Hey there fellow digital marketing enthusiasts! Today, you will dive headfirst into the thrilling world of PPC specialists. Whether to hire a PPC specialist in-house or contract one out is always something many businesses are struggling with. Likewise, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a tool many companies use to attract customers and drive traffic to their websites, but the question remains: Which is better when hiring a PPC specialist – in-house or contracting?

Let’s examine both options to answer this question and see what each offers.  

In-House PPC Specialist 

Hiring a PPC specialist in-house means having a dedicated person who works solely on your PPC campaigns. This person is part of your team, and they are familiar with your business, products, target audience, and goals. Some of the benefits of hiring an in-house PPC specialist are found below. 

1. Expertise and Experience

A dedicated PPC specialist has a wealth of knowledge and experience managing PPC campaigns. They will have expertise in various areas, such as keyword research, ad creation, landing page optimization, and analytics. They can bring this knowledge to your business and help you run successful campaigns and achieve your goals.

2. Real-Time Optimization

An in-house PPC specialist can work with your team in real-time to optimize campaigns as they run. They can adjust bids, pause underperforming ads, and create new campaigns when needed. You can see results quickly and make real-time changes to ensure successful campaigns.

3. Team Collaboration  

An in-house PPC specialist is part of your team, and they can work closely with your other team members, such as your marketing manager, content creators, and web developers. This collaboration can lead to a more cohesive marketing strategy that integrates all aspects of your business.

However, remember that hiring an in-house PPC specialist may have some drawbacks, such as the high salary and training cost, potential for biases, limited resources, and more. The recruitment process for finding the right fit can also be time-consuming.

Contracting PPC Specialist

Hiring a PPC specialist on a contractual basis means that you work with an agency or a freelancer who specializes in PPC advertising. Some of the benefits of contracting a PPC specialist are found below.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Contracting a PPC specialist can be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house specialist. You won’t have to worry about salary, benefits, or training costs since they’ll be packaged as part of the overall contract price. It means you can save money and get high-quality expertise simultaneously.  

2. Wide Range of Experience 

A PPC agency or freelancer may have experience across multiple industries, which can provide a new perspective to your business. They can also access the latest tools and techniques in the PPC industry, which can enhance your campaigns’ performance.

 3. Flexibility 

Contracting a PPC specialist allows you to be more flexible in the time and money you invest in your campaigns. You can scale up or down your campaigns, increase or decrease your budget, and work with specialists depending on the project’s needs.

However, contracting a PPC specialist may have some drawbacks, such as a lack of company-specific knowledge and the time it can take to find the right specialist. There may also be communication and collaboration issues since they are not part of your team.

Decisions, Decisions

Let’s delve deeper into the decision-making process. Before hiring an in-house or contracted PPC specialist, it’s important to consider your business’s specific needs. For instance, if you have a big budget, a large team, and a lot of campaigns to manage, then an in-house specialist might be the best fit. On the other hand, hiring a freelancer or agency might be more suitable if you have a small budget, only a few campaigns, and need expert help but not a full-time employee. 

But what if you can have the best of both worlds? 

Some innovative businesses combine the strengths of in-house specialists and contracting experts to form an unstoppable force. By harnessing the power of in-house talent and leveraging the specialized skills of contractors, you can also create a dynamic synergy that can conquer any PPC challenge. This way, you can maintain a core team of dedicated specialists who intimately understand the brand and its goals while tapping into the diverse expertise of external contractors for niche projects or campaign boosts. It’s a match made in digital marketing heaven!   

With this option, you get the stability, cohesion, and company culture that comes with an in-house team, along with the flexibility, agility, and fresh perspectives contractors bring. It’s a perfect balance, allowing your business to navigate the ever-changing landscape of PPC advertising with confidence and finesse.

Additionally, when choosing an in-house specialist, a contracted PPC specialist, or a combination of both, evaluating their expertise, experience, and track record of success is critical. Ask for references and portfolio pieces, and interview them to understand what tactics they use to achieve their client’s goals.

Ultimately, whichever option you choose, remember that PPC campaigns require a great deal of effort, time, and budget. Monitoring campaigns closely, optimizing them regularly, and working collaboratively with your PPC specialist to ensure they meet your business objectives are crucial.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to both in-house and contracted PPC specialists. While an in-house specialist can provide company-specific knowledge, real-time optimization, and team collaboration, it can be expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, a contracted specialist can provide cost-effectiveness, a wide range of experience, and flexibility but may lack company-specific knowledge and collaboration. 

Choosing between in-house and contracting a PPC specialist depends on your business’ goals, size, and budget. In some cases, a combination of both options might be the best solution. So, choose a PPC specialist that fits your business needs and can help you achieve your marketing goals.