Ok so wtf is a small business marketing consultant and why do you really need one?

Running a creative business can feel like an endless juggling act—client work, admin tasks, keeping up with the latest trends in your field... And, oh yeah, marketing. As a full time freelance Portland photographer, I know the struggle well.

It’s no secret that marketing is essential to growing your freelance business, but let’s be real: for a lot of creatives, it’s the last thing you want to deal with. Enter the small business marketing consultant. But WTF do they actually do, and why should you consider hiring one? Let’s break it down.

What Does a Small Business Marketing Consultant Actually Do?

In a nutshell, a marketing consultant helps you stop wasting time on random tactics and start using strategies that actually work. They're pros at figuring out where you should be focusing your energy to attract the right clients, boost your visibility, and grow your biz. Here’s a peek at what they bring to the table:

Market Research (aka Knowing WTF Your Audience Wants): They dive deep into who your dream clients are, where they hang out, and what makes them pull the trigger on hiring you.

Branding (Because Your Logo Isn’t Enough): It’s more than a killer logo. A marketing consultant helps you develop a brand voice and message that screams *you*, so your work stands out in the sea of sameness.

Content Strategy (No More Posting Random Stuff): They create a plan for your website, social media, and blog that actually builds your authority and keeps clients coming back. Oh, and you’ll stop staring at Instagram like it’s a black hole of lost time.

Advertising & SEO (Getting Found by People Who Matter): They help you run ads that don’t feel spammy and tweak your website so it pops up when people are searching for the services you offer. Hello, inbound leads!

For When You Have a Business Idea but Don’t Know Where to Start: You’ve got an idea for your business (hell yeah!), but turning that idea into a reality can be overwhelming. It’s like staring at a blank canvas, not knowing which color to pick first. A small business marketing consultant helps you get organized and kick things off the right way.

Setting Realistic Goals: It’s easy to dream big, but a consultant helps you set realistic, actionable goals for your business. Whether it’s booking five new clients in the next three months or launching your website, they break down the steps so you don’t get overwhelmed.

What Small Business Marketing Tools Do You Actually Need?

When you're starting out, you don’t need to spend thousands on fancy software or tools. But knowing which tools to invest in—and which ones you can skip—can be tricky. A marketing consultant cuts through the noise and helps you focus on the essentials:

Project Management Tools: Keeping track of client work, deadlines, and marketing tasks can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not organized. A consultant will recommend tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to help you manage your workflow and never drop the ball.

Social Media Scheduling: Instead of manually posting every day, tools like Later or Buffer let you plan your content in advance, saving you a ton of time. A consultant can show you how to use these tools effectively and plan your posts without losing your mind.

Email Marketing: Building a relationship with potential clients is key, and email marketing tools like Mailchimp or Flodesk help you stay top-of-mind. A consultant will help you design a killer email sequence that nurtures leads without being annoying.

How to Organize Your Day-to-Day Schedule as a Freelancer

If you’re wearing all the hats in your business (as most freelancers do), time management can be a nightmare. A small business marketing consultant not only helps you with your marketing but also helps you organize your day-to-day tasks so you don’t feel like you’re drowning. Here’s how:

Creating a Daily Routine: They’ll help you structure your day by blocking time for client work, marketing, admin tasks, and creative brainstorming. The key? Prioritizing the work that actually moves the needle for your business.

Batching Tasks: Instead of jumping from task to task all day, they’ll show you how to batch similar tasks together (like responding to emails or scheduling social media) so you stay focused and efficient.

Using Time-Tracking Tools: Tools like Toggl or RescueTime can help you figure out where you’re spending (or wasting) time, so you can adjust your schedule and maximize your productivity.

Delegating and Outsourcing: If you’re at the point where some tasks are bogging you down (hello, bookkeeping), a consultant can help you figure out what to outsource so you can stay focused on the big picture.

How to Know When It’s Time to Hire a Small Business Marketing Consultant

If you're constantly overwhelmed by marketing tasks, or you’ve hit a ceiling with your growth, it’s probably time to bring in some help. Here are a few telltale signs:

- You have no real marketing strategy (posting once in a while on Instagram doesn’t count).

- You're struggling to consistently find clients and aren’t sure why.

- Your income has plateaued, and you’re not sure how to scale.

- You’re spending more time marketing than actually doing what you love—whether that’s shooting photos, designing logos, or writing killer copy.

So why Do You Absolutely Need a Small Business Coach?

Now, you might be thinking, "Cool, but can’t I just figure this stuff out myself?" Technically, yes. But here’s the catch: DIY marketing often leads to endless trial and error, wasted time, and frustration. You’re an expert at what you do—photography, design, writing—so why burn yourself out trying to become a marketing guru too? Here’s why bringing in a pro is a game-changer:

Save Time (and Your Sanity): You have enough on your plate running the day-to-day. A marketing consultant takes the guesswork out of promoting your biz so you can focus on what you actually love doing.

Grow Faster: Want to speed up the time it takes to go from side hustle to full-time success? A consultant can shortcut the process by putting strategies in place that are proven to work. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks.

Customized Strategy (Not a Cookie-Cutter Plan): Every business is different, especially in creative fields. A marketing consultant crafts a strategy specifically for *your* goals, strengths, and audience. No generic "one-size-fits-all" nonsense.

Accountability and Fresh Ideas: Sometimes you need someone to help you zoom out, look at the bigger picture, and push you out of your comfort zone. A consultant not only keeps you on track but also brings fresh ideas you might’ve never thought of on your own.

The Bottom Line

A small business marketing consultant can be the difference between struggling to stay afloat and thriving in your creative business. They help you hone your messaging, get in front of the right people, and build a sustainable strategy for growth. So if you’re ready to get serious about taking your side hustle or freelance gig to the next level, a marketing consultant might just be your secret weapon.

Ready to take the next step in your small business journey? Reach out today to chat consulting services.