Many marketers believe that being a full-time employee is the only way to succeed in the workplace. They don’t know that you can become a self-employed consultant in marketing.
There are many digital career options and a growing need for qualified professionals. The demand for independent consultants is growing partly because companies are less inclined to invest in large advertising or marketing firms than one expert who can train their internal staff.
The management consulting industry is valued at $250 billion, with hotspots in the U.K. and U.S. Additionally, the 2022 job growth rate for analysts and management consulting is 14% which is higher than other positions.
Self-employment is not for everyone. There are pros and cons to every job. Find out how to become a marketing consultant and determine if this is the right job for you.
What does a marketing consultant do?
Although the job description of a marketing consultant is different for each company and project, it involves advising companies about how to reach, engage, and convert customers.
A range of services can be offered by marketing consultants, including:
Evaluation of current marketing efforts and suggestions for improvement
Assisting you in the design, planning, and implementation of digital marketing campaigns across all channels
Mentoring other marketers in best practices and technology
Provide solutions to workflows and new methods of reaching and converting customers
Analytic tools are used to track the success of marketing strategies
A digital marketing consultant can offer objective advice and provide solutions to help a brand achieve its marketing goals. This role requires a deep understanding of digital marketing. It should also advise on key areas like paid media, SEO and optimization.
According to research from Credo, the average digital marketing consultant makes $147.67 an hour. The rate increases depending on the years of experience in this industry.
What qualifications does a marketing consultant need?
To become a successful marketing consultant, there are certain steps you need to follow. These steps include showing your skills through a recognized sector certification, getting relevant work experience, and building a professional and client base.
Here’s a list of skills and qualifications you will need to help you get started.
A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business (or an MBA with a marketing focus if you are able)
Your marketing success and history are displayed in a great portfolio.
Many years of experience as a full-time marketer, with expertise in digital technologies and tactics.
Expertise in one niche or extensive experience in many industries
Communication and copywriting skills are essential.
A wide range of marketing expertise is available (social media, content SEO, lead generation and PPC).
Marketo, HubSpot and Eloqua are some of the leading software options for marketing automation.
Confidence in your abilities and the ability to defend your work
Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce skills are essential.
Understanding strategy and tactic. A strategy is a plan that has a goal. A tactic is an action that implements the strategy.
Key Soft Skills like persuasion and adaptability, creativity, etc.
Leadership skills and professionalism are essential to a motivated attitude.
Capacity to listen and empathize
You’re on the right track to becoming a marketing consultant if you possess all these skills or plan to develop them.
Establish Your Reputation
You now have the skills you need to make your career a success. Here are some steps you can take.
Building your reputation
If you don’t trust others, you won’t be able to attract the clients you desire. A great LinkedIn profile with client recommendations and testimonials can be a powerful tool for building trust. A client must have three things to trust: confidence in your ability to deliver, the belief that they are worth their money, and the assurance that you will respond promptly if they reach you.
Develop a deep understanding of the marketing influence on brands
As they seek to grow their customer base and maximize their profits, many companies strive to create a trusted brand that customers can trust. Sometimes, marketing consultants mistake focusing on revenue only and neglect brand perception. A half-price deal might temporarily increase sales and improve a client’s profit margin. But, if the client has spent many years creating a luxury image, it can hurt the brand and cause long-term damage.
Become Indispensable
Finding work is difficult when you’re starting as a consultant. It will take a lot to build your brand and earn referrals. Keep at it, and you’ll soon see referrals and repeat clients. Repeat clients are a sign that you are reliable and have succeeded. You can become a valuable asset to your client’s business and industry by learning everything. Expertise is a skill that takes time. Once you have it, it is irreplaceable.
You can audit your skills to find out what topics you are interested in, what you know and what you can do to improve, especially in digital conversion across industries. Use that knowledge to find clients in the areas you feel are most suitable for your skillset.