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Yvan Lamoureux

Why Entrust Your Business to Experts When You Can Have a Student 'Figure It Out'?



As a medium-sized business, your brand's online presence is crucial. It’s not just about having a website or social media accounts; it’s about creating a cohesive and compelling brand narrative that resonates with your target audience and drives growth. While hiring a college or university student with less than three years of experience might seem like a cost-effective solution, there are several compelling reasons why a team from a digital agency is a better investment for your online content and brand development.


The Experience Factor: Depth vs. Novelty


The Student’s Perspective

A college or university student often brings fresh ideas and a grasp of the latest trends. They might have a knack for social media and can navigate new platforms with ease. However, their limited experience means they might not fully understand the nuances of brand development and strategic content creation. Their approach is often more experimental, lacking the depth and understanding that come with years of professional experience.


The Agency’s Advantage

Digital agencies are staffed by seasoned professionals who have worked with a variety of clients across different industries. They bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. This experience translates into a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and effective branding strategies. Agencies know what works and what doesn’t, allowing them to craft strategies that are both innovative and grounded in industry best practices.



Comprehensive Skill Set: Specialist vs. Generalist


The Student’s Skill Set

While a student might excel in certain areas, they are typically generalists with a limited scope of skills. They might be great at creating social media posts or writing blog content, but they often lack the comprehensive skill set required to manage a full-scale digital strategy. This can lead to inconsistencies in your brand’s messaging and a lack of cohesion across different platforms.


The Agency’s Team Approach

A digital agency employs a team of specialists, each an expert in their field. From graphic designers and content writers to SEO specialists and social media managers, agencies offer a diverse range of skills that cover all aspects of digital marketing. This collaborative approach ensures that every element of your online presence is handled by someone with the expertise to deliver high-quality results.

 

Strategic Vision: Trial and Error vs. Proven Methodologies


The Student’s Learning Curve

Students are often in a phase of trial and error. They are learning and gaining experience as they go, which can result in a lack of strategic direction for your brand. This approach might work for small, non-critical projects but can be risky for a business that relies on its online presence for growth and customer engagement.


The Agency’s Strategic Insight

Digital agencies have honed their methodologies over years of practice. They use data-driven insights to develop and execute strategies that align with your business goals. Agencies conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, and audience segmentation to create targeted campaigns that drive results. Their strategic vision ensures that every action taken is part of a cohesive plan designed to achieve specific objectives.

 

Resource Availability: Limited vs. Abundant


The Student’s Constraints

Students often juggle multiple responsibilities, including classes, part-time jobs, and personal commitments. This can limit their availability and the amount of time they can dedicate to your project. Additionally, their access to professional tools and resources is often restricted, impacting the quality and efficiency of their work.


The Agency’s Resources

Digital agencies have access to advanced tools and technologies that enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. They invest in the latest software for analytics, design, and content management, ensuring that your brand benefits from cutting-edge solutions. Agencies also have the bandwidth to dedicate a team of professionals to your project, providing consistent support and attention.


Accountability and Reliability: Learning Environment vs. Professional Standards


The Student’s Accountability

While students can be passionate and driven, their lack of professional experience can sometimes translate into missed deadlines and inconsistencies. They are still learning how to manage their time and responsibilities in a professional setting, which can impact their reliability.


The Agency’s Professionalism

Digital agencies operate under strict professional standards. They have established processes for project management, quality control, and client communication. This ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Agencies are also accountable for their work, providing regular updates and reports to keep you informed of progress.



Long-Term Partnership: Temporary Help vs. Ongoing Support


The Student’s Temporary Role

Hiring a student is often a temporary solution. Once their internship or part-time engagement ends, you might find yourself back at square one, needing to hire and train someone new. This lack of continuity can disrupt your brand’s momentum and consistency.


The Agency’s Ongoing Relationship

Digital agencies aim to build long-term partnerships with their clients. They provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring that your brand continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions. This long-term relationship allows agencies to develop a deep understanding of your business, leading to more effective and tailored strategies.



The Investment Perspective: Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term ROI


The Student’s Cost-Effectiveness

At first glance, hiring a student might seem like a cost-effective option. Their rates are typically lower than those of professional agencies, which can be appealing for businesses looking to minimize expenses. However, the hidden costs of inexperience—such as missed opportunities, mistakes, and the need for rework—can add up quickly.


The Agency’s Return on Investment

Investing in a digital agency might come with a higher initial cost, but the return on investment is significantly greater. Agencies deliver high-quality work that drives measurable results, from increased website traffic and higher engagement rates to improved brand perception and customer loyalty. This long-term value far outweighs the short-term savings of hiring an inexperienced student.



Making the Right Choice for Your Business

As a medium-sized business, your brand’s online presence is a critical asset. It’s essential to entrust this asset to professionals who have the experience, skills, and resources to manage it effectively. While hiring a college or university student might seem like a budget-friendly option, the complexities and demands of digital marketing require a more sophisticated approach.

Digital agencies, like Crankworks, offer the expertise and strategic vision needed to develop and execute successful online content and brand development strategies. Their platform-agnostic approach ensures that you receive a tailored solution that fits your unique business needs, driving growth and success in the competitive digital landscape.


In the end, the choice is clear: for professional, reliable, and impactful digital marketing, entrust your business to the experts who can deliver results. After all, when it comes to your brand’s future, it’s worth investing in the best.

 

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Schedule a call today with one of our team members to discuss your marketing and advertising needs - For more details, Click Here.

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This blog is not meant to provide specific advice or opinions regarding the topic(s)discussed above. Should you have a question about your specific situation, please discuss it with your CWC marketing advisor.

 

Crankworks Creative Inc. is a full-service marketing and advertising firm in the Greater Waterloo Area. We primarily service all of Ontario and the rest of Canada, the US and Australia virtually. Our team provides marketing audits and reviews, brand equity assessments, and tactical marketing and advertising support for both traditional and digital media. We provide specialized services and expertise for the Construction, Industrial/Commercial Building, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Procurement professionals, Facilities Management, Manufacturers, Suppliers, Allied services, and general advisory services.

 

If you would like to schedule a call to discuss your marketing and advertising with one of our team members, please complete the free, no-obligation meeting request. For more details, Click Here.

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