Many marketers believe that the only way to achieve success in the workplace is to climb the ladder as a full-time employee. What they don’t realize is that there’s another choice: becoming a self-employed marketing consultant.
With so many digital marketing career options there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals. And the market for independent consultants is on the rise, partly driven by the fact that some companies are hesitant to invest in expensive large marketing or advertising firms, instead of wanting to invest in one expert who can train their existing internal team(s).
The management consulting industry is worth $250 billion with industry hotspots in the UK and U.S. In addition, the job growth rate for management consulting and analysts in 2022 is 14 percent which is faster than the projections for other roles.
Of course, self-employment isn’t for everyone; there are pros and cons to any job. Read on to find out more about becoming a marketing consultant to determine if it’s the best fit for you.
What Does a Marketing Consultant Do?
The job of a marketing consultant varies by Philippines Photo Editor company and project but typically involves advising companies on the best way to reach, engage and convert customers.
Marketing consultants can offer a range of services which include:
Evaluating current marketing efforts and making suggestions for improvements
Helping to devise, plan, and implement digital marketing campaigns across channels
Training other marketers on best practices and technologies
Offer solutions for workflows or new methods for reaching and converting consumers
Tracking the success of marketing strategies using analytical tools
Crucially a digital marketing consultant can offer unbiased advice and solutions to drive the success of a brand’s marketing activities. Anyone in this role should have advanced knowledge of digital marketing and be able to advise on a range of key areas such as paid media, SEO, analytics, optimization, social media strategy or automation.
According to research by Credo, the average digital marketing consultant earns $147.67 per hour with the rate increasing depending on years of experience in the industry.
What Skills Do I Need to Be a Marketing Consultant?
What Qualifications Does a Marketing Consultant Need?
If you want to become a marketing consultant, you’ll need to take certain steps to be successful. These steps include demonstrating your skills by completing a recognized industry certification, gaining relevant work experience and building a professional network and client base.
To help guide you in the right direction, here’s a rundown of the qualifications and skills you’ll need:
An undergraduate degree in marketing, business, or communications (or an MBA with a focus on marketing, if possible)
A great portfolio that demonstrates your history of marketing activities and success
Several years of established experience as a full-time marketer with experience in digital technologies and tactics
Expertise in a specific niche or experience working in a wide range of industries
Strong copywriting and communication skills
Marketing expertise in a wide range of areas (social media, content, SEO, lead generation, PPC, etc.)
Marketing automation experience using software such as Marketo, HubSpot, Eloqua, Pardot, or another leading software offering
Confidence in your skills and ready to defend your work
Strong Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce and Microsoft Office skills
An understanding of strategy vs. tactic (a strategy is a plan of action with a goal, while a tactic is a specific action that is part of implementing the strategy)
Key soft skills such as persuasion, adaptability, creativity etc.
Leadership skills, professionalism, and a motivated attitude
Ability to listen and empathize
If you have all of these skills (or plan to cultivate them), you’re well on your way to becoming a successful marketing consultant.
What Skills Do I Need to Be a Marketing Consultant?
Establish Your Reputation
Now that you know the skills you need, there are some actions you can take to further cement your career success.