The True Financial Implications of Creating Content Internally

In the digital age, a quality content team is essential for any business looking to establish a strong online presence. But what does it take to build such a team, and how much does it cost?

Firstly, the cost of graphic design software varies greatly, ranging from $30 to $300. However, the creation of content extends beyond just graphic design, encompassing various media formats like infographics, eBooks, case studies, videos, resource pages, interactive content, and quizzes.

When it comes to the human resources required for a content team, a minimally staffed team of a content strategist, copywriter, and editor would cost approximately $197,066 annually at base pay. The average salaries for these roles are $65,589 for a content strategist, $56,592 for a copywriter, and $74,885 for an editor.

A content strategist is responsible for managing the content calendar, planning how the blog fits into a larger strategy, and generating relevant blog topics. Meanwhile, a copywriter would ideally be able to write 10 blogs a week, but in reality, much of their time is taken up with other duties. Developing all these resources is a lot for any single copywriter to handle, potentially requiring additional hires for graphic designers, video editors, and audio engineers.

For content strategy, a content expert could charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for project-based freelance rates. The average hourly rate for a freelance content strategist in Germany typically ranges between €50 and €150, depending on experience, project scope, and region.

An editor, on the other hand, needs to check content for search engine optimization and publish it to the site. Meanwhile, someone on the in-house content team should be responsible for content distribution, utilizing methods like company newsletters, organic and paid social media, employee email signatures, employee advocacy, paid media distribution, syndication, and curated content hubs.

The national average salary for an email marketing specialist is $58,895, and for a social media specialist, it's $47,141 (Glassdoor). High-powered laptops for an in-house content team can cost over $1,000 per employee.

Project management software, marketing automation software, and relationship management software can cost anywhere from $100 to $10,000 a month. A single Getty Images stock photo costs almost $9.

But why invest in a quality content team? Well-crafted content can help users discover your business, trust your product, and convert at higher levels (Focus Vision). In essence, a quality content team is not just a cost, but an investment in the growth and success of your business.