If you’re debating getting a digital marketing consultant versus the services of an in-house digital marketer, we’ve got some thoughts to help you understand why choosing to use the services of a consultant may ultimately be best for your business.
Should my digital marketing be done in-house or by a consultant?
By procuring the services of a consultant, the decision-makers will have access to a trusted advisor who is able to provide unique perspectives, digital marketing strategy & solutions to their business pain and continuously train and educate the internal marketing team through digital marketing training. There are many other advantages and benefits to choosing a consultant that we will touch on now.
When a consultant is better than in-house team
1) Consultants are great for companies that are disappointed by their agency or tried several agencies with no effective results.
2) Consultants are better for companies that have an issue with their in-house marketing capabilities or willing to expand their in-house team.
3) Startups or companies who have limited resources to hire an agency or in-house team and are wondering what will benefit greatly from the services of a consultant.
Advantages of a consultant
- Consultants have the ability and knowledge to lead the marketing efforts with expertise and experience gained from working in the industry.
- Due to the nature of the marketing industry, consultants often have access to technology such as software and apps that the in-house team may not have access to.
- Consultants also add another perspective to the discussion of marketing and will be able to avoid pitfalls and risks associated with creating marketing strategies & solutions.
- Consultants provide companies with the exact services they need, when they need them without adding to the overhead costs that come with a permanent staff member.
How to choose the best digital marketing consultant for your business:
Understand what you need and how much you can pay for it
When looking for the perfect marketing consultant or agency, you need to be able to explain what your business needs in a broad sense so that you can get advice that will be practical for your business, at the rate you can afford.
If you are not familiar with terms in the digital marketing industry, take some time to research common topics and take note of what you feel you need to address. While many marketing consultants will give you honest, sound advice, you need to be able to see through anyone who wants to sell you services and products that you don’t need or can’t afford.
Test transparency and credibility early on
You don’t want to waste your time with consultants or agencies who talk a big game but won’t deliver. You have a right to ask as many questions as you need and to talk to clients who have worked with an agency or consultant. If there is a lack of transparency and credibility, get out quickly.
Match their experience with your industry
Your marketing strategy should be custom-built to address your clients in the best possible manner, and just because an agency or consultant has experience in one field, doesn’t mean they will provide you with good results in your industry. Find someone who has relevant and recent experience in your field so that you know they will perform their best and give you a better return on your investment.
Reputation matters
When you give someone access to your company information and create strategies for your business, you need to trust them. Check their references, read up on their work, talk to them in person, and see who they are. If you connect the wrong person to your brand, you may do extensive damage to your reputation.
Professional digital marketing solutions
Want to learn more about digital marketing in Toronto? Contact our team of digital marketing specialists for more information.