How Much Does Marketing Consultancy Cost? What Drives the Price

“How much does marketing consultancy cost?” is the question we hear most often in a first meeting. The honest answer is that there is no single price, because “marketing consultancy” can mean a two-week strategy project or a year-long engagement that effectively replaces a marketing department. The factors that drive the price, however, are clear, and a company that knows them compares proposals far more effectively.

In this article we explain what determines marketing consultancy cost, the most common engagement models and what to look for when you evaluate a proposal.

Seven factors that drive the price

• Scope: Is the brief strategy and planning only, or should the consultant also direct execution? Directing execution means more time and more responsibility.
• Duration: A project of a few weeks is priced differently from a twelve-month engagement; longer engagements usually come with a more balanced monthly fee.
• Number of markets: One market, or the Netherlands, Türkiye and other European countries at the same time? Every additional market adds research, language and channel planning.
• Languages: In how many languages will content and sales materials be produced?
• Team required: Besides a strategist, do you need a designer, copywriter, video producer or paid media specialist?
• Reporting depth: A short monthly summary, or detailed channel-level measurement and management reporting?
• Existing foundations: With a brand identity, website and CRM in place, the consultant can focus on growth straight away; otherwise the basics come first.

Common engagement models

• Project-based strategy: Within a fixed period you receive market analysis, positioning and a budgeted marketing plan; execution stays in-house.
• Monthly retainer: For a fixed monthly fee the consultant executes the plan, directs the team and agencies, measures and reports. This is the most common model.
• Interim or outsourced marketing management: The consultant acts as the company’s marketing lead for a set period, managing the budget and taking part in decisions.
• Hourly consulting: Useful for specific questions or short support, but it makes the cost of an ongoing growth programme hard to predict.

At Edda Creative we usually work in twelve-month engagements for a fixed monthly fee agreed in advance, so the company knows its budget from day one. See how we work on How We Work With You.

How to compare proposals

A price difference between two proposals is usually a scope difference. Ask:

• Which areas does the consultant take direct responsibility for, and where do they only advise?
• Are design, content, video and ad management included, or charged separately?
• How often is reporting done, and against which indicators?
• Is the media budget (Google, Meta, LinkedIn) separate from the consultancy fee?
• Which documents, accounts and materials stay with you when the engagement ends?

Consultancy or an in-house team?

Cost should always be compared with the alternative. Running strategy, content, design, paid media and reporting in-house takes several hires, salaries, software and months of onboarding. In the consultancy model these skills are available from the first month under one contract. We compare both models in detail in Business Development and Marketing Consultancy.

Frequently asked questions about marketing consultancy cost

Is there a fixed price for marketing consultancy?

No. The fee depends on scope, duration, the number of markets and languages and the team required, which is why the first step is a short discovery call.

Is the advertising budget included?

Usually not. Media spend paid to Google, Meta or LinkedIn is kept separate; the consultancy fee covers planning, management and reporting.

Can we start with a short engagement?

Yes, a project-based strategy is a good starting point. Because results build up over time, engagements that include execution usually run for twelve months.

Is it suitable for SMEs?

Yes. SMEs without a marketing team gain access to the skills they need under one budget, without several hires.

Let’s scope your budget together: read What is marketing consultancy? or get in touch for a free introductory call.