35 Business Services You Could Outsource


In today’s fast-paced business environment, leveraging outsourced business services can help organizations streamline operations, cut costs, and improve efficiency. Whether it’s marketing services, HR, or IT, outsourcing might be your business’s solution to stay competitive.

What are Business Services?

Business services refer to activities supporting other businesses but not producing a tangible commodity. These services encompass various industries, such as information technology, marketing, logistics, and human resources. In essence, they’re the activities that support businesses in their primary operations, helping them function smoothly and efficiently.

business services

Types of Business Service

Businesses can leverage several categories of business services to optimize their operations.

Health and Wellness Services

In addition to corporate wellness programs, health consultations, and mental health resources, health and wellness services include on-site fitness classes, nutrition counseling, stress management workshops, and preventive health screenings. Outsourcing these services allows businesses to provide comprehensive wellness initiatives to their employees, promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.

By partnering with external wellness providers, businesses can access specialized expertise and resources to design and implement tailored programs that address the unique needs of their employees. This proactive approach to employee health improves overall well-being, reduces absenteeism, enhances employee engagement, and fosters a positive work environment.

Logistics Services

Logistics services cover a broad range of activities, including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and supply chain optimization. By outsourcing these services to specialized logistics providers, businesses can benefit from their expertise in streamlining operations, optimizing transportation routes, implementing efficient inventory management systems, and ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.

Outsourcing logistics functions allows businesses to focus on their core offerings and strategic objectives while leveraging the capabilities and resources of logistics experts. This results in improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced customer satisfaction through faster delivery times, and the ability to adapt to changing market demands..

Personal Services

Personal services encompass a wide range of tasks and functions that support businesses in providing exceptional customer experiences and maintaining high customer satisfaction. These services can include customer service operations, personal assistant services, appointment scheduling, concierge services, and virtual receptionist services.

Outsourcing these tasks to professional service providers ensures that businesses can deliver personalized and efficient customer service without overwhelming their internal resources. By relying on external experts, businesses can provide round-the-clock customer support, handle inquiries and requests promptly, and maintain a positive brand image. Outsourcing personal services allows businesses to optimize their operations, improve customer satisfaction, and free up their staff to focus on core business activities that directly contribute to their growth and success.

Information Technology Services

Outsourcing IT services like software development, network management, cybersecurity, and data analysis provides businesses with specialized expertise and advanced technology. It offers cost-effective solutions by eliminating the need for in-house departments and reduces expenses. Outsourcing also allows scalability and flexibility to adapt services as needed. It enhances data security, ensures compliance, and grants access to the latest tools and techniques. By leveraging external service providers, businesses can focus on core competencies while benefiting from the expertise and innovation offered by outsourced IT services.

Financial Services

Outsourcing functions like bookkeeping, tax preparation, auditing, and financial consulting has become a common practice for businesses aiming to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. By partnering with specialized professionals, companies can leverage their expertise and industry-specific knowledge. Moreover, outsourcing offers cost-effective solutions by eliminating the need for in-house departments and reducing overhead costs. It also provides scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adjust services based on their current needs. Outsourcing contributes to enhanced data security and compliance, as service providers adhere to strict regulatory standards. Additionally, it grants access to advanced technologies and analytical tools, empowering organizations with accurate financial information and valuable insights. Overall, outsourcing financial functions enables businesses to focus on core competencies while ensuring efficient and compliant financial operations.

Legal Services

Legal services can range from contract review and compliance consulting to full representation. Outsourcing these services can help businesses navigate complex legal environments.

Marketing and Advertising Services

Marketing and advertising services cover a broad range of activities, from digital marketing and SEO to public relations and brand consulting. Outsourcing these services can help businesses reach their target audiences effectively.

Service CategoryDescription
Health and Wellness- Corporate wellness programs \ Health consultations and mental health resources \ On-site fitness classes \ Nutrition counseling \ Stress management workshops \ Preventive health screenings
Logistics- Transportation \ Warehousing \ Inventory management \ Order fulfillment \ Supply chain optimization
Personal Services- Customer service operations \ Personal assistant services \ Appointment scheduling \ Concierge services \ Virtual receptionist services
Information Technology- Software development \ Network management \ Cybersecurity \ Data analysis
Financial Services- Bookkeeping \ Tax preparation \ Auditing \ Financial consulting
Legal Services- Contract review \ Compliance consulting \ Legal representation
Marketing and Advertising Services- Digital marketing \ SEO \ Public relations \ Brand consulting

Deciding What to Outsource

For small business owners, deciding what to outsource can be a daunting task. It’s essential to assess your business needs, identify the areas where you need expertise, and weigh the cost and potential benefits of outsourcing.

