Outsource Content Marketing for Small Business: Complete Guide (2025)

Why Small Businesses Should Outsource Content Marketing

Before diving into the how, let's address the why. Outsourcing content marketing offers specific advantages for small businesses:

Cost Efficiency

Option	Annual Cost	Content Output
Full-time hire	$50,000-70,000	Variable
Freelancers	$9,600-48,000	4-8 posts/month
Content agency	$12,000-60,000	4-12 posts/month
Self Cast Studios	$1,188	4 posts/month + social + bio

Access to Expertise

Outsourcing gives you access to:

• Professional writers: Trained in SEO, storytelling, and conversion
• Content strategists: Plan what to create and when
• Editors: Ensure quality and consistency
• SEO specialists: Optimize for search engines

Scalability

Need more content during a product launch? Less during slow season? Outsourced content marketing scales with your needs without hiring/firing headaches.

Focus on Core Business

Your time is better spent serving customers, developing products, and growing revenue—not writing blog posts.

What to Outsource (And What to Keep In-House)

Not everything should be outsourced. Here's the strategic breakdown:

Outsource These:

• Blog post writing: Time-consuming, requires skill
• Social media content: Consistent posting is tedious
• SEO optimization: Technical expertise required
• Content editing: Fresh eyes catch errors
• Graphic design: Professional visuals matter
• Email newsletters: Regular writing and formatting

Keep In-House:

• Strategy and direction: You know your business best
• Brand voice guidelines: Define how you want to sound
• Subject matter expertise: Share your knowledge (via interviews)
• Final approval: Review before publishing
• Customer engagement: Respond to comments personally

Types of Content Marketing Outsourcing

Option 1: Freelance Writers

Cost: $200-500 per blog post
Best for: Occasional content needs or specific projects

Pros:

• Flexible, pay-as-you-go
• Can find niche-specific writers
• Direct communication

Cons:

• Time-consuming to vet and manage
• Quality varies dramatically
• No consistency guarantee
• You handle strategy, editing, SEO

Option 2: Content Marketing Agencies

Cost: $1,000-5,000+ per month
Best for: Larger budgets, comprehensive campaigns

Pros:

• Full-service (strategy, creation, distribution)
• Team of specialists
• Proven processes
• Scalable output

Cons:

• Expensive for small businesses
• Often have minimum contracts (6-12 months)
• Can feel impersonal
• May not understand your niche deeply

Option 3: Content Subscription Services

Cost: $99-500 per month
Best for: Small businesses needing consistent content

Examples: Self Cast Studios, Scripted, Verblio, ContentFly

Pros:

• Predictable monthly cost
• Consistent output
• No long-term contracts (usually)
• Professional quality

Cons:

• Less customization than agencies
• May have limits on revisions
• Quality varies by service

Option 4: Interview-Based Content Services (Self Cast Studios)

Cost: $99 per month
Best for: Small businesses wanting authentic, expertise-driven content

How it works:

1. Monthly 20-30 minute phone interview
2. Professional interviewer draws out your expertise
3. Writers transform interview into 4 blog posts
4. Receive social media posts and bio refresh
5. Edit and publish via dashboard or copy-paste

Pros:

• Most affordable: $24.75 per blog post
• Authentic voice: Based on your actual expertise
• Minimal time: Just 20 minutes/month
• Complete package: Blogs + social + bio
• No writing required: Just talk

Cons:

• Requires monthly call commitment
• Newer model (less established)

How to Choose the Right Content Marketing Partner

Use this checklist to evaluate potential partners:

1. Budget Alignment

Questions to ask:

• What's the total monthly cost?
• Are there setup fees or minimums?
• What's included in the base price?
• What costs extra (revisions, rush jobs, etc.)?

2. Quality Standards

Request:

• Writing samples in your industry
• Client testimonials or case studies
• Information about their writers/editors
• Revision policy

3. Process and Communication

Understand:

• How do you provide input/direction?
• What's the turnaround time?
• How many revisions are included?
• Who's your point of contact?
• How do you receive final content?

4. Scalability

Consider:

• Can you increase/decrease volume easily?
• Are there penalties for pausing?
• Can they handle rush projects?
• What's the maximum output capacity?

5. Ownership and Rights

Clarify:

• Do you own the content 100%?
• Can you use it anywhere?
• Are there any licensing restrictions?
• What happens if you cancel?

Common Mistakes When Outsourcing Content Marketing

Mistake 1: Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest option often delivers the worst results. Focus on value: quality content that drives results is worth paying for.

Mistake 2: Not Providing Enough Direction

Even the best writers need guidance. Share your brand voice, target audience, and goals clearly.

Mistake 3: Expecting Instant Results

Content marketing is a long game. Give it 3-6 months to see meaningful SEO and traffic results.

Mistake 4: Not Reviewing Content Before Publishing

Always review and approve content. You're responsible for what goes out under your brand.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Analytics

Track what's working. Use Google Analytics to see which content drives traffic and conversions.

ROI of Outsourcing Content Marketing

Let's calculate the return on investment:

Scenario: Small B2B Service Business

• Average client value: $5,000
• Content marketing cost: $99/month (Self Cast Studios)
• Monthly output: 4 blog posts + social content

Results after 6 months:

• 24 blog posts published
• Organic traffic increased 150%
• 3 new clients from content marketing
• Revenue from content: $15,000
• Investment: $594 (6 months × $99)
• ROI: 2,425%

Even if content only generates 1 client in 6 months, the ROI is 741%.

Getting Started: Your First 90 Days

Month 1: Foundation

• Choose your outsourcing partner
• Define brand voice and guidelines
• Create content calendar
• Publish first 4 blog posts

Month 2: Momentum

• Publish 4 more blog posts
• Share on social media
• Start email newsletter
• Monitor analytics

Month 3: Optimization

• Review what's working
• Adjust content strategy
• Repurpose top content
• Plan next quarter

Conclusion: Scale Your Content, Not Your Headcount

Outsourcing content marketing for small business isn't about cutting corners—it's about working smarter. By partnering with the right service, you get professional content that drives results without the overhead of full-time staff.

For most small businesses, Self Cast Studios offers the best combination of quality, affordability, and ease. At $99/month for 4 blog posts plus social content, it's less than hiring one freelancer for one post.

Stop letting content marketing fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Outsource it, scale it, and watch your business grow.