So you’ve hit on a great idea and you want to start your own business. You’re visualising your dream décor, and excitement abounds!

But before getting carried away, stop and take a breath. Where are you getting your customers and clients from? Do you have a marketing strategy in place, or is it a case of ‘build it and they will come’!

For startups, especially those working on tight budgets like non-profits or niche businesses, hiring the right marketing expert can be a game-changer. Marketing is more than just an operational task—it’s an investment in the future of your business. However, finding expertise that aligns with limited resources can feel like a daunting task. Below, we explore some perspectives and actionable advice on hiring a marketing expert without breaking the bank.

Why does marketing matter?

Marketing is the lifeblood of a successful business. It’s what differentiates industry giants like McDonald’s from the small burger joint down the high street—not the quality of the product, but the power of their marketing. Think of marketing as an investment rather than an expense. Would you choose the cheapest surgeon for cosmetic surgery? Probably not. Your marketing strategy deserves the same level of care and expertise.

Is hiring a marketing consultant on a small budget possible?

Although a £20 per hour rate might seem appealing, it’s unlikely to secure a seasoned expert who can deliver the results you need. Instead of looking for the cheapest option, consider investing your budget strategically – focus on the low hanging fruit until you start to turn a profit and can afford more. For example:

• Hire a consultant for strategy: A marketing consultant can create a tailored strategy for your launch. Once the roadmap is set, you can implement it with in-house resources or affordable freelancers.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Hiring someone with relatively little experience just because that’s all you can afford doesn’t make financial sense. Instead, consider part-time or project-based engagements with a more experienced marketer who can work efficiently and effectively.
• Use free, or discounted offers to get the ball rolling: For example, you could request a free audit of your website here >>> The importance of regularly checking your company website – Lark Marketing

Creative ways to make your marketing budget last

1. Technology: Use marketing tools to automate tasks and optimise campaigns.
2. Build partnerships: Collaborate with organisations or influencers in your sector to expand your reach. For instance, co-hosting events can amplify your brand at half the cost.
3. Engage volunteers or work experience students: Whilst they may lack experience, with guidance, they could well become a valuable asset in the future.

Why hiring a freelance marketing expert is worth the cost

Without effective marketing, even the best product or service will struggle to find its audience. Investing in a knowledgeable expert can provide the foundation for sustainable growth. Whether it’s developing a comprehensive marketing plan, implementing SEO strategies, or managing social media campaigns, an experienced marketer will generate a return on investment far beyond their initial cost.

Final thoughts

Instead of focusing on hiring someone cheap, shift your mindset to finding someone who delivers maximum value for your budget. At Lark, we can agree with you budget and plan at the outset so you can budget effectively with no nasty surprises.

Take a look at our packages below and let us know if we can help.