Having a strong online presence is crucial for small businesses. However, navigating the world of digital marketing can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially for small business owners who may not have the resources or expertise to manage their own marketing efforts. This is where a digital marketing consultant comes in. By working with a consultant, businesses can improve their online marketing efforts and achieve their goals through digital channels.

But with so many consultants to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your business? In this blog post, I'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a digital marketing consultant. I'll answer common questions such as whether you want a doer or a thinker, whether the consultant needs to be near you, and more. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of how to choose the right consultant to help your business succeed online.

What does a digital marketing consultant do?

A digital marketing consultant is a professional who helps businesses improve their online marketing efforts. They typically have experience and expertise in areas such as search engine optimisation (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and content marketing. Their goal is to help businesses with any online marketing.

Do you want a doer or a thinker?

When it comes to choosing a digital marketing consultant, it's important to consider whether you want someone who is primarily a doer or a thinker. A doer is someone who is hands-on and can execute digital marketing tactics such as running social media campaigns, creating email marketing campaigns, and optimizing websites for search engines. A thinker, on the other hand, is someone who can develop strategic plans, conduct research, and provide guidance on overall marketing direction.

The right choice for your business will depend on your specific needs. If you have the capacity internally to implement tactics, you may benefit more from a thinker who can provide strategic guidance. If you don't have the resources to execute tactics, a doer may be a better fit for your business. Some thinkers will offer specialist networks of freelancers or agencies who can assist you to implement the tactics. This is often the best model as it allows the strategy, reporting and implementation to operate independently, allowing for each element to be brutally honest and specialised.

Does the digital marketing consultant need to be near me?

With the rise of remote work, location is becoming less important when it comes to choosing a digital marketing consultant. Many digital marketing consultants work remotely and can provide services to clients anywhere in the world. As they live, work and breathe digital - they are typically able to provide services remotely.

However, if you prefer to work with someone in-person or if you want to ensure that the consultant is familiar with your local market, you may want to consider someone who is located near you. Certain niches will benefit from having local knowledge.

What do they specialise in?

Some consultants are generalists and work with a range of industries. Others are specialists and work with only one industry. If your industry have industry-specific specialists then you may want to consider working with them, as they will have a closer finger on the pulse of what does and does not work in your space.

When choosing a digital marketing consultant, it's important to consider factors such as experience, expertise, and communication skills in addition to whether you want a doer or a thinker and whether location is important to you. Be sure to have a clear understanding of their approach to marketing before making a decision. With the right consultant, you can improve your online presence, attract more leads, and grow your business through digital channels.

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