Marketing is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s business-critical. But for many professional services firms – law firms, accountancy practices, IFAs, property consultancies – the big question isn’t if you should invest in marketing support, but how.
Do you build a team in-house, or do you tap into the energy, expertise and flexibility of an outsourced marketing partner?
At Consortium – more than marketing, we work closely with ambitious professional services businesses across the UK, and we’ve seen firsthand how outsourcing often isn’t just a smart option – it’s a game-changer.
Here’s why:
- You Need All-Round Marketing Expertise (and Then Some)
Marketing today is a never-ending list of responsibilities – website, SEO, content creation, social media, advertising, PR, video, sponsorships, advertising, events, email marketing, collateral, branding, analytics… the list goes on.
Expecting one person to deliver all that – and do it well – is a bit like expecting your accountant to also do your IT support, manage your HR, and fix the boiler.
Outsourcing means you get access to a whole team of marketing pros. Strategy, delivery, design, tech, creative – it’s all covered. And because we specialise in the professional services sector, we get your world. No need to explain what SRA compliance means or why tone of voice matters in regulated comms.
- It’s More Cost-Effective Than You Think
Hiring is expensive. Recruitment fees, salaries, training, software licences, pensions, holiday cover… it adds up fast. With an outsourced agency, you only pay for what you need – and you skip all the overheads.
You get the senior-level brainpower, plus hands-on delivery from sector specialists, without having to pay five salaries to get it.
- Marketing Actually Happens. Consistently.
The life of a professional services firm is fast-paced. Priorities shift. Fee earners get pulled in different directions. And internal marketing roles? They often end up being part-time in practice if not on paper.
Agencies bring structure, consistency, and accountability. We’re contractually committed to delivering your marketing activity, week in, week out. No dips, no delays, no “we meant to post that blog but the audit ran over” scenarios.
Your marketing keeps moving—even when you’re flat out.
- You Want People Who Speak Your Language
We don’t claim to be lawyers or accountants, but we have firsthand experience and can speak the language of your industry. Whether you’re talking tax deadlines, legal nuances or client onboarding journeys, we understand the intricacies of your sector.
We create marketing that respects your compliance requirements, resonates with your clients, and reflects your professional reputation, while still being creative and engaging.
- You Need Flexibility (Without the HR Headache)
Projects come and go. Sometimes you’re launching a new service, rebranding, or ramping up after a quiet quarter. Sometimes, you need a bit of a breather.
Outsourcing allows you to scale your marketing efforts up or down, without the commitment or complexity of changing your headcount.
Need to plug a gap while your in-house manager is on leave? Need strategic support for your junior team? Need to pull off a campaign yesterday? We’ve got you.
- You’re Embracing a Leaner Business Model
Outsourcing is part of a bigger trend: streamlined business operations. Just like firms outsource IT, payroll, and compliance, marketing is increasingly part of this efficiency-first approach.
Hybrid and remote working have shown us that impact matters more than office presence. And that the right expertise doesn’t always sit at the next desk.
- You Want Stability in an Unstable Market
The marketing industry has one of the highest staff turnover rates in the UK. That can mean a revolving door of new faces managing your brand, and a loss of momentum and knowledge every time someone leaves.
An agency offers continuity. Even if individuals change, the systems, strategy and collective know-how remain in place. That’s invaluable when you’re trying to build long-term brand equity.
When Does Outsourcing Really Make Sense?
We’ve seen outsourcing work brilliantly for firms who:
- Have never had a dedicated marketing person before and need a trusted guide
- Don’t have the time (or desire) to manage marketing staff themselves
- Want to launch with a bang but don’t have internal resources yet
- Are pivoting to new services or sectors and need senior marketing input
- Have a tight budget but want to squeeze every ounce of value from it
- Already employ a junior marketer and want to add strategic clout
- Need short-term cover for parental leave or long-term illness
- Operate in niche markets and need bespoke, targeted marketing
- Have big ideas – but not the internal bandwidth to make them happen
Think of It Like This…
Outsourcing your marketing is like renting a supercar instead of buying a family hatchback and trying to tune it up yourself.
You get performance, style, and expert handling – without the maintenance bills or long-term commitments.
When Hiring Makes Sense
Of course, for larger firms with complex internal needs and multiple marketing strands, building an in-house team might be the better path. If your firm holds lots of localised events or you expect your marketing resource to juggle other roles within the business, then you probably want to have a desk filled.
Marketing agencies can also work alongside your marketing resource. This particularly works well if you have someone junior, who needs some strategic direction, or have a part-time resource who can ‘do the do’ whilst your outsourced marketing agency provides overarching plans and targeted campaigns.
Decided that hiring is best for you? Why not use our recruitment service? We can help you find your next marketer, screen applications and even help with the interview and training process so that you benefit from our professional services marketing expertise to get them started on the right foot.
Ready to get more from your marketing?
Let’s have a no-pressure chat to see how we could plug in as your marketing partner, or work alongside your existing marketing team. Call us on 01903 530787 or contact us online.