When should I hire a content marketing consultant?
Published January 16, 2025
I know, I know–I’m a little biased to be writing this article, right? But don’t worry. As a content marketing consultant myself, it’s in my best interest to get hired at the right time, for the right reasons. Not all businesses need consistent content marketing support, so it’s all about identifying when it’s the best solution and the best fit.
In general, you should look into hiring a content marketing consultant when you’re ready for deeper strategy, consistent content creation, fully-managed planning and reporting, and better organic results.
That said, hiring can have specific nuances, whether you’re a business owner or a marketing leader in an organization. Let’s dive in!
Jump to:
When to hire as a business owner
If you run and manage your own business, the biggest sign that you need content marketing support is that you aren’t doing it at all. This is the most common thing I see. Maybe you do have a website, and you’ve published some blog posts here and there, but you don’t have a strategy or the time for consistent content creation. That’s where I can come in to audit your business, develop a strategy that considers your market and niche, and structure your ongoing content calendar.
Here are some more signs to look out for:
You have no idea where to start when it comes to organic marketing
You feel like your website can be doing more
You want to invest in developing more evergreen, consistent sales
When to hire as a marketing leader
Whether you’re at an agency or a company in a marketing leadership role, you might know what it’s like to juggle lean budgets and small teams. When you don’t have a ton of support, that’s when a content marketing consultant can come in to fill the gaps. Here’s when it’s a right time to outsource:
You have more junior staff full-time and need to outsource strategy and management
You just need support in filling in some content creation gaps
You need a better system for tracking and reporting
You need help managing your process
Content marketing consultants vs. content marketing agencies
What about hiring a content marketing agency? In comparison to consultants, agencies are usually a little pricier and don’t offer as personalized support. However, agencies are more likely to offer a wide range of content marketing services, so they may be the best option if you’re looking for immediate plug-and-play support.
Consultants are best for small- to mid-size businesses, so you can work with them directly, or organizations that have a clear gap to fill.
In addition to content marketing consultants and agencies, there are also blogging and content writing agencies you can choose from. However, since these agencies focus strictly on writing, they usually outsource low-quality, cheap writing or even turn to AI for all of their clients’ content creation. I always recommend focusing on quality over quantity.
How to evaluate content marketing consultants
If you’re ready to hire a content marketing consultant, I recommend reviewing several based on their specific area of expertise, social proof, and client experience.
Areas of expertise
Not all content marketing consultants are alike. In fact, content marketing is a broad discipline that can encompass SEO, blogging, newsletter management, website management, social media, thought leadership, lead generation, video scripting, copywriting, and company communications.
Each content marketer will have their own areas of expertise, so first consider your specific needs. As I mentioned before, if you do need support with every part of content marketing, an agency might be your best bet.
Social proof
Next, take a look at the consultants’ writing samples, projects, and case studies. Can they clearly demonstrate successful results in their areas of expertise? Is their writing high-quality and engaging? And have they worked on projects similar to your needs or industry?
Consultants in general don’t always showcase everything they’ve worked on in their portfolios or websites, so it’s always a good idea to ask for some specific examples.
Client experience
Lastly, when working directly with a content marketing consultant (or any 1:1 consultant), client experience is key. As you’re in early conversations with them, consider the following:
Is it easy to get a hold of them?
Do they have clear processes for delivering work?
Is it clear what they’ll provide for your budget?
Is payment processing a clear, established process?
Do they have a contract that protects both you and them?
This all might seem like a given, but consultants are also business owners after all, and we all know that businesses aren’t always as buttoned-up as they seem. Confirming all of these points will ensure that you’re entering into a smooth, reliable working relationship.
Next steps for hiring
Ready to get content marketing support this year? For next steps, I recommend reaching out to a few different options. You can ask around for referrals or use Google and ChatGPT to search for consultants in your area.
Regardless of where you’re based, I’d love to throw my hat in the ring. Schedule a call with me today to hear more about my services and rates. From small businesses to marketing leaders, I’ve worked across industries to deliver smart strategies and expert writing and management. Let’s chat!
