Establishing yourself or your brand as a thought leader has become essential for gaining credibility, enhancing industry influence, and building lasting connections. Thought leadership is more than just sharing opinions; it's about providing valuable insights that inspire, educate, and drive conversations within your field. And thought leadership is also about more than selling products or solutions; it’s demonstrating that you (or your organization) understand your industry as a whole and can speak to larger trends. But how do you craft a thought leadership strategy that stands out?

WHAT IS THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT YOUR COMPANY?

Thought leadership strategy involves establishing your company (or leaders within your organization) as credible thought leaders in their respective industries by sharing insightful and innovative ideas. It goes beyond traditional marketing tactics by focusing on delivering valuable, industry-specific insights. It’s about sharing solutions, a deeper level of knowledge, and informed projections and analyses about a particular area of focus. In essence, thought leaders are seen as trusted sources of information and guidance, contributing to the advancement of their field through first-hand experience, research, and perspective.

Below, we’re highlighting the benefits that thought leadership can have on your company:

Credibility and trust: Thought leadership positions your company as a trustworthy source of actionable information. By consistently providing valuable insights and solutions, you (or your organization) demonstrate expertise and build a reputation that customers, clients, and peers can rely on.

Competitive edge: Being recognized as a thought leader gives your organization an edge over your competitors. By regularly sharing industry insights, you’re not only positioning yourself and your organization as a thought leader, but also helping others draw conclusions, gain a better understanding of complex topics, and help influence decision-making where it matters most.

Brand awareness and visibility: When producing thought leadership – whether it’s a white paper or a webinar – you increase your brand's visibility and awareness in the market. As your insights and proposed solutions become more widely shared and respected, your brand gains exposure to a larger audience, including potential customers, partners, and investors.

Customer engagement: Highly relevant thought leadership projects fuel engagement with your existing and potential customers. The goal is to not only inform but to produce content that resonates with your target audience on a personal level, creating an emotional connection. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights that foster a sense of relatability helps align customers with your brand.    

Looking to boost your thought leadership efforts?

WAYS TO APPROACH THOUGHT LEADERSHIP STRATEGY

Approaching thought leadership involves focusing on a specific niche within your industry, staying well-informed about current and fast-emerging trends (AI for example), and creating digestible content that offers a unique perspective and practical solutions. Authenticity is crucial, as sharing first-hand experiences and engaging in meaningful conversations builds trust with your audience. Collaborating with peers, speaking at events, and leveraging social media platforms are effective ways to expand your reach and help establish authority within the industry. Developing a strong personal brand aligning with your thought leadership goals enhances recognition, which will aid in your development as a notable thought leader in your field.

HOW A SPECIALIZED CONSULTANT CAN HELP

A specialized consultant can be a valuable asset in the pursuit of establishing and strengthening your thought leadership position. Consultants offer strategic guidance by helping you identify both your niche and your target audience and can partner with you to develop a tailored thought leadership strategy. Content development is a crucial aspect, and consultants can assist in creating engaging articles, white papers, blog posts, videos, webinars, podcasts, ghostwritten bylines produced for leading industry publications, conference speech scripts, and other materials that effectively showcase your expertise and insights.

Furthermore, consultants help you define your unique positioning, differentiate yourself within your industry, craft a consistent brand message, and guide you on engagement strategies to interact meaningfully with your audience. Consultants also aid in measuring the impact of your efforts, staying current with industry trends and best practices, and adapting your strategy accordingly. With their expertise, you’re able to enhance your thought leadership positioning, accountability, and insights necessary to navigate the dynamic landscape of thought leadership successfully.

WHY PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY CONSULTING

Crafting a winning thought leadership strategy requires a combination of expertise, dedication, and authenticity. These are all traits that can be found in an experienced consultant. At Simplicity Consulting, our team works with you through every stage of your hiring journey. We start by helping you develop a comprehensive project outline tailored to your requirements. Our dedicated team then takes charge of sourcing consulting candidates and arranging interviews and working sessions with them. Throughout the selection process, we provide guidance and support. Upon finding the ideal communications consultant to meet your business storytelling needs, we assign you a dedicated client success manager who will ensure a seamless experience from project initiation to its successful completion.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, AI stands out as a game-changer for businesses in nearly every industry. With its ability to quickly analyze vast amounts of data, automate tasks, and increase countless efficiencies, AI is reshaping the business landscape. In the marketing, communications, and tech spaces, the importance of embracing AI and harnessing the power of AI is now more than just a competitive advantage; it's a necessity for staying relevant.

Is your company or department keeping pace? Are your employees embracing AI? Following are some strategies to ensure you have the highly skilled people you need to succeed today.

Looking for consultants with AI skills?

THE BENEFITS OF AI FLUENCY WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

As a leader, creating an AI-fluent company or department – in which employees have a solid understanding of AI and its applications – offers significant benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Efficient decision-making: AI literacy enables your team to make more well-informed decisions due to the increased efficiency that AI provides when summarizing various topics and data points. This allows individuals to better interpret AI-generated insights, which can lead to smarter choices in areas such as marketing, communications, strategy, and project management.
2. Competitive advantage: Agile companies with employees skilled in AI are better positioned to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They can adapt to market changes more quickly and seize upon new opportunities as they arise.
3. Talent recruitment and retention: An AI-fluent company is appealing to job seekers (and consultants) in the market today, as it puts an emphasis on relevancy and growth. It can also improve employee retention by providing opportunities for valuable skill development.

Building and maintaining an AI-fluent company empowers employees to harness the capabilities of AI for collaboration, efficiency, and growth. By embracing new technologies and focusing heavily on upskilling your employees and supporting them by providing ample AI-related professional development opportunities, you’ll position your company or department for faster AI adoption and long-term competitiveness.

STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMIZING AI ADOPTION

While leaders can encounter some challenges when implementing new AI tools and processes, they can successfully navigate potential hurdles with the right framework. Below are strategies to help overcome common issues:

• Practice change management best practices: Recognize that change is difficult. Communicate the benefits of AI adoption to your employees and stakeholders. Again, it’s critical to provide training and support to help them adapt to AI-related changes in processes and workflows.

• Establish clear objectives: Define crystal-clear business objectives for your AI implementation. And ensure that these priorities align with your company's overarching goals. Having a well-defined purpose will help you guide your AI initiatives effectively.

• Focus on data quality: Invest in maintaining high data quality standards. Ensuring that you have access to relevant and reliable data sources as a solid foundation is essential for successful AI projects.

• Experiment to innovate: Promote a culture of experimentation to test AI solutions. Encourage teams to iterate and refine AI models based on real-world feedback, allowing for continuous improvement.

• Aim to scale: Design your AI solutions with scalability in mind. Continuously optimize AI prompts for improved performance and understanding.

• Learn, adapt, and look ahead: Stay updated with AI advancements and industry trends. Be prepared to adjust your AI strategies as technologies evolve. Plan for ongoing maintenance and updates of AI systems to align with evolving business needs.

