Michelle Rowling, McKenzie Partners Group Account Director, shares her insights on virtual marketing teams.

Now, more than ever, businesses are looking at their requirements through a new lens and marketing should be under the microscope.

As marketing is often one of the larger expenses for a business, it may be the first thing to be trimmed when times get tough. Yet, marketing is essential for success. That’s why a virtual marketing team can be a good compromise – giving you maximum return for your spend.

 

---

As marketing is often one of the larger expenses for a business, it may be the first thing to be trimmed when times get tough. Yet, marketing is essential for success. That’s why a virtual marketing team can be a good compromise – giving you maximum return for your spend.

---

 

Outsourcing your marketing gives you access to a team of experts

When you rely on one marketing lead with, perhaps, a small team of support staff – that’s exactly what you will receive. You’d better love the skills and expertise of your lead, as they will shape your marketing strategy. Plus, your lead will train any junior support staff to follow the same approach.

By outsourcing your marketing, you gain access to a diverse range of marketing experts. No one person or small team can be considered experts in product, digital, SEO, SEM, traditional media and customer experience. Nor can they truly be expert communicators, photographers, designers and analysts. To hold every required skillset in your team to the level you need is near impossible and incredibly expensive. With a virtual marketing team, your overheads are reduced and your potential is amplified.

 

You get honest feedback from a virtual marketing team

There’s no denying your staff are your greatest asset. However, sometimes external insights and a fresh approach are what you need. By using external marketing resources, you are guaranteed to receive honest and unbiased ideas and feedback. They will also genuinely be able to view your business from a customer’s perspective – not what your staff simply believe a customer is experiencing.

Likewise, it’s easier to give constructive criticism to someone who is one step removed from your business. You’re guaranteed to be able to deliver your honest thoughts without the awkwardness of having to face the marketing manager in the lunchroom who has just poured their all into an idea that won’t get off the ground.

 

 

You get better insights from an outsourced marketing team

It’s understandable that you may want an industry expert who knows the operation from the ground up. But imagine if the next best marketing solution came from somewhere else? It is possible that great marketing ideas conceived for one industry could be the next best thing for a completely different industry. By working with a virtual marketing hub that services many areas, ideas can be adapted, downscaled or amplified to suit the needs of your business.

You’ll also have case studies and implementation-based learnings to back up any new approaches. If you need to gain a bit more momentum or get an idea across to management or your board, your virtual marketing support will likely be able to provide a wealth of past insights for you.

 

Should you get rid of your marketing department completely?

No, we aren’t suggesting that entire marketing departments should be removed and all services outsourced. Many businesses need an expert in their ranks and you will definitely benefit from an in-house marketer who is across every small detail about your business.

Rather, your marketing lead will be supported by a team of experts, simultaneously bringing their ideas to life and elevating their true potential. Backed by analysts, detailed reporting, creative leads and customer experience experts, your marketing workforce can be upscaled at a fraction of the expense – compared with the required training and support to host it all in house.

Whether you are planning your next marketing hire, re-evaluating your team or if you just need access to a little more intel and support, a virtual marketing team can take your business to the next level. There are so many smart businesses out there that are seeing the benefits – will yours be the next one?