If marketing keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, it’s time to get help. You don’t have to hand over everything, though. Many owners do best with a mix: they handle what they enjoy and hire out the rest.
Signs you can keep doing it yourself
- You post regularly and enjoy it.
- Customers are finding you and the phone is ringing.
- You know what is working and what isn’t.
Signs it’s time to hire help
- Your Facebook or Instagram has gone quiet for weeks.
- Your Google listing has old hours, few photos, or unanswered reviews.
- You’re spending money on ads but can’t tell if they work.
- You’d rather spend your time running the business.
The middle option
You don’t need a full agency retainer. A local consultant can set things up once, then help a few hours a month. For example, Maxwell Mills Media can optimize your accounts and build a content plan. Then you post from that plan yourself, with a check-in each month.
Basic help starts at $20 an hour, and every service can be mixed and matched. A free consultation will show you which parts are worth hiring out.
FAQ
What does a marketing consultant actually do?
A consultant plans and runs your marketing: social media, Google Business Profile, email, photos and video, and ads. You can hire them for one piece or all of it.
Is a local consultant better than a big agency?
For most small businesses, yes. A local consultant knows your market, costs less, and works with you directly instead of passing you to a team.
How many hours of marketing help does a small business need?
Many local businesses do well with 10 to 15 hours a month. That covers steady posting, profile upkeep, and a monthly check-in.