A digital consultant stands at the forefront of the digital revolution, with the demand for digital consulting services globally valued at a staggering $94,845.07 million. With an anticipated CAGR of 11.21%, the digital consulting market is poised to reach an impressive $179,385.45 million by 2028, reflecting the growing demand for digital expertise and services across various sectors.

The digital consultant industry is marked by the presence of major players such as EY Consulting, KPMG International, Accenture, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and IBM, among others, offering a range of services, including Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Analytics, Data Visualization, and Data Analysis. 

These services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of both Large Enterprises and Small and Mid-sized Enterprises (SMEs), across regions including the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

The market landscape is shaped by emerging trends, consumer preferences, and macroeconomic variables such as GDP, inflation, and exchange rates. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, prompting companies to adopt new strategies and adapt to the changing environment. 

As we explore further into the complexities of engaging a digital consultant for your enterprise, we will examine the nature of digital consulting, the appropriate time to bring one on board for your business, and the actual steps involved in the hiring process. This insight will not only assist you in making well-informed choices but also aid you in pinpointing the ideal digital consulting partners to propel your business ahead in this digital era.

What Is Digital Consulting?

Digital consulting, a burgeoning field in the digital era, stands at the intersection of technology and business strategy, aiming to propel organizations toward digital excellence. At its core, digital consulting encompasses a myriad of services designed to aid businesses in navigating the complexities of digital transformation and harnessing the power of digital technologies to achieve their overarching goals. Below are some facets of digital consulting:

A digital consultant with her client, discussing some of the strategies for her business.
A digital consultant brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various virtual practices, including SEO, user-friendly design, social media management, and web development.
  • Diverse services and expertise: A digital consultant brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various virtual practices, including SEO, user-friendly design, social media management, and web development. Their role is multifaceted, involving the creation and execution of diverse digital marketing strategies tailored to the unique needs of each client. From optimizing online presence through SEO assistance to crafting visually appealing and functional web designs, digital consultants ensure that businesses are well-positioned to thrive in the digital landscape.
  • Driving business strategies: One of the pivotal aspects of digital consulting is its focus on efficiently implementing business strategies across digital platforms. Digital consultants delve deep into technology research, competition analysis, and marketing strategy creation to provide bespoke solutions that align with business objectives and market trends. Their strategic approach enables organizations to simplify processes, enhance user experience, and make data-driven decisions, thereby fostering innovation and growth.
  • Continuous learning and adaptability: Given the dynamic nature of the digital realm, digital consultants often come from diverse educational backgrounds and emphasize the importance of continuous learning through certifications. This adaptability and commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments equip them to address the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation.

The digital consulting market is witnessing a surge in demand, with projections indicating a robust growth rate of 20% through 2028 and a market valuation reaching $53 billion in 2021. This growth is reflective of businesses’ increasing reliance on digital strategies and the pivotal role of digital consultants in facilitating this transition. 

Current market trends underscore the growing focus on user experience (UX) design and the increasing need for digital transformation across various industries.

Having answered the question what is digital consulting, we can agree that it is an integral component of the modern business ecosystem, offering a spectrum of services and strategic insights to guide organizations through the digital frontier. The growing demand for digital consulting services and the evolving market trends underscore the significance of this field in shaping the future of business in the digital age.

Contact us here if you would like to find the best fractional CMO for your business.

Digital Consulting: When To Hire One for Your Business

Understanding what is digital consulting and the role of a digital consultant is just the beginning. Businesses frequently face decisions about handling the intricacies of digital marketing in-house or considering digital consulting. Recognizing the right time to hire a digital consultant can be the linchpin for enhancing your digital presence, optimizing resources, and driving business growth. Here, we explore the key indicators and compelling reasons that signal it’s time to bring a digital consultant on board.

