outreach, often requires strong external networks that agencies already have in place. It’s all about finding the right experts to enhance what you’ve already built. ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 Want to build an app, a tool, or launch a podcast? These are perfect candidates for outsourcing. These require specific skill sets and expertise that are often outside your core competencies. By outsourcing, you save time and get access to professionals who can deliver high-quality results faster than if you tried to build these assets in-house. Now, onto what shouldn’t be outsourced: 🚫 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Your brand is your identity. It’s the heartbeat of your company, and no external agency will ever understand it as deeply as your internal team. Think of brand marketing as your baby – it takes time, nurturing, and an intimate knowledge of your organization’s ecosystem. Even with the best training, an outsider will struggle to fully grasp the essence of your brand the way your in-house team can. 🚫 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Demand Gen is about connecting the dots between your paid and owned media efforts, while also staying in close contact with other departments like sales and customer success. It’s a dynamic process that relies on understanding your customer’s voice and finding ways to educate them. Because it involves so much internal collaboration, keeping Demand Gen in-house allows you to pivot quickly and capitalize on real-time opportunities. 🚫 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Performance marketing spans across multiple channels and is highly data-driven. Outsourcing it can lead to a lack of transparency, as agencies might not always show you the full picture. Keeping performance marketing internal allows you to have a holistic view of how each channel is performing and make swift adjustments where needed. It’s about maintaining control over your strategy, not letting outside agencies dictate your success. #MarketingStrategy #Outsourcing #Leadership #BrandMarketing #DemandGen #PerformanceMarketing #StrategyMaker

Should You Outsource Marketing or Keep It In-house? 👇 This is a classic dilemma for all businesses and there are pros and cons no matter which route you choose. After 25 years of managing in-house and agencies, here’s my take on building an in-house marketing team versus outsourcing to agencies. ⭐Pros of Outsourcing ✅Scalability and Expertise Working with an agency means you’ll get access to a wide array of specialist skills and technology without long-term fixed costs. Outsourcing allows you to scale your marketing efforts up or down based on demand, without the need to hire or train new staff. This flexibility can be crucial for SMEs looking to adapt to market changes quickly.   ✅Fresh Perspectives In-house marketing teams tend to run out of ideas or get stuck with the same pattern of activity over time. Outsourcing can bring in a fresh pair of eyes, along with new insights and innovative ideas that can rejuvenate your brand, energize your in-house team, and connect with new segments of your market. ⭐Cons of Outsourcing ✅Less Control Your in-house team will understand the company culture, values and, nuances better than anyone else. They may feel that a degree of control is relinquished if marketing activities are outsourced. This can be mitigated if you and your agency put equal effort into building a good relationship and getting aligned to your requirements. ✅Cost Considerations Outsourcing can be a very cost-effective approach especially as there are no on-costs, absence, or training requirements to worry about. It’s still important to keep a balanced outlook on the efficiencies that an agency can bring versus the stability of an in-house team. For most SMEs, an agency will be a better option, but once your marketing spend is upwards of £120k, it may be time to consider blending in-house resources with an external agency. I’ve run my agency for a while now, but I’ve also been on the other side of the table when I managed a large in-house marketing department of 65 people, with agency support. While both approaches have their merits, the decision to outsource or keep marketing in-house should be driven by your specific business needs, goals, and capacity. Outsourcing offers a wealth of expertise and flexibility, but it's essential to maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with your agency to ensure alignment with your brand values. For SMEs, a hybrid approach might be the sweet spot, where you can call upon external expertise for specialised projects while nurturing in-house capabilities for core activities. #MarketingStrategy #SMEs #OutsourcingVsInHouse

❌ Agency ❌ Consultant AdAge has (re)written an article (again) about how agencies are re-branding by not wanting to be known as agencies. Shocking. The term does not exactly have the best connotation with clients who take on all the risk that have to sign pieces of paper with lots of zeroes and hope it pays off. You see, in order for really smart, talented people that work for agencies to do their best work...they need to know your business inside and out. The challenge is clients do not want to pay them to LEARN their business, they want them to EARN their business. However, agencies are not exactly built to have multiple high-hourly billed talent sit inside of a client full-time for months with (fingers crossed) they win a proposal on the way out. It sucks because all agency talent wants...is to see their work actually work for their clients. The model breeds unhappiness on both sides of the relationship. I believe the long-standing and antiquated pay-by-the-minute model of consulting is ripe for disruption and it is the founding principle of why I founded HATCH quantified. You see, we have never wanted to be known as an "agency" or "consultancy" because they are dirty words with clients. To be honest, we think there is a much better way to do business. We are "digital investors". We literally INVEST in the right clients not just with fancy strategy (but more importantly)...OPERATIONS. Ya know, the stuff that actually moves your needle. If you are a manufacturer, distributor or PE with an industrial portfolio, lets connect. We have a novel approach to growing both your top + bottom line. We do all your product data work, build your product categories, organize all your engineering attributes, tie your tech stack together...AND promote everything through your website, marketplaces, punchouts, eProcurement, etc. Get this though. We do it for ZERO cash. That's right. 🤯 We invest in your success and quantify and share in the profitable outcomes so you can use your capital elsewhere in the business. We can even make the business case that re-allocating those dollars by investing in your people will pay scaled dividends with HATCH quantified HR by attracting (and most importantly) RETAINING the talent you already have. I know this platform is best for networking but we are all selling something, right? We have a very long track record of proven success and am happy to share a case study. BTW- I have to admit it is kind of ironic this post is a form of advertising 😂 Connect with me to learn more. #B2B #manufacturing #distribution #growth #profitability

