Latest news with #Priya
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Marketing Agencies vs. In‑House Teams: What Brands Need to Know in 2025
When Priya arrived at her Bangalore office in January, she expected a routine day of reviewing campaign reports. Instead, she found her inbox flooded with questions: why had she paused ads on their biggest product launch? Her internal team had miscommunicated, and a single missed message cost her brand both visibility and hundreds of wasted ad dollars. That moment crystallized one thing for Priya: knowing when to tap external expertise can save both time and money. At Digitize Block, we believe in equipping brands with the insights to choose the right marketing model—whether that's an agency, an in‑house team, or a blend of both. By the end of this guide, you'll understand the core advantages and drawbacks of hiring a marketing agency versus building an in‑house team. You'll see exactly which choice makes sense based on your goals, budget, and growth stage. For brands aiming to scale quickly with proven playbooks, partnering with a marketing agency often unlocks broader skillsets and faster execution. If you have highly specialized, industry‑specific needs and wish to retain full control over every piece of creative work, building an in‑house unit can deliver deeper brand immersion. In most cases, a hybrid approach—combining an agency for high‑level strategy and an internal team for ongoing optimization—strikes the best balance. Below, we'll explore these options in depth, punctuated with real stories, hard numbers, and expert insights. You'll come away confident in your decision for 2025 and beyond. Imagine you're launching in three new markets simultaneously. You need SEO experts versed in local search patterns, PPC specialists familiar with regional ad platforms, and content creators who speak the local language. Hiring all of those skills in-house takes months—maybe more if you're vetting candidates, paying recruitment fees, and waiting out notice periods. A marketing agency brings that entire bench of specialists to your table immediately. In 2024, the average agency employed teams across at least five distinct disciplines—from analytics and automation to creative design and copywriting—so you're not piecing together freelancers or overloading your existing staff. According to the 2024 State of Marketing report, 78% of brands working with agencies felt they gained access to 'expertise difficult to build internally' versus only 19% of those relying solely on in‑house teams. On paper, an agency retainer might look pricier than a single new hire's salary. But consider all the hidden costs of adding headcount: recruitment fees (often 15–20% of the first year's salary), benefits, workspace, equipment, training, and ongoing management. One mid‑sized fintech startup in London saw a 30% reduction in marketing overhead within six months of switching to an agency model, simply by consolidating multiple roles under one monthly fee. That's not to say agencies are always cheaper. If your brand runs very lean campaigns or only needs a single specialist, the in‑house route can win on pure cost per head. But for most growth‑oriented brands, agencies deliver scalable spend—you up or down the engagement based on performance goals, without the HR paperwork. In 2025's fast‑moving landscape, every week counts. An agency's existing processes—from kickoff templates to reporting dashboards—mean you can launch new campaigns in days, not weeks. When the metaphoric phone rings at 10 PM with a sudden pivot or a surprising new opportunity, your agency partner can rearrange resources overnight. Contrast that with in‑house teams, who often juggle multiple projects. If your internal SEO lead is knee‑deep in a site‑wide audit, you might wait two weeks to get the urgent landing‑page optimization finished. In a recent survey of CMOs, 64% said slower turnaround times were their main pain point with in‑house teams, compared to only 18% who cited that issue with agencies. When you build an internal team, every marketer lives and breathes your brand story. They attend product demos, sit in on sales calls, and absorb company values at every turn. That deep immersion often translates into messaging that feels more authentic and consistent. Take the example of a direct‑to‑consumer skincare brand: their in‑house content director could consult weekly with R&D chemists, crafting blog posts that spoke to ingredients in a way an external writer never could. That level of detail and nuance drives trust among niche audiences. Digital Marketing agency With an internal team, you skip the middleman. Want an ad edited at midnight? You message your designer directly. Need to pivot from social to email in real time? A quick strands‑up meeting gets everyone aligned immediately. That fluid back‑and‑forth is harder to replicate when you're coordinating across time zones or via formal agency briefs. Direct oversight also means you can cultivate talent and retain institutional knowledge. High‑performing in‑house marketers who grow with your brand can become invaluable, long‑term assets—rather than flight risks hopping between agency clients. If your marketing needs are predictable and continuous—say, daily social media management, weekly blog posts, and monthly webinars—an in‑house team often makes financial sense. You spread fixed salaries across every campaign, and you avoid paying agency markups. One B2B SaaS company estimated that after two years, their in‑house digital marketing department cost