By Alexis Miller
There is no denying that the number of free resources available for creating marketing materials has boomed in the last decade. Gone are the days of hand-creating mockups, it is all created digitally now.
From photography to design to video creation, there are many, many tools at the fingertips of anyone with a computer and high-speed Internet (or a smartphone!). But this begs the question: with all of these free design and marketing resources available, should business owners still hire a design and advertising agency for their marketing needs?
Short answer? Yes! But let’s dive into some reasons why.
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Let the professionals do what they’re trained to do
There is a famous cartoon that shows a business owner exclaiming to a designer, “It only took you ten minutes to create that! Why does it cost so much?!”
To which the designed replied, “I earned a degree and have worked for over a decade so that this only takes ten minutes.”
Sure, you can create lots of marketing products yourself. But why not let those who are trained in graphic design and advertising do all of the heavy lifting? In the end, they will create a product that is not only pleasing to the eye, but is also practical and effective for reaching customers. This combination is hard to achieve if you’re not familiar with design and marketing concepts.
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Your time is valuable
Part of the reason you do what you do is because you’re good at it, right? Your time is valuable. Never underappreciate that fact!
While it’s great to learn new skills, it’s always important to do a cost-benefit analysis when a decision affects your business. Does it really make financial sense to try to make marketing materials yourself (which will likely end up being subpar)? Is it truly a good use of your time to focus on advertising your marketing materials yourself?
Or is your time better spent on the most important business functions that will allow your company to continue to grow and thrive? Delegation is a sign of a great leader.
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Marketing and advertising trends are constantly changing (are you keeping up with the latest?)
It’s important to understand where your customers spend time and how you can reach them. If you think you’re going to reach a younger demographic of new customers by taking out an ad in the local paper, you’re going to be disappointed with the results (and your wallet will be a bit lighter).
Keeping up with the latest trends in marketing and advertising can be challenging. And it can require a lot of time. Don’t waste yours! Instead, allow the professionals at a design firm to update you on what they see happening in the industry. They can guide you into what will best serve your business and your goals.
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Cost savings and relationship management
If you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to marketing and advertising, chances are, you’ll end up wasting your money.
Though working with a design and advertising firm may cost money upfront, there are long-term benefits. One is saving you money you might have otherwise wasted by making silly mistakes. Another is the relationships that firms already have with printers, advertisers and other organizations. They’ll expedite the process of getting your marketing materials created, know which printing company is setup to run your particular project most cost effectively, and they can sometimes get exclusive discounts!
It may be tempting to “draw something up” on your own. But working with free tools always come at a cost. Don’t let your business pay for it! Instead, work with professionals who will ensure you get the most out of your dollar. To set up a call with the Crystal Peak Design team today, reach out to info@crystalpeak.com.
