Hiring an Employee vs. Hiring a Social Media Agency: What’s Best for Your Business?

Social media has become a non-negotiable part of marketing for businesses of all sizes. But when it comes to managing your brand’s online presence, you may be wondering: Should I hire an in-house employee to handle social media, or should I outsource to a social media management agency?

The answer? It depends on your business needs, budget and goals. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best, most informed, decision for your business.

Hiring an In-House Social Media Coordinator

Pros:

• Deep Brand Knowledge – An in-house employee is immersed in your company culture, products and day-to-day operations, making it easier to create on-the-fly content that feels authentic.

• Quick Response Time – Since they are part of your internal team, they can react quickly to real-time events, customer inquiries and trends.

• Hands-On Collaboration – Being physically present in the office allows for closer collaboration with your team, which can streamline content creation and strategy execution.

• Full-Time Availability – Your employee is dedicated to your business alone, ensuring undivided attention to your brand’s social media.
  

Cons:

• Higher Costs – Hiring an employee means paying a salary, benefits, training costs and possibly additional resources like software or photography equipment.

• Limited Skill Set – A single person may not be an expert in all aspects of social media, such as graphic design, video editing, copywriting or paid advertising.

• Time Constraints – If your business expects one person to handle content creation, posting, engagement, strategy and analytics, they may quickly become overwhelmed.

• Knowledge Gaps – Social media changes constantly, and without ongoing training, an in-house employee may fall behind on trends and platform updates.

Hiring a Social Media Agency (Like Mac Made Creative)

Pros:

• Diverse Expertise – Agencies come with a team of professionals who specialize in content creation, strategy, analytics and community engagement.

• Scalability – Agencies offer flexible plans, so as your business grows, your social media efforts can grow with it.

• Cost-Effective – While agency fees vary, they often cost less than hiring a full-time employee when you consider salaries, benefits and overhead.

• Access to Advanced Tools – Agencies invest in premium software for scheduling, graphic design and analytics, giving your business access to resources without extra costs.

• Fresh Perspective – An agency brings an outsider’s perspective, helping you identify unique opportunities and creative strategies that you might not have considered.

• Consistency & Reliability – If an in-house employee quits or takes leave, your social media efforts can stall. With an agency, there’s always a team to keep things running.

Cons:

• Less Immediate Access – Unlike an in-house employee, an agency isn’t in your office every day, which means communication must be intentional and well-structured.

• Less Immersion in Company Culture – Agencies work with multiple clients, so while they take the time to understand your brand, they may not be as deeply embedded as an internal employee.

• Dependency on a Third Party – Your business has to trust an external partner to execute your vision, which requires finding an agency that aligns with your goals and values.

So, Which Option is Right for You?

If you want someone fully embedded in your company culture and can afford the overhead, an in-house employee might be a great fit.

If you want a team of experts, need to scale quickly and want a cost-effective solution, an agency could be the better choice.

Ultimately, it depends on your business’s specific needs, budget and long-term goals. If you’re unsure, consider starting with an agency, like MMC, who can offer a consulting package to provide professional support while you assess whether hiring internally is the right move.

Need help deciding? Let’s chat! Mac Made Creative specializes in helping businesses elevate their social media with strategic, stress-free management. Reach out today to see how we can help your brand grow!