them 25% less than the equivalent agency retainer fees. Many brands discover that the smartest path is neither pure agency nor pure in‑house, but a tailored combination: Core Team In-House: Hire essential roles—like a head of marketing and content manager—to anchor strategy and maintain brand voice. Hire essential roles—like a head of marketing and content manager—to anchor strategy and maintain brand voice. Agency or Freelancers as Extensions: Outsource specialized or overflow work—like programmatic ads, advanced analytics, or seasonal campaigns—to keep the internal team focused on big‑picture priorities. This model gives you the best of both worlds: deep brand knowledge internally and on‑demand expertise externally. Consider DeltaWear, a mid‑sized apparel brand. They kept three core roles in‑house (strategy lead, graphic designer, content writer) and worked with an agency for paid media, SEO audits, and influencer outreach. Within a year, they saw: 45% more efficient ad spend 60% faster campaign launches 30% higher content engagement rates This case illustrates how blending resources delivers agility without sacrificing brand consistency. Measure how long it takes from campaign concept to going live. If you need sub‑two‑week turnaround consistently, an agency's playbooks and templates often outperform in‑house ramp‑up time. Compare your CPA with an agency versus your internal cost per conversion (including salaries and overhead). This direct comparison reveals which model delivers customers most efficiently. Use surveys or brand audits to gauge how well each piece of marketing aligns with your core messaging. In‑house might win narrowly here, but agencies with strong onboarding processes can close the gap. Track how many new tactics or channels each model introduces quarterly. Agencies often drive more experimental pilots; in‑house teams excel at optimizing familiar channels. Many brands worry they'll become dependent on one agency. Mitigate this by demanding clear exit clauses, deliverable ownership, and documentation of processes. Insist on regular knowledge transfers so your internal team can absorb new workflows. If your internal team is distributed, you might face some of the same communication hurdles you'd see with agencies. Invest in collaboration tools (like Slack threads dedicated to each campaign) and schedule daily huddles to keep everyone in sync. Not all agencies are equal. Vet partners by asking for case studies, client references, and a small pilot project. Look beyond glossy pitch decks—ask to see real reporting dashboards and live campaign data. Audit Your Needs: Map out which marketing functions you can realistically staff internally versus those you lack expertise in. Pilot with Both: Try a small campaign both in‑house and via an agency to compare results side by side. Build for Flexibility: Whatever mix you choose, set up contracts and workflows that allow you to scale up or down each partner quickly. Invest in Knowledge Transfer: Ensure your agency partner trains and documents processes so your internal team can learn and gradually take on specialized tasks. By carefully weighing expertise, cost, speed, and brand alignment—and by considering a hybrid approach—you'll position your brand to thrive in 2025's dynamic market. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Gulf Weekly
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Revenge and rage
Indian thriller The Red Balloon, which has been shot in the kingdom with an all-Bahrain-based cast and crew, is set to premiere tomorrow, June 20, writes Melissa Nazareth. The Malayalam language short film, with English and Arabic subtitles, will be screened in a private event at EPIX Cinemas, and, thereafter, made available to the public on YouTube. Launched under the Kutti Sarah Entertainment banner, The Red Balloon, is produced by creative entrepreneur Priya Lijin and directed by cinematic talents Lijin Poyil and Vikas Surya; Priya and Lijin own Kutti Sarah Entertainment. The cinematography has been brought alive on screen by Hariz Ekkachu, an accountant and well-known name in the local south-Indian film fraternity. The show stars many artists, including eight-year-old Sarah Lijin, Priya and Lijin's daughter, and grade three student of The Asian School. 'It's taken us two years to film and complete this project but we're happy that it's finally done,' Asha Hariz, who has a cameo in the production, told GulfWeekly. 'Even though all the cast and crew are based in the kingdom, it was difficult to get common dates for the actors, which was a major challenge. 'Plans for a sequel are underway but it will take some time and will be announced at a later date,' she revealed. Speaking about the short film, Asha noted that the audience will not be able to predict who the 'main hero' is until the very end, which brings with it a 'great plot twist'. 'The movie starts off with just one hero and heroine but then more characters are added,' she explained. While The Red Balloon has been filmed across locations, including Salmaniya, Maameer and Malkiya, the film's story is set in the south-Indian state of Kerala. 'We had to use props and be creative about how we filmed to give that effect. 'In fact, once, two of our actors were dressed in police uniforms and standing next to a police vehicle that had 'Kerala police' written on it. A duo in a car spotted them, mistook them for real and sped away in a different direction,' she said, recalling lighter moments during the filming period.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Priya Jain? Meet Eric Dane's rumored GF, also an American film actress of an Indian descent
