What Does a Marketing Consultant Actually Do?
When people ask what I do for a living and I reply, "I'm a marketing consultant," I often get one of two responses.
"Oh, so you do social media?"
Or...
"So, you're in advertising?"
The answer is... yes, sometimes. But there's so much more to it than that.
A marketing consultant isn't there just to create social media posts or write the odd blog. They're there to help your business attract more customers, generate more enquiries and ultimately grow.
Every Business Is Different
One of the things I love most about my job is that no two clients are the same.
One day I might be reviewing a website's SEO.
The next I'm training an in-house marketing team.
Then I'm planning a Google Ads campaign, writing website copy, developing a marketing strategy or mentoring a business owner.
Marketing isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is my approach.
What Can a Marketing Consultant Help With?
An experienced marketing consultant can support your business with:
Marketing strategy and planning
Website reviews and SEO
Google Ads
Content writing and blogging
Email marketing
Social media strategy
PR and award submissions
Marketing training and mentoring
Analytics and reporting
Brand positioning
Sometimes clients need help with one project.
Others prefer ongoing support, effectively giving them a part-time Marketing Manager without the cost of employing someone full time.
Fresh Eyes Make a Huge Difference
One of the biggest benefits of working with a marketing consultant is perspective.
When you're running your own business, you're incredibly close to it.
You know everything about your products and services.
Your customers don't.
Sometimes all it takes is someone asking a few simple questions to uncover opportunities that have been there all along.
It's Not About Doing More Marketing
One of the biggest misconceptions is that businesses need to do more.
Often they don't.
They simply need to do the right things, consistently.
I'd much rather help a client do five things really well than twenty things badly.
Final Thoughts
Good marketing isn't about being everywhere.
It's about being in the right places, talking to the right people, with the right message.
That's what a marketing consultant should help you achieve.
FAQs
Do I need a marketing consultant?
If you're struggling to find time for marketing, aren't seeing results or want an experienced, independent opinion, a marketing consultant can help.
Can a marketing consultant replace an in-house marketing team?
For many SMEs, yes. A consultant provides senior expertise without the cost of a full-time employee.
