9 Best Marketing Consultants in Philadelphia

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When it comes to navigating the ever-changing marketing landscape, having a skilled consultant in your corner can make all the difference. Philadelphia, a city known for its vibrant business environment, is home to some of the best marketing consultants who bring a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to the table.

These professionals specialize in everything from brand development to digital marketing, and they're dedicated to helping businesses thrive in a competitive market. Whether you're a startup looking to establish your brand or an established company aiming to revamp your marketing strategy, a Philadelphia consultant is ready to guide you toward success.

A marketing consultant is your business’s temporary “marketing brain for sale.” They're experts you can tap into when you need serious strategic thinking but don't want to deal with an agency. They drop in, fix things, drive results, and leave. Simple.

You bring in a marketing consultant when you're at a crossroads—whether you’re hitting a growth ceiling, launching something new, or trying to figure out why your marketing ROI has tanked. It’s when you need a fresh pair of expert eyes to dig into your numbers, reposition your brand, or kick start growth. It’s not about getting basic advice—it’s about shaking things up to get you back on track.

In simple terms, hire an individual consultant when you need specialized, agile, and hands-on help. You’re not looking for a whole team to run things; you want one sharp mind to handle strategy. It’s perfect if you have an in-house team that can handle execution but needs a blueprint.

On the other hand, hire an agency if you need large-scale execution, like full content production, ongoing campaign management, or you just don't have the internal resources to handle any of the tactical work.

1. Day Rate

Pros:

  • Easy to Budget: You know exactly what you're paying for each day they work.
  • Flexible Engagement: Perfect if you’re looking for short-term help or need an expert for specific tasks without a long-term commitment.
  • High Focus: Consultants tend to be highly focused on your business since they’re being paid for every day they’re involved.

Cons:

  • Potential for Dragging Out Work: There’s a risk that a consultant might stretch the project longer than necessary to rack up more billable days.
  • No Guarantee of Results: Just because you’re paying for their time doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed tangible outcomes or solutions by the end of the day.

2. Retainer-Based

Pros:

  • Consistent Support: A retainer ensures that the consultant is available to you regularly, providing ongoing expertise for long-term projects.
  • Predictable Costs: You can budget for consulting services more easily since the fee is fixed monthly.
  • Priority Access: Consultants on a retainer are often more available, allowing businesses to address issues or strategy changes without delays.

Cons:

  • Unused Hours: If you don’t use the consultant’s time effectively, you’re still paying the full fee, even if the work slows down.
  • Commitment: Retainers can lock you into long-term agreements, which may not be ideal if your needs fluctuate or change unexpectedly.

3. Project-Based

Pros:

  • Clear Deliverables: You know exactly what you’re getting for the money. It’s a fixed price for a fixed outcome.
  • No Surprises: Unlike day rates, where costs can spiral, project-based pricing ensures you won’t suddenly be hit with extra charges mid-way through.
  • Incentivizes Efficiency: Consultants are motivated to get the project done well and quickly since they’ve already agreed to a set fee.

Cons:

  • Scope Creep: If the project changes or grows, you might end up paying more or not getting exactly what you need. Consultants might push back on additional requests that go beyond the initial agreement.
  • Limited Flexibility: If new insights or challenges pop up mid-project, it can be harder to pivot without renegotiating fees.

4. Performance-Based

Pros:

  • Results-Driven: You only pay for outcomes. This model aligns your goals with the consultant’s motivation—they win when you win.
  • Low Upfront Risk: There’s less financial risk because you don’t pay until results are delivered, making it an attractive option if you’re budget-conscious or want to minimize risk.

Cons:

  • Short-Term Focus: To hit those targets, consultants might cut corners or focus on quick wins rather than building long-term strategies that will benefit your business in the future.
  • Can Be Expensive: If they’re delivering huge results, you could end up paying significantly more than you would with a project or day rate model.
  • Harder to Track Success: Depending on how success is measured, it can get tricky to define what counts as a “win,” which may lead to disagreements down the line.

