You’ve come to terms that there’s simply not enough time in the day and decided hiring a marketing consultant is the way to go.
You’ve done your research.
You’ve asked for recommendations from your network.
You’ve scheduled the interviews.
Now it’s time to get down to business and make sure you choose the right marketing consultant. To help you get started, we put together this list of questions you should ask each of the consultants during the interview process.
What industry do you focus on?
Understanding the consultant’s area of expertise is important. Having a deep understanding of specific industries can be extremely valuable.
What are the backgrounds of the team who will be on my account?
Solid experience is always telling. Inquire about their hands on experience both as a consultant and any previous employment.
What do you think of our current marketing?
Ideally, the marketing consultant will give you a straight shooter response of their thoughts on what they think is working, and what’s not. It’s a good way for you as the business owner to gauge whether they have a solid understanding of how your business is currently operating.
How will you measure success?
After working together to create SMART goals, a consultant can share specifics about how a project, campaign, and all marketing efforts can be tracked and measured.
What’s the longest time you’ve worked with one client?
The answer to this question will vary depending on whether the consultant focuses more on short term or long term engagements. However, it’s always insightful to ask how long they’ve worked with their clients. This can demonstrate the value that these companies have seen and continue to see in working together.
Who will be the project manager?
Having a clear understanding of who specifically in the consultancy you will be working with is important. If the person you are meeting with is different from the person who will be managing the project day in and day out, you’ll want to know that.
What do you charge?
This is the ever so popular question – as it should be. You want to have a clear understanding of what the consultant charges, and what you will receive in exchange for those fees. Sometimes a consultant will charge hourly, sometimes it’s a retainer fee, and sometimes pricing is on a per project basis. Get the specifics so there aren’t any surprises when hiring a marketing consultant.
As you interview various consultants, it’s important to focus on what really matters to you. Clearly understanding your needs will help you determine which consultant is best suited to help you reach your goals.
If you’re looking for a marketing technology consultant who has been hands on for longer than anyone, we’d love for you to consider us. Have more questions? Send us an email or give us a call at 571-606-3106.
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