​Choosing between in-house and outsourced marketing is a crucial decision that impacts your brand’s growth, efficiency, and ROI (return on investment). Each approach offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on various factors, such as budget, scalability, and creative needs.
 
At Big Deal Company, we understand that marketing is more than just strategy - it’s about creativity, connection, and delivering results. As a leading marketing collective, we specialize in high-impact campaigns, event planning, and brand growth strategies. Whether you’re looking to build an internal team or leverage expert outsourced marketing services, we help businesses navigate the best approach to achieve their marketing goals. Let’s dive into the benefits of both in-house and outsourced marketing to help you and your business make an informed decision.

In-House Marketing
Pros:

• Deep Brand Understanding - Your team lives and breathes your brand, ensuring messaging aligns with our company’s voice and values.
• Direct Communication - Immediate feedback and collaboration lead to quick decision-making and adaptability.
• Complete Control - You oversee all strategies and executions, providing alignment with your exact standards and objectives.

Cons:

• Higher Costs - Salaries, benefits, training, and tools add up, making it a significant investment.
• Limited Skill Sets - Your team might lack specialized expertise, requiring additional training or hires.
• Scalability Challenges - Expanding or reducing the team based on project needs can be slow and costly.

Outsourced Marketing
​Pros:

• Access to Experts - Agencies offer specialized skills across various marketing disciplines, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Cost-Effective - You pay for services as needed, avoiding the overhead associated with full-time employees.
• Scalability and Flexibility - Easily adjust the level of services based on your current needs without long-term commitments.

Cons:

• Less Brand Familiarity - External teams may require time to fully grasp your brand’s nuances and values.
• Communication Delays - Working with external partners can sometimes lead to slower decisions and implementation (due to delays on both sides!).
• Potential Misalignment - There’s a risk that the agency’s vision doesn’t perfectly align with your brand’s goals.

Financial Considerations
Hiring an in-house marketing team involves significant costs, including salaries and benefits. For example, hiring a marketing manager, content creator, SEO specialist, and designer can collectively cost over $150,000 (conservatively) annually.
 
Engaging an agency like Big Deal Company can be more economical. Monthly retainer rates for comprehensive services like SEO, PPC, and content marketing can total around $7500 or less, offering a broad range of expertise without the long-term financial commitment.
 
Creation and Ideation
In-house teams will have an intimate understanding of your brand. They will have an easy time fostering ideas that align well with company culture and objectives.
 
Outsourced agencies can bring fresh perspectives to your vision and goals. Contracted agencies typically have teams that can draw on diverse experiences across industries, which can lead to innovative and creatively unique campaigns.

​Which One Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your business’s size, budget, and marketing goals. If you need a hands-on team that fully embodies your brand or you deal with sensitive information that needs to reach niche audiences, an in-house team might be the way to go. If you want access to top-tier expertise that is always on top of the latest trends and that can provide flexibility and cost savings, outsourcing could be the smarter move.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we specialize in bringing creativity to life - whether through unique marketing strategies, innovative campaigns, or unforgettable events. We’re purveyors of fun, passionate about growth, and dedicated to making every client a priority. If you’re looking for a marketing partner that delivers results with energy and originality, let’s make something amazing together!
 

Congratulations to the BizWest team for a successful 2025 Economic Forecast event! A tremendous amount of information, and outlooks for the upcoming year.
Renowned economist Dr. Rich Wobbekind provided insights into where the economy has been and where it’s going at this highly popular luncheon, attended by over 500 people.

BIG DEAL Company is the proud planning company of BizWest.

Keeping up with marketing trends is crucial for small and mid-sized businesses to remain competitive and relevant in a fast-changing marketplace. Trends like human-driven AI use, short-form video content, and sustainability resonate with modern consumers, helping businesses build stronger connections and trust. BIG DEAL Company is proud to already be using all of these predicted trends with our clients.

