"We hired a consultant but saw no results." Here are the seven checkpoints to verify before hiring a marketing consultant.
① Track record at your stage
Confirm they have relevant experience at your scale — startup specialists and enterprise consultants approach problems very differently.
② Can they execute, not just strategise?
Verify that they will stay with you through execution — that the team actually rolls up their sleeves.
③ Is the account manager clearly defined?
Ask who handles day-to-day work after signing. Seniors often sell; juniors often execute.
④ Are KPIs defined upfront?
A trustworthy consultant defines measurable goals clearly in the initial proposal.
⑤ Is the ROI explanation specific?
Look for concrete revenue targets, not vague commitments.
⑥ Is the contract flexible?
Can you start with a 3-month trial? Flexibility signals confidence in their delivery.
⑦ What is the communication cadence?
Confirm weekly check-ins and real-time communication via Slack or equivalent — monthly reports alone are insufficient for fast-moving startups.