Automotive dealers know that marketing is critical to success. But you can’t do it all yourself! How do you create effective marketing campaigns without exhausting your budget or compromising quality?
You probably already have a solution, but perhaps you’re also wondering if it’s the most efficient or cost-effective. Or perhaps you’re wondering if your current vendor is the best option for you. Or maybe you are doing all the marketing yourself (gasp!). The truth is, that’s not a sustainable solution.
You’ve got options: Hiring a marketer or marketing team internally, engaging an agency, or opting for a fractional CMO service like AutoSweet. Each possibility has advantages and challenges. Let’s take a look at your choices.
Hiring an Internal Marketer:
The Pros:
Bringing marketing expertise in-house has several benefits. First, it gives you a dedicated resource that’s 100% focused on your dealership’s needs. A person in this role will develop a deep understanding of and alignment with your brand’s mission. An internal marketer can also quickly react to changes and implement strategies to meet your business’s specific requirements.
The Cons:
Finding the right talent can be tough. Small businesses have relatively small budgets, making it challenging to attract experienced marketers. And if you only have the budget for one marketer, they’ll need to be great at both strategy development and tactical execution. That can be very hard to find in one person, especially on a budget.
You’ll also need to go through the staffing process, which also takes time and money. And in the end, you’ll have another person on the team to manage (i.e., more time!)
Hiring an Agency:
The Pros:
Agencies are a great comprehensive solution to your marketing needs. They have an entire team of specialists who can handle all the various aspects of marketing, from digital campaigns to creative content. You’ll have access to diverse skill sets and industry expertise, without the burden of managing an in-house team.
The Cons:
Agencies can struggle to grasp the ins and outs of a dealership’s unique challenges and goals. In part, this is because agencies often apply a standard approach to their planning and campaigns for their own efficiency, and they may not appreciate the particulars of your dealership. This may cause communication issues, and you may become misaligned or not see the quick execution you’re looking for.
In addition, you may not receive the amount of attention you need. Traditional agencies assign you to an account representative who isn’t a marketer but rather a touch-point to coordinate resources for your business. This rep may have dozens of accounts and only be able to connect with you a few times a month, depending on the scope of your contract.
Moreover, high agency fees may be out of reach for your budget. They’ve got overhead, too! And agencies are notorious for high turnover – you may work with a contact who finally understands your particular needs, only to suddenly find that person has left the business, and you’re back at square one with a new account representative.
Hiring a Fractional CMO:
Enter the concept of a fractional CMO – a chief marketing officer who works part-time for your business, embedded as part of your team.
The Pros:
When finding the right marketing solution, dealership managers must consider their unique requirements, budgetary constraints, and long-term objectives. While each of these three options has its own pros and cons, the fractional CMO model stands out for its flexibility, expertise, and cost-effectiveness.
At AutoSweet, we understand the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating the complex world of marketing. Our fractional CMO service is designed to empower entrepreneurs with access to seasoned professionals who can drive your strategic growth initiatives while maximizing resources. Whether you’re looking to elevate your brand presence, generate leads, or improve your marketing ROI, we’re here to partner with you.
Looking for a way to decide? Download our free case study: AutoSweet Budget Analysis: In-House vs. Full Service Marketing.
In it, you’ll find a comprehensive review of the costs associated with a full marketing team vs. a fractional CMO solution. Want to discuss a fractional CMO solution for your small business? Reach out to speak with one of our marketing consultants today to find out how we can support your growth with this innovative solution.
The Cons:
There is still cost associated with a fractional CMO, but you may find it to be the most cost-effective solution of the three.
Making the Right Decision:
When finding the right marketing solution, dealership managers must consider their unique requirements, budgetary constraints, and long-term objectives. While each of these three options has its own pros and cons, the fractional CMO model stands out for its flexibility, expertise, and cost-effectiveness.
At AutoSweet, we understand the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating the complex world of marketing. Our fractional CMO service is designed to empower entrepreneurs with access to seasoned professionals who can drive your strategic growth initiatives while maximizing resources. Whether you’re looking to elevate your brand presence, generate leads, or improve your marketing ROI, we’re here to partner with you.
Looking for a way to decide? Download our free case study: AutoSweet Budget Analysis: In-House vs. Full Service Marketing.
In it, you’ll find a comprehensive review of the costs associated with a full marketing team vs. a fractional CMO solution.
Want to discuss a fractional CMO solution for your small business? Reach out to speak with one of our marketing consultants today to find out how we can support your growth with this innovative solution.
