# ROI on creative production – hours, complexity, and outcomes without smoke and mirrors

> Budget pressure requires predictability. Here is a method for setting output-based budgets with complexity levels and measurable effects. You will see how different setups (in-house, agency, subscription) differ – and ge

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Publicerad: 2025-09-08T07:54:03

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Budget pressure requires predictability. Here is a method for setting output-based budgets with complexity levels and measurable effects. You will see how different setups (in-house, agency, subscription) differ – and get a calculation template to use immediately.</h3>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Content</strong></p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>In-house = security but expensive and narrow.</li>

<li>Agency = quality but unpredictable hours.</li>

<li>Subscription = predictability and scalability.</li>

<li>Calculation template helps you calculate scenario by scenario.</li>

<li>Hasty shows how credit → deliverable makes ROI clear.</li>
</ul>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Why the budget must reflect the outcome</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Most marketing managers get stuck on hours. How many hours do we get? What do they cost? But it’s not hours you present to the CFO – it’s <strong>outcomes</strong>. That’s why you need to calculate ROI on creative production in terms of deliverables, complexity, and actual impact.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Three models – pros and cons</strong></p>

<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Model</strong></td><td><strong>Advantage</strong></td><td><strong>Disadvantage</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>In-house</strong></td><td>Always available, close to the brand</td><td>High fixed cost, difficult to scale, narrow expertise</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Agency</strong></td><td>High creative bar, large network</td><td>Unclear hours, long processes, often over budget</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Subscription</strong></td><td>Predictable, scalable, flexible</td><td>Requires getting used to credit systems</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is within the subscription model that you can create true predictability and link every effort to business value.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Output-based budget</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here is how you make it clear for both marketing and the CFO:</p>

<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>List which deliverables are needed for the coming quarter (e.g., campaign site, 10 social posts, one video).</li>

<li>Set complexity level (low, medium, high).
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Low = 1 hour = 1 credit</li>

<li>Medium = 1 hour = 1.25 credits</li>

<li>High = 1 hour = 1.5 credits</li>
</ul>
</li>

<li>Multiply number of deliverables × complexity.</li>

<li>Compare with your budget – adjust volume or ambition level.</li>
</ol>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Example: scenario calculation</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>In-house</em></strong><strong></strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">1 designer × 12 months = ~600,000 SEK.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Deliverables: approx. 150 posts, 20 presentations.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Agency</em></strong><strong></strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Campaign + brand package = 500,000 SEK.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Deliverables: 1–2 major projects.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Subscription (40 credits/month)</em></strong><strong></strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">30,800 SEK/month.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Deliverables per quarter: 120 credits = approx. 20–30 posts, 5 presentations, 1 simple video, 1 landing page.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">👉 The difference? The subscription provides more deliverables, with a clear cost per output.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Calculation template</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have created a template where you fill in:</p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Number of deliverables per quarter</li>

<li>Complexity (low/medium/high)</li>

<li>Impact goals (reach, leads, NPS)</li>
</ul>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The template summarizes what each model actually costs and what you get in return. Perfect for budget meetings. You can also calculate the cost via our calculator, which you can find under prices in the menu.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Subtle link: credit → deliverable</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With Hasty’s model, it becomes crystal clear: <strong>1 credit = 1 hour.</strong></p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Low complexity = 1 credit</li>

<li>Medium = 1.25</li>

<li>High = 1.5</li>
</ul>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Consequently, you can see exactly how many posts, videos, or campaigns your budget covers. No smoke, no mirrors – just output you can show the CFO.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Common mistakes to avoid</strong></p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Budgeting in hours instead of deliverables.</li>

<li>Underestimating complexity – a "quick video" rarely takes 2h.</li>

<li>Lacking a calculation template in dialogue with the CFO.</li>

<li>Comparing apples to oranges (in-house cost vs. agency project vs. subscription).</li>
</ul>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Mini case study</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A SaaS company switched from an agency to a subscription. Same budget – but twice as many deliverables per quarter. Additionally, time-to-market decreased from 6 weeks to 48h for individual tasks. The CFO's comment: "Finally, we can account for the marketing budget in currency per deliverable."</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Summary and takeaways</strong></p>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Calculate output, not hours.</li>

<li>In-house = expensive but secure, agency = quality but unpredictable, subscription = predictable and scalable.</li>

<li>Use complexity (1 / 1.25 / 1.5) for fair calculations.</li>

<li>Use a calculation template to show ROI in black and white.</li>

<li>Credit → deliverable allows you to show the CFO exactly what every krona buys.</li>
</ul>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>FAQ</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>How do I know the complexity of a task?</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We use a simple table: low (social media posts), medium (motion design), high (web development).</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Can I combine models?</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yes, many have a small in-house function, complement it with a subscription, and bring in an agency for unique needs.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Is a subscription always cheaper?</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not always cheaper per hour – but clearer and more predictable per deliverable.</p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Summary and conclusion</strong></p>

<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When budgets are tight, it’s not hours you should buy – it’s results. With a simple model for complexity and output, you can calculate ROI and choose the setup that best matches your goals. And with a credit → deliverable logic, every invested krona becomes clear. This provides security for you – and clarity for your CFO.</p>

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