With so many additional costs and legislative pitfalls many small to medium-sized businesses face a common dilemma when it comes to their marketing: Should we hire a full-time in-house marketer or outsource the role to a professional? Let’s look at the numbers.
The True Cost of Hiring In-House
At first glance, a £35,000 annual salary for a marketing professional may seem reasonable. But the real cost to your business goes far beyond this headline figure. Let’s break it down:
-
Gross Salary: £35,000
-
Employer Pension Contributions (minimum 3%): £1,050
-
National Insurance Contributions (approx.): £4,499
-
Total Annual Cost to the Employer: £40,549
And that’s just the mandatory expenses. When you account for:
-
Recruitment fees
-
Training and onboarding time
-
Holiday and sick pay
-
Equipment and software licenses
-
Office space and utilities (if applicable)
-
Employee perks or bonuses
…the figure increases significantly.
The Flexibility and Savings of External Professionals
Compare that to hiring an experienced external marketing consultant or freelancer. Here’s what you get:
-
No overhead costs – You only pay for the work delivered.
-
Scalable support – You can ramp up or down based on your needs and budget.
-
Expertise on demand – Get high-level strategic input without the high-level salary.
-
No long-term commitments – Ideal if your needs fluctuate or you’re still testing the waters with marketing.
For example, working with an external marketing professional at a rate of £1,500 per month would total just £18,000 annually—less than half the cost of an in-house hire. Even if you spent £2,000 a month, that’s still just £24,000 a year, representing a saving of over £16,000 when compared to the £40,549 annual cost of an employee.
Quality Over Quantity
Outsourcing also means tapping into a pool of professionals who live and breathe marketing. They stay up-to-date on industry trends, tools, and tactics—and you don’t have to pay for them to learn. In many cases, an external consultant can deliver better results in fewer hours than a full-time employee still gaining experience.
Final Thoughts
When budgets are tight and results matter, outsourcing your marketing isn’t just a practical choice—it’s a smart one. By avoiding the hidden costs of full-time employment, you gain flexibility, expert support, and a better return on your investment.
If you’re considering marketing support but not sure where to start, let’s have a conversation. You might find that outsourcing is the key to moving your business forward—without the hefty price tag.
Add a Comment