Short-Form Video Reigns
 
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook Reels, and YouTube will remain popular for short-form videos. Creative, bite-sized content that quickly grabs attention will be key to engaging audiences surrounded by marketing content on social media. Generational targeting will remain essential in determining which video platforms best suit your audience, which is why we sit down with each new client to determine which social media platforms will get the highest return on investment.
 
Personalization of AI Tools
 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be central to marketing strategies, enabling quick research, efficient content creation, and optimized ad creation – when used correctly. While AI excels at streamlining operations, personalizing content, and handling repetitive tasks, it lacks the human ability to empathize and connect emotionally, and it lacks the knowledge you and your marketing team have about your business – why we NEVER recommend our clients use purely AI-generated blogs or social posts.
 
Human oversight in AI-driven interactions and content is essential for accuracy and emotional connection. This balance helps build trust and loyalty, as customers are more likely to engage with businesses that prioritize genuine content and interactions over purely automated writing.
 
Focus on Sustainability and Transparency
 
Ethical and sustainable practices will appeal to eco-conscious consumers. We not only prioritize sustainability in our event planning services but prioritize it in our personal lives. Community support is one of our team’s core values, which is why we volunteer, donate, and market for nonprofits as individuals and as a company. We partner our marketing initiatives with local nonprofits to cross-promote causes while increasing visibility for our clients.
 
Transparency about data usage, AI-generated content, and business values will become critical for building trust and loyalty with audiences.
 
Micro-Influencer Partnerships
 
Collaborating with micro- and nano-influencers will remain a cost-effective way to reach niche, engaged audiences authentically. BIG DEAL Company consistently takes advantage of our connections throughout northern Colorado to get our clients’ content in front of a larger audience, by cross-posting relevant content on company pages, sharing content and events to local groups, and shouting out our clients on our business pages, newsletters, and website.
 
Zero-Click Content
 
Businesses will increasingly use social media to provide valuable, engaging content directly on platforms, avoiding clicks to external sites. Engagement is lost with each click, which is why we strive to provide relevant information directly on social media through screenshot-able infographics and action buttons to initiate a phone call, send an email, or purchase a product without leaving your social feed.

​Omnichannel Marketing Experiences
 
Integrating online and offline touchpoints will provide cohesive customer journeys, leveraging data from both to enhance experiences. We collect data from our clients’ social media pages, websites, and in-person events to guide future marketing efforts. And, while online marketing is a large part of our business, we find there is no substitute for a conversation at a local chamber event or a holiday gift delivered to a prospective partner.
 
Conversational Search Optimization
 
Businesses should optimize content for conversational queries and emphasize local keywords to capture nearby customers, which is why we take a human approach (considering, “what would I type if I was searching for this content?”) to determine keywords for our clients’ blogs and web page content.
 
Soundless and Visual-First Ads
 
In the overwhelming social media world of auto-play ads clogging up news feeds, silent ads with emphasis on visuals and closed captions are making a comeback. Ads that get your point across without sound also enable you to capture your audience’s attention in environments where sound isn’t feasible, like a waiting room or workplace.
 
Generational Targeting
 
As always, generational targeting is essential to get the content we create with you in front of the right people. Tailoring channels and strategies to different age groups (e.g., Gen Z prefers TikTok, and Millennials like email campaigns) ensures we direct your message to those most likely to complete your call to action, whether that’s a purchase, a donation, or a post share. 

Long-Form Content Resurgence
 
While short-form still dominates social media, in-depth articles and videos will remain essential for storytelling and expertise. Blogs, podcasts, and events offer opportunities for long-term attention from your audience.
 
In-depth articles, infographics, or guides are particularly effective in nurturing leads, as they address customer pain points in detail and educate them on solutions, moving them further down the sales funnel. For businesses where being an industry expert is essential, long-form content also provides depth, authority, and increased value to audiences.
​
Contracting Is The New Workforce
The shift towards project-based work structures in various industries encourages the use of contract help. This trend has been increasing significantly in the US. Businesses prefer to assemble teams with diverse skills for specific projects, fostering innovation and efficiency. (Source: Forbes, "The Rise Of The Gig Economy And Why It's Different This Time")

Having a dedicated marketing team that actively monitors and adapts to these emerging trends ensures your business not only meets current consumer expectations but also anticipates future shifts. With the right team and tools, you can turn these trends into opportunities for stronger engagement, higher conversions, and sustained success.

