What Does a Marketing Consultant Do?

Marketing consultants are experts in marketing strategy and tactics. They work with companies of all sizes to help them develop effective marketing plans, create compelling content, and implement successful campaigns.

Marketing consultants may specialize in a particular area of marketing or provide general consulting services to clients across many industries. Regardless of their focus, they all strive to help their clients achieve their business goals through the use of marketing strategies and tactics.

Marketing Consultant Job Duties

Marketing consultants typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Creating and executing marketing campaigns based on client objectives
• Designing and implementing digital marketing strategies such as SEO, SEM, email marketing, social media marketing, etc.
• Conducting market research to determine target customer segments, identify customer needs, and predict future trends
• Developing new marketing strategies and plans for clients based on their objectives
• Developing pricing models for products or services and creating proposals for clients
• Conducting surveys and focus groups to gauge public opinion about products or services
• Consulting with clients to determine their specific needs and objectives, then developing a marketing plan based on those requirements
• Creating advertising materials such as brochures, flyers, radio ads, television commercials, etc.
• Advising clients on how to best reach their target markets through different advertising channels such as print media, radio, television, or online streaming media

Marketing Consultant Salary & Outlook

Marketing consultant salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of company they work for.

• Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $121,000 ($58.17/hour)

The employment of marketing consultants is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for marketing consultants is expected to increase as firms seek to improve their competitive advantage and customer experience. Marketing consultants will be needed to help companies develop strategies that allow them to better understand and meet the needs of their customers.

Related: 25 Marketing Consultant Interview Questions and Answers

Marketing Consultant Job Requirements

A marketing consultant typically needs the following qualifications:

Education: Marketing consultants are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in marketing. Relevant coursework includes marketing research, marketing strategy, marketing planning, marketing analytics and e-commerce.

Training & Experience: Marketing consultants typically receive on-the-job training in the form of mentorship from a senior marketing consultant or marketing manager. This training helps marketing consultants learn the specific skills and techniques they need to perform their job duties.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not usually a requirement for marketing consultants, they can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs.

Marketing Consultant Skills

Marketing consultants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As a marketing consultant, you may need to communicate with clients, colleagues and other professionals. Effective communication can help you convey your ideas and ensure that others understand you. You can use communication skills in many aspects of your job, including during meetings, phone calls and emails.

Marketing knowledge: Marketing consultants often have a background in marketing and business, so they can understand the strategies and tactics businesses use to attract customers. This background can help you develop effective marketing strategies for your clients. You can also learn about marketing by taking marketing courses, reading marketing books and attending marketing conferences.

Problem-solving: Marketing consultants often work with clients to develop strategies for overcoming challenges. For example, a marketing consultant might help a client develop a new marketing campaign to increase sales after a competitor’s advertising campaign reduces their market share. A marketing consultant’s ability to solve problems can help them develop effective strategies for their clients.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely manner. As a marketing consultant, you may have multiple clients and projects that you need to manage simultaneously. Having strong time management skills can help you prioritize your work and ensure that you meet your clients’ and employers’ expectations.

Persuasion: Persuasion is the ability to convince others to agree with your ideas. Marketing consultants often need to persuade clients to try new strategies and tactics. For example, a marketing consultant might persuade a client to invest in a new marketing strategy by explaining how it could help the client grow their business.

Marketing Consultant Work Environment

Marketing consultants work in a variety of settings, including offices, factories, retail stores, and hospitals. They may travel to meet with clients or to attend conferences. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Marketing consultants typically work on teams with other consultants and support staff, such as research analysts and computer specialists. They may also work with clients’ staff, such as marketing and sales representatives.

Marketing Consultant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how marketing consultants work. Marketing consultants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Marketing Talent

As businesses become more technical, the need for marketing consultants with technical skills increases. This is because marketing consultants need to be able to understand and communicate the benefits of products in a way that is easy for customers to understand.

To stay ahead of the curve, marketing consultants should focus on developing their technical skills. This can include learning how to use software tools such as CRM systems or understanding how to use data to create better marketing campaigns.

The Rise of Digital Marketing

The rise of digital marketing is an emerging trend that is quickly changing the landscape of marketing. As more and more people are using smartphones and tablets to access the internet, businesses are beginning to realize the importance of having a strong digital presence.

This trend is creating opportunities for marketing consultants who are skilled in digital marketing. They can help businesses develop strategies for reaching customers through social media, search engine optimization, and other online channels.

More Focus on Branding

Branding has always been important for businesses, but it is becoming even more so in today’s economy. Customers are looking for brands that they can trust, and they are often willing to pay a premium for products that have a good reputation.

As a marketing consultant, you can help your clients by helping them to develop a strong brand identity. This includes everything from logo design to product packaging. In addition, you can also help them to create a marketing plan that will help them to reach their target audience.

How to Become a Marketing Consultant

A marketing consultant career can be a great way to gain experience in the marketing field. It’s also a great way to learn about different industries and companies. As a marketing consultant, you’ll work with clients to develop marketing strategies that will help them reach their goals.

To become a marketing consultant, you’ll need to have strong marketing skills and knowledge of marketing techniques. You should also be able to think creatively and come up with innovative ideas. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest marketing trends and technologies.

Advancement Prospects

Marketing consultants typically have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field. However, some jobs may only require a high school diploma and relevant work experience.

Marketing consultants typically start their careers in entry-level positions and advance to higher-level positions as they gain experience. Some marketing consultants eventually become partners in their firms or open their own marketing consulting businesses.

In order to advance their careers, marketing consultants should consider pursuing a master’s degree in marketing or a related field. They should also consider becoming certified in marketing by a professional organization, such as the American Marketing Association.

Marketing Consultant Job Description Example

As a marketing consultant at [CompanyX], you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing plans for our clients in order to help them achieve their business goals. This will involve working with the client to understand their needs, conducting market research, developing marketing strategies and tactics, and overseeing implementation of the plan. You will also be responsible for measuring and reporting on the results of the marketing campaigns. To be successful in this role, you will need to have experience in marketing, be highly creative, and have excellent project management and communication skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand the client’s business, products, and services, as well as their target market and objectives
• Develop a marketing plan that includes strategies for online and offline marketing initiatives, such as SEO, PPC, email marketing, social media, events, and traditional advertising
• Research and analyze competitor marketing initiatives to develop unique strategies that will give the client an edge in their industry
• Create compelling and brand-consistent copy for website content, blog posts, press releases, white papers, and other marketing collateral
• Design high-impact visuals, including infographics, images, and videos, to be used across various marketing channels
• Manage and monitor all aspects of campaigns, from start to finish, to ensure they are executed flawlessly and within budget
• Analyze campaign results and ROI regularly, providing detailed reports and recommendations for improvement
• Stay up-to-date on the latest marketing trends and technologies, and proactively share new ideas with the team
• Train and manage junior members of the marketing team, when necessary
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with clients, keeping them updated on progress and addressing any concerns promptly
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers
• Attend industry events and networking functions, representing the company in a positive light

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or related field
• 5-10 years professional experience in marketing, with a focus on consulting
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing campaigns
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree
• Experience working in a variety of industries
• Proficiency in marketing research tools and techniques
• Familiarity with CRM software and marketing automation platforms
• Creative thinker with experience outside of traditional marketing channels