An exhausted business person who does not understand what is digital consulting and how they can benefit them.
One of the most telling signs that your business may need a digital consultant is when you or your internal marketing team are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
  • Experiencing burnout: One of the most telling signs that your business may need a digital consultant is when you or your internal marketing team are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Managing a plethora of digital tasks such as social media, web updates, and email marketing, on top of other business priorities, can be daunting. A digital consultant can alleviate this burden, allowing you to delegate diverse tasks ranging from SEO improvement to digital campaign coordination, thereby freeing up time and energy for you to focus on core business activities.
  • Declining sales or leads: A sudden or continuous decline in sales or leads is a red flag that warrants immediate action. Before this trend compromises your overall business performance, hiring a digital marketing consultant can be a strategic move. They bring to the table expertise in developing and implementing digital marketing strategies tailored to reach your key customers, revamp existing campaigns, and ultimately, reverse the decline in sales. The ability of a digital consultant to deliver content that resonates with your target audience at the right time can be a game-changer for increasing sales and recovering your business numbers.
  • Operating on a limited marketing budget: Budget constraints should not be a bottleneck for executing diverse and effective marketing strategies. Hiring a digital consultant offers a cost-saving alternative to expanding your internal marketing team. Their services are scalable, paid per project, and do not entail the regular benefits and compensation associated with full-time employees. This flexibility allows you to maximize your marketing budget, test different tactics and channels, and pinpoint any loopholes in your strategies, ensuring that every dollar spent yields maximum return on investment.
  • Outdated website: Your website is the digital storefront of your brand and often the first point of contact for potential customers. An outdated website can deter visitors and result in lost opportunities. Digital consultants specialize in website optimization, user experience, and navigation, ensuring that your site is attractive, user-friendly, and well-optimized to generate successful leads. Revamping your website with the help of a consultant can reinvigorate your brand’s online image and attract more customers.

Recognizing the signs and acting promptly to hire a digital consultant can be a strategic decision that pays dividends in the long run. Whether you are experiencing burnout, witnessing a decline in sales, working with a limited budget, or dealing with an outdated website, a digital consultant brings expertise, flexibility, and innovative solutions to address these challenges and propel your business forward in the digital era.

How To Hire a Digital Consultant in 7 Steps

Hiring a digital consultant is a strategic move that can significantly enhance a business’s digital presence and marketing strategies. The process, while detailed, can be streamlined into seven key steps, ensuring that businesses find the right fit for their unique needs.

A business owner interviewing a digital consulting expert to determine their suitability in their company.
Develop a comprehensive profile of the ideal candidate, outlining the necessary skills, experience, and responsibilities.
  1. Identify Your Needs: Start by identifying the specific needs and objectives you aim to achieve with the help of a digital consultant. This clarity will guide the entire hiring process, ensuring alignment with business goals.
  2. Create an Ideal Candidate Profile: Develop a comprehensive profile of the ideal candidate, outlining the necessary skills, experience, and responsibilities. This profile will serve as a benchmark for evaluating potential candidates.
  3. Allocate a Budget: Establish a clear budget for the position, considering both the one-time hiring costs and the ongoing expenses such as salary, benefits, and training. The average salary for a digital consultant is approximately $103,415, with variations based on several factors.
  4. Craft a Comprehensive Job Description: Write a detailed job description that includes the role summary, required skills, responsibilities, and salary range. This description will act as the primary communication tool for attracting suitable candidates.
  5. Utilize Diverse Recruitment Strategies: Employ a mix of recruitment strategies, including internal talent consideration, referrals, college recruitment, social media platforms, and online job postings. Diversifying recruitment channels increases the chances of finding the perfect match.
  6. Conduct Thorough Interviews: Engage with candidates through interviews to assess their skills, experience, and cultural fit within the company. Utilize the ideal candidate profile and ask relevant questions to evaluate their suitability for the role.
  7. Finalize the Offer and Onboard: Once the ideal candidate is identified, send a competitive job offer, finalize the contract, and initiate a smooth onboarding process. Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed, and the new consultant is well-integrated into the company.

By following these seven steps, businesses can effectively navigate the hiring landscape, ensuring they secure a digital consultant who not only possesses the right skills and experience but also aligns with the company’s mission and values. This strategic hiring process is instrumental in leveraging digital expertise to enhance brand presence, engage customers, and drive business growth.

For more on recent trends in digital marketing, read our blog and talk to us if you are considering hiring a fractional CMO.