Contact BIG DEAL Company now for a tailored marketing plan that suits your small business needs and budget - from a dedicated contract partner. 

BIG DEAL Company loves and theme - and we love working with clients who appreciate a theme and beautiful décor! One of our clients is a national company that hosts 2 of their holiday parties in Colorado. This year we had the opportunity to plan the fun and support the following themes, "Jingle All The Way To The Jackpot" and a family party that was decked out in Traditional Christmas cheer!

The planning process for these December events began in May - prospecting venues, vendors, budgeting, theme ideation,  and all of the big details for these complex events. The casino holiday party included a band, casino rental company, caricature artist, fortune teller, dinner/bar, and AI photo booth!

The family Christmas party was a great way for all Colorado families to see Santa and Mrs Claus, write letters to Santa, have their faces painted, receive gifts from Santa - and eat, drink & be merry!

Thank you to all of the vendors and event team for making these events successful and for bringing joy to families across Colorado!

In today’s fast-paced world, getting customers to walk through your doors is no small feat.  You know that once a person is in your location you’ve got a captive audience, but how do you get them in in the first place?  Whether you’ve got a café, a boutique, or a wellness studio, standing out in the crowd takes creativity and strategy. Before you say you simply don’t have time to build a plan, check out these easy and effective marketing tips to help boost foot traffic—and keep customers coming back for more.
 
Create an Irresistible Offer
People love a good deal, so why not give them one? Limited-time promotions, BOGO (buy one, get one) offers, or discounts for first-time customers can entice people to visit your business. Make the offer clear, and easy to understand, and put it on social media, your website, and even on a sandwich board outside your store.  Don’t forget to add a call to action like one of these:

• Claim Your Discount Today!
• Be Part of the Fun—Register Now!
• See What Everyone’s Talking About—Shop Now!

Lean Into Local Events 
Get out there and partner with community events or host your own. That’s right, get to know your neighbors.  Activities like a pop-up shop, a workshop, or a fun seasonal event like a holiday market can attract loyal customers and new faces. Bonus: collaborating with other local businesses can expand your reach.
 
Step Up Your Curb Appeal 
Your storefront is like a first impression—it needs to wow! Clean windows, colorful signage, and eye-catching displays make all the difference. A chalkboard with a quirky message or your daily specials can grab the attention of passersby (or even go viral on social media).  The ‘vibe’ of your location should be easily understood just by standing out front.
 
Engage on Social Media
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Your followers want to know that you’re staying current and love to hear about new arrivals, upcoming sales, or behind-the-scenes content. Be real and interactive and respond to comments and messages promptly. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include your location and hours in your bio to make it easy for people to find you.  You wouldn’t believe how often this is looked over.
 
Use Email Marketing
Email marketing might not sound flashy, but it works. Create a simple, engaging newsletter to keep your customers in the know about promotions, events, and new products. Make it worth their while by including exclusive deals, hot tips, or sneak peeks.
 
Encourage Word-of-Mouth 
Happy customers are your best advertisement!  Again, happy customers are your best advertisement.  Yes, it’s worth repeating because they are valuable and often underused.  Encourage them to share their experiences by offering referral discounts or running a review contest. The more buzz, the better!
 
Get Listed Online 
Make sure your business is easy to find by updating your Google Business profile and being listed on Yelp, TripAdvisor, or other platforms relevant to your industry. Include accurate information, great photos, and a few glowing reviews.  More and more people are turning to various niche apps to find what they are looking for from restaurants to spas.  Get listed!
 
