Why In-House Digital Marketing is the Future for New Zealand Businesses
In a tightening economy, more New Zealand businesses are bringing digital marketing in-house for greater control and cost savings. With user-friendly tools like Generative AI, managing your own SEO, Google Ads, and social media is easier than ever. Take charge of your marketing, cut costs, and drive better results—all without relying on external agencies.
As businesses, organisations, and government entities in New Zealand look for ways to adapt in the face of budget constraints, managing digital marketing in-house is emerging as a cost-effective and highly efficient alternative to outsourcing. With advancements in technology—particularly Generative AI (GenAI) tools—more organisations are finding it easier to take control of their marketing strategies without relying on external agencies.
In this blog, we’ll explore why now is the perfect time to bring your digital marketing in-house and how your business can benefit from this shift.
The Changing Digital Marketing Landscape
The digital marketing world has evolved rapidly over the last few years. What used to require highly specialised expertise has now become much more manageable thanks to easy-to-use tools and platforms.
For instance, Generative AI (GenAI) tools can now create high-quality marketing content with minimal effort. Whether it’s generating blog posts, social media content, or even ad copy, these AI-driven solutions empower businesses to produce content quickly, without the need for external copywriters or expensive agencies.
Furthermore, platforms like Google Ads and social media networks such as Facebook have made it easier for businesses to run their own campaigns. These platforms offer intuitive interfaces, detailed guides, and insights that make launching and managing campaigns accessible to even non-technical teams.
Why Outsourcing to Agencies May No Longer Be Worth It
Many businesses have traditionally turned to external agencies for their digital marketing needs, believing it to be the easiest and most efficient option. However, relying on agencies has its downsides. Agencies often spread their resources across multiple clients, which can result in your business receiving less attention.
Worse yet, many agencies fail to deliver the level of service and results that clients expect.
In the current economic climate, this lack of attention and accountability is becoming increasingly frustrating for businesses.
A recent article in the NZ Herald highlighted how many of New Zealand’s top creative agencies missed out on government contracts due to a crackdown on public spending .
The message is clear: businesses and organisations are rethinking their approach to marketing spend, and outsourcing may not be the answer.
By bringing digital marketing in-house, businesses have the freedom to adjust their strategies as needed, without waiting on third parties. This flexibility is key, especially when marketing needs to respond quickly to market changes or internal shifts in priorities.
Generative AI: The Ultimate Game Changer
One of the most exciting advancements in digital marketing is the rise of Generative AI (GenAI) tools. These tools are transforming how businesses create content, run campaigns, and optimise their marketing efforts.
Imagine being able to generate blog articles, product descriptions, or even engaging social media posts in just minutes. GenAI tools like ChatGPT can craft these materials based on the specific needs of your brand, saving time and resources.
Additionally, these AI tools provide valuable insights and recommendations in real-time, which can help businesses optimise their digital marketing strategies. For example, AI-driven SEO tools can identify the best keywords for your industry, while predictive analytics can help fine-tune Google Ads campaigns for better performance.
Cost Savings by Bringing Digital Marketing In-House
In an economic downturn, businesses must make smarter decisions about their spending. The New Zealand government’s recent initiative to tighten the belt on spending consultants and contractors reflects a wider shift in how organisations are managing their budgets . This focus on cutting costs has filtered down to businesses of all sizes, many of whom are looking for ways to reduce marketing expenses while still driving growth.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by bringing digital marketing in-house. By managing your marketing efforts internally, you avoid the high costs associated with agency fees and service markups. Instead, you invest directly in building your team’s capabilities.
Recent studies on online learning and professional development reveal that companies that invest in upskilling their staff see better long-term outcomes. Businesses that train their employees in digital marketing can improve both their performance and overall business results. This not only saves money but also builds a stronger, more adaptable team.
SEO, Google Ads, and Social Media: Mastering Key Digital Skills
If you’re considering bringing your digital marketing in-house, what areas should your team focus on? Here are the key areas where in-house teams can easily excel with the right training:
- SEO Training: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is crucial for increasing your website’s visibility. By learning how to optimise content, choose effective keywords, and improve your site’s ranking on Google, your team can drive organic traffic without relying on an agency.
- Google Ads Course: With Google Ads being one of the most effective tools for reaching new customers, understanding how to create, launch, and manage campaigns is essential. A well-trained in-house team can set up ads that are highly targeted and deliver measurable results.
- GenAI Training: Learning how to leverage GenAI tools allows your team to generate high-quality content quickly. AI tools are transforming the way businesses create content, making it easier than ever to manage campaigns, even with limited resources.
- Social Media Training: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are key to building brand awareness and engagement. With the right training, your team can learn how to create compelling content, engage with your audience, and measure campaign performance.
The Economic Case for In-House Digital Marketing
The financial case for bringing digital marketing in-house is clear. As businesses face economic challenges, it’s becoming crucial to find cost-effective ways to maintain and grow their marketing presence.
A recent article from The Beehive discusses the government’s efforts to reduce reliance on consultants and contractors, reflecting a growing trend among businesses . By investing in digital marketing training, you gain the ability to run your own campaigns without incurring the high fees associated with outsourcing. This puts more control in your hands, allowing you to adjust strategies as needed while saving on costs.
Moreover, businesses that build in-house digital marketing expertise can more easily adapt to changing market conditions. When external factors impact the economy, having the flexibility to manage your campaigns directly allows you to respond quickly and effectively, without needing to rely on an outside agency to make adjustments.
Take Control of Your Marketing with Clickthrough
At Clickthrough, we understand that businesses in New Zealand need cost-effective, flexible, and powerful marketing solutions. That’s why we offer comprehensive digital marketing training courses that cover everything from SEO and Google Ads to content creation using GenAI and social media marketing.
With our training, your team will have the skills they need to manage digital marketing in-house confidently and effectively. Not only will this save you money, but it will also give your business the control and agility needed to thrive in a competitive market.
Contact Clickthrough today to learn more about our training programmes and how we can help your business take control of its digital marketing strategy.
By managing your digital marketing in-house, you’ll not only save money but also gain better control over your strategy and outcomes. With Clickthrough’s training, you can empower your team to master SEO, Google Ads, and social media—giving your business a competitive edge in today’s challenging economic environment.
