When you outsource digital marketing services, it should make things easier. More time back in your week. Clearer strategy. Better leads. But for many B2B companies, it doesn’t play out that way.
Instead of clarity, you get vague reports. Instead of results, you get activity. And instead of strategic leadership, you get task checklists and disconnected tactics.
Here’s the hard truth: most problems with outsourced marketing don’t come from bad vendors—they come from misaligned expectations, missing strategy, or outsourcing the wrong things at the wrong time.
If you’re considering outsourcing digital marketing services—or if you’ve been burned before—this article will walk through common mistakes to avoid, what a successful partnership really looks like, and how to set things up for long-term impact.
Mistake #1: Expecting Tactics to Solve a Strategy Problem
Need more leads? A PPC campaign sounds great. Want to improve your SEO? Time to publish blog posts.
But here’s the issue: if you don’t have a clear strategy behind those efforts, you’re outsourcing tactics without direction. And tactics without a strategy lead to busywork, not results.
A solid digital marketing partner will help you answer:
- What are your goals?
- Who are you trying to reach?
- What problems are you solving?
- How do those translate into campaigns, content, and tools?
If your agency or freelancer isn’t helping you build that foundation, you’re not really outsourcing marketing—you’re just outsourcing tasks.
👉 Curious how strategic marketing leadership works?
Read What It’s Like to Work with a Fractional CMO
Mistake #2: Outsourcing Without Internal Ownership
Here’s something we see all the time: a CEO hires an outside firm, expecting them to “just take care of marketing.” But there’s no one internally to own the relationship, review deliverables, or give timely feedback.
What happens next? Delays, unclear expectations, and frustration on both sides.
Even when you outsource your digital marketing, someone on your team needs to own the outcomes. That doesn’t mean doing the work—it means:
- Giving context and feedback
- Asking the right questions
- Reviewing reports with a business lens
- Making sure marketing stays aligned with goals
Your outsourced partner needs a point of contact. And your team needs someone who understands what success looks like.
Mistake #3: Choosing Based on Price Instead of Fit
We get it—budget matters. But chasing the lowest price often leads to mismatched expectations, minimal support, or a lack of strategy.
Here’s what to look for instead:
- A team that asks smart, strategic questions up front
- Clear deliverables tied to outcomes—not just activity
- Transparent reporting and consistent communication
- Willingness to challenge assumptions (not just say yes)
👉 Not sure what kind of support you need?
Take our free GUIDE™ Marketing Assessment to identify your biggest gaps and priorities.
What to Expect When You Get It Right
When you outsource digital marketing services the right way, here’s what you should experience:
- A clear strategy that connects marketing to business goals
- Consistent execution without you chasing deadlines
- Confidence that the right work is being done at the right time
- Reports that actually mean something
- A partner who brings insight—not just deliverables
In other words, marketing becomes a source of momentum, not stress.
Is Outsourcing Digital Marketing Right for You?
If you’re stretched thin, struggling to lead your team, or unsure where to focus your marketing efforts—outsourcing could be the right move.
But only if you approach it with clarity, the right expectations, and the right partner.
For more on how outsourcing helps B2B companies grow, check out:
👉 4 Ways Outsourcing Marketing Services Helps Your Business Grow
👉 6 Compelling Reasons to Consider Outsourced Marketing Services
Let’s Build Something That Works
At Wayfind Marketing, we don’t believe in marketing for marketing’s sake. We help B2B businesses build smart, sustainable strategies—and then execute them with the right team in place.
Want to find out if outsourcing is the right fit for your business?
- Take the GUIDE™ Marketing Assessment
- Schedule a discovery call to discuss your marketing goals
- Or tune in to the Growth-Minded Marketing Podcast for real-world insights and practical tips
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s talk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outsourcing Digital Marketing Services
What does it mean to outsource digital marketing?
It means hiring an external team or agency to handle parts—or all—of your marketing efforts, including SEO, content creation, email marketing, paid ads, analytics, and more. The goal is to improve results without building a full internal team.
How much does it cost to outsource digital marketing services?
Costs vary depending on your needs. Monthly retainers typically range from $3,000–$10,000+, and project-based work might start at $2,000. Fractional leadership (like a CMO) adds strategic oversight for around $3,500–$8,000/month.
What’s the difference between outsourced marketing and hiring in-house?
Outsourcing gives you access to a team of specialists and strategic leadership without the overhead of full-time salaries and benefits. It’s ideal for companies that need flexibility, speed, and proven expertise without the complexity of hiring.
