October 23, 2024

Google Ads Agency vs. In-House Team: Which is Better?

When it comes to running Google Ads campaigns, businesses face a crucial decision—should you hire a Google Ads agency or manage campaigns in-house? Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your company's unique needs, budget, and long-term marketing goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between Google Ads agencies and in-house teams, helping you make the right choice for your business.

Expertise and Skillset

A key advantage of hiring a Google Ads agency is the level of expertise they bring to the table. Agencies specialize in running multiple Google Ads campaigns across different industries, giving them an edge when it comes to handling different scenarios, trends, and challenges. They typically have a team of certified specialists who are up-to-date with Google’s ever-changing algorithms and best practices.

On the other hand, building an in-house team means you have dedicated employees focused solely on your business. However, unless you’re willing to invest in ongoing training, they may not stay as up-to-date on the latest trends as a specialized agency would.

Which is better?

If you’re seeking deep expertise across multiple industries and want professionals who are always learning the latest trends, a Google Ads agency is often the better choice. However, for companies with unique, industry-specific needs, an in-house team that understands the business intricately might be advantageous.

Cost Considerations

Cost is a significant factor when deciding between an agency and an in-house team. Hiring an in-house team involves costs beyond salaries, such as benefits, training, and software tools. Agencies, on the other hand, charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or a percentage of your ad spend. While it might seem that an agency is more expensive upfront, the time and money saved on hiring, training, and managing an in-house team may make it the more economical choice in the long run.

Which is better?

If you’re a smaller company or startup looking to keep costs manageable, outsourcing to an agency could be a better solution. Larger businesses with ongoing campaigns might benefit from investing in an in-house team once the scale justifies it.

Time and Resource Management

Running successful Google Ads campaigns requires consistent monitoring, testing, and optimization. For small businesses, especially, an in-house team may get overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks associated with managing campaigns alongside other marketing duties. Agencies, however, have the resources and manpower to stay on top of performance, making Google Ads management their sole focus.

Which is better?

If you don’t have the internal resources to dedicate to regular campaign management, an agency will give you more time to focus on other aspects of your business. If you already have a marketing team capable of taking on additional responsibilities, in-house management could work for you.

Access to Tools and Technology

Google Ads agencies typically have access to premium tools for tracking, reporting, and optimizing campaigns. These advanced tools, often too expensive for small businesses to invest in on their own, can make a huge difference in the success of your campaigns. Agencies can provide you with detailed analytics and insights that may not be available through standard Google Ads dashboards.

Which is better?

Agencies often have access to better tools and software, which can lead to better results. In-house teams may struggle to justify the cost of high-end technology unless they’re managing large-scale campaigns.

Flexibility and Scalability

As your business grows, so too will your advertising needs. Agencies are built to scale—they can handle the increase in campaigns, budgets, and new strategies as your business expands. Scaling an in-house team, however, requires recruiting new employees, increasing overhead costs, and managing more staff.

Which is better?

For businesses aiming for rapid growth, a Google Ads agency provides greater scalability and flexibility. In-house teams may work for stable businesses with consistent advertising needs but might struggle to adapt quickly to growth.

Conclusion: Google Ads Agency vs. In-House Team?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between an agency and an in-house team for managing your Google Ads. However, if you’re seeking expertise, scalability, and flexibility, working with a Google Ads agency may be your best bet. If you prefer more control and have the resources to build an experienced in-house team, that route can be equally rewarding.

Looking for guidance in choosing the best Google Ads agency? Read our blog on Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Google Ads Agency for in-depth advice on finding the right agency for your business!

Ready to Grow with Google Ads? Contact Pine Media!

At Pine Media, we specialize in managing Google Ads campaigns that deliver real results. Whether you’re looking to start fresh or scale your existing efforts, our expert team is here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can tailor Google Ads solutions to meet your business needs!