Why Very Small Businesses Need Marketing Consultants

You run a very small business.  Smart PR Communications is a very small business too—so we get it. You are very careful with resources. And, add to that, you may have worked with a marketing consultant in the past, making big promises that didn’t pan out.

            On the other hand, there is no doubt in your mind that you need to do something about marketing. Right now, you are stuck in this no-growth rabbit hole and you intuitively know that marketing is the only way out. Maybe some of these signs that you need marketing help apply to you.

1. Declining sales 

2. Sales are flat and your company needs a growth strategy

3. Sales pass through high and low seasons that need to be leveled.

4. Sales are OK, but margins are too low. This is a rut that some companies find themselves in for a LONG time—if you have been a very small business for a while, it probably applies to you.

5. The profits from certain products, customer segments, or distribution channels are too low.

If any or all of this looks familiar, consider hiring an experienced consultant with great references and a strong track record (like us) this time.

Companies opt for consultants, rather than going without or hiring a full-time marketing employee for a number of reasons aside from cost.  While it’s true that, by the time you consider wages, benefits, and taxes, consultants are a very cost-effective alternative to an employee there are many other reasons that marketing consultants, in particular, make sense.

1.     You need a fresh set of eyes. Even very small businesses have a culture that is deeply entrenched. While this is generally a good thing, it can lead to myopic decision making. A marketing consultant will bring an exciting perspective.

2.     You need specific skill sets. Typical areas would be strong written communications, search engine optimization, market and website analytics, graphic design, web development or all of the above.

3.     You know what you want, but you don’t know how to get there. You may be very clear on the results you want to see, but don’t know all the tools available (or how to use them) in order to achieve your goal. A well-rounded consultant with expertise is a smart choice.

4.     You want to learn. The right marketing consultant will be enthusiastic about teaching you how to do what they do and happily cut ties when you are ready to strike out on your own.

            For a no cost discussion of your situation and how we can leverage metrics-based marketing to grow your business call 630-363-8081 or email jeanna@smartprcommunications.com. Find out more about our Core Marketing Solution for Very Small Businesses