The Difference Between a Good and Bad SaaS Marketing Consultant
The SaaS industry is booming with over 15,0000 SaaS companies in the U.S. serving 14 billion customers worldwide as of 2021. As a result, B2B SaaS business owners are always looking for ways to improve their marketing efforts in order to stand out. In fact, a lot of them are allocating over 9% of their annual budget to marketing activities.
Many of them turn to a B2B SaaS marketing agency for consulting services. But not all consultants are created equal.
The SaaS world is filled with marketing consultants who claim to be experts in the field. But how can you tell if a consultant is actually good at what they do?
Below, we’ll explore some of the signs that indicate a bad marketing consultant, so you can avoid wasting your time and money on someone who isn’t going to deliver results.
SaaS Marketing Consultant Red Flags
1. They’re more interested in selling you their services than understanding your business
A good marketing consultant will take the time to learn about your business, your goals, and your target market before making any recommendations.
If a consultant is more interested in selling you their services than they are in understanding your business, it’s a red flag that they’re not going to be able to deliver the results you’re looking for.
For example, a good consultant will want to know about your sales process, your marketing budget, and your target market before making any recommendations.
2. They’re focused on quick wins and short-term strategies
While there may be certain tactics that can help you achieve quick results, a good marketing consultant will take the time to develop a more comprehensive strategy that focuses on long-term success.
If the consultant is only focused on getting you quick wins without considering how those wins will affect the overall success of your business, in the long run, it’s a sign that they are not the right fit for you.
3. They make promises they can’t keep
Be wary of consultants who make grandiose claims about what they can do for your business. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A good marketing consultant will be honest about what they can and cannot do, and will set realistic expectations for what you can achieve together. To avoid being taken advantage of, always get everything in writing before working with a consultant.
4. They rely on outdated tactics
The world of marketing is always changing, which means what worked last year might not work this year. A good marketing consultant stays up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices so they can provide their clients with the most effective strategies.
If a consultant relies on outdated tactics, it’s a sign that they’re not keeping up with the latest industry trends. For example, a good consultant will know that SEO tactics have changed significantly in the last few years, and will be using the most effective strategies to help their clients.
Examples of outdated tactics include keyword stuffing, buying backlinks, and investing in banner ads. Most recent tactics are focused on content optimization and social media marketing.
5. They’re not transparent about their fees
A good marketing consultant should be upfront and transparent about their fees from the start. If a consultant is vague about their pricing or tries to hide their fees until after you’ve signed a contract, it’s a sign that they’re not being truthful about the value they’re offering.
To avoid being taken advantage of, make sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the consultant’s fees before signing any contracts.
6. They don’t have any case studies or testimonials from past clients
A good marketing consultant should have case studies or testimonials from past clients that showcase the results they’ve been able to achieve.
If a consultant doesn’t have any examples of their work, it’s likely because they haven’t been able to create any real results for their clients. When evaluating a potential consultant, always ask for examples of their work and testimonials from past clients.
Final Thoughts
When you’re looking for a SaaS marketing consultant, it’s important to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in the industry.
A good consultant will be able to provide valuable insights and help you create a comprehensive marketing strategy.
On the other hand, a bad consultant can waste your time and money with little results to show for it. Follow these tips to make sure you hire the right person for the job.
Check out A Guide to Marketing Consulting for SaaS Startups for more information. If you need more help growing your SaaS business, be sure to visit our blog for more tips and resources.