Know about Priya Jain: In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood relationships, a new name has caught the attention of entertainment watchers—Priya Jain. Rumored to be romantically linked with actor Eric Dane, known for his high-profile past, Priya is now stepping into the limelight, stirring curiosity not just for her connection but also for her rising presence in the film industry. With a background that reflects both cultural richness and cinematic promise, she represents a new wave of talent with global roots. While neither has officially confirmed their status, their public appearances together have sparked widespread speculation and intrigue. As interest continues to grow, audiences are eager to learn more about the woman behind the headlines and her journey into the spotlight Who is Priya Jain? Priya Jain (b. 26 August 1997, Orange County, California) is an American film actress of Indian descent. She has appeared in several productions, notably including key roles in Not Without Hope (2025) and Vital Signs, among others. Additionally, she is featured in the upcoming short film Quiet and is cast in The Canyon and The Possession at Gladstone Manor, which is currently in post-production. On television, she has made guest appearances, and in 2024, she competed in The 1% Club as herself. In her professional circles, Priya is based in Los Angeles, working both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as a producer on select projects. Priya Jain's career Priya started her career as a fashion model, which evolved into an entrepreneurial endeavor when she launched her own apparel brand, Naked Lynx. Numerous fashion magazines and articles have highlighted Naked Lynx, and it has also been spotted on influencers and celebrities. She began her acting career with Judy Kain, Lesly Khan, Killian, and the Upright Citizens Brigade. In 2017, she starred as Mariam in the action/mystery/drama Wildflower, directed by Mike Hermos. She also played a dancer in Dr. Dre's Vital Signs series on Apple TV that same year. In 2019, Priya moved to New York, where she continued to train as an actor and pursued modeling and intense stage combat. She launched her clothes brand, Naked Lynx, in 2020, and it is still produced and marketed in the garment district of New York City. Priya returned to California in 2023 and resumed acting after filming Not Without Hope, Deep Water, and The Canyon. She also played Natalie in the drama short "Running to Stand Still," written, directed, and starring Caylee Cowan. Priya balances her acting career with maintaining a successful clothing company and honing her remarkable mixed martial arts skills. Priya Jain's relationship with Eric Dane Eric Dane and Priya Jain were first linked in November 2024 after being spotted on a dinner date at West Hollywood's Sushi Park. Their connection sparked renewed interest when they were spotted together again in February 2025, romantically strolling in Los Angeles with Dane placing his arm around Jain. Despite these public outings, neither has confirmed any official relationship. Meanwhile, Dane's ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, filed to dismiss their divorce in March 2025, indicating a possible reconciliation. As a result, Dane's romantic life appears complex, with ongoing co-parenting and evolving ties with both women contributing to public curiosity.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Lovelorn man threatens teen with acid attack in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: A 19-year-old radiology student has approached police seeking protection after several weeks of harassment by a man she once befriended on Instagram, who recently threatened to disfigure her with acid. Raju, a resident of west Bengaluru, had initially become acquainted with the student — Priya (name changed) — in 2019, when his family rented a house near hers. After she accepted his friend request on Instagram, the two began chatting and even met in person a few times. However, Priya's family soon learned of their interaction and advised her to sever ties with him and focus on her studies. Respecting their wishes, she stopped all communication with Raju and made it clear that she did not want further contacts with him. Raju's family subsequently moved away from the area, and there was no interaction between them for years. In March this year, Raju allegedly waylaid Priya near a bus stop and handed her a love letter, insisting she accept his proposal. When she refused and shouted at him, Raju reportedly boarded the same bus she was taking, again trying to force her to accept his proposal. He got off only after being reprimanded by fellow passengers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Clean Warehouses = Safe Workplaces SearchMore Learn More Undo Following this, Raju is said to have contacted Priya's friends on Instagram to gather information about her and began frequenting her college area to confront her. Despite her repeated refusals, he allegedly persisted in his demand that she speak to him and accept his proposal. The matter escalated on June 16 when Raju allegedly threatened to throw acid on Priya's face. He also warned her friends against speaking to her. Fearing for her safety, Priya lodged a complaint with Byadarahalli police, requesting action and protection. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 78 (stalking), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace).
