When considering digital marketing services for your business, one decision you will have to make on the way is choosing between a digital marketing agency and consultant (in fact, you most likely clicked on this article to help with that exact decision!).
While both agencies and consultants aim to grow your website’s traffic and revenue, their approach, structure, and relationship with clients differ significantly.
- Digital marketing agencies typically consist of multiple people skilled in different aspects of digital marketing, account managers, developers, admin staff and directors.
- Digital marketing consultants on the other hand are just the person skilled in digital marketing, covering admin duties themselves.
To help you decide between the two, I’ll compare both against seven key factors that are important to businesses deciding between choosing an agency or a consultant:
- Variety of Skills
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Resources
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Personalised Service
- Quality of Work
1. Variety of Skills
Winner: Agency
Digital marketing agencies usually consist of a diverse team that include digital marketing specialists, content creators, digital strategists and web developers.
This mix of expertise positions agencies well for projects that span several digital marketing disciplines.
For businesses requiring an integrated approach, an agency offers the convenience of a consolidated service.
However, for simpler projects focused on a narrow scope, such as just SEO or PPC, this level of resource may be surplus to requirements.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Winner: Consultant
While agencies can offer competitive prices, they often have the overheads of office spaces, managers, and administrative staff to factor in.
Consultants typically don’t have these. You’re paying directly for their expertise, not for the layers of management and facilities often found in agencies.
When it comes to cost, digital marketing consultants are normally the more cost-effective option.
3. Resources
Winner: Agency
When it comes to large-scale digital marketing work, agencies often shine due to having a wider team available.
They can deploy several people to manage different parts of your campaign simultaneously.
If your business needs that kind of capacity, choosing an agency may be the best move.
4. Adaptability
Winner: Consultant
Because agencies juggle multiple people and projects, they often depend on pre-set processes to keep everything on track.
This structure can sometimes delay updates or changes to your campaign setup.
Consultants, on the other hand, are nimble. They tailor their approach and can pivot as your priorities shift.
In a dynamic digital space, that kind of adaptability is a real strength.
For example, if you need to shift gears halfway through a campaign, a consultant can typically act straight away, while agencies may need more time to get everyone aligned.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
Working with a consultant offers the comfort of a single point of contact – someone who’s with you every step of the way.
This helps avoid the confusion that can come from rotating account managers or high staff turnover in agency settings.
Consultants bring a more direct and personal communication style, as they’re the ones actually delivering the work.
That kind of consistency enhances collaboration and builds stronger rapport over time.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
Consultants rely on strong results and client satisfaction to sustain their business, so they’re often more personally invested in your success.
They don’t have directors or departments pulling them in different directions – their energy is focused squarely on helping you achieve your goals.
That level of personal accountability can make a big difference.
Whereas agencies may divide their focus, consultants treat each client as a top priority.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
High-quality digital marketing can come from either an agency or a consultant.
Agencies might offer a wider skillset across teams, but this can sometimes result in work being passed to junior members for training.
Consultants typically do the work themselves, ensuring everything is handled with care and consistency.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Bakery digital marketing agencies and consultants have their strengths.
While agencies bring extensive resources and a variety of skills, consultants may offer a more cost-effective, adaptable, and personalised approach.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of working with a Bakery digital marketing consultant…read more