Part One: Why Marketing Agencies are Hiring Contractors

Agencies hiring contractors is a smart move. Think about it – agencies tend to take on a lot of short-term contracts, so why hire a full-time employee with full benefits to do a job that may not be around in a couple months. Or even worse, dump another FTE on your already exhausted community manager or social media strategist. Enter your friendly neighbor freelancer.

Here are 3 reasons you should consider a contractor for your next client proposal:

1. Experience without investment

I’m trying really hard not to compare myself to a lady of the night here. What I’m trying to say is, “Why put a ring on it when you can get the love for an hourly rate?” No, that isn’t right. How about, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk without a 401K?” Ok, these phrases may not be in Urban Dictionary yet, but I think you catch my drift. A contractor comes with the experience you need without the long-term commitment. No training or no dental paperwork. We are like the Ghostbusters – great in a scary pinch.

2. Expand your network

Contractors and freelancers know a lot of people in the industry. They have to in order to survive. Need a graphic designer at a great rate? They know someone. Need a photographer in a pinch? They have the perfect person.

3. Reliable as your childhood blanket

Your memorable childhood stuffed animal, blanket, or pillow (in my case) may be out of mind in storage, but you know where it is when you need something that feels familiar and comforting. Contractors are like your beloved one-eyed teddy bear. (Better than the lady of the night analogy, right?)

Stay tuned for part two of this series to know what questions to ask your potential contractor.