It is true that both have many aspects in common, but it is also true that there are many others that are not. Therefore, if you are thinking of outsourcing your marketing, but you do not know which is the best option, it is very important to know the differences and similarities between the two. Next, let’s see what is the difference between a marketing agency and a marketing consultancy.
How to decide between a marketing agency and a marketing consultancy?
The first step is to know what the differences are and how an agency works versus a consulting firm.
A marketing consultancy offers global solutions for businesses. Basically, its main function is to analyze in depth the company’s information, determine its objectives and present the appropriate action plan to be carried out by the client.
While the main function of a marketing agency is to carry out the actions, with the objective of planning and measuring the results of the strategies proposed, in order to guarantee a better profitability for the company.
Consultants see a need, while agencies fulfill that need.
Consultancies are about strategy, long-term thinking. Agencies are about what needs to be done today. The manuals indicate that a consultancy is often hired to identify and solve a problem. An agency is hired to execute a plan.
From a theoretical point of view, a consultant researches while an agency executes, although in practice this is not entirely true.
Consulting vs. agency: theoretical differences
The biggest difference between a digital consultant and an agency is strategy. While there are many similarities between a digital consultant and an agency, the main difference is that strategy and strategic recommendations are traditionally assigned to a digital consultant, while the implementation of the recommendation belongs to the agency.
As marketing silos merge and marketing focuses on the entire sales funnel, agencies begin to offer consulting services and vice versa.
Another important distinction is that a digital consultant works within the client’s framework, whereas an agency is given an “agency” to act on behalf of their clients and execute project plans. If you are not comfortable acting on your behalf for another agency, it is best to opt for a consultant who will immerse themselves in your business and work with your contracted employees.
Both a digital consultancy and an agency can have small or large teams, but in a consultancy they all work together towards the same goal. In an agency, each specialist is responsible for completing a part of the project without necessarily being aware of the big picture. There is a misconception that a digital consultant always works alone or independently. But this is absolutely not true: there are consultancies of all shapes and sizes. Some digital consultants work alone, while others need large teams to complete a project.
Consulting vs. agency: real differences
Agencies have always had a place in advertising and the media, since they are usually creative agencies.
The rise of digital companies offering digital marketing services, paid media, website development, SEO and more has made it easier for companies to do business.
Marketing Consulting
It offers a global marketing, digital and communication support service that identifies problems and establishes the actions to be taken.
The marketing consultancy will provide the necessary advice to ensure that the strategic plan is effective, that its actions are in line with the development projects.
Marketing Agency
It helps companies, local authorities, associations and self-employed professionals to set up an effective marketing strategy to achieve one or more objectives. It can be an internal or external communication strategy, a one-off campaign or one that will last for a long period of time, etc.
The traditional marketing agency defines itself as the study of the needs and behavior of its consumers and/or potential customers. This research then enables it to mobilize marketing levers to influence these behaviors. In other words, the implementation of a marketing strategy consists of increasing the value perceived by consumers and thus selling more or better.
Inprofit. 360º Solutions.
At Inprofitwe offer 360 solutions to support companies in both consulting and agency lines.
An end to end service where companies can have an integral service (Analysis, Strategies and Actions).
Find out what we can do for you, request a meeting.