Top Business Services that Can be Outsourced

Outsourcing is not just about cost savings; it’s about freeing up your time and resources so you can focus on what you do best. Here are some services you can consider outsourcing:

1. Marketing Services

Outsourcing marketing services can give you access to a team of experts with diverse skills and experience. From social media management to content creation and SEO, these professionals can help your business increase its online visibility, generate leads, and drive sales.

2. Event Planning Services

Organizing a successful event requires a considerable amount of planning and coordination. By outsourcing event planning services, you can ensure your events are professionally managed, freeing up your team to focus on other important tasks.

3. Payroll Services

Payroll is a critical task for any business, but it can be time-consuming and complex, particularly for small businesses that lack the necessary resources. Outsourcing your payroll services to experts can help ensure accuracy and compliance with tax regulations.

4. Call Centre Services

Handling customer calls efficiently and professionally is key to maintaining high customer satisfaction. Outsourcing call center services can provide you with skilled customer service representatives who can manage customer interactions effectively, thus enhancing your customer relationships.

5. Recruitment Services

Hiring the right talent is crucial for your business’s success. Recruitment services can help you streamline your hiring process, reach a larger pool of potential candidates, and find the right fit for your company.

6. Mobile App Development Services

Building a mobile app requires a specific set of technical skills. By outsourcing mobile app development services, you can take advantage of experienced professionals developing user-friendly and functional apps.

7. HR Services

Human resources involve a wide range of tasks, from managing employee benefits to handling employment law issues. Outsourcing HR services can help you manage these tasks more efficiently, allowing you to focus on your core business functions.

8. Commercial Cleaning Services

Maintaining a clean and healthy work environment is essential but can be time-consuming. Outsourcing commercial cleaning services can help ensure your workspace is consistently clean and hygienic, contributing to employee health and productivity.

9. Corporate Training Services

Corporate training is important for upskilling employees and improving their performance. By outsourcing your training needs, you can provide high-quality, specialized training to your staff without the need to develop the content and materials internally.

10. Small Business Legal Services

Navigating the legal landscape can be complex for small businesses. Outsourcing your legal services to a team of experts can help you ensure compliance with laws and regulations, handle legal disputes, and protect your business interests.

11. Business Security Services

Security is a crucial concern for businesses. Outsourcing security services can provide your business with professional protection and security systems. It also ensures you are prepared for any potential threats or emergencies.

12. Business Travel Services

Managing business travel can be complex and time-consuming. Outsourcing travel services allows you to streamline the process, ensuring bookings are managed efficiently and travel policies are adhered to.

13. Graphic Design Services

Quality graphic design enhances your brand’s image and helps communicate effectively with your audience. Outsourcing graphic design services ensures that professional and creative solutions meet your branding and design needs.

14. Corporate Child Care Services

Providing childcare services for employees can boost morale and productivity. By outsourcing these services, you can offer a valuable employee benefit without managing the intricacies of childcare provision in-house.

15. Print Services

Print services are a fundamental need for many businesses, from business cards to promotional materials. Outsourcing print services ensures quality results and can often be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house print shop.

16. Technical Support Services

Reliable technical support is essential to ensure your business operations run smoothly. Outsourcing these services to professionals can guarantee your IT systems are in capable hands, leading to reduced downtime and improved productivity.

17. Translation Services

In today’s global marketplace, the need for translation services is increasing. Outsourcing these services can help your business communicate effectively in different languages, enabling you to reach a broader audience.

18. Video Production Services

Creating engaging video content can significantly enhance your marketing efforts. Outsourcing video production services gives you access to skilled professionals who can produce high-quality, captivating videos for your business.

19. Photography Services

Quality photography can make your marketing materials more appealing. Outsourcing photography services ensures you have high-quality images to represent your brand effectively.

20. Market Research Services

Understanding your market is crucial for your business strategy. Outsourcing market research services lets you gather valuable insights about your target audience, competitors, and industry trends.

21. SEO Services

Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role in digital marketing strategy. Outsourcing SEO services to specialists can improve your website’s search engine ranking and increase online visibility.

22. Cleaning Services

Maintaining a clean and healthy work environment is critical for productivity. Outsourcing cleaning services can ensure your business premises are kept clean and tidy, providing a more pleasant environment for employees and visitors.

23. Pest Extermination Services Companies

Pests can be a real nuisance for businesses. Outsourcing pest extermination services can keep your premises pest-free, reducing health risks and potential damage to your property.

24. Waste Management Services

Proper waste management is environmentally friendly and a legal requirement in many areas. Outsourcing waste management services ensures your business complies with regulations and contributes to environmental sustainability.

25. Printing Services

Printing services are a key business requirement from marketing collateral to office stationery. Outsourcing these services ensures high-quality print products and can be more cost-effective than managing printing in-house.

26. Real Estate Services

Whether it’s finding the perfect office space or managing commercial properties, real estate services can be a complex task. By outsourcing real estate services, you can have access to professionals who are well-versed in real estate laws, negotiations, and transactions.