• Develop and promote ethical AI practices: Develop and adhere to ethical guidelines for AI. Implement strategies to ensure fairness, transparency, and data integrity. Ethical AI practices are crucial for building trust with customers, clients, employees, and stakeholders.

• Bring in AI experts on a consulting basis. Hiring AI-fluent consultants is a smart and strategic approach that can significantly enhance your organization's success. These professionals bring expertise in decision-making, tailored solutions, and technological readiness.

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY TO HIRE CONSULTANTS WHO ARE AI-FLUENT

The transformative potential of AI knows no bounds, and as technology continues to advance, its role in reshaping businesses, particularly in the areas of marketing, communications, and project management, will only become more pronounced.

Are you prepared?

We can help – and quickly. If you’re seeking consultants with AI skills, partner with Simplicity. With more than 17 years of industry presence, Simplicity prides itself on matching clients with consultants with specialized skills in marketing, communications, and program and project management.

We understand that time is of the essence. As you work to upskill your employees, consultants with AI skills can fill critical knowledge gaps – right now. We will work with you to quickly identify your unique needs and project requirements. Through collaborative discussions, we help outline the project scope and identify the skillset and experience necessary to achieve your goals. Put simply, our skilled consultants get projects done with skill, speed, and efficiency. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today!

The power of words cannot be underestimated. Whether you're crafting a compelling marketing campaign, developing an eye-catching website, or creating engaging social media content, effective copywriting can make all the difference. While many businesses recognize the importance of high-quality copy, not all have the skills or expertise to consistently produce truly impactful content. This is where a skilled copywriting consultant can be of great support. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of hiring a copywriting consultant and how their expertise can help elevate your brand.

Looking to hire a copywriter consultant?

HOW A COPYWRITING CONSULTANT CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Copywriting consultants employ a range of techniques and approaches to provide results for their clients. Therefore, it's important to consider your organization's objectives when hiring a copywriting consultant to ensure all requirements are met.

Here are several ways that highlight how a copywriting consultant can provide value to your organization:

1. Expertise and specialization. Copywriting consultants possess a deep understanding of the nuances of language, tone, and style that resonate with different target audiences. Their specialized knowledge allows them to create tailored content that aligns with your brand's voice and messaging, whether it's a persuasive sales pitch or an engaging blog post, a copywriting consultant can craft content that speaks directly to your audience.

2. Fresh perspective. When you're closely tied to a project, it's easy to develop tunnel vision. A copywriting consultant brings a fresh set of eyes to your content (and overall content strategy), offering a unique perspective that can identify missed opportunities and address potential blind spots. This fresh perspective can be invaluable for refining your messaging and ensuring that your content remains relevant and captivating.

3. Efficiency. In the fast-paced world of work, time is precious. Hiring a copywriting consultant allows your in-house team to focus on their core responsibilities, while the consultant takes the lead on other mission-critical copy and content-related tasks. This allows your core team to focus on key initiatives without being stretched too thin. 

4. Cost-effectiveness. Hiring a full-time, in-house copywriter comes with extensive overhead costs, including salary and benefits. On the other hand, a copywriting consultant operates on a per-project basis, allowing you to control costs more effectively. This is particularly advantageous for businesses with fluctuating content needs, as you can scale up or down as needed.

5. Measurable results. Experienced copywriting consultants understand the importance of data-driven decisions. They can create content with specific goals in mind and implement strategies to track and measure the effectiveness of their work. This approach allows you to quantify the impact of their efforts and make informed decisions for future campaigns.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A COPYWRITING CONSULTANT

Hiring the right copywriting consultant can greatly impact the success of your projects and your overall brand image. When seeking a copywriting consultant, it’s crucial to assess their experience for the specific type of writing your business needs. Whether it’s technical writing, ad copy, blog writing, executive speechwriting, or internal or external corporate communications, asking the right interview questions can ensure your copywriting consultant candidate has the skills for the job. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating copywriting consultant candidates:

• Proven experience as a copywriter or content creator, with a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of writing styles and content types.
• A deep understanding of effective communication principles and the ability to tailor content to specific target audiences.
• Knowledge of SEO best practices and content performance analysis tools.
•  A strong understanding of AI technologies, tools concepts, and applications.
• Excellent research skills to gather accurate and reliable information for content creation.
• Strong editing and proofreading abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Familiarity with different content formats, including web copy, blog articles, social media posts, and email campaigns.
• Proficiency in adapting writing style to match brand voices and industry-specific language.
• Ability to communicate clearly, work independently, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Once you’ve solidified a strong candidate pool and reached the interview stage, compile a list of questions to ask each candidate in order to gain a deeper understanding of their consulting experience. A few strong questions to incorporate are:

1. Can you share some examples from your portfolio that demonstrate your versatility as a copywriting consultant?
2. How do you approach understanding a client's brand voice and messaging?
3. Could you walk us through your process of conducting research for a project?
4. Can you describe a project where you had to balance competing priorities and meet tight deadlines? How did you manage your time effectively?
5. How do you approach adapting your writing style for different platforms, such as social media, blogs, and marketing materials?
6. Can you provide an example of a challenging project you've worked on? How did you overcome any obstacles you encountered?
7. How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism?

Remember, finding the right copywriting consultant involves a combination of assessing the person’s skills, experience, and compatibility with your brand. Take the time to interview consulting candidates, carefully review their work, and evaluate how well they align with your content goals and company culture.

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY AND FIND SKILLED COPYWRITING CONSULTANT CANDIDATES

If you’re looking to hire a copywriter (and fast!), partner with Simplicity. The Simplicity team specializes in finding expert consultants in marketing, communications, project, and program management to help organizations achieve their bottom-line business goals.

When you work with Simplicity, you'll have a dedicated team working with you through every step of the way, from quickly developing a detailed project outline, sourcing consulting candidates, and guiding you through the selection process. But our relationship doesn't end there. Once you find a copywriting consultant that meets your needs, you'll be paired with a client success manager who will ensure smooth sailing from project initiation through its completion.

Get in contact with our team today!

Email marketing remains one of the most effective and direct ways to reach potential customers. However, devising and executing a successful email marketing strategy requires expertise, experience, and a keen understanding of the ever-changing landscape of email marketing. To achieve the best results, many businesses aim to hire email marketing consultants who can bring a fresh perspective, industry insights, and a proven track record to the table. But with so many consultants out there, how can you quickly find the right one to suit your unique business needs? In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of efficiently hiring the ideal email marketing consultant to take your digital communication efforts to new heights.

THE BENEFITS OF HIRING AN EMAIL MARKETING CONSULTANT

There are many ways an email marketing consultant can benefit your organization. Here are just a few:

Expertise and specialization: Email marketing consultants are experts in their field. They bring a deep understanding of email marketing strategies, best practices, and industry trends. Their specialized knowledge can lead to more effective campaigns, improved engagement, and increased retention.

