Now that you've decided that you should get a marketing consultation, it's time to get started on finding the right one for you. A marketing consultation is no small feat and you'll what to do everything possible to get a consultant who's the right fit for the project. Here are the steps you can take to find the consultant who will get the job done and fit in well with your team.
How to Find the Right Marketing Consultant
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Step 1: Identify your objectives and expectations for the project
First and foremost, you'll need to consider what exactly you want to get out of the consultation. Are there channels that are underperforming? What shortcomings were present in your last campaign? Were there any surprises with your recent marketing efforts, like a social post getting a ton of engagement or views, or a specific web page getting a lot of traffic? What results are you hoping to achieve with your marketing?
All these considerations that you may not be able to fully explain can help give your eventual consultant a starting point. You'll also need to consider how your desired marketing outcomes fit into your long-term strategic goals for your business.
Step 2: Determine the project’s budget
Based on what you want to achieve with the consultation and the estimated scope of work, it's time to set a budget. You'll need to consider what you have available within your marketing budget or what other funds you may be able to draw in to support the project and pay for the consultant's time.
Step 3: Pinpoint the expertise required for a successful project
Considering what you want the project to accomplish and the budget you have available, you'll then want to make a list of the skills you need your consultant to possess. For instance, if you need your inbound marketing evaluated, you'll want someone with expertise in areas such as social media marketing and content marketing.
For an assessment of how your business is competing in the market, you'll want a consultant with performance marketing expertise. From traditional marketing to digital to fusion marketing, there are marketing experts in everything, and you'll want to attract one who has the specific skills to address your areas of concern.
Step 4: Write an accurate job posting or request for proposals
The skills you need and the rate you can pay are some of the things you'll need to include in your job posting or request for proposals. Be clear about the scope of work you anticipate and what you hope to achieve from the consultation.
If you plan to share your need for a consultant on a platform like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Ziprecruiter, you'll need to format it as a job listing. The posting should begin with a description of the project and what you need help to do. Be sure to include a section outlining the skills you need your consultant to possess.
Step 5: Evaluate work samples or proposals from prospective consultants
One of the best ways to narrow down your pool of prospective consultants is to first review their credentials and evaluate their work samples. This will show the areas where they've done their best work and something you could anticipate receiving when they've completed their review of your business.
Step 6: Sit down with the most promising consultants to talk about the project
From there, meet with the most promising consultants to discuss the project, your goals and expectations, and how they could meet your needs.
Step 7: Reflect on the process and who stands out the most to you
Based on your conversations with all your potential consultants, it's time to think long and hard about who has the best skills to help your business and the right attitude to take on your project.
When you've made your decision, notify the successful candidate and send them a contract and other documents to get started. It's also good practice to send short emails to the other candidates you spoke to and inform them you went in another direction. After all, you may need their help for a different project in the future and want to maintain a positive relationship with them.
Conclusion
Depending on the size of your business, finding the right marketing consultant for your business may be a long process, so it's best to start as early as you are able. Following these steps will help you navigate through the many marketing consultants out there and ensure you're guided with your business objectives in mind.
If you're still not totally sure if you need a consultant, it's a good idea to book a time to speak to one because they can help you determine if you do in fact need one and what the consultant could help you achieve in your marketing.