Make It Personal
Finally, remember that marketing isn’t just about tactics—it’s about relationships. All of these tips may help to bring people in, but then it’s in your court to get them to come back. Personalized touches can turn a one-time visitor into a lifelong fan.  Here are just a few ways to make their experience special:

• Greet Them by Name
• Remember Their Preferences
• Celebrate Special Occasions
• Offer Tailored Recommendations
• Provide Flexible Options
• Be Attentive and Engaged
• Offer Exclusive Perks
• Make It Easy

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Just start small by selecting a few of the tips to focus on and stay consistent. The key is to experiment, track what works, and refine your strategy over time. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll have customers streaming through your doors in no time!
 
Whether you’re just starting or growing your business, BIG DEAL is here to bring your marketing out of black and white and into full color, helping you thrive. We understand small businesses because we are one too!

Many small businesses suffer from a black-and-white idea of marketing.  They either try to do it themselves or feel like they have to pay a big agency to manage it for them.  BIG DEAL Company is here to add some color and support with marketing for small businesses.  We’re offering up ten of the top tools that can help small-scale businesses thrive.
 
1. Canva: This tool is great for creating graphics, social media posts, and marketing materials with ease and is relatively user-friendly. 

• Pros:
  • Easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface for designing.
  • Offers pre-made templates for social media, presentations, flyers, and more.
  • Affordable and includes a free plan.
  • Collaborative features for team use.

• Cons:
  • Limited customization compared to more advanced design tools.
  • The free version lacks access to premium assets and features.
  • Not ideal for complex graphic design projects.

 
 2. Mailchimp: Use Mailchimp if you’re looking for the ideal way to build email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and automation for your small businesses.

• Pros:
  • Free tier available for small mailing lists.
  • User-friendly email automation and campaign management.
  • Integrates with e-commerce and CRM platforms.
  • Detailed analytics for tracking email performance.

• Cons:
  • Pricing can get steep as your email list grows.
  • Limited design flexibility for email templates.
  • Customer support for free plans can be slow.

3. Google Analytics: Google Analytics provides invaluable insights into website traffic, visitor behavior, and performance metrics.  It can be a little bit tricky to learn at first but is well worth it.
 

• Pros:
  • Completely free with in-depth website traffic data.
  • Customizable reports and dashboards.
  • Tracks visitor behavior, acquisition sources, and conversions.
  • Integrates with Google Ads and other platforms.

• Cons:
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Data privacy and concerns with certain user-tracking features.
  • Can be overwhelming with too much data if not properly configured.

  
4. Hootsuite: This helpful little tool helps to manage and schedule social media posts across multiple platforms from one dashboard.

• Pros:
  • Manages multiple social media accounts from one platform.
  • Supports post-scheduling, analytics, and social listening.
  • Customizable dashboards for tracking key metrics.
  • Collaborative features for teams.

• Cons:
  • Can be pricey, especially for businesses with multiple users.
  • Limited features on the free plan.
  • The interface can feel cluttered and slow at times.

 
5. Buffer: Another excellent tool for scheduling social media posts and analyzing their performance.

• Pros:
  • Simple and intuitive interface for scheduling social media posts.
  • Offers an easy way to analyze post-engagement and performance.
  • Affordable pricing plans with a free tier.
  • Integrates with most social platforms.

• Cons:
  • Limited advanced features compared to competitors like Hootsuite.
  • Analytics are more basic and require a higher-tier plan for detailed insights.
  • Scheduling Instagram posts requires manual intervention for free users.

 
6. WordPress: This versatile platform is for building websites and blogs, offering many plugins for SEO and content management.

• Pros:
  • Highly customizable with a wide range of themes and plugins.
  • Great for content management (blogs, portfolios, e-commerce).
  • SEO-friendly with plugins like Yoast SEO.
  • Open-source, with a large community for support.

• Cons:
  • Can be complicated for beginners without tech experience.
  • Requires ongoing maintenance (updates, backups).
  • Some themes and plugins can slow down site performance.