Fresh perspectives: Consultants offer fresh viewpoints and diverse project experience that can provide innovative ideas that your in-house team might not have considered. This injection of creativity can revitalize your email marketing approach.

Time and resource savings: Outsourcing email marketing efforts to a consultant frees up your team's time to focus on other core business initiatives. It's a cost-effective way to access an email marketer’s expertise without the overhead of a full-time hire.

Customized strategies: Consultants know how to tailor their strategies to your specific business goals, target audience, and industry. This personalized approach increases the relevance and effectiveness of your email campaigns.

Advanced tools and techniques: Email marketing consultants are often familiar with a variety of tools, software, and emerging technologies. They can introduce your marketing team to new platforms or features that can enhance your business and internal campaigns.

Data-driven insights: Consultants analyze campaign data to gain deeper insights into what works and what doesn't. They can help you make informed decisions based on metrics, leading to continuous improvement.

Need to hire an email marketing consultant?

HOW TO WRITE AN EMAIL MARKETING CONSULTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

When crafting your job description, start with a concise summary that provides a high-level overview of the primary responsibilities of the email marketing consultant. Here's a possible example you can customize:

“As an email marketing consultant, you will play a crucial role in designing, executing, and optimizing effective email marketing campaigns that drive engagement, conversions, and revenue. Your expertise in email marketing strategies, industry best practices, and data-driven decision-making will help boost brand awareness and quarterly sales.”

After giving a short description of the role, share a more in-depth overview of the day-to-day responsibilities that the role entails and what the expectations are. Here are some responsibilities to consider including for an email marketing consultant role:

• Develop and implement comprehensive email marketing strategies that align with business goals and target audience.
• Create, design, and execute engaging email campaigns that drive customer engagement, conversions, and revenue.
• Utilize segmentation strategies to deliver targeted and personalized content to different customer segments.
• Write compelling email copy, subject lines, and calls to action that resonate with recipients and encourage desired actions.
• Conduct A/B testing on email elements (subject lines, content, visuals) to optimize campaign performance.
• Monitor and analyze key email marketing metrics (open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates) and provide data-driven insights.
• Manage and maintain email lists, ensuring accurate subscriber information and compliance with regulations.
• Ensure email deliverability by optimizing email content, sender reputation, and compliance with anti-spam laws.

In addition, outline the desired qualifications and competencies you seek in a potential email marketing consultant. This includes a blend of technical proficiencies and soft skills. In general, accomplished email marketing consultants typically possess the following traits and abilities:

• Proven campaign success: Track record of planning, executing, and analyzing effective email marketing campaigns that improved key metrics.
• Segmentation and personalization: Demonstrated ability to segment lists and create personalized email content for diverse audience groups.
• A/B testing and optimization: Experience with A/B testing and data-driven optimization to enhance campaign performance.
• Marketing automation: Familiarity with marketing automation tools and creating automated workflows for lead nurturing.
• Analytics and reporting: Strong skills in tracking metrics, generating reports, and using insights for campaign enhancement.
• Deliverability expertise: Knowledge of email deliverability best practices and maintaining sender reputation.
• Compliance knowledge: Understanding of email marketing regulations (GDPR, CAN-SPAM) and ensuring compliance.
• Collaboration skills: Ability to work with clients and cross-functional teams for successful campaign execution.

SMART INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO ASK EMAIL MARKETING CONSULTANT CANDIDATES

When interviewing an email marketing consultant candidate, asking the right questions will help you assess their expertise, experience, and fit for your organization. Here are some good interview questions to consider:

1. Can you share an example of a successful email marketing campaign you've worked on? What strategies did you employ to achieve positive results?
2. How do you approach segmenting email lists and creating personalized content for different audience groups?
3. Tell us about your experience with A/B testing in email marketing. How do you decide which elements to test, and how do you use the results to optimize campaigns?
4. What tools or platforms are you familiar with for email marketing automation, and how have you utilized them in previous roles?
5. How do you measure the success of an email marketing campaign? Which key metrics do you track, and how do you use that data to improve future campaigns?
6. What strategies do you use to maintain high email deliverability rates and ensure that emails reach subscribers' inboxes?
7. How do you stay up to date on the evolving world of AI as it relates to email marketing?

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY TO FIND THE RIGHT EMAIL MARKETING CONSULTANT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Hiring the right email marketing consultant can significantly impact the success of your marketing efforts. Armed with a highly skilled consultant, your email marketing campaigns will flourish, leading to increased engagement, customer loyalty, and business growth.

By clearly defining your objectives, seeking relevant experience, assessing technical knowledge and expertise, and asking the right interview questions, you can quickly find the right consultant for your business. Remember to prioritize compatibility and cultural fit to ensure a productive and enjoyable collaboration.

Team up with Simplicity Consulting to harness the numerous advantages our email marketing consultants bring to the table. With our extensive network of email marketing consultants, we can swiftly connect you to the precise expertise you're seeking. We are dedicated to ensuring a smooth journey for our clients, adopting a holistic strategy throughout the consultant-engagement phase. Through collaborative efforts, we construct a comprehensive project framework, meticulously accounting for your distinct needs. We curate a lineup of consultant candidates best suited for the consulting role. Upon selecting an email marketing consultant, you will be assigned a dedicated client success manager to guide and support you throughout the engagement, from project kickoff to completion.

Reach out to start your search today!

In today's fast-paced world of work, effective project management plays a pivotal role in achieving organizational success. As companies tackle complex initiatives and strive for seamless execution, consultants with top-notch project management skills are increasingly in demand. A consultant that focuses on any specialty, whether it’s internal communications, UX design, or business analytics, is more valuable to clients if they have strong project management skills. In this blog post, we'll dive into the reasons why hiring consultants with standout project management expertise is a wise investment for any organization.

Need a consultant with project management skills?

The project management skills a consultant possesses plays a significant role in their ability to deliver exceptional results. Here are some project management skills that you’ll want to look for when hiring your next consultant:

1. Organization abilities: Effective project management requires strong planning and organizational skills. Look for consultants who have proven experience creating comprehensive project plans, defining clear objectives, and establishing structured processes.
2. Collaboration abilities: Project management often involves working with cross-functional teams composed of individuals with different skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. A consultant with strong collaboration abilities can bring team members together, align them towards a common goal, and foster a sense of cohesion.
3. Effective communication: Effective communication is crucial project management skill. A consultant should be able to convey ideas clearly, actively listen, facilitate discussions, and maintain open lines of communication with all project partners and stakeholders.
4. Analytical abilities: Consultants must be able to analyze data, interpret trends, and draw insights to make informed decisions. This includes utilizing project management tools, evaluating metrics, and conducting risk assessments.
5. Adaptability: Projects often encounter unexpected challenges or changes. An adaptable consultant should be able to respond effectively to these situations, adjust project plans, and find creative solutions when needed.
6. Attention to detail: Attention to detail ensures that project deliverables, documentation, and communications are of high quality. Even small errors or oversights can have a significant impact on project timelines and outcomes. A consultant with strong attention to detail will meticulously review and validate project-related information, minimizing the risk of errors.
7. Time management: A consultant should excel at managing project schedules, allocating resources efficiently, and prioritizing tasks. Being able to balance competing demands and optimize resource utilization is vital for project success.

