With your Charlotte business taking off, you’ve probably outgrown the DIY digital marketing strategy that got you where you are today. The good news is, you can now hand over the reins to a marketing expert and shift your focus on other things. The tough part? Finding a trusted digital marketing consultant in Charlotte.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great marketers from which to choose—whether you need a Charlotte SEO company or a full-service internet marketing consultant in Charlotte. Here are your best options for finding an experienced internet marketing consultant right here in the Hornet’s Nest.
Pros: You can easily connect with talented marketing consultants in your network. Many boutique digital marketing agencies use LinkedIn as their main marketing channel, so you can often get a good sense of their values and areas of expertise.
Ah, LinkedIn. It’s fantastic for a guiltless mid-day scroll (reading inspirational posts from industry gurus counts as professional development, right?). And more importantly, it’s a great place to connect with Charlotte digital marketing consultants.
Cons: It takes lots of “digging” to find qualified marketers on LinkedIn, and experience levels vary substantially. Plus, the LinkedIn algorithm tends to prioritize those who post on LinkedIn a lot, meaning you’re not getting the full picture of what’s available.
- Freelancer Platforms
Many small and midsize businesses have success connecting with marketing professionals on freelancer platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. You can find marketers at every price point (read: experience level) and easily search for what you need, whether it’s PPC, SEO, or web development. You’ll also see client testimonials and portfolios of past work.
Pros: These user-friendly platforms are perfect for businesses who need a one-off marketing project or are on a tight budget. The rating system makes it easy to vet your options, and the platform offers some level of protection against shady business practices.
Cons: Freelancer platforms are often the first stop for marketers who are new to the industry, making it challenging to find experienced marketers for long-term professional relationships. What’s more, these platforms cost money for both the client and the freelancer, which inflates the cost of doing business.
- B2B Directories
If you’re looking for top-tier service, you might have good luck with B2B directories like Clutch or Capterra. B2B sites are closest to the YellowPages of yesteryear, but tend to highlight large, international digital marketing enterprises—excellent for those with deep pockets, but not ideal for smaller operations.
Pros: B2B directories offer curated lists of some of the top players in the biz. You’re sure to connect with digital marketing agencies that have years of experience and tons of resources at their disposal.
Cons: B2B directories tend to prioritize enterprise-level marketing companies for businesses with substantial marketing budgets; they’re not necessarily right for small and midsize businesses. Smaller operations tend to benefit more from the personalized service you’d get with a Charlotte-based digital marketing consultant!
- Word-of-Mouth
Chances are, you’re already swapping notes with fellow Charlotte business owners. Why not ask around to see who’s using a digital marketing consultant? If you’re not yet plugged into Charlotte’s business network, it might be worth joining the Chamber of Commerce to help you connect with other entrepreneurs. These connections are invaluable as your business grows, and you’re sure to meet the kind of folks from whom you can get trustworthy referrals. After all, anyone can write an online review—but hearing a glowing testimonial from a trusted neighbor is still one of the most reliable ways to find great local businesses.
Pros: Save yourself the hassle of sifting through all the options and get a recommendation from another successful Charlotte business owner.
Cons: Every business has a different budget and set of needs. What works for your friend’s business might not work for yours.
- Right Here at Wedgewood
If you’re reading this, you’ve already found a trusted digital marketing agency right here in Charlotte. Wedgewood is one of the Queen City’s most trusted digital marketing consultants, specializing in SEO, local SEO, and pay-per-click marketing for local businesses. We’re data-driven marketing experts with a successful track record of bringing clients more traffic, leads, and paying customers.
Pros: Wedgewood has tons of experience helping companies just like yours thrive in the digital landscape with tailored marketing solutions designed specifically for local businesses.
Cons: Wedgewood caters primarily to small and midsize businesses.
Final Thoughts
With so many digital marketing consultants out there promising the sun, moon, and stars, it’s easy to get decision fatigue. If you’re operating a local business here in Charlotte, your best bet is to keep it simple: stick with a marketing agency close to home. They’ll help you build a successful digital strategy on your terms—at the right price.
To get started with one of Charlotte’s top digital marketing consultants for small and midsize enterprises, contact Wedgewood Marketing today for a free audit.