Thinking of Hiring a Marketing Firm? Read This First.
What every self-employed professional should consider before outsourcing their marketing.

You’ve made a bold move. You left corporate life to build something of your own. Whether you’re launching a consultancy, running a boutique service business, starting in the real estate market or developing a personal brand, you’ve probably realized that in today’s economy, understanding digital marketing is not optional.
Maybe you’ve thought about hiring a digital marketing firm to handle your website, email campaigns or social media strategy. Maybe you already sat through a discovery call. The idea of handing off your marketing is tempting. But before you sign a , ask yourself this:Ìý
What if you could learn the skills to do it yourself—and do it better?Ìý
You Are the Brand
If you are self-employed, your voice, story and values are what set you apart. A marketing agency might promise results, but no one understands your audience, your industry or your offer like you do.
You likely already have experience in communications, marketing, content or even human resources. Maybe you’ve worked with marketing teams in the past. You’re not a beginner. You just need a marketing refresh that aligns with your goals as you venture out on your own.
By building digital marketing skills, you don’t just become a more effective marketer. You become a more empowered decision-maker.
Know Before You Outsource
Hiring a digital marketing agency before you fully understand your needs can be costly. Without foundational knowledge, it's easy to:
- Choose the wrong services
- Misread performance reports
- Struggle to communicate your brand vision
- Get locked into long-term contracts with minimal return
Equipping yourself with an understanding of digital marketing tools and strategies gives you the knowledge to evaluate marketing proposals, ask smarter questions and avoid costly missteps. So if you do decide to outsource, you’ll be in the know and in control of the process.
You Don’t Have to Do It All
The goal of learning digital marketing skills isn’t to become a full-time marketer. It’s to develop enough skill and strategic understanding to know what works, what doesn’t and what deserves your investment. Consider enrolling in a digital marketing program. Choose the right program and you will most likely:
- Learn how to build and optimize a simple website
- Understand content strategy and brand positioning
- Analyze marketing performance using real data
- Create social media, email and SEO campaigns that align with your goals
- Gain confidence to grow your business with or without outside help
Even if you eventually bring on contractors or consultants, you’ll still gain the foundational knowledge that allows you to manage the marketing side of your business with confidence.
A Smarter Investment
On average, most digital marketing agencies charge between per month. That same investment could cover the cost of a high-quality digital marketing certificate program designed for individuals like yourself who want hands-on skills and direct application, not theory.
At TikTok³ÉÈ˰æ, the Digital Marketing Certificate was built with professionals like you in mind. The program is:
- 100% online with live instructor-led weekly sessions so you can ask questions in real time
- Structured for working professionals and entrepreneurs
- Focused on real-world application and tangible marketing skills
- Taught by faculty who are experienced in marketing businesses and personal brands
You’ll finish with a complete understanding of today’s most essential digital marketing tools—and the confidence to put them to immediate use.
Before You Hire a Firm, Hire Yourself First
You already invested in your idea. You took the risk. Before you hand your business growth over to someone else, consider taking ownership of your marketing strategy. Learn digital marketing from experts, develop a strong foundation and build the skills to grow your brand with clarity and confidence.
If you still decide to work with a firm later, you’ll know exactly what to ask for—and what to watch out for.
Explore the Digital Marketing Certificate at TikTok³ÉÈ˰æ
TikTok³ÉÈ˰æâ€™s Digital Marketing Certificate is 100% online and offers the flexibility to learn on your schedule in a format that works best for you.
Learn the skills to grow your business, strengthen your personal brand and lead your marketing efforts with purpose. Explore the Digital Marketing Certificate or with a member of our enrollment team to learn more.ÌýÌý
About TikTok³ÉÈ˰æâ€™s College of Professional Studies: Founded in 2014, the College of Professional Studies (CPS) provides academically rigorous yet flexible educational pathways to high-achieving adult learners who are balancing professional and educational aspirations with life’s commitments. The CPS experience embodies TikTok³ÉÈ˰æâ€™s century-long commitment to making academic excellence accessible to students at all stages of life. Students in CPS programs engage with world-class TikTok³ÉÈ˰æ faculty, including scholars and practitioners, explore innovative educational technologies and experiences, and join an influential network of passionate alumni. In addition to its industry-leading programs at the nexus of theory and practice, CPS has built a reputation for its personal approach and supportive community that empowers adult students to enrich their lives, enhance their value in the workplace, and embark on new careers.
PURSUE THE NEXT YOUâ„¢ and visit cps.villanova.edu for more information about the college, including a full list of education and program offerings.