  
7. Trello: This is a helpful tool to organize tasks and projects with boards, lists, and cards, and is ideal for collaborative marketing efforts.

• Pros:
  • Simple, visual project management with boards, lists, and cards.
  • Ideal for organizing tasks and tracking progress.
  • The free plan offers plenty of features for small teams.
  • Easy collaboration with real-time updates and sharing options.

• Cons:
  • Limited features for advanced project management (compared to tools like Asana).
  • Can become cluttered with too many cards and lists.
  • No native time-tracking or advanced reporting tools.

​8. HubSpot CRM: A great program if you’re looking to manage customer relationships, track interactions, and automate marketing tasks.

• Pros:
  • The free version includes CRM, email tracking, and meeting scheduling.
  • Provides a unified platform for managing customer relationships and marketing efforts.
  • Automation features to streamline tasks like emails and follow-ups.
  • Scalable with premium add-ons for growing businesses.

• Cons:
  • Paid features can get expensive for small businesses.
  • Complex interface with a learning curve for beginners.
  • Some limitations in email automation for the free plan.

  
9. SurveyMonkey: If you want to learn more about your audience consider this program that conducts surveys to gather customer feedback and insights, aiding in market research.

• Pros:
  • Easy to create, distribute, and analyze surveys.
  • Provides valuable feedback and insights for market research.
  • Customizable surveys with a variety of question types.
  • Free tier available with basic features.

• Cons:
  • The free plan limits the number of questions and responses.
  • Custom branding requires a paid plan.
  • Higher-tier plans can be costly for advanced features like data export.

 
10. Google My Business: This is an essential tool for local businesses to manage their online presence, including maps, reviews, and search visibility.

• Pros:
  • Free to use and essential for local SEO and search visibility.
  • Helps manage reviews, business information, and map presence.
  • Improves local customer engagement and search rankings.
  • Detailed insights on how people find and interact with your business.

• Cons:
  • Requires constant updates and monitoring to maintain accurate information.
  • Managing reviews can be time-consuming, especially if dealing with negative feedback.
  • Limited control over the appearance of your business listing.

 
BIG DEAL Company has mastered all of these tools and more, blending our expertise with a deep understanding of small businesses’ unique challenges. By harnessing the power of innovative platforms like Canva, Mailchimp, and Google My Business, BIG DEAL takes the stress out of marketing and adds vibrant, effective strategies.
 
Whether you’re just starting or growing your business, BIG DEAL is here to bring your marketing out of black and white and into full color, helping you thrive without the sense of overwhelmingness from doing it alone or having to rely on large, faceless agencies. We understand small businesses because we are one too!
 
Follow us on social media - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest - and sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools that can drive your mission forward! Together, let’s make a big difference!

​The holiday season is here, and for our small business clients, it's a prime time to connect with customers, boost sales, and create memorable brand experiences. As we approach the end of 2024, new trends are shaping how businesses engage with consumers. Here's a look at five holiday marketing trends we’re leveraging to help our BIG DEAL Company small businesses stand out this year.
 
Hyper-Personalized Marketing
 
Consumers now expect more than just generic messages. Personalization is key to catching their attention. Leverage demographic data and customer interactions to send tailored holiday greetings, product or service recommendations, or special discounts based on purchase history.
 
Email campaigns allow you to address potential customers by name; carefully managed email lists mean you can send various emails targeting different customer groups to ensure you’re offering personalized solutions to meet your audience’s needs.

Community and Nonprofit Initiatives
 
Consumers appreciate brands with strong values that give back, and the giving spirit is never stronger than during the holiday season. Use social media to show your audience how you’re giving back this season, and invite them to participate.
 
Hosting a toy drive, supporting a local charity, or donating a portion of sales can deepen customer loyalty and spread goodwill. Consider offering a nonprofit donation at checkout, donating in-kind to nonprofit events, or sponsoring a holiday fundraiser and inviting your followers (customers) to join you.
 