WAYS TO EVALUATE A PROSPECTIVE CONSULTANT’S PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS

When evaluating a consultant’s project management skills, start by reviewing the consultant's resume and portfolio. Look for relevant certifications, formal training, and the types of projects they have managed in the past. Assess if their experience aligns with your specific project requirements.

It’s also crucial to request and review a consultant’s references and client testimonials. Contact the references provided and ask about the consultant's performance, ability to meet deadlines, and overall project management effectiveness.

Asking the right interview questions can help you gain a better understanding of a consultant’s overall skillset. The interview process will allow you to assess the consultant’s communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and their understanding of project management principles and methodologies.

Here are some interview questions to ask a potential consultant to further uncover their project management skills:

1. Can you provide an example of a project you successfully managed from start to finish? What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?
2. What’s your process for prioritizing tasks and allocating resources within a project?
3. How do you manage project risks and mitigate potential issues?
4. Talk about a situation where you had to deal with a difficult project stakeholder. How did you handle it?
5. What steps do you take to ensure that a project stays within scope, budget, and timeline?

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY TO FIND TOP-NOTCH CONSULTANTS

Hiring consultants with top-notch project management skills is a smart and strategic move that can significantly enhance your organization's success. These professionals bring expertise in planning and execution, streamline communication and collaboration, proactively address challenges, optimize resource management, and provide invaluable insights.

If you’re looking for consultants with impressive project management skills, partner with Simplicity. With 17 years of experience, Simplicity prides itself in matching clients with consultants specializing in marketing, communications, and program and project management.

We understand that time is of the essence. We will work with you to quickly identify your unique needs and project requirements. Through collaborative discussions, we help outline the project scope and identify the skillset and experience necessary to achieve your goals. Put simply, our skilled consultants get projects done with skill, speed and efficiency. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today!

A well-designed presentation can be the key to effectively conveying your message, captivating your audience, and securing new business. But not everyone has keen presentation design capabilities, which is why a presentation design consultant can make such a significant impact. Whether your organization is looking to generally enhance its presentations or create a more tailored approach to current and future presentations – hiring a skilled presentation design consultant with expertise in creating visually engaging content can be a beneficial next step for your brand. Here’s what to look for in presentation design consultants, and how Simplicity can help you find the perfect match.

SKILLS TO LOOK FOR IN PRESENTATION DESIGN CONSULTANTS

When hiring a presentation designer, it's essential to look for a combination of technical skills, creative abilities, and communication expertise. Here are some key skills to consider when evaluating presentation design consultants:

Graphic design proficiency: A strong foundation in graphic design principles is crucial. Look for consultants skilled in layout design, typography, visual elements, and composition.

Visual storytelling: A skilled consultant understands the art of visual storytelling. They can take your content and transform it into a narrative using compelling visual elements, helping to engage and captivate your audience throughout the presentation.

Need to hire a presentation design consultant?

Attention to detail: Presentation design requires meticulous attention to detail. Consultants should be able to align elements precisely, maintain consistent formatting, and ensure that each slide contributes to the overall coherence and impact of the presentation.

Communication skills: Effective communication is essential for understanding a client’s needs and conveying ideas back to your team. A presentation design consultant should be an active listener, ask relevant questions, and be able to articulate design decisions clearly.

Creativity and innovation: Look for consultants who bring creative and innovative ideas to the table. They should be able to conceptualize unique concepts that go beyond the ordinary, suggest new ways to present information, and offer ideas on how to leverage emerging AI and other tech tools to enhance and streamline the design process.

Problem-solving abilities: Presentation designers should be critical thinkers and adept problem-solvers. They should be able to find solutions to design challenges, adapt to different presentation formats, and work efficiently to meet tight deadlines.

Range and versatility: A consultant's portfolio should demonstrate a range of presentation styles and formats across industries. The consultant’s portfolio should showcase their ability to adapt their skills to different contexts and brands, while effectively tailoring designs to different audiences.

Understanding of branding: Consultants who understand branding principles can ensure that your presentation aligns with your brand's visual identity, maintaining consistency and reinforcing brand recognition.

IMPORTANT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO ASK PRESENTATION DESIGN CONSULTANTS

When interviewing presentation design consultants, ask a mix of questions to assess their suitability for your project. Here's a list of interview questions to help you evaluate potential consultants:

1. Can you provide examples of the best presentations you've designed in the past? Walk me through the design process and the goals behind those projects.
2. How proficient are you with presentation software such as PowerPoint, Keynote, or design tools like Adobe Creative Suite?
3. Can you describe how you solved a challenging design problem you encountered in a previous project?
4. What techniques do you use to ensure consistency in design elements, such as fonts, colors, and layouts, throughout a presentation?
5. How do you handle multimedia integration within presentations, such as videos, animations, and interactive elements?
6. How do you ensure that the design of a presentation aligns with the client's brand identity and messaging?
7. Do you incorporate AI into your design process? If so, what AI tools to you typically use?
8. How do you handle receiving and incorporating client feedback during the design process?
9. Can you describe how you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects simultaneously?
10. How do you define a successful collaboration with a client? What are your key priorities in a client-designer relationship?

PARTNERING WITH SIMPLICITY CONSULTING

When done well, presentations tell a story, are intuitive and distill complex data into digestible and actionable information. Poor presentation design, on the other hand, can distract or confuse your audience, and even undermine your credibility.

As such, hiring a skilled presentation design consultant can enhance your presentation quality, effectiveness, and impact. The benefits are numerous, from improved visual appeal to time savings and creative innovation. By collaborating with a skilled consultant, you're better positioned to engage your audience, convey your message, and achieve your presentation goals.

If you’re ready to bring in a presentation design consultant, partner with Simplicity and let us handle the heavy lifting of sourcing and hiring the presentation design consultant for your organization. Simplicity is a long-standing leader in the industry, quickly finding clients the presentation design consultants they need. We have a diverse pool of consultants specializing in presentation design, ready to help your organization. 

Our team utilizes a high-touch approach and will work with you through every step, from developing a detailed project outline based on your unique needs to creating a shortlist of consultants. From there, we organize working sessions with the presentation design consultants you’re most interested in and help guide you through the selection process. Once you select a presentation design consultant, you’ll work with one of our dedicated client success managers to ensure smooth sailing from kickoff to the project’s completion.

Business analytics is booming. Business analytics refers to harnessing the power of business data to uncover meaningful trends, patterns, and root causes. The actionable insights discovered throughout the process are the foundation for making smart, data-driven business decisions. 