Most full-service agencies brag about being a "one stop shop" (while outsourcing most of the work). We only focus on a few areas (and are incredibly good at them). Most full-service agencies pitch their ability to be a "one-stop shop" to clients. They see it as a good thing. What they don’t tell you: The online marketing world is a blood bath. The competition for eyeballs and attention is insane. You've got to fight: - Competitors, both direct and indirect. - Algorithms and terms of service updates from major online platforms. Agencies that "do all things" are usually mediocre (at best). They can't keep up with the ever-changing aspects of: - SEO - Lead nurturing - Reputation management - Content marketing, etc. Each of those disciplines requires full teams. They have to live and breathe that skill set every day. At Surchability: - We'd rather be amazing at a few things. - We don't want to be mediocre at anything. - We dedicate ourselves to mastering a few skills. - That produces insane results for our clients. We can also predict trends and updates earlier. Long before most agencies. And here’s a secret: 𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 "𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽" 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗮𝘆. We intentionally don't work with a lot of clients (so we can live and breathe your business). We also don't have new client availability all that often (due to our high retention rates). But if the above resonates with you. We currently have an opening for a few clients. If you: - Are in the health industry (ideally behavioral health) - Are forward-thinking with your marketing - Have budget to allow for real results - Can handle an influx of new organic leads each month If that sounds like you, DM me the word "partner". We'll have a quick chat and go over your situation.

Choosing between hiring an in-house marketing team and hiring an external marketing agency depends on several factors, including your business needs, budget, and long-term goals. Here are the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision: What’s great about having an in-house team / person: Deep Brand Knowledge:
An in-house team can develop a deeper understanding of your brand, products, and company culture, leading to more authentic & cohesive marketing efforts. 
Better Communication & Collaboration:
Proximity to other departments allows for easier communication, leading to more integrated & aligned strategies. Long-term Investment:
Building an in-house team can be a long-term investment in developing specialized knowledge & skills within your company. 
Flexibility & Control:
You have more control over the team's priorities. 
But the possible difficulties: Higher Overheads:
Salaries, benefits, & training costs for a full team can be expensive along with tools & software. 
Limited Expertise:
In-house teams may lack the diverse range of skills & experience that an agency can offer. Usually companies start by hiring a junior. It takes a lot of time & effort to get these team members clear on your vision & goals. Unfortunately, sometimes after all that training - in-house members may leave for other options.. 
Scaling Challenges:
Scaling an in-house team quickly can be challenging, especially if you need to ramp up efforts for a new product launch or marketing push. 
Marketing Agency Pros: Access to Expertise:
Agencies typically have a team of specialists with experience. This expertise can bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies. Cost-Effectiveness: They often provide a more cost-effective solution What you’re paying for are experts with years of experience. They will get straight to the solution. Scalability: Agencies can scale their services up / down based on your needs. Focus on Core Business: You get the time to focus on your product or service. You also get a team that can advice you accordingly. Cons: Less Control: Communication can sometimes be slower, and there may be a learning curve as the agency gets to know your brand as with both options. Potential for Misalignment: Agencies may not fully understand your brand or market nuances. The learning curve can be sped up with clear communication. Ongoing Costs: Agency fees can add up. But, a way to curb these extra spend is to communicate clearly and know what you want. We’re obviously leaning towards working with agencies / consultants as this would assist you to initiate growth in reach and service sooner rather than later. All the best! #avividworldconsultancy
#brandingspecialist #marketingstrategist #theideaswizard

As agencies grow, they get SLOW. They get bloated and fragile. Here are the 4 things you need to do to avoid this: 1️⃣ Productise: Ensure your offering is processed and delivered like a product. Have a 'menu' of options your agency offers and don't veer off track. This ensures you are efficient, fast and predictably profitable. You also get WORLD CLASS at the 'thing' you do because you keep doing it over and over again, iterating the process. - 2️⃣ Specialise: Don't be everything to everyone. Be the BEST CHOICE for THAT THING for THAT SOMEONE. If you're the marketing agency for care homes, you will get chosen by care homes over generalist agencies. Your marketing, selling, delivery and results will be congruent and COMPOUND like crazy. Leaving generalist agencies scrambling around trying to get traction. - 3️⃣ Insource highest leverage tasks: The highest leverage task in any agency is SELLING and STRATEGY. This is your agency DNA, this is what will make your agency succeed or fail. Sure, the deliverables matter. But you can have the best deliverables in the world, without a SOLID STRATEGY or without GOOD SALES, they are worth nothing. - 4️⃣ Outsource deliverables: If you are doing all of your deliverables inhouse like a traditional agency, you are essentially setting up lots of mini businesses within your business. SEO agencies who do link building inhouse for example, need to hire a chief link builder, outreach team and content writers. They'll need to manage all the moving parts. Get all the software. Scale it up as the clients grow. Lots of moving parts and headaches. The minimalist agency focuses on the highest leverage tasks. STRATEGY & SELLING. They outsource the deliverables to specialists and stay LEAN and MINIMALIST. - Do these 4 things whilst constantly assessing your operation as it grows and your agency will stay super lean as it grows 📈