The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Digital Marketing Consultant: What You Need to Know

“How can I stand out online?” 

Between managing social media, running email campaigns, and keeping up with SEO algorithms, it’s no wonder so many feel overwhelmed. This is where a digital marketing consultant changes the game.

At Leverage Brands, we’ve seen firsthand how the right strategies can transform businesses. 

From growing email subscribers for authors like New York Times Bestseller Jerry Jenkins to building robust platforms for Grammy-winning songwriters, we understand what it takes to excel online. 

But before you decide to work with a consultant, let’s break down everything you need to know.

This post will walk you through:

  • What a digital marketing consultant does;
  • Why (and when) hiring a digital marketing consultant makes sense;
  • How to find the right digital marketing consultant;
  • How you can work with us; and
  • Some FAQs about digital marketing consultants

What Does a Digital Marketing Consultant Do?

A digital marketing consultant is more than just a strategist; they’re your trusted partner in guiding you through the complex online landscape. 

Here’s how they make an impact:

  • Crafting Custom Strategies: A great consultant doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. They assess your unique business goals and audience, tailoring strategies that work specifically for you.
  • Harnessing Data for Results: Numbers don’t lie. Consultants dig deep into analytics to uncover insights about your audience’s behavior and refine campaigns to drive measurable outcomes.
  • Managing Multi-Channel Campaigns: Whether it’s SEO, PPC, social media, or email marketing, they know how to integrate these platforms to create cohesive campaigns that deliver.
  • Optimizing for Search Engines: A consultant ensures your website and content rank well on Google and other search engines, driving organic traffic that converts.
  • Providing Actionable Insights: By regularly monitoring performance, they not only adjust tactics but also empower you with knowledge to make smarter business decisions.

Hire us to be your digital marketing consultant.

Why Does Hiring a Consultant Makes Sense?

Digital marketing is an ever-moving target. Google updates its algorithms constantly, social media trends shift overnight, and customer expectations evolve rapidly. A consultant keeps you ahead of the curve.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Digital Marketing Consultant:

  1. Expertise That Saves Time and Money:
    Instead of hiring a full in-house team or learning marketing on your own, a consultant brings instant expertise at a fraction of the cost.
  2. Data-Driven Decisions:
    They don’t rely on guesses. Consultants use analytics to ensure every marketing dollar yields the desired ROI.
  3. Scalable Strategies:
    Whether you’re a startup or scaling to seven figures, consultants adapt strategies to meet your growing needs.
  4. An Outside Perspective:
    Sometimes, businesses are too close to their brand to see blind spots. Consultants provide a fresh, unbiased look at your online presence.

How Do You Find the Right Digital Marketing Consultant?

Not all consultants are created equal. To ensure you hire the right person for your needs, here are some things to look for:

1. A Proven Track Record

Ask for case studies, testimonials, or examples of past work. Specifically, look for growth-related metrics. A consultant worth your time and money should be able to easily provide results from their previous work. Be cautious of anyone who can’t or won’t do this.

At Leverage Brands, for instance, we’ve worked with industry leaders to achieve:

  • Over 373,000 email subscribers for author Jerry Jenkins, driving consistent monthly revenue.
  • Transforming Grammy-winner Jordan Reynolds’ expertise into an online business platform with over 10,000 visitors per month.

Look for someone who can show measurable results like these.

2. A Clear Understanding of Your Industry

Different industries require different approaches. If you’re a small business owner, your marketing needs differ from an eCommerce brand. Make sure the consultant has experience in your space. You can find out their experience by asking questions about their past clients, their understanding of your industry, or what their outlook is for the next 12 months as it relates to your target audience. Listen to how they respond to help you determine if they know enough about your space to contribute in a meaningful way.

3. Transparency in Their Process

A great consultant won’t keep you in the dark. They’ll share their strategies, tools, and metrics so you know exactly what’s working. They will initiate conversations, ask questions, and keep agreed upon deadlines. 

Watch out for someone who claims to have all the answers. Even the most successful consultants still have something to learn. Find someone who is willing to tell you when they don’t know something, then figure out together how to proceed. 

4. Strong Communication Skills

The best consultants don’t just execute—they educate. They ensure you understand the “why” behind every tactic so you feel confident in your marketing. A great consultant should be excellent at communicating with you during every step of the process. 

It’s also healthy to set your expectations up front regarding communication. Professionals in this space likely have their own approach but they should be able to adapt to your preferred methods and frequency of communication, or at least willing to work with you to create a communication plan you both agree on for the project.

What Sets Leverage Brands Apart?

At Leverage Brands, we’ve spent years perfecting strategies that work for thought leaders, creatives, and small business owners alike. Our approach focuses on:

  1. Building Scalable Platforms:
    From email lists to engaging websites, we ensure your digital foundation is strong enough to support growth.
  2. Community Engagement:
    Today’s consumers want to feel connected to the brands they support. We create strategies that foster loyalty and trust.
  3. Long-Term Results:
    Quick wins are great, but sustainability is better. Our focus is on creating systems that deliver value month after month.

FAQs About Digital Marketing Consultants

How Much Does a Consultant Cost?

Prices vary depending on the scope of work. However, the ROI from targeted campaigns should exceed the initial investment. This means you need to understand what ROI would look like for you before engaging with a consultant. If you don’t know where to start regarding ROI, ask the consultant you are interviewing to give you an example of what you might expect in terms of ROI if you engage their services. 

Some consultants work on fee-only contracts. Others are willing to accept a fee + percentage of revenue generated from the project. Make sure to discuss budget and fee structure in depth prior to proceeding with any agreement.

How Long Before I See Results?

This depends on your goals. SEO strategies might take months, but PPC campaigns can deliver immediate results. Your expected outcomes should be started clearly before any consulting work begins. Remember though, the consultant will not know your business the way you do from day 1. It will take time but the results can be well worth the investment in the long run.

Can I Just Handle Marketing Myself?

Likely, yes. It is possible to handle marketing by yourself. However, staying updated with best practices and tools can quickly become a full-time job. Consultants free you to focus on running your business. If things are going great in your business right now, you might not need a consultant. If things are not reaching their potential, then partnering with someone who can help in those specific areas of need can do wonders for your business.

Ready to Transform Your Business with Expert Digital Marketing Consulting?

The online landscape is more competitive than ever, and standing out requires more than just a great product or service—it demands a smart, scalable strategy. That’s where we come in.

At Leverage Brands, we specialize in helping businesses like yours:

  • Build stronger online foundations, from websites to social media presence.
  • Craft high-impact strategies tailored to your unique audience.
  • Drive meaningful results through proven marketing techniques.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your success, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

Your success starts with a conversation. Let’s discuss your challenges, your goals, and how we can help you achieve measurable growth.

➡️ Schedule your free consultation now.

Let’s take your digital marketing to the next level—together.