In an era in which data is king, companies that need more robust business analytics capabilities risk falling behind by making important decisions based on incomplete information. This is why a skilled and experienced business analytics consultant can be so valuable. 

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A BUSINESS ANALYTICS CONSULTANT 

There are many ways an on-demand business analytics consult can benefit your organization. Here are just a few:

Data-driven decision-making: These professionals have a deep understanding of analytical methodologies, tools, and best practices, enabling them to extract the right information from the right places. Their recommendations can help your organization to make decisions based on empirical evidence rather than assumptions, instincts, or guesswork.

Performance optimization: Business analytics consultants excel at optimizing business performance. By analyzing data, they can identify inefficiencies and areas ripe for improvement in your operations. They provide valuable insights on enhancing productivity, reducing costs, streamlining workflows, and maximizing overall efficiency.

Competitive advantage: Business analytics consultants can help you gain an edge over your competitors by uncovering new market opportunities, predicting trends, and identifying customer preferences. 

Risk management: Business analytics consultants are skilled in solving problems – and avoiding problems. They can assess and mitigate risks by analyzing historical data, identifying potential risks, and providing risk management strategies to safeguard your organization in many areas.

ROI optimization: When investing in new initiatives, such as marketing campaigns or technology implementations, maximizing your return on investment (ROI) is essential. Business analytics consultants can help you measure and track the effectiveness of your programs, determine ROI, and allocate resources to the most impactful areas based on data-driven insights. 

Need to hire a business analytics consultant?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BUSINESS ANALYTICS CONSULTANT

As you search for a business analytics consultant, you'll want to look for individuals with proven track records of delivering measurable results through data-driven strategies. 

Candidates should possess the following technical skills:

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data modeling techniques
• Strong knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R
• Experience with data manipulation and querying using SQL
• Expertise in data visualization tools and platforms
• Ability to work with large datasets and implement data cleaning and preprocessing techniques

In addition to technical expertise, you'll want to look for the following soft skills:

• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex analytical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Critical thinking skills to evaluate data and identify patterns, trends, and insights
• Problem-solving abilities to analyze complex business challenges and develop innovative solutions
• Strong business acumen to align analytical insights with overall business goals and strategies
• Collaboration skills to work effectively in cross-functional teams  

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO ASK BUSINESS ANALYTICS CONSULTANT CANDIDATES

With the demand for professionals in this field growing rapidly, it's critical to ask interview questions that delve beyond technical expertise and provide a deeper understanding of a candidate's problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and overall fit for the role.

A few potential questions to consider asking include:

• Can you describe the most challenging problem you've encountered as a business analytics consultant and how you approached it?
• How do you effectively communicate complex data to non-technical stakeholders? Can you provide an example?
• What factors do you prioritize when identifying meaningful insights from large datasets? 
• How do you stay updated with the latest trends and emerging technologies in business analytics? 
• How do you verify that you understand the underlying business goals before initiating an analysis or recommending a solution?
• Describe a situation when you collaborated with a large cross-functional team to solve a complex or long-standing business problem. 

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY TO FIND EXPERT BUSINESS ANALYTICS CONSULTANTS

Business analytics is only growing in importance. As organizations work to remain competitive and optimize their operations in a wide array of areas, incorporating data into decision-making will be increasingly critical to success. 

If you're ready to enjoy the many benefits these experts can offer, partner with Simplicity Consulting. We have access to a vast network of business analytics consultants and can quickly find you the expert you need. We prioritize a seamless and stress-free experience for our clients by adopting a comprehensive approach throughout the consultant engagement process. Collaboratively, we develop a detailed project outline, factoring in your unique business analytics needs and requirements. Based on this, we curate a shortlist of consultant candidates, empowering you to choose the most suitable professional for your needs.

Upon selecting a business analytics consultant, you will be assigned a dedicated client success manager to guide and support you throughout the engagement, from project kickoff to final product delivery.

In the ultra-competitive world of marketing, captivating content is the key to victory. Depending on the size, budget, and specific needs of your organization or department, hiring a designated full-time content marketing expert might not be in the cards.

That’s why bringing in an on-demand content marketing consultant is often a smart and cost-effective approach. A content marketing consultant can help your business in many ways. The consultant can analyze your current content landscape, identify gaps and opportunities, define content pillars, and establish a content creation roadmap. Acting as both a strategist and project manager, they can create a comprehensive content strategy aligned with your goals, and then coordinate the implementation of that plan.

Here are some more examples of the work these experts can handle:

Audience research: Content marketing consultants can conduct in-depth research to better understand your target audience's preferences, pain points, and content-consumption habits. This information is critical for creating targeted, engaging content that resonates with your unique audience. The result: greater brand awareness, more leads and website traffic, and a well-optimized longer-term content strategy.

Content creation: Content marketing consultants can assist in developing an array of content, from blogs, social media posts, videos, podcasts, infographics, white papers, webinars, and more. Additionally, they can provide guidance on content formats and topics as well as messaging and tone to ensure consistency and relevance.

Search engine optimization: Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to boosting your content's visibility. Consultants specializing in content marketing can conduct keyword research, optimize content for relevant keywords, and advise on best practices to help your organization improve its search engine rankings and increase its organic traffic.

Content distribution and promotion: These experts can help you develop a game plan to best distribute and promote your content across multiple channels. This can include editorial and social medial calendars, email campaigns, and collaborations with other industry publications.

Performance tracking and analytics: Content marketing consultants can establish and track key performance indicators so that your organization can effectively measure the success of your content marketing efforts.

Hiring a content marketing consultant?

LOOK FOR CONTENT MARKETING CONSULTANTS WITH EXPERIENCE AND PROVEN SUCCESS

As you search for content marketing consultants, look for professionals who are truly experts in this field. They should have a strong background in both project management and content marketing, including many of the specialties mentioned above.

Consultants at this stage in their career should have a portfolio highlighting their experience, accomplishments, and specialties, as well as client testimonials or case studies. The portfolio should showcase their creativity as well as meaningful metrics that quantify the impact each project made. Pay very close attention to the quality of the consultant’s work and the results they achieved.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO ASK CONTENT MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Once you have identified consulting candidates with the experience and industry knowledge you're seeking, it's time to schedule interviews so that you can get to know these experts and allow them to learn more about your organization.

Following are some interview questions to consider asking each candidate:

1. What is your experience developing and implementing content marketing strategies from the ground up?
2. How do you approach target audience research and use those insights to develop content marketing campaigns?
3. Tell us about some content marketing campaigns that you're proud of. What factors contributed to their success?
4. What content formats and platforms do you have the most experience working in? How do you decide which would be most effective for a campaign?
5. How do you measure the success of your content marketing efforts? What metrics do you think are most important, and how do you analyze them and then report that information?
6. What is your experience with SEO? How do you ensure content is optimized for search engines and drives organic traffic?
7. How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in content marketing?
8. How comfortable are you collaborating with other teams to ensure cohesive, integrated content marketing campaigns?
9. Can you describe a situation where you had to handle a content marketing setback? How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
10. How do you manage content creation and publication schedules to deliver timely content?

