There’s something really appealing about hiring a creative agency like Wieden + Kennedy to design your product packaging, write a brilliant ad campaign, and create a gorgeous app that engages customers with your brand.
There’s also something really expensive about all that. Hiring the top creative advertising talent out there can cost upwards of $750/hr. (Of course, we’re talking crème de la crème with those figures.) In some situations, however, a creative agency might be just the ticket. Take a look at this side-by-side comparison of creative agency v. writing service.
Creativity Must Be Data-Powered
“Is the creative agency becoming a point solution?” That’s the question Zach Rodgers is asking after this summer’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Rodgers believes creative agencies “could be demoted from the hub of a client’s marketing strategy to a spoke,” as the availability and implementation of marketing data becomes more prevalent.
So what type of content service do you turn to for getting the most data-bang for your buck? It depends…
Creative Agency: While some creative agencies will provide market research and guidance, many exist to execute the creative side of whatever your CMO has in mind.
Writing Service: When it comes to writing agencies, the services can be all over the map. Many writing agencies provide their own in-house SEO consultant or take third-party SEO information directly from the client.
Full-Fledged Campaign v. Content
If you’re in need of a full-fledged marketing campaign that includes design, copy, and tech components, then a creative agency might be right for you. If you only need strong content and are willing to provide your own platform (blog, email marketing, social, etc.), then a writing agency will probably fit the bill – a much more affordable bill.
Creative Agency: A creative agency can handle everything you could possibly need for your campaign in-house.
Writing Service: Pairing a writing service with other services (e.g. SEO, analytics, etc.) can save you a huge amount of money; you just have to be willing to outsource – or better yet, insource – other facets of the project.
Turnaround Times
Time is money and turnaround time is everything. We get it. Here’s how it can break down…
Creative Agency: Creative agencies handle projects with multiple components (art, copy, user experience, production, etc.). As such, turnaround can range from weeks to months.
Writing Service: A scalable writing service can provide remarkably short turnaround times on projects. At Content Equals Money, for example, we’re able to boast 2-3 day turnaround (or less) on most projects.
Want more information about the types of content services out there? Thinking about taking the DIY plunge? Check out these five types of writing services: pros, cons, cost, and more.