27. Security Services

Keeping your business assets and premises secure is crucial. Outsourcing security services to professionals can provide you with peace of mind and protect your business from potential threats and security breaches.

28. Digital Marketing Services

Outsourcing digital marketing services allows businesses to leverage the expertise of professionals in areas such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media management, and email marketing. These services can help enhance your online presence, drive targeted traffic to your website, and generate leads.

29. IT Infrastructure Services

Managing and maintaining IT infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. By outsourcing IT infrastructure services, businesses can benefit from expert support in areas such as network management, server maintenance, data backup, and cybersecurity. This ensures that your IT systems are secure, reliable, and optimized for performance.

30. Content Writing and Copywriting Services

High-quality content is crucial for effective marketing and communication. Outsourcing content writing and copywriting services allows businesses to access professional writers who can create engaging website content, blog posts, articles, and marketing materials. This helps establish thought leadership, engage your audience, and drive conversions.

31. Social Media Management Services

Social media has become a powerful marketing tool. Outsourcing social media management services enables businesses to have a consistent and effective social media presence. Professionals can create and curate content, engage with followers, and implement social media strategies to increase brand awareness and foster customer loyalty.

32. Data Entry and Administrative Services

Data entry and administrative tasks can be time-consuming and repetitive. Outsourcing these services allows businesses to delegate tasks such as data entry, document processing, appointment scheduling, and virtual assistance. This frees up valuable time for core business activities and improves overall productivity.

33. Financial Services

Outsourcing financial services such as bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation can help businesses ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial transparency. Professionals can handle tasks such as financial record keeping, invoicing, financial analysis, and tax reporting, allowing businesses to focus on strategic financial planning.

34. Customer Support Services

Providing excellent customer support is crucial for customer satisfaction and retention. Outsourcing customer support services allows businesses to access a dedicated team of professionals who can handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide support through various phone, email, or live chat channels. This ensures prompt and efficient customer service without straining internal resources.

35. Data Analytics Services

Data analytics plays a vital role in making informed business decisions. Outsourcing data analytics services enables businesses to leverage the expertise of data analysts who can collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that drive strategic decision-making and improve business performance.

The Bottom Line

Outsourcing business services can help improve operational efficiency and productivity, freeing up your time to focus on your core business. While it’s crucial to consider the costs and implications of outsourcing, the benefits often outweigh these, making it a viable strategy for many businesses.

Business Services FAQs

Is Outsourcing Marketing Services a Good Idea?

Outsourcing marketing services can indeed be a wise decision for businesses. It offers several advantages that can contribute to the success of marketing initiatives. By outsourcing, businesses can tap into the specialized skills and expertise of marketing professionals who stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices.

These experts deeply understand various marketing channels, from digital marketing to social media, content creation, and search engine optimization (SEO). Outsourcing marketing services also provides access to advanced marketing tools and technologies, which may be costly to acquire in-house. Additionally, outsourcing can often be more cost-effective compared to hiring and maintaining an in-house marketing team, as it eliminates the need for salaries, benefits, training, and infrastructure expenses.

What are Examples of Business Services?

Examples of business services are vast and encompass a wide range of tasks and functions that support the operation of a business. Some common examples include marketing services, such as digital marketing, advertising, and branding; HR services, such as recruitment, employee training, and payroll management; IT support services, such as network management, software development, and technical helpdesk support; legal services, including contract review, intellectual property protection, and compliance; cleaning services for maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace; and many more. The specific business services required by a company depend on its industry, size, and specific needs.

What is the Role of Business Service?

The role of business services is to provide essential support to businesses, enabling them to operate efficiently, meet customer demands, and achieve their goals. These services can fulfill a wide range of functions, including customer relationship management, financial management, operations support, technology management, legal compliance, and administrative tasks.

The primary purpose of business services is to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve overall business performance. By outsourcing certain business services, companies can access external expertise, reduce operational costs, focus on core competencies, and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Can a Small Business Outsource Services?

Absolutely, small businesses can greatly benefit from outsourcing services. In fact, outsourcing can be particularly advantageous for small businesses with limited resources, as it allows them to access specialized services and expertise without the need to hire full-time staff or invest in expensive infrastructure. Small businesses can outsource various functions, including marketing, accounting, IT support, customer service, administrative tasks, and more.

Outsourcing provides flexibility and scalability, enabling small businesses to adapt to changing demands and allocate their resources strategically. It also allows small business owners to focus on core business activities and strategic decision-making, while leaving specialized tasks in the hands of external professionals. By outsourcing services, small businesses can effectively manage costs, increase efficiency, and gain access to top-notch skills and technologies that might otherwise be out of reach.

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Samson Haileyesus Samson Haileyesus is a staff writer for Small Business Trends and has been a member of the team for 5 years. He has several years of progressive experience in media, communication and PR working with government, NGOs and private sector.