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY TO FIND TOP-NOTCH CONTENT MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Simplicity specializes in matching clients with experienced on-demand experts in marketing, communications, and project and program management. Our extensive pool of strategic consultants excels in tackling complex content marketing challenges and urgent projects.

Our team operates with great speed and efficiency. Here's how we work:

Needs assessment: We collaborate with you to understand your organization's requirements and define the project scope. Based on your needs and budget, we develop a curated list of content marketing consultants who are a good fit for your project.

Candidate selection: You choose the top candidates and participate in a working session to evaluate their strategic approach and working style.

Final selection: With your input, we help you select the ideal consultant for your organization.

Client support: We handle the management of our consultants, ensuring they meet your business needs. Our dedicated client success managers provide support from kickoff to project delivery.

Contact us today and let us help you find the right content marketing consultant to meet your needs – right now.

How your company communicates information related to diversity, equity, and inclusion is incredibly important. Whether your organization is launching a new DEI initiative or needs help with internal messaging or external DEI communications strategy, working with a DEI communications expert can be precisely what you need. 

WHAT IS DEI COMMUNICATIONS?

DEI communications refer to organizations’ strategic efforts and practices to promote and foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their internal and external communication processes. Effective DEI communications will clearly convey core messages, information, and initiatives supporting and advancing these goals. 

DEI communications aim to promote an inclusive and respectful organizational culture, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard, valued, and represented in organizational messaging, policies, and practices. 

These efforts encompass various mediums such as internal memos, employee newsletters, public statements, social media campaigns, and community engagement to promote understanding, awareness, and a sense of belonging for individuals from all backgrounds.

Need help with DEI communications?

WHAT DOES A DEI COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT DO?

These specialized consultants work with organizations to assess their diversity, equality, and inclusion communications, providing guidance and best practices on how to improve and advance those areas. A company may look to hire a consultant to help with their overall DEI communications or to assist with more specific needs, including:

Change management: If your organization is involved in a merger or acquisition, chances are the companies involved have varying messaging related to DEI. In these situations, a DEI communications consultant with change management expertise can work with key stakeholders to align the messaging and collaborate with internal teams to update the language across platforms Additionally, if your company is launching a new DEI initiative, a consultant with experience in DEI communications strategy can help ensure your organization takes the appropriate steps to develop communication plans and engagement initiatives that will generate team buy-in.

Crisis communication: No one wants to find themselves amid a PR mess, but working with an outside expert with experience with both crisis communications and DEI programs can help your organization avoid additional fallout or unforced errors that make matters worse. These experts can provide guidance on how and when to share information with internal and external audiences to preserve the integrity of your organization's reputation.

Executive communications: DEI communications can be a sensitive subject requiring both knowledge and nuance. As such, it is critical to ensure that the messaging starts at the top and is done in an authentic way that inspires trust and confidence. DEI communications consultants can help develop executive communication frameworks incorporating inclusive language and cultural sensitivity in speeches, presentations, and public statements. These experts can also coach executives on how to present about initiatives and issues related to DEI. Moreover, they can guide leaders in supporting diversity representation through executive communications. This might include highlighting diverse voices and experiences, featuring diverse leaders, and showcasing inclusive stories and achievements within the organization.

Internal communications: A DEI communications consultant can significantly contribute to a company's internal communication by fostering a company culture committed to DEI. They can assist in developing and implementing internal communication strategies that promote inclusive messaging, equitable practices, and better employee engagement. These experts can also provide advice on crafting communications that recognize and respect diverse perspectives, ensure equitable access to information and resources, and encourage active participation and feedback from employees at all levels. In addition, a DEI communications consultant can facilitate training sessions to enhance employees' understanding of DEI concepts and encourage open dialogue. 

Specific DEI campaigns: A DEI communications consultant might also be brought aboard to help where your organization lacks the bandwidth or deep experience required. This might involve helping with internal and external communication efforts related to special observances or diversity heritage months such as Women’s History Month, Pride, Black History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and so forth. Outside consultants know what pitfalls to avoid and can help your organization handle your communications right – the first time. This means messages are delivered in the right tone at the right time on the right platforms with the right information. 

HOW SIMPLICITY CAN HELP YOU FIND THE DEI CONSULTANTS YOU NEED

Simplicity is a leader in connecting organizations with the experts they need in the areas of communications, marketing, project, and program management. We have access to an extensive web of communications consultants who have experience helping companies enhance their DEI communications strategy.

When you partner with Simplicity, we’ll work with you through every step of the process. We start by assisting you in creating a comprehensive project outline and sourcing skilled candidates. We then facilitate working sessions between you and prospective DEI communications consultants, guiding you throughout the selection process. Once you have found the ideal consultant, we assign a dedicated client success manager who will ensure a seamless experience from Day One through project completion.

Understanding how to truly connect with your current or prospective customers, employees, job candidates, the media, and investors is extremely valuable for enterprise companies today. One powerful tool to achieve the goal of capturing attention and making a connection is corporate storytelling, also known as business storytelling.

By harnessing the timeless art of storytelling, businesses can engage and inspire their target audiences on a deeper level.

Below we explore corporate storytelling, commonly used methods, best practices, and how a specialized consulting agency like Simplicity can help you find on-demand experts to craft compelling company narratives.

WHAT IS CORPORATE STORYTELLING?

Corporate storytelling strategically uses narratives to communicate a company’s values, purpose, brand identity, and achievements. It goes beyond facts and figures, aiming to create an emotional connection with the audience. Through storytelling, businesses can captivate stakeholders and make a lasting impact.

Need help with corporate storytelling?

THE CORPORATE STORYTELLING WORKFLOW

The following are common methods used in corporate storytelling:

Identifying core messages: Effective corporate storytelling begins by defining the central messages that align with the business's mission and resonate with the target audience. These messages should be clear, concise, and relevant.

Developing characters: Just as characters bring life to a story, businesses can focus on relatable characters that embody their brand values. “Characters” of a corporate story can be company founders, current executives, customers, employees, or even the business itself. By humanizing the brand, companies can forge stronger emotional connections.

Creating narrative structures: Powerful storytelling follows a structured arc, such as the hero's journey or a problem-solution approach. This structure helps guide readers, viewers or listeners through the story, creating anticipation, emotional engagement, and a rewarding sense of resolution.

Incorporating visuals and multimedia: Visual elements, such as videos, images, and infographics, enhance the impact of corporate storytelling. They provide a multi-sensory experience that reinforces the narrative and makes it more memorable.

CORPORATE STORYTELLING BEST PRACTICES

Authenticity: A compelling corporate story should be authentic and genuine to the organization’s mission, vision, company culture, and history. Authenticity builds trust and credibility.

