advice on outsourcing of marketing

[JackieBlue]

Hi folks. Looking for some information or opinions about outsourcing of marketing. Currently we do pretty well selling on multiple marketplaces. However, our website sales lag far behind our marketplaces. We have tried PPC and some direct email (we have a large customer base) but we find our skills do not really lie here.

Our skill set is in improving business infrastructure systems including fulfillment, identifying market niches, and product management. We have no skill in developing a marketing plan, developing tests, and measuring results (really what to look for). Has anybody else been in this conundrum we are in? I suppose we could hire a person but we are small and since we do not know what we are looking for there is great risk in hiring the wrong person. Looking forward to any information you all can provide!

[lorax]

Look for someone you can trust and communicate with. Gut instinct here. Remember there are no rules, guidelines, nor over arching organization that controls or even monitors quality and such. You're pretty much on your own so using your instincts and some sleuthing will be paramount to success.

[RhinoFish]

+get experts in each area, PPC, SEO, Affiliate, Email.
+get referrals from people you trust.

[JackieBlue]

Thanks everyone!

[votrechien]

I'm a huge advocate of outsourcing whenever possible. However, be wary of outsourcing entirely something like website marketing.

It is very difficult for a smallerish company to successfully outsource completely the broad skillset of 'website marketing', although I'm sure you'll find no shortage of companies offering to do it for a few hundred dollars a month. It's really a skillset that you need to develop at least some internal competencies in first and then you can outsource certain aspects of it (i.e. link building, article submission, etc).

[lorax]

really a skillset that you need to develop at least some internal competencies

Good advice IMHO. Knowledge is key.

[Panthro]

Just go with an in-houser. Get the right person at the right price or you may end up spending more outsourcing.

[Planet13]

I would kindly suggest talking to a consultant who specializes in helping companies that are your size decide whether outsourcing is right for you or not.

+get experts in each area, PPC, SEO, Affiliate, Email.
+get referrals from people you trust.

+1 both points.

[JackieBlue]

Thanks again. yes, the approach I'm looking to take is to get experts for the areas I want to concentrate on. I understand marketing and can analyze the results, I cannot spend time planning and executing each piece.

[ssgumby]

We've outsourced PPC and our shopping search engine management. Best decision we've ever made. We managed it all in house for 5 years. PPC for example, its great to have someone who is dedicated to this and constantly tweaking and optimizing.