Hiring a Digital Ads Manager vs DIY

Digital advertising has become an essential aspect of any successful marketing campaign in the modern business world. With the ever-increasing popularity of online platforms, it has become imperative for businesses to harness the power of digital ads to reach their target audience. This has led to the rise in demand for digital ads managers, who possess the skills and expertise to create and manage effective online ad campaigns.

However, the question remains, should businesses hire an in-house digital ads manager or outsource this task to a professional agency? In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and help you determine which is right for your business.

Before delving into the hiring options, let us first discuss what exactly digital ads and digital marketing are. Digital ads refer to the various forms of online advertising, including paid search, display ads, social media ads, and video ads. These ads are targeted towards specific audiences, based on their demographics, interests, and online behavior.

On the other hand, digital marketing encompasses all online strategies and techniques used to promote a business and its products or services. This includes not only digital ads, but also other forms of online marketing, such as email marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing.

Now, let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an in-house digital ads manager versus outsourcing this task to a professional agency.

Advantages of hiring an in-house digital ads manager

1. Control and customization

When hiring an in-house digital ads manager, businesses have more control over the entire process, from creating the ad campaigns to monitoring their performance. This allows for easier customization, as the ads can be tailored specifically to the business’s goals and target audience.

2. Cost-effectiveness

In the long run, hiring an in-house digital ads manager can prove to be more cost-effective, as businesses do not have to pay for additional agency fees. They also have the option to negotiate the manager’s salary and benefits, which may be more affordable than outsourcing to a professional agency.

3. Better understanding of the business

An in-house digital ads manager will have a better understanding of the business’s products or services, target audience, and overall goals. This deeper knowledge can result in more effective and targeted digital ad campaigns.

Disadvantages of hiring an in-house digital ads manager

1. Limited expertise

While an in-house digital ads manager may have a better understanding of the business, they may not possess the same level of expertise and experience as an agency that specializes in digital marketing. This may result in less effective ad campaigns and a slower learning curve.

2. Additional costs

In addition to their salary and benefits, businesses will also have to provide resources, such as computers and software, for the in-house manager. This can be an added expense that businesses may not have considered.

Advantages of outsourcing to a professional agency

1. Expertise and experience

When outsourcing to a professional agency, businesses can benefit from the expertise and experience of a team of digital ads managers. These professionals have likely worked on a variety of campaigns and have a better understanding of what strategies work best for different businesses.

2. Time-saving

By outsourcing digital ads management, businesses can save time and focus on other areas of their business. The agency is responsible for creating and implementing the ads, as well as monitoring their performance, allowing the business to focus on other important tasks.

3. Access to specialized tools and resources

Professional agencies have access to specialized tools and resources, which may not be available to businesses hiring in-house managers. This can result in more effective and efficient ad campaigns.

Disadvantages of outsourcing to a professional agency

1. Higher costs

Recruiting a professional agency to manage digital ad campaigns can be more expensive than hiring an in-house manager. Businesses must also consider the additional fees that agencies may charge for their services.

2. Lack of control

By outsourcing, businesses may have less control over the entire process, as they have to rely on the agency to create and manage the ad campaigns. This may result in less customization and a lack of flexibility in the ad campaign.

Now that we have explored the advantages and disadvantages of each option, the next question is, how much should businesses budget for hiring a digital ads manager? The cost of hiring a digital ads manager can vary depending on their experience, skills, and location. On average, an in-house digital ads manager can cost businesses anywhere from $45,000 to $100,000 per year. However, outsourcing to a professional agency can also be expensive, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per month, or more, depending on the services required.

But how will businesses know if their digital ad campaigns are successful? 

The success of digital ad campaigns can be measured through various metrics, such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI). It is crucial for businesses to set clear goals and track these metrics regularly to determine the effectiveness of their digital ads. An experienced digital ads manager will have the knowledge and expertise to analyze these metrics and make necessary adjustments to improve campaign performance.

So, what qualifications should businesses look for in a digital ads manager? 

First and foremost, a digital ads manager should have a strong understanding of digital marketing and its various components. They should also possess skills in data analysis and be familiar with various digital ad platforms, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads. In addition, excellent project management, creativity, and communication skills are essential for a successful digital ads manager.

In conclusion, the decision to hire an in-house digital ads manager or outsource to a professional agency depends on various factors, such as budget, control, and expertise. While hiring an in-house manager may provide more control and customization, outsourcing to a professional agency can offer expertise and specialized resources. The key is to carefully consider the needs and goals of the business before making a decision. Whether businesses choose to hire a digital ads manager or handle digital ad campaigns themselves, it is crucial to constantly track and analyze campaign performance to achieve desired results.


To summarize, here are the key points discussed in this article:

• Digital advertising and marketing are essential for reaching target audiences online.
• Hiring an in-house digital ads manager offers control and customization, but may lack expertise.
• Outsourcing to a professional agency provides access to expertise and resources, but can be more expensive.
• The cost of hiring a digital ads manager can range from $45,000 to $100,000 per year for an in-house manager, and $1,000 to $10,000 per month for an agency.
• Metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and ROI can measure the success of digital ad campaigns.
• A digital ads manager should possess a strong understanding of digital marketing, data analysis skills, and be familiar with various digital ad platforms.
• The decision to hire an in-house manager or outsource depends on factors such as budget, control, and expertise.
• Constantly tracking and analyzing campaign performance is crucial for achieving desired results.