Many small, service-based business owners handle their own marketing and are at a point where they need help. The big question is: should you hire an in-house person or partner with an agency? It might seem like bringing on an intern or an entry-level employee is a more affordable and simpler option, but that’s not always the case. A full-service agency, like Big Storm, can provide the expertise, strategy, and time needed to drive business growth.
We want to walk you through the key differences and help you decide which path is right for your business.
The DIY Dilemma
You’ve been the one managing your business’s marketing, and it’s likely taken a lot of time and effort. Maybe you’ve tried to handle everything, from social media posts and email campaigns to advertising. The problem is, you’ve got a business to run. Marketing often gets pushed to the back burner, and as a result, your efforts hit a wall.
This is where many business owners consider hiring an in-house marketer, perhaps an intern or a junior employee. They might see it as a cost-effective way to carry out day-to-day marketing tasks, but also value the idea of having someone fully dedicated to their business, on-site, and immersed in the company’s culture. The thought is that a full-time employee will not only be cheaper than an agency’s monthly fee but also more available for quick-turn requests or hands-on support when needed.
However, this approach often falls short. Strategic marketing initiatives in areas like advertising, SEO, and email management require a mix of skills, tools, and ongoing optimization. Even talented individuals often struggle to cover every platform and strategy on their own, not because they lack ability, but because the demands are too broad and constantly changing. From staying current with algorithm updates to analyzing data across multiple channels, it’s a workload that typically calls for a team with specialized expertise working in sync toward your business goals.
The Agency Advantage
Partnering with a digital marketing agency like Big Storm is a strategic move that brings both expertise and professionalism to the table. Instead of relying on one person to juggle every platform, you gain access to a full team of specialists, each focused on their area of strength. Our team lives and breathes marketing, staying on top of industry changes and sharpening our skills through continued training, so your business always benefits from the latest strategies and best practices.
Here’s what an agency like Big Storm brings to your business:
1. Expertise and Experience
Working with an agency means you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Instead of guessing at what might work, you gain a partner who brings perspective, tested strategies, and a clear view of the competitive landscape.
We specialize in helping service-based businesses grow because we’ve done it again and again. Our team combines hands-on experience with a deep understanding of your industry’s specific challenges and opportunities. Having worked with HVAC companies, construction firms, and other service businesses, we’ve likely seen the hurdles you’re facing and solved them before.
When we review your existing marketing, we quickly identify what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where the biggest opportunities lie. That clarity allows us to bring focus, strategy, and execution that often drives measurable growth within the first month.
2. Strategic Partnership, Not Just a Service
A strong agency operates as an extension of your team, not an outside vendor checking boxes. The best partnerships are built on trust, collaboration, and a shared investment in results. That means listening closely, anticipating needs, and aligning with your goals as if they were our own.
One of the most common concerns businesses have about agencies is commitment, or the fear that outsiders won’t be as dedicated as someone on payroll. In practice, the opposite is often true. Agencies thrive on long-term partnerships, and their success depends on helping clients succeed. At Big Storm, that means taking the time to understand your business deeply, challenging assumptions when it helps you grow, and building strategies that move you forward with clarity and confidence.
3. Data-Driven Decisions
You shouldn’t have to guess what’s working and what isn’t. A strong agency builds its recommendations on data and real-world insights. With expertise across service business marketing and access to advanced tools like web analytics, call tracking, and CRM integrations, an agency can monitor user behavior and campaign performance in ways most businesses can’t manage alone.
This turns raw data into clear insights and actionable next steps. You see where leads are coming from, how campaigns are converting, and what’s driving growth. At Big Storm, we make sure those insights aren’t just reports on a page. They translate into smarter decisions, better results, and measurable ROI for your business.
4. Cost-Effective Growth
While a monthly agency fee can feel like a significant commitment, it is often more cost-effective than hiring a full-time in-house employee with limited experience. An agency gives you access to a complete team of specialists: strategists, designers, copywriters, and SEO experts, all for a fraction of the cost of staffing and training each role internally. At Big Storm, that collective expertise allows us to deliver cohesive strategies and measurable results that would be difficult for a single individual to manage on their own.
Ready to Offload the Work and Drive Growth?
Service-based businesses grow best when marketing is intentional. With the right approach, you attract the clients who value your work, spend less time chasing poor leads, and see more consistent results.
An experienced agency brings the focus, tools, and expertise needed to make that happen. At Big Storm, we’ve partnered with HVAC companies, construction firms, and other service-based businesses to strengthen their brands, build websites that convert, and run strategies that deliver measurable growth.
If you’re ready to move past trial-and-error marketing and bring in a team that knows how to deliver results, contact Big Storm today.