Consistency: Consistency is vital in corporate storytelling. From marketing, advertising and PR campaigns to internal communications, all messaging should align with the overarching narrative and reinforce the brand identity.

Emotional appeal: Stories that evoke emotions are more likely to resonate and be remembered. Businesses can create a stronger bond with their audience by tapping into universal emotions such as joy, empathy, or triumph.

Engaging with feedback: Effective storytelling is a two-way street. Encouraging dialogue and actively listening to the audience's feedback allows businesses to refine their narratives and strengthen their story.

HOW A COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT CAN HELP WITH CORPORATE STORYTELLING

Crafting impactful narratives is a skill that often requires specialized expertise. Hiring a communications consultant who focuses on corporate storytelling projects can offer many advantages:

A fresh perspective: An external consultant brings fresh eyes and a different perspective, which can enable them to uncover unique stories and angles that might have been overlooked internally.

Expertise in storytelling techniques: Communications consultants specializing in business storytelling deeply understand narrative structures, emotional triggers, and the art of engagement. They know how to tailor stories to achieve the desired outcomes.

Efficiency: The research and writing involved with corporate storytelling is significant. It can be a very time-intensive process, particularly for in-house employees with limited experience in this area. Partnering with a corporate or business storytelling consultant frees up internal employees to focus on core responsibilities while leveraging the consultant’s expertise in crafting narratives and creating compelling points about your company’s primary value props.

PARTNERING WITH SIMPLICITY

Corporate storytelling is a powerful technique that businesses can use to connect with their target audiences and build their brand. But you need to have the right person on the job. By partnering with Simplicity, you hand the time-consuming legwork of hiring skilled consultants to the experts. Simplicity is a leader in finding on-demand communications experts.

Our team works with you through every stage of your hiring journey. We start by collaborating with you to develop a comprehensive project outline tailored to your requirements. Our dedicated team then takes charge of sourcing consulting candidates and arranging interviews and working sessions with them. Throughout the selection process, we provide guidance and support. Upon finding the ideal communications consultant to meet your business storytelling needs, we assign you a dedicated client success manager who will ensure a seamless experience from project initiation to its successful completion.

When hiring a consultant to help with your marketing, communications, program, and project management needs, you will undoubtedly require a certain level of technical expertise. And these hard skills will likely vary based on the project's scope, the tech tools necessary, your specific objectives, and so forth. However, while the hard skills you'll require of consultants will depend on the position, the soft skills you'll want to look for in candidates should be relatively similar.

Need to hire a consultant?

The soft skills consultants possess play a significant role in their ability to deliver exceptional results and build positive working relationships.

Following are 10 consultant soft skills you'll want to look for in potential candidates:

1. Clear and effective communication: Consultants should excel in their ability to simplify and communicate complex ideas. Effective written and verbal communication enables them to explain their recommendations and strategic plans in a way that is crystal-clear to clients and key stakeholders.
2. Active listening: Consultants must be skilled listeners who can genuinely grasp the full scope of their client’s challenges and objectives. This soft skill allows consultants to gather valuable insights and tailor their solutions accordingly.
3. Problem-solving: A consultant's problem-solving ability is critical to their success. Consultants with strong problem-solving skills showcase their capacity to think critically, analyze data meticulously, and develop innovative strategies that enable them to overcome obstacles and facilitate positive change. 
4. Adaptability: When it comes to marketing, communication, program and project management – the business landscape is constantly evolving, and exceptional consultants know how to adapt to these changes – fast. This soft skill requires consultants to be flexible, resourceful, and open-minded, which helps them adjust their approach, embrace new technologies, and stay ahead of the curve. 
5. Empathy: This consultant soft skill is the bedrock of building strong client relationships. Consultants with a high level of empathy are more equipped to truly understand their client's needs, concerns, and aspirations. This intimate knowledge helps these experts build trust and tailor solutions that address clients' unique challenges. Empathy also plays an essential role in conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and change management, as it helps consultants navigate an array of perspectives and build consensus. 
6. Collaboration: Successful consultants should actively engage with clients and colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and expertise. 
7. Time management: Consultants often juggle multiple projects simultaneously, making effective time management critical. This soft skill helps consultants prioritize tasks, meet all deadlines, and, ultimately, deliver high-quality work. 
8. Leadership: Leadership skills are vital for consultants, as these experts often play influential roles within client organizations. Consultants should inspire and motivate teams, drive key initiatives, and help guide organizations through complex transformations. 
9. Client-relationship management: Finding consultants with a proven track record of building strong client relationships is important as it shows their ability to establish trust, build rapport, and deliver top-notch customer experiences. 
10. Commitment to ethical conduct: From building trust and confidence to maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest – abiding by a strict code of ethical conduct is essential. Consultants who prioritize ethical behavior demonstrate their commitment to their client's success and contribute to the consulting profession's overall integrity. 

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY AND FIND TOP-NOTCH CONSULTANTS

If you need help finding consultants with the soft skills and technical ability you need, partner with Simplicity. With years of experience, Simplicity prides itself in matchmaking clients with the on-demand experts they need in the marketing, communications, program, and project management sectors.

Our extensive network includes strategic consultants who excel in driving impactful results through project-based work. When you partner with Simplicity, our process begins by understanding your organization's unique needs and project requirements. Through collaborative discussions, we help outline the project scope and identify the skillset and experience necessary to achieve your goals. Leveraging our expertise, we curate a shortlist of consultants best suited to meet your needs, considering your project objectives and budget considerations. You can engage with the top consulting candidates, gaining insight into their thought processes, strategic approach, and working style during a working session. These working sessions will also let you better get a feel for the soft skills candidates possess. And finally, we guide you through the selection process.

Once you have identified the ideal consultant for your project, you will be matched with a dedicated client success manager who will be your trusted point of contact throughout the engagement. With their expertise and support, you can expect a seamless experience from Day One.

For many organizations, events are critical to building an effective marketing strategy. Whether these events are online (webinars and virtual summits) or in person (conferences, workshops, or lunch-and-learn sessions), event marketing can be a cornerstone of promoting your brand, generating leads, and engaging with your target audience.

But planning, organizing, hosting, and following up after events can be a time-consuming and complex process. And having the right people on your team, between full-time employees and on-demand experts, is imperative in meeting your event marketing goals.

Following are tips on ensuring a standout event marketing strategy and details on how Simplicity can help you bring in a skilled event marketing consultant:

DEFINE YOUR GOALS

Before you begin the process of planning your event, carefully think through what you want to achieve. Do you want to generate leads, promote and improve brand awareness, or drive sales? Once you pinpoint your goals, you can tailor your event marketing strategy to reach them.

Looking for an event marketing strategy expert?

KNOW YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Understanding who your target audience is, their consumer habits, what they like, don't like, respond to, and so forth is vital to any marketing strategy. But it is especially true in event marketing. Getting someone to watch a commercial or visit a website is one thing; asking them to take time out of their busy schedule to attend an event is a much bigger ask.

