Marketing Consultants are often overlooked by small business owners in the early stages of business due to the need for tight budgeting, but they can save you both time and money, as well as a lot of frustration. A large part of your business plan will revolve around creating a marketing plan for your product or service, and a marketing consultant can either help guide you or complete the marketing plan in consultation with you. If budgets are tight and you feel that support and guidance are all you need, then consider Small Business Mentoring as an alternative option.

WHAT DOES A MARKETING CONSULTANT DO FOR SMALL BUSINESSES?

This can vary depending on the consultant. However, they should have experience across both traditional and digital marketing channels to ensure that they can build a brand and help deliver an integrated marketing solution. Here are some of the areas in which a marketing consultant will help you.
- Research
- Analysis
- Strategic planning
- Branding/creative direction

Might also offer:
- Marketing management
- Project management

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT MARKETING CONSULTANT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

The first step in finding the right marketing consultant for you is to talk to other small businesses within your networks. If you have no success here, Googling ‘marketing consultants near me’ will bring up a list of people who operate in your area. Check their reviews on their Google business listings and browse their websites – from the information, look, and feel of their websites and their professional online presence, you can often sense whether they’re going to be a good fit for your business.  

Finding the right marketing consultant can be challenging, but this is worth establishing early on so that they can help you develop and grow your business in the early stages, gaining expert advice is essential for its stability and growth. Your relationship will continue for years to come as your business flourishes, and they will be a valuable resource of both information and support far into the future.

6 Tips for Finding the Right Marketing Consultant.

1. Is their website a good design, easy to navigate and informative?

2. Have they got over 10 years of experience in Australian Media/Marketing?

3. Do they have Experience across Traditional & Digital Marketing?

4. Can they provide the Support and Resources you are looking for?

5. Are they a member of the Australian Marketing Institute?

6. Do they have Public Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance?

GETTING STARTED WITH A MARKETING CONSULTANT 

Once you’ve established that someone is a potential fit for your business, give them a call! My advice is to speak to a couple of marketing consultants before deciding who will be the best person to understand your business, and who will be able to give you both value and the best ongoing professional partnership. 

Ask your marketing consultant if they have packages. See Flo Digital Marketing Consultation packages, these would be ideal for those that want to ensure that their business has professional research carried out before they get started or for established small businesses that need help with marketing strategy. If our packages are not what you’re searching for, we’re also happy to tailor proposals specific to your needs. Learn more about our Marketing Consulting services below.