Maximising ROI: Why retainers work for smart SMEs
In the world of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), every penny matters. It’s no secret that business is a tough place to be in at the moment, and New Zealand has seen a lot of good businesses shut up shop in recent years. When business owners are looking to cut costs, it’s typically marketing first up on the chopping block, but this short-term thinking can often leave you a step behind your competitors. This is why savvy businesses are increasingly turning to outsourcing on a retainer basis. Let’s cut to the chase and explore why this approach is a game-changer for smart SMEs in a tough economy.
Cost savings: prudence and productivity
Numerous studies in recent years have found employees are only productive for an average of three hours a day. Knowing this, would you rather invest in a marketer or invest in marketing? With outsourcing on a retainer agreement, you’ve effectively got the best of both worlds. You can avoid the increasingly-large overheads of hiring a full-time employee (for potentially part-time productivity) and investing in expensive hardware, software etc., and instead pay a fixed monthly fee for ROI-driven marketing services. It’s predictable, cost-effective, financially prudent, and frees up valuable resources to invest in other areas of your business.
Team advantage: expertise on tap
Working with an agency means you don’t need to rely on a single in-house marketer. While a ‘generalist’ or ‘Jane-of-all-trades’ sounds great in theory, in reality the ever-expanding technologies and practices in the marketing-verse need a high-level of competency to make the most of each tool. With outsourcing, you get a whole team of specialists in your corner. From digital experts to creative geniuses, they’re on tap when you specifically need them. This diverse talent pool means fresh ideas, specialised skills, and a laser focus on delivering results. Plus, you get access to expertise without the hassle of recruitment or training (win-win!).
Relationship and collaboration: partners in success
A retainer isn’t just a transaction – it’s a partnership. On a retainer, you’re not just another client, you’re a valued collaborator. This means open communication, mutual respect, solid relationship building, and a shared commitment to your success. By partnering with a trusted B2B marketing agency, you can tackle challenges head-on and capitalise on opportunities with confidence.
Efficiency: getting sh*t done quickly
Today’s business environment can be frenetic, so efficiency is key. A B2B marketing agency worth its salt has already streamlined its processes to deliver the best results quickly. As an SME, time is money, and inefficiency is a money pit. With a dedicated team on retainer, you can move at the speed of business and stay a step ahead of the competition.
FTE vs. outsourcing: a clear winner
When it comes to marketing, the choice between hiring a full-time employee (FTE) and outsourcing on a retainer agreement is really a no-brainer. While an FTE may offer an in-office marketing presence, it comes with significant overhead costs, limited expertise, and inefficiency. On the other hand, outsourcing provides access to a diverse team of specialists, cost savings, and flexibility. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to get the job done.
Instead of pulling the plug when the going gets tough, look at outsourcing your marketing on a retainer – it’s a move that’s proving smart for businesses wanting to maximise their ROI and drive growth in a tight economy. Retainers are cost-effective, efficient, and give you access to a team of experts.
Talk to the Energise team to find out more about retainer packages and growth partnerships today.