Considering your target audience's interests, behaviors, and demographics when planning your event will help encourage attendance and ensure that your event makes a meaningful impact and leaves a lasting positive impression.

LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA

Don't underestimate the power of social media, as it can be an excellent tool for promoting and creating buzz around your event. Utilize social media in the planning stages (to build anticipation around the event) and during the event. After the event, encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media platforms.

MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO JOIN

The best way to attract attendees is to create an event built around engaging content. Go beyond giving them a reason to consider attending – and strive to make them feel like they absolutely can't miss it. 

USE EMAIL MARKETING

Like social media, email marketing is a highly effective way to connect with potential attendees and promote your event. Send out regular communications leading up to the event, and keep your attendees excited about what's to come.

OFFER INCENTIVES

Everyone likes a little something, and offering incentives can be a great way to encourage attendance and drive engagement. Consider incentives like early bird pricing, giveaways, or exclusive access to specific sessions or events.

FOLLOW UP AFTER THE EVENT

After your event wraps up, seize the opportunity to keep the momentum going. Follow up with your attendees and keep the conversation moving forward. Send out a survey to gather feedback, remind attendees to share their experiences on social media, and continue taking steps to build loyalty so when you host your next event, you'll see some familiar faces – and hopefully, they'll bring some new people with them.

HIRE EVENT MARKETING STRATEGY CONSULTANTS

Putting together a successful event marketing strategy takes work – and people. Simplicity can help you find dedicated event marketing consultants to help make sure your event is a highly successful one.

Do you need a communications expert to oversee event planning, communications strategy, speechwriting and keynotes, presentation content, and media releases? Or a marketing expert to handle social media, email, and overall event strategy? Or, perhaps, you're seeking a dedicated project and program management expert to help with event scheduling, logistics, budget management, agency and vendor management, and reporting and analytics. Simplicity can find you consultants with the needed expertise – and fast.  

When you partner with Simplicity, you'll have someone working with you every step of the way – crafting a dedicated project outline specific to your needs and creating a shortlist of potential candidates. You can choose the consultants you want to have a practice working session with, and we'll set it up. Once you get a better feel of the candidates' working styles and event-related expertise, we'll guide you through the selection process. But our relationship doesn't end there; once you find the event marketing strategy expert you need, you'll be paired with a dedicated client success manager to ensure smooth sailing from kickoff to your event's completion.

Advertising has long been a critical component in helping organizations grow their business. Still, in today's increasingly digitally focused world – you'll need more than TV commercials and newspaper ads to sell your product or service. 

And that's where paid media comes in. 

While a paid media plan can include more traditional advertising methods such as TV, radio, and print ads – it focuses heavily on digital marketing efforts such as pay-per-click advertising, branded content, and display ads. 

As consumers spend more time in digital spaces, paid media has become an essential component of revenue growth and brand awareness for businesses across industries. 

So, what does your paid media plan look like, and how are you leveraging paid ads to increase business? If you're feeling a little stumped, hiring a paid media consultant might be just what you need. These experts can help optimize your advertising budget by utilizing their experience in creating and managing successful paid media campaigns. Additionally, a paid media consultant can offer invaluable insights and recommendations to enhance different aspects of your marketing strategy, leading to improved outcomes and maximum return on investment (ROI).

Hiring a paid media consultant?

Here’s what you need to know as you move forward in your search for a paid media consultant:

HOW A PAID MEDIA CONSULTANT CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Paid media consultants use a variety of tactics and strategies to help their clients. As such, you'll want to carefully think through your organization's goals to better communicate what you'll need from this person.

Here are some examples of how a paid media consultant can help your organization:

Develop paid media strategies: A paid media consultant can develop a paid media plan from the bottom up. To do this, they take an in-depth look at your company's marketing objectives and target audience to create a comprehensive strategy for paid media advertising. 

Create and manage ad campaigns: Paid media consultants can create and manage ad campaigns across platforms such as Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. They can optimize ad copy, audience targeting, and bidding to improve the campaign's performance and drive increased conversions. 

Conduct ad audits: Paid media consultants can audit existing ad campaigns to identify areas for improvement and recommend changes to optimize performance. This includes analyzing audience targeting options, ad copy, ad design, and bidding strategies. 

Conduct A/B testing: A paid media consultant can run A/B tests on ad campaigns to compare the effectiveness of different ad elements and make data-driven decisions about how to improve campaigns.

Handle reporting and analytics: Part of measuring the success of your paid media plan is regular reporting on analytics to track the performance of ad campaigns.

Manage ad budgets: Need help allocating and managing your advertising budget? This is yet another way a paid media consultant can help your business budget to achieve the best possible results and ROI.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PAID MEDIA CONSULTANT

Once you know what you need from a paid media consultant, you'll want to begin your search. This involves reviewing resumes and portfolios and eventually setting up interviews. When evaluating candidates, look for those with a proven track record of success managing paid media campaigns in similar industries. You'll also want to find consulting candidates with a mix of relevant hard and soft skills. These key skills include:

• Extensive knowledge of different advertising platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, LinkedIn Ads, and other relevant digital advertising channels
• Proficiency in the use of various analytics and metrics tools to measure and analyze campaign performance
• Experience with A/B testing, keyword research, ad copywriting, and bid management
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to clients and stakeholders
• Attention to detail and the ability to ensure accuracy in all aspects of campaign management
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate data and develop effective marketing strategies
• Creativity to develop unique campaigns that stand out from competitors
• Strong work ethic and time-management skills
• Adaptability and commitment to keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing

Once you reach the interview stage, compile a handful of questions to ask each candidate. Some examples include:

1. Can you explain your process for developing a paid media campaign strategy?
2. How do you decide which platforms to use, targeting options, and ad formats to maximize your client's ROI?
3. How do you measure the success of a paid media campaign? What metrics do you look at, and how do you use data and insights to optimize future campaigns?
4. Can you provide an example of a challenging paid media campaign you led and how you overcame the project’s biggest obstacles?
5. How do you stay current on emerging trends in paid media advertising?
6. Can you describe your communication style? How do you ensure clients fully understand the various aspects of the paid media campaigns you develop?

PARTNER WITH SIMPLICITY AND FIND SKILLED PAID MEDIA CONSULTANT CANDIDATES

If you’re hiring a paid media consultant, partner with Simplicity. The team at Simplicity specializes in finding expert consultants in marketing, communications, project, and program management to help organizations achieve their bottom-line business goals.

When you work with Simplicity, you'll have a dedicated team working with you in every step of your hiring journey, from developing a detailed project outline based on your specific needs, sourcing consulting candidates, setting up working sessions with those candidates, and guiding you through the selection process. But our relationship doesn't end there. Once you find a paid media consultant that meets your needs, you'll be paired with a dedicated client success manager who will ensure smooth sailing from project initiation through its completion.