From finding and retaining clients to coping with changing client expectations, consultants face a number of unique challenges that can make growing their business difficult. And, while the right digital marketing strategy can’t solve every problem, it can go a long way toward helping you grow your consulting firm.

8 consultant marketing tips to grow your business

#1. Establish your credibility with statistics and successes

There’s a lot of competition out there, and when someone is considering hiring a consultant, they need to know that the value they get out of it is worth the rate you’re charging them.

Track your successes and results, have data and statistics and create case studies to show prospective clients how you can make a difference. Show prospective clients that you have a proven track record and can provide the results they’re looking for.

#2. Show how you can bring a fresh perspective

If your clients wanted a run-of-the-mill solution, they could turn to any other consultant. The reason they’re choosing you is because you bring something new to the table — a fresh perspective they can’t get anywhere else.

Demonstrate that you are a thought leader in your industry by creating content. Videos, case studies, podcasts and blog posts are particularly effective because they allow you to explain your ideas in long-form.

#3. Highlight your unique talent

Showcase the ways your outside expertise can benefit your client. If you have a special skill set, be sure to communicate that effectively.

Build trust and give your clients a reason to choose you. Utilize online reviews to highlight what you do well. If you don’t have a lot of reviews currently, start an automated email marketing campaign to request reviews and start building your reputation.

#4. Stress the fact that hiring you will make their lives easier

Consulting is a matter of convenience for your clients. You provide a service that they can’t, or won’t, do internally. In order to convert prospective clients, you need to make it clear that what you offer will make their lives easier.

Think about the questions your prospective and existing clients ask, and beat them to the punch by building an FAQ page for your website. This shows that you have the answers before they even have a chance to ask, and it gives you a great starting off point for creating content in the future.

#5. Provide a solid value proposition

What can you offer your clients that no other consultant can? Why should a prospective client choose you over the many other consultants they could work with? What makes hiring you the right decision?

This is your value proposition. It needs to be unique, to make you stand out and to be highlighted on your website, social media profiles, local listings and other marketing materials.

#6. Make sure your website design is easily convertible

Your consultant website is, more often than not, your first impression on prospective clients. It needs to be professional and attractive, to tell your story and explain your services, to showcase what makes you stand out and more.

You should also keep your website design simple, with a focus on one main call to action. And, make it easy for your potential clients to contact you or schedule an appointment when they’re ready to take the leap to work with you.

#7. Leverage social media

Your consultant website is just one of the many places potential clients could find your business online, followed closely by your social media profiles. Social media isn’t just about connecting with friends and family anymore. These days, it’s where people go to find businesses.

Figure out where your clients spend their time — Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. — and build out your social media profiles. Stay active on your most valued social profiles by creating content on a regular basis.

Social media is a great place to build awareness in your brand, and it’s also fantastic for showing off your expertise and building trust.

#8. Rank higher on search engines

In most cases, the search for a consultant starts on a search engine, like Google or Bing. Consultants that want to get ahead and capture leads need to be visible and highly ranked in the search engine results.

On-site SEO and content marketing can help your website rank higher in the search results, and you can dominate multiple spots on page one by having an active social media presence, optimizing your local listings, getting reviews, taking advantage of search ads and more.

Small business marketing isn’t something you can do once and forget about. It’s multi-faceted, has a lot of moving parts and requires consistent time and attention. Learn how the right consultant marketing platform can help to make it easier. See our plans and pricing.