My role as a freelance consultant is similar to advisory services, but there are key differences that could make this a better option for you and your business.
The destination is exactly the same, to help your business to grow online, but the road taken to get there can be very different.
When it comes to consultancy, my clients are typically looking for help with solving a specific problem or challenge. I provide support in a clear, well-defined project or retainer over an agreed number of weeks or months.
For advisory clients, the problems and challenges from a digital marketing and SEO perspective may not even be know or understood yet. I can get a lot more involved, learn how the business operates, work directly with the company owners or senior leaders, and the deliverables are open-ended, typically for a longer period of time.
This is all about marketing and SEO at a business level and below is how I can help:
Flexible Dedicated Days
A set number of days each month that are booked out, but can change depending on the needs at the time and what’s happening within your business.
Senior Relationships
Direct access and communication for the business owners/directors to have support in conversations about digital marketing, SEO, and online performance.
Board Support
A presence at board-level and during board meetings to act as a senior stakeholder and report on performance and digital marketing strategy.
In-Person & Office Working
Working days spent in your office if face-to-face collaboration is important to your business, as well as attendance at key meetings as and when needed.
Future Plans & Roadmaps
Planning ahead for the next 6, 12 and 24 months rather than the immediate priorities, with clear roadmaps and timescales developed collaboratively.
Training & Workshops
Knowledge sharing and training for your in-house team to improve skills and performance, gradually reducing the reliance on external support.
E-Commerce Advisory
A dedicated service for e-commerce retailers without a senior digital marketing or SEO lead, but in need of ongoing guidance and advice as they scale and grow.
I’ve helped a wide range of client businesses, from start-ups that hadn’t even launched, to well-established brands turning over hundreds of millions. All of the knowledge and insight that I’ve gained at agencies over the last 12 years can be shared and applied within your business.
Advisory FAQs
These are some of the questions that I’ve frequently been asked.
How much does the advisory service cost?
This is always the most important question, and it doesn’t actually have to be more expensive than hiring a freelance consultant. The big difference is what you want to get out of that budget and the challenges your business is facing.
What experience do you have?
Since around 2016, I’ve focused more on working with clients at a business-level and directly with business owners, rather than “on the tools”. I run my own successful agency (including roles as Operations Director, MD, and CMO) and in some cases our business has generated more revenue and/or profit than clients that we help.
What will we need to do?
When it comes to advisory, I need to understand how your business operates and have access to the right information and people. This means more of a time requirement and commitment on your part to get the most out of the relationship.
What if we don’t use the time?
Unlike consultancy, if there are certain months that my time isn’t required or there are bigger priorities in your business, time can be rolled over. It’s flexible!
What if we need something urgently?
There will no doubt be times that you’re in need of a quick response or something last-minute, whether a decision needs to be made or a meeting has been booked in. For advisory clients, you’ll have my personal phone number and I’ll be available whenever during working hours – you won’t have to wait for a reply to an email.
