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
Typically, digital marketing agencies are staffed by a mix of specialists, including digital marketing specialists, developers, account managers and writers.
This breadth enables them to tackle large or multifaceted campaigns that benefit from multiple perspectives.
For businesses that require an end-to-end solution, working with an agency can be highly efficient.
Still, in cases where only one or two skill sets are required, such as SEO or PPC, this approach may be more than is necessary.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Winner: Consultant
Although agencies can offer competitive pricing, but that usually includes the burden of office rent, team managers, and administrative support.
Consultants work differently. There’s no organisational padding – just direct access to their professional insight.
Consultants are often the wiser financial choice in digital marketing.
3. Resources
Winner: Agency
Agencies are generally well-suited to manage larger projects thanks to their access to a wider team.
They’re able to assign different people to various parts of your digital marketing campaign at the same time.
If your business needs input from several individuals all at once, an agency could be the right fit.
4. Adaptability
Winner: Consultant
Agencies, by nature of having multiple teams of people, often rely on standardised systems and processes.
This means that while individuals within teams can be highly adaptable, the setup of your account and other staff on your account may take time to update and adapt.
Consultants, on the other hand, can tailor their approach to your unique needs and pivot quickly if your business priorities change.
This flexibility can be a major advantage in a fast-moving digital landscape.
For example, if you need to adjust your digital marketing strategy mid-project, a consultant can implement changes at short notice, whereas an agency may take longer due to internal processes, approvals and the number of people involved.
5. Communication
Winner: Consultant
A strong reason to work with a consultant is the continuity of dealing with one person throughout your digital marketing journey.
You sidestep the common agency pitfall of multiple handovers or changes in personnel.
Communication is typically quicker and more meaningful, as you’re speaking directly to the person doing the job.
This clarity can save time and strengthen your professional relationship.
6. Personal Service
Winner: Consultant
With digital marketing consultants, you often get a deeper level of commitment – their business thrives on results and happy clients.
Agencies, by contrast, typically work within larger structures where client focus can be diluted by internal priorities.
Consultants, working independently, are driven to deliver great outcomes.
For them, your success directly reflects on their own – which often leads to a more dedicated partnership.
7. Quality of Work
Winner: Equal
Both options – agencies and consultants – are capable of delivering quality digital marketing.
Agencies may have the benefit of larger teams, though this can also mean tasks are passed around and handled by less experienced staff.
With consultants, you get a single, dedicated professional managing the entire process with close attention to detail.
Final Score
- Agency: 3
- Consultant: 5
Conclusion
Both Golf Club 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 Golf Club digital marketing consultant…read more