Finding the Real Deal: How to Choose Reliable Marketing Consultants

Finding the Real Deal: How to Choose Reliable Marketing Consultants
by
Megan Richards

Have you been burned before by a company that claims to be one thing but continues to fall short of their promises again and again? Investing time, effort, and a good chunk of your budget into a marketing consultant, only to be left disappointed with the results (or lack thereof) is frustrating, isn't it?

Well, here at Charisma, we want to ensure that it doesn't happen to you EVER again. Choosing a marketing consultant is a critical decision, and you need to have the right information to make the right choice.  (Not going to lie, we hope it’s us. Just sayin’.)

Navigating Content Marketing

In today's digital age, content marketing has become an essential strategy for businesses aiming to engage and captivate their target audience. As consumers increasingly rely on the internet for information and entertainment, companies have realized the importance of creating valuable and relevant content to establish themselves as industry experts and build a loyal customer base.  
 

However, navigating the complexities of content marketing can feel overwhelming. Many businesses have attempted to implement their own content marketing strategies but found themselves at a loss by its intricacies. And realize they don’t have time to keep up with the ever-changing marketing landscape while trying to manage their teams & projects too.  

 

Content marketing encompasses a wide range of tactics, including blog posts, social media campaigns, videos, podcasts, and more.

It takes a lot of time to keep up to date on the algorithms of search engines and social media platforms.  As a result, some companies have turned to consultants for guidance; only to have previously encountered disappointing results or felt deceived by so-called marketing experts.  

 
We don't want you to feel disappointed (or burned) in the process -it's just not the Charisma way. We want you to know what to expect for your growth as you craft compelling content that resonates with your audience(s). So, let's look at what to do if you've been burned by your past marketing agency, and what you can do about it.  

 
 

The Pain of Past Marketing Consultant Experiences  

 
If you have experienced the hassle of hiring a marketing consultant and not getting what you were promised, you know firsthand how frustrating that can be. When you are in the market of choosing the perfect marketing consultant to help grow your business, it is important to be able to identify the red flags before signing with a company.  
 
 

Identifying the Red Flags  

 
 

Working with a consultant and are unsure how it's going - well, that's your first red flag.  

Your marketing team should always be reporting and asking about progress and lead quality. If something is not working, or you are not seeing an increase in business, there needs to be a new strategy put in place.  

 

Communication  

 

Communication is crucial between the marketing consultant and business owner/employees. You always want to have a direct line of communication and should expect prompt responses when there are questions/concerns.  

Is the consultant listening to your needs and expectations? Are they responsive if you ask for something? This all matters for a good partnership to work long-term.  

We believe communication is key – it's in our name after all...And, we know the importance of your business’s progress and results, after all, that is why you are looking for a marketing team! We offer weekly updates and a 24/7 dashboard along with monthly reporting and strategy meetings with our clients.

 

Challenges  

 

It is no secret that if you run a business, you will face challenges at times. Your marketing consultant should be asking you about the challenges that you face and trying to work through them with you.  

They should be setting a plan of action on how to tackle those challenges head on and how to push through them.  

 
Broken Promises  

 

Here at Charisma, we know that it is not fair to promise the world when we can’t predict the future. No one can, and that is why promises, when it comes to specific results, should not be made. No marketing consultant company can ensure that you will gain X amount of business from posts and different marketing techniques.  

 

If you are being promised that you will get a specific increase in business, this is a huge red flag. You can have a goal, sure! Working toward a target goal is a great plan of action; however, promising a certain number of leads, etc. is misleading.    

Finding a Trustworthy Marketing Consultant  

 
Here's what to ask to make sure your possible consultant is actually up to snuff:  
 

  • What concrete results have you achieved for past clients?
  • What is your plan of action to get me to my goal?
  • How soon should I expect a response when I send an email/text or call you?
  • How often will we have follow-up meetings to discuss measurable statistics?
  • What is your area of expertise?

 

Move Forward with Confidence (and Charisma)  

Content marketing requires a deep understanding of your target demographic's preferences, pain points, and aspirations. Once you figure that out, you must speak to them and their needs consistently. And that takes time and effort. You need a partner who can stick with you through the ups and downs of scaling a business.  

 

Learn from past mistakes and contact Charisma. One thing that makes us stand out is that we establish clear expectations and have open lines of communication and follow-up, in which we pride ourselves on. Let’s see the difference branding your charisma can make; we can’t wait to help your business thrive!