The Print
3 days ago
- Health
- The Print
How a weekly gathering at Anganwadi centre in Indore has become a rare outlet for women
'In my house, I never had the space to express what I feel,' said Priya (name changed), a young mother who now makes it a point to attend the centre's weekly Mangal Diwas session. About themselves. About things they rarely say aloud at home. Indore, Jun 17 (PTI) Every Tuesday, women from Ward 67 in Indore's Sethi Nagar step out of their homes and gather at the local anganwadi centre, not just to collect nutrition supplements or weigh their children but to talk. 'I used to be scared to even speak in front of others. I still remember the first time I stood up to talk here last year. My legs were shaking. But now I can speak confidently.' The anganwadi, like thousands across the country, is mandated to serve children under six, pregnant women and lactating mothers. But in this neighbourhood, it has slowly evolved into a safe space for women to voice their concerns, ranging from marital disputes, domestic violence and financial stress to menstruation-related health problems. 'Women here don't just come for take-home rations anymore,' said Renuka Yadav, the anganwadi worker who runs the centre. 'They come to talk. Adolescent girls too, especially when they have gynaecological issues or are uncomfortable speaking to their families about menstruation.' Savitri, another regular, said the informal women's group helped her navigate a difficult patch in her marriage. 'No one tells you that you can seek support. Here, just listening to others made me feel less alone,' she said. Chandana Malvi, another anganwadi worker, said there are some mothers who also bear domestic violence inflicted by their husbands or in-laws. 'We help them direct them to relevant authorities, especially one-stop centres,' she said. The centre has some success stories in offering help to severely malnourished children as well. Like Roshni (name changed), a malnourished toddler, was referred to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre after her mother was advised by the anganwadi worker. 'She couldn't even stand. They guided me through every step. After two weeks at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres, she started walking,' said Kajal. Another woman, Radha, credited the centre with helping her enrol her daughter in the Ladli Laxmi Yojana, a scholarship programme for girls from low-income families. 'She got financial help through classes 6, 9, 11, and 12. Now, she's preparing for NEET,' she said. Poonam, who was pregnant during a financially difficult time, said she used the Rs 6,000 she received under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for nutritious food. 'My weight was low, and I was scared for the baby. The anganwadi madam suggested I register under the scheme, and I gave birth to a healthy baby,' she said On Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur visited the centre and interacted with women, asking them how the anganwadi had supported them. Many of the women spoke about how it had become one of the few places where they could seek help without judgement. According to data from the centre, it serves a population of 1,047, including 11 pregnant women and eight lactating mothers. Nearly 90 children below six are enrolled. The anganwadi also receives support from former beneficiaries who now work part-time. They have donated items such as books, clothes, and fans. Still, the role of the centre as a support space for women remains largely informal and mostly invisible in policy documents. 'For many of us, this is the only time we step out of the house in a week. It may not sound like much, but it gives us strength. It reminds us we're not alone,' she said. PTI UZM AMJ AMJ AMJ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
