PPC Freelancer vs Agency: Which is Right for Your Business?
by Roy Dovaston
Are you ready to take your online marketing game to the next level? Whether you're a small business trying to make a big impact or an entrepreneur looking to dominate the digital landscape, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is your ticket to success. But now comes the burning question: should you hire a PPC freelancer, team up with a digital marketing PPC agency, or tackle it yourself? Let's dive in and explore the exciting world of PPC advertising.
Imagine this: you have a brilliant product or service that deserves recognition. You know that PPC advertising can skyrocket your business's online visibility and bring in floods of eager customers. But you're faced with a dilemma. You're not a marketing expert, and you're not sure if it makes more sense to hire a PPC freelancer or a digital marketing agency. That's where Heavyweight Digital comes in, a digital marketing agency with experienced and certified PPC managers. We've had our fair share of encounters with PPC advertising and the various players in the industry. Let me guide you through the maze of options and shed light on the best path for your business.
Before we embark on this journey, let me share a couple of eye-opening facts with you. Did you know that businesses make an average of £2 in revenue for every £1 spent on Google Ads? That's right, a 100% return on investment! And here's another mind-boggling statistic: 64.6% of people click on Google Ads when they are looking to buy an item online. Talk about a highly engaged audience! These numbers prove that PPC advertising has the potential to transform your business. Now, let's explore the three main avenues at your disposal and uncover the secrets of successful PPC campaigns.
The Rise of PPC Freelancers
So, let's start by looking at PPC freelancers. These digital marketing mavericks are like the one-person shows of the industry. They possess a unique set of skills and often come with a wealth of experience gained from working with a range of clients across diverse industries. Hiring a PPC freelancer can be a cost-effective and flexible option, especially for small businesses on a tight budget.
When you choose a PPC freelancer, you gain direct access to an expert who can fine-tune your campaigns, optimise your ad spend, and drive qualified traffic to your website. Think of them as your personal PPC whisperer, dedicated solely to your business's success. With their specialised knowledge and deep understanding of various PPC platforms, they can create tailored campaigns that align with your goals and deliver results. Plus, their agile nature allows for quick adjustments and course corrections based on real-time data and market trends.
But hold on a second, before you jump on the freelancer bandwagon, it's important to consider the limitations. While PPC freelancers can be highly skilled, they are often juggling multiple clients simultaneously. This means their availability might be limited, and you might not always be their top priority. Additionally, freelancers may lack the resources and infrastructure of a digital marketing agency, which can impact their ability to handle large-scale campaigns or complex projects.
The Power of Digital Marketing Agencies
Now, let's turn our attention to the heavyweight champions of the digital marketing world – the digital marketing agencies. These powerhouses are like the Avengers of online advertising, bringing together a team of experts with diverse skill sets to tackle your PPC campaigns and provide professional Google Ads Management. Working with a digital marketing agency can offer a level of professionalism, resources, and scalability that can be hard to match.
One of the biggest advantages of partnering with a digital marketing agency is the breadth of expertise at your disposal. You gain access to a team of specialists spanning PPC, SEO, social media, content marketing, and more. This all-encompassing approach ensures that every aspect of your online presence is optimised for maximum impact. With their collective knowledge and industry insights, digital marketing agencies can take your campaigns to new heights and target multiple channels simultaneously.
Heavyweight Digital falls firmly into the digital marketing agency category and boasts an experienced team of certified Google Ads managers, META Ads gurus, and SEO experts. Furthermore, we have a refined set of processes and PPC tools at our disposal which trumps PPC freelancer's resources and certainly those taking on the DIY approach.
The DIY Approach to PPC Advertising
Last but not least, let's not forget the brave souls who choose to tackle PPC advertising in-house. The do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts are like the self-taught masters who prefer to be hands-on and save on external costs. Managing your PPC campaigns in-house can offer a level of control and intimate knowledge of your business that no one else can match.
By taking the reins of your PPC campaigns, you have full control over the messaging, targeting, and budget allocation. You can experiment, iterate, and pivot at a moment's notice without having to rely on external partners. This can be particularly appealing to businesses that have a deep understanding of their target audience and want to maintain a consistent brand voice throughout their campaigns.
But let's face it – the Google Ads platform is a complex beast. It requires a deep understanding of keyword research, ad copywriting, landing page optimisation, bid management, and analytics. Unless you have ample time, resources, and expertise in-house, managing PPC campaigns can quickly become overwhelming and lead to subpar results. Not to mention the ever-changing landscape of PPC platforms, algorithms, and best practices that require constant learning and adaptation.
How much do PPC freelancers charge per hour UK?
Expect to pay anywhere from £50 per hour. However, most PPC freelancers charge between £65 – £100 per hour. This information has been derived by surveying 20 UK PPC Freelancers in Q4 of 2023.
Find Your Perfect Google Ads Match
You've made it to the end of this exhilarating journey through the world of PPC advertising! Now that we've unpacked the pros and cons of hiring a PPC freelancer, partnering with a PPC agency, or venturing into the DIY realm, you have the knowledge to make an informed decision. So, what's the verdict?
Remember, the perfect PPC match depends on your unique business goals, budget, and available resources. If you're looking for low-cost but potentially a little light on resources, a PPC freelancer might be the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you crave a team of experts with a holistic approach, a digital marketing agency would be your ultimate ally. And if you have the time, skills, and drive to dive into the world of PPC advertising yourself, the DIY route awaits.
Whichever path you choose, never lose sight of your business objectives, and keep an eye on those PPC statistics. Measure, analyse, and tweak your campaigns to unleash their full potential. Remember, success is a journey, and with the right PPC strategy, you're well on your way to conquering the digital world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PPC freelancer, and why should I consider hiring one?
A PPC freelancer is a self-employed digital marketer who specialises in managing pay-per-click advertising campaigns. Hiring a PPC freelancer can be cheaper than hiring an agency, and provide you with direct access to an expert who can optimise your Google Ads campaigns. They can fine-tune your targeting, ad copy, and bid management to drive qualified traffic to your website and increase your ROI.
Should I hire a PPC freelancer?
While hiring a PPC freelancer can have some benefits, it's important to consider their limitations. Freelancers may have limited availability, as they often juggle multiple clients simultaneously. They may also lack the resources and infrastructure of a digital marketing agency, which can impact their ability to handle large-scale campaigns or complex projects. It's crucial to assess your business's needs and budget before deciding whether a freelancer is the right fit for you.
How can a digital marketing agency help my business with PPC advertising?
Working with a digital marketing agency can offer a wide range of benefits for your PPC advertising efforts. Agencies have teams of specialists who excel in various areas of digital marketing, including PPC, SEO, social media, and content marketing. This all-encompassing approach ensures that every aspect of your online presence is optimised for maximum impact. Additionally, digital marketing agencies provide scalability, industry insights, and a level of professionalism that can be hard to match in-house.
Statistics
You might have wondered where we got the stats from to back up this blog post!
1. According to a study by Wordstream, businesses make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 spent on Google Ads. Source: [Wordstream](https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2021/01/27/google-ads-statistics)
2. 64.6% of people click on Google Ads when they are looking to buy an item online. Source: [Clutch](https://clutch.co/ppc/resources/ppc-statistics-2018)
3. The average click-through rate (CTR) for Google Ads across all industries is 3.17% for search and 0.46% for display. Source: [Wordstream](https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2021/01/27/google-ads-statistics)
