[CHECKLIST] How to choose the right small business marketing consultant
Creating the perfect marketing plan for your business can be overwhelming. But choosing the right small business marketing consultant can be just as tough.
We’ve created a handy checklist of critical things to consider when making that important decision for your business.
#1 - Level of personal attention
It’s a matter of personal preference. Some small business owners prefer to work with an agency that has a large roster of clients, while others would rather partner with a smaller firm. The trade-off between the two is the level of personalized service. At a larger firm, your consultant may be working with 20+ clients at the same time. He or she may not be able to provide you with the same responsiveness and attention.
#2 - Which services do you need?
If you know that you would like to work with a consultant to help with Facebook advertising, for example, you should look for a consultant that specializes in social media marketing. However, if you are looking for assistance in building out a complete marketing strategy, you’ll want to make sure your consultant has a broader range of experience. Make sure that your consultant’s background and experience matches your needs at the time.
Not sure yet what your specific needs are, and where you should start? Check out 3 Marketing Tools All Small Businesses Should Have
#3 - Does the consultant have a “digital marketing system” or a tailored approach?
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing. Every small business has different needs, so any marketing plan must be tailored based on the goals you’re trying to achieve. When you’re speaking with consultants, make sure they’re asking questions about your business objectives and not explaining a system they’ve always used in the past.
Want to learn more about digital marketing? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Marketing Strategies & How to Improve Your Digital Presence from HubSpot.
#4 - What is your desired relationship?
Is there a specific project that you’d like to hire a consultant to complete (i.e. building out your social media accounts)? Or are you looking for regular on-going assistance in planning and executing on your strategies (i.e. managing your email marketing platform and customer outreach)? If you’re hiring a small business marketing consultant for ongoing strategic guidance, ensure that they share your vision. You’ll want someone who has a plan to set your business up for long-term success rather than short term wins.
Making your Decision
At the end of the day, this important decision all comes down to finding the right fit for you and your business. Take your time and speak with at least a few different consultants. You should make sure they understand your business, market, and goals. Once they’ve demonstrated that to you, see which one you connect with the best. Good luck!
