The economy certainly seems to be making businesses consider their options when it comes to creative industries. I heard the other day that Gartner had reported that 70-something percent of businesses can expect their marketing budget to be cut by around 30%. Yikes –“ that’s potentially 30% off our bottom line” I though! Although this doesn’t seem to be coming to fruition just yet, I shall be monitoring this one closely.
A definite trend seems to be a move towards using local businesses over national/international ones. I must say, I always try to do this anyway – I would rather my money stayed in the local economy rather than going abroad, plus I like to think that other local businesses feel the same way when they look for a web designer!
So why would someone choose to go local? A few reasons I think….
1) Cost
Local businesses are by their very nature, smaller businesses. Smaller business generally equals smaller overheads equals lower prices, although this isn’t always the case. Smaller business can’t always benefit from economies of scale but you see where I’m going with this.
2) BECAUSE they are local
It’s always nice to actually go and see someone. Have a cup of tea and discuss what you’re looking for face-to-face.
3) Local Contacts
If you’re looking to market yourself locally, you are probably better off using a local agency who has local contact! If you’re in Norfolk you wouldn’t use a Hamsphire Web Design agency!
In the current economic climate cost is probably the major driving force. If you’re looking for affordable website design solutions, you are probably best off looking locally.
I think I had better leave it there before I start to sound like a HSBC ad. However, I can’t resist saying – Meon Creative are a Hampshire based creative agency and we would love to work with other locally minded businesses.
Until next time…