Collaborate on Social Media
 
Collaborating with other small businesses or nonprofits in your area can amplify your reach. Joint promotions, pop-up markets, or cross-promotions on social media are great ways to build community spirit and drive traffic.
 
This collaboration goes hand-in-hand with your support of community initiatives; be sure to mention any sponsorship of local charities and partnerships on initiatives that give back, tagging other small businesses and nonprofits along the way for increased visibility.
 

Holiday-Themed Visuals and Messaging
 
Holiday-themed images and posts are powerful tools for boosting small business marketing during the festive season. These visuals instantly capture the joyful spirit of the holidays, creating an emotional connection with your audience.
 
By aligning your brand with the season’s mood, you can enhance engagement, increase visibility, and keep your business top-of-mind during the holidays. Adding festive imagery to your social media, email campaigns, and website creates a cohesive, celebratory experience that resonates with audiences.
 

Prepare for Increased Customer Care Needs
 
The holiday season often brings a surge in customer inquiries, purchases, and service needs. Think of this as an opportunity. Respond to comments on your social media pages and posts promptly, boosting your credibility and increasing the reach of your content (social platforms put popular posts in front of more people). Each time you respond to a private message on one of your pages, you’re demonstrating your commitment to excellent service; and, every face-to-face interaction can leave a lasting impression.
 
Timely online interactions can turn inquiries into sales opportunities, as many customers use social platforms to seek immediate answers before making purchasing decisions. In a fast-paced digital world, quick responses can set your business apart and help you foster trust and engagement with your audience.
 

The holiday season is a golden opportunity for small businesses to connect with customers in meaningful ways. By staying on top of these trends and tailoring your approach to your audience, you can create a memorable holiday marketing campaign that drives sales and builds loyalty.
Need help bringing your holiday marketing ideas to life? BIG DEAL Company specializes in crafting campaigns that deliver results. Let’s make this holiday season your most successful yet.
​
For business marketing news and tips, choose BIG DEAL Company. Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, and updates on our latest projects.
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​Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools.

The BIG DEAL Company team had a great time supporting the Windsor Chamber with this year's Ugly Sweater Wine Walk (2024)!
What an amazing turnout - over 430 people! A SOLD OUT event!

Thank you to all of the sponsors who support SMALL BUSINESS and help to bring JOY to participants!

The 20 stops this year were amazing! Great food, great wine, great company!

Our team loves supporting other small businesses - and LARGE events like this one.
Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube  | 📌 Pinterest
​Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools.

BIG DEAL Company was proud to be a part of the City of Loveland's, "Small Business, Big Summer" promotion. The goal of the promotion was to increase visibility to the small business community to customers and other businesses, forging new relationships with community partners and increased community awareness about all the awesome places to shop in Loveland! 

This promotion came with some great numbers (and we love numbers!)

• 306 raffle entries submitted from shoppers
• 262 visits to the website with our listed businesses
• 52 participating Loveland businesses
• 12 raffle prizes donated by thoughtful participants  
• 5 community partnerships supporting outreach efforts (Downtown Development Authority, Visit Loveland, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Business Development Center)

For BIG DEAL, we care that we contribute to the success of others and to the cities we live in. Thank you to all who make this program possible and supported it this summer!

BIG DEAL simply loves supporting Premier Skin Clinic, based in Fort Collins, with their marketing and event needs. Supporting fellow female business owners in building their dreams is an absolute joy. Chrissy and the PSC team hosted over 100 guests for their 8th Anniversary Open House. Their industry experts featured products and services that improve our health inside and out.

Guests enjoyed educational demonstrations, lovely food and drink, specials and over $20,000 in giveaways! An event NOT to be missed! Interested in attending next year? Sign up for their newsletter to get all of the insider information!

NoCo's Premier Med Spa and Wellness Clinic
Call to schedule a consultation today. (970) 221-1285
Real people. Expertly trained. Real results.
PremierSkinClinic.com