Marketing Consulting for Small Business: The Secret Weapon for Boosting Your SME

Have you ever thought of using a real marketing expert?

Did you know 80% of small businesses fail within the first 18 months, there’s no room for guesswork when it comes to marketing.

Many small business owners feel overwhelmed by digital marketing, unsure of where to start or how to get noticed in a crowded market.

Here’s where marketing consulting can be a game-changer. It’s not just about telling you what to do—it’s about understanding your business, finding the right strategies, and executing them in a way that brings results.

Sound intriguing? It should be! Let’s dive into why marketing consulting might just be the secret weapon your SME needs.

Why Small Businesses Struggle with Marketing

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a range of marketing challenges. Often, these businesses lack the in-house expertise needed to craft and implement effective marketing strategies. Many SMEs rely on ad-hoc efforts like the occasional social media post or email campaign, hoping it will catch fire. But marketing is more than just a series of isolated tasks; it requires a holistic approach to ensure all efforts work towards a common goal—business growth.

Here’s the rub: SME owners are juggling a million tasks. They know they need marketing, but they don’t have the time to execute a consistent strategy, and they don’t have the budget to hire a full-time marketing team. That’s where a marketing consultant comes in.

What Exactly Does a Marketing Consultant Do?

A marketing consultant for small business is your strategic partner, your expert guide through the maze of marketing tools and techniques. They provide professional advice on how to position your brand, connect with your target audience, and increase visibility and revenue. They’ll look at your business goals and help you create a tailor-made marketing plan that fits your needs and budget.

But here’s the kicker: A good marketing consultant doesn’t just give advice—they roll up their sleeves and help implement it too. This could mean anything from refining your social media strategy to managing your Google Ads or even helping you navigate SEO best practices. In many cases, they act as your virtual marketing department, delivering actionable results without the overhead of a full-time hire.

The Benefits of Hiring a Marketing Consultant for Your SME

1. Expertise Without the Hefty Price Tag

A marketing consultant offers you access to years—sometimes decades—of experience without the cost of hiring an in-house marketing director. And let’s be real, a full-time marketing director can cost upwards of £60,000 a year. Instead, for a fraction of that price, you can hire a consultant who can bring the same level of expertise to your business. Whether it’s social media, PPC, content marketing, or SEO, they have you covered.

2. An Outsider’s Perspective

Sometimes, being too close to your business makes it hard to see where improvements can be made. A consultant offers an objective, outside perspective. They can quickly pinpoint what’s not working and suggest fresh approaches you might never have considered.

3. Customised Strategies

There’s no one-size-fits-all in marketing. A consultant doesn’t just apply the same template to every client. Instead, they dig into your business’s unique challenges and opportunities to create a bespoke strategy. Whether you need help with branding, digital marketing, or email campaigns, the consultant will tailor their services to meet your specific needs.

4. Flexible Commitment

Unlike a full-time employee, marketing consultants provide flexibility. You can hire them on a project basis, or for just a few hours a week. This is perfect for SMEs that need expert help but don’t have the budget or workload to justify a permanent position. They can ramp up during busy periods or scale back during quieter times.

5. Staying Ahead of Trends

Marketing trends move fast. What worked six months ago might not be as effective today. A marketing consultant is constantly up to date on the latest tools, platforms, and techniques. They can guide you on how to incorporate new strategies—like AI-driven marketing or the latest SEO hacks—without you having to spend hours researching.

How Marketing Consulting Works in Practice

Hiring a marketing consultant is straightforward. Typically, they start by conducting an in-depth analysis of your current marketing efforts. They’ll look at everything from your website’s SEO to your social media engagement and even the effectiveness of your email campaigns. They’ll then create a strategic plan designed to meet your business goals, focusing on areas that need improvement or where you can make the biggest impact.

After the initial planning stage, they will help you implement this strategy. Whether that means managing campaigns, training your staff, or helping you choose the right software tools, they’ll be by your side every step of the way. And because marketing is all about tracking progress, your consultant will set up key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and make tweaks as needed.

Common Services Offered by Marketing Consultants

Here are just a few examples of what marketing consultants can help with:

• SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): Helping your website rank higher in Google search results.
• Social Media Strategy: Crafting posts that engage your audience and drive traffic to your site.
• Content Marketing: Creating valuable, relevant content (blogs, articles, videos) that resonates with your target audience.
• PPC (Pay-Per-Click Advertising): Managing paid campaigns on Google, Facebook, and other platforms to drive traffic and sales.
• Email Marketing: Setting up automated email campaigns that nurture leads and increase customer retention.
• Branding: Developing a clear, compelling brand voice and visual identity that sets you apart from competitors.

Why Marketing Consulting is Better Than Being a Consultant

One thing that sets marketing consultants apart from general business consultants is that they actively work within your business. They’re not just giving you advice and walking away. When you hire a consultant like Miles at Miles Marketing, they become part of your management team. This means they often use a company email address, attend meetings, and act as an integrated part of your business. You get the hands-on help you need, without the commitment and expense of a full-time employee.

Typically, outsourcing your marketing efforts to a consultant can cost between £2,000 to £5,000 per month, depending on the scope of work. This covers around 1-2 days per week of their time. And unlike traditional consultants who stay on the periphery of your business, marketing consultants dive in headfirst, ensuring strategies are implemented and goals are met.

Conclusion: Boost Your SME with a Marketing Consultant

If you’re a small business owner looking to scale up or simply struggling to get your marketing efforts off the ground, a marketing consultant could be the answer. They bring expertise, flexibility, and a fresh perspective—everything your business needs to thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Outsourcing your marketing to a company like Miles Marketing means you get the best of both worlds: professional expertise that’s deeply embedded in your business, without the long-term costs of a full-time hire. Whether it’s boosting your online presence, driving customer engagement, or simply helping you stay ahead of the latest marketing trends, a marketing consultant can be your most valuable asset.

So, ready to give your SME the boost it deserves? Let’s get started!