5. Value-Based

Pros:

  • Focus on ROI: The consultant’s fee is tied directly to the value they bring to your business, aligning their goals with your success.
  • Big Impact for High-Value Projects: This model works well when a consultant can deliver measurable, high-impact outcomes that generate substantial business growth.
  • Flexible for High-Performing Consultants: Consultants who know their worth can create more lucrative opportunities, which can lead to stronger results for your business.

Cons:

  • Hard to Define Value: It can be tricky to determine the exact value a consultant brings to your business, leading to disagreements or overestimations.
  • More Expensive for Large Projects: Since pricing is tied to the value provided, it can result in significantly higher fees for larger or more successful projects, which may strain smaller budgets.

6. Combination of Models

Sometimes, a mix of pricing models is the best approach. This gives you the flexibility to pay for both time and results, allowing you to minimize the risks tied to any single pricing model. By combining day rates, project-based fees, or performance incentives, you can create a customized payment structure that works best for both you and the consultant.

If You Think You Might Change Strategy Midway:

Go with Day Rate. This is your best option if you're expecting things to evolve as you go. If you’re unsure about the final direction or need room to pivot, paying per day allows you to adjust plans without getting locked into a rigid agreement. It’s perfect when you need flexibility, and your project scope isn’t set in stone.

If You Need Ongoing Support for Long-Term Strategy:

Go with Retainer-Based pricing. This model is perfect for businesses that need continuous, long-term marketing support. If you require consistent consulting services—whether it’s for managing campaigns, regular strategy updates, or monthly check-ins—a retainer offers both predictability and commitment. It’s great for building a solid relationship with your consultant, and you can ensure they’ll be available when you need them.

If You Have a Clear, Well-Defined Goal:

Go with Project-Based pricing. If you know exactly what you need, and you’re looking for a specific outcome—like a completed campaign strategy, SEO overhaul, or rebranding—this model is ideal. You pay once, and the job gets done (tactical side of course. You still need to execute the plan given!). No surprises. This is great for one-off projects where the scope won’t change much.

If You Want to Pay Based on Results:

Go with Performance-Based pricing. This is a solid choice if your focus is on measurable outcomes, like increasing sales, improving ROI, or saving money on your marketing spend. It's high-risk but high-reward. If you know exactly what success looks like (e.g., X% increase in conversions), and you want to pay based on hitting those goals, performance-based is the way to go.

If You Want to Pay Based on the Value Delivered:

Go with Value-Based pricing. If your project has a big potential upside, and you’re more concerned with the business impact rather than the hours worked, value-based pricing is a good fit. You’re paying for the results the consultant will bring, which makes this model perfect for high-impact, strategic work where the outcome will significantly influence your business. It's ideal when the consultant can directly tie their work to a large ROI for your company.

If You Want the Best of Both Worlds:

Consider a Combination of Models. If your situation is complex—maybe you need flexibility but also want to incentivize results—you can mix and match models. For example, start with a day rate for initial strategy work and then switch to performance-based for the execution. This way, you level out the risks and get the most value from your consultant.

Day Rate:

For smaller companies (under $10M in annual revenue), expect day rates between $800 to $2,500. However, if your company is pulling in tens or hundreds of millions in revenue, day rates can easily reach $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the consultant’s reputation and the complexity of the task. Larger companies will naturally attract consultants with deeper expertise, and that comes at a premium.

Retainer-Based:

For small to mid-sized businesses, monthly retainers can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the services provided and the consultant’s expertise. For larger companies, or those needing more ongoing, hands-on support, retainers can climb to $20,000 to $50,000+ per month. Retainers are particularly common in long-term relationships where a consultant acts as an external CMO or continuous marketing strategist.

Project-Based:

Smaller businesses might see project fees ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, but if your business is doing $50M+ in revenue, consultants will scale their services accordingly. For large companies, project-based pricing can go upwards of $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on scope, industry, and market demands.

Performance-Based:

For smaller businesses, performance-based pricing typically falls in the 10-20% range of increased revenue or savings. However, for larger businesses with more complex KPIs, the consultant might negotiate a lower percentage but on a much higher volume. Think 5-10% on larger deals, especially if we’re talking about generating millions in new business.

Value-Based Pricing:

For small businesses, value-based pricing may start at $10,000 to $30,000+, depending on the projected ROI from the consultant’s work. Larger companies with higher stakes projects could see value-based fees ranging from $50,000 to $200,000+, especially when the consultant’s work could deliver significant business growth or save millions. The fee scales based on the perceived value and impact of the consultant’s contribution.

Combination of Models:

When mixing pricing models, the costs can vary significantly depending on the elements combined. For example, you might pay $2,000 to $5,000/day for initial strategy work and then layer in a 5-10% performance-based fee for measurable outcomes. Larger businesses combining these models could see day rates rise to $10,000 or more with performance fees or project fees scaling based on results or scope. This structure allows for a highly customizable payment plan depending on the needs of the business.

When you hire a consultant, you’re paying for clarity and results. Expect them to:

  • Dive deep into your current strategies and processes, find the leaks, and patch them up.
  • Give you a roadmap to fix your marketing—whether that’s building a better funnel, improving your brand positioning, or creating a data-driven ad strategy.
  • Keep it lean. No fluff, no bloated reports—just actionable insights and steps to get your marketing back in shape.

Identify the Problem

Ask yourself: Are you hitting a growth ceiling, launching something new, or struggling with ROI? Pinpoint the issue first.

Decide Between a Consultant or Agency

If you need strategy only, hire a consultant. If you need full execution (like running campaigns), go with an agency.

Choose Your Pricing Model

  • Go with day rate for short-term or flexible projects.
  • Choose a retainer if you need long-term, ongoing support.
  • Opt for project-based if you have a clear, one-off goal.
  • Pick performance-based if you want to pay only for results.

Find the Right Consultant

Look for someone with proven experience in solving your specific problem. Check their past work and testimonials.

Set Clear Expectations

Define the scope of work, timeline, and deliverables upfront. Make sure both parties are aligned on goals.

Monitor Results

Track the consultant’s impact on your business and adjust your plan if needed.

Our Rating Guidelines

AAA Rated Marketing Consultants only get this rank if we have sent a client previously and the client has given us positive feedback.

  • Works On: High-stakes projects for companies doing $50M+ in revenue. These consultants work with large marketing teams and handle multi-channel strategies across digital, traditional, and emerging platforms.
  • Delivers: Significant revenue growth, optimized processes, and a clear roadmap for scaling. They excel at breaking through growth ceilings and driving measurable results across the board.
  • Who Should Hire: Large, established businesses looking to elevate their marketing to the next level. If you need a consultant to overhaul or optimize a massive marketing operation, AAA-rated consultants are your go-to.
  • Works On: Medium to large projects for companies making $10M–$50M annually. They’re great at scaling up existing operations and improving multi-channel marketing efforts.
  • Delivers: Solid increases in leads, conversions, and overall marketing efficiency. They can optimize what you already have and help you expand into new marketing channels or audiences.
  • Who Should Hire: Mid-sized businesses that are growing steadily but need someone to take them up a notch. AA consultants can boost what’s working and fix what’s not.
  • Works On: Smaller-scale projects or ongoing work for businesses up to $10M in revenue. These consultants handle focused campaigns, such as improving SEO, social media, or paid advertising strategies.
  • Delivers: Steady, consistent growth in traffic, leads, and brand presence. They refine your marketing operations and help underperforming areas improve.
  • Who Should Hire: Small to mid-sized businesses that have some marketing presence but need someone to come in and optimize performance without overhauling the whole system.
  • Works On: Foundational marketing projects for startups and small businesses typically earning under $1M. They’ll work on everything from setting up your first SEO strategy to refining your social media presence.
  • Delivers: Noticeable improvements in visibility, lead generation, and audience engagement. They help you build a solid marketing foundation that you can grow from.
  • Who Should Hire: Small businesses and startups looking to establish or grow their online presence. They’re excellent for businesses needing direction and practical support to implement effective marketing strategies.
  • Works On: Strategic projects for new businesses or companies with an online presence that needs improvement. These consultants provide guidance, build strong marketing foundations, and help businesses develop a clear strategy.
  • Delivers: Strong brand presence, structured marketing plans, and effective online visibility. C-rated consultants are not just about social media—they can set you up with everything from website optimization to email marketing strategies.
  • Who Should Hire: Early-stage businesses, or those with an online presence needing clarity on what to do next. C-rated consultants are perfect for helping businesses understand how to grow from where they are and implement key strategies for success.

1. Leah Garloff

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Leah Garloff stands out as one of the top marketing consultants in Philadelphia. She boasts over a decade of experience across multiple marketing disciplines. She specializes in content marketing, brand development, and digital strategy, offering her clients a well-rounded approach to growth.

Leah’s ability to craft tailored marketing strategies has helped businesses in a wide range of industries boost their brand awareness, improve customer engagement, and increase overall sales. Her strength lies in her adaptability—whether she's navigating the latest social media trends or developing comprehensive SEO strategies, Leah ensures her clients stay ahead of the curve.

She is also highly praised for her clear communication and collaborative working style, ensuring that clients are always in the loop on campaign progress and performance metrics. Leah’s deep understanding of audience behavior and her data-driven decision-making have led to consistent, measurable results, earning her a strong reputation in the Philadelphia marketing scene.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-garloff/

2. Laura Davis

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Laura Davis is a highly regarded marketing consultant in Philadelphia with several years of experience in digital marketing and brand strategy. Known for her innovative approaches, Laura has a track record of helping businesses develop powerful brand identities while driving measurable growth.

She specializes in content creation, social media strategy, and SEO optimization, offering her clients a holistic marketing experience. Laura's data-driven strategies are designed to boost online visibility and enhance customer loyalty and engagement.

Her ability to adapt to changing market trends and platforms ensures that her clients stay competitive in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Laura is also known for her excellent communication skills, keeping her clients in the loop with regular progress updates and performance analyses.

She believes in a hands-on, collaborative approach and works closely with each client to develop strategies that align with their specific business goals. Her passion for marketing and her dedication to delivering measurable results make her one of the top marketing consultants in the region.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-muren-davis/

3. Lorna Purcell

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Lorna Purcell is a standout marketing consultant in Philadelphia. With over 12 years of experience specializing in brand strategy, content marketing, and digital campaign management, her expertise spans multiple industries, from retail to technology, making her a versatile and in-demand consultant.

Lorna is known for her strategic vision and her ability to craft compelling marketing narratives that resonate with target audiences. Her approach is rooted in deep market research and data analysis, ensuring that every strategy is tailored to the client’s unique needs and objectives.

Lorna excels in helping businesses strengthen their brand presence and achieve sustainable growth. She combines creative content strategies with a results-driven mindset, delivering measurable engagement, lead generation, and conversion improvements. Clients appreciate her ability to explain complex marketing concepts in simple terms and her dedication to maintaining open lines of communication.

Lorna’s proactive approach to marketing, combined with her extensive experience, makes her one of the most trusted marketing consultants in the city. Her expertise lies in Campaign management, Email Marketing, Nurture, Marketing Automation, Demand Generation, Content Creation, Video Production Management, Online Advertising, PPC, Adwords, SEO, and Analytics.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lornapurcell/

4. Jonah Berger

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Jonah Berger is a highly esteemed marketing consultant based in Philadelphia. He is known for his expertise in consumer behavior and viral marketing strategies.

With over 15 years of experience, Jonah has authored best-selling books on marketing. He has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, helping them understand how word-of-mouth, social influence, and consumer psychology drive product popularity and brand engagement.

His academic background and practical knowledge blend seamlessly, allowing him to create cutting-edge strategies that lead to measurable growth and success for his clients. Jonah’s marketing approach focuses on understanding the “why” behind consumer decisions, enabling businesses to craft campaigns that resonate deeply with their audiences.

His strategies have helped brands increase customer loyalty, expand their reach, and drive significant revenue growth. Jonah’s ability to break down complex marketing dynamics and translate them into actionable insights has made him a trusted advisor to both startups and established businesses.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j1berger/

5. David Gilpin

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: David Gilpin is a highly respected marketing consultant in Philadelphia, known for his extensive experience in branding, digital marketing, and strategic business growth. With experience spanning since 1988, David has a strong track record of helping businesses across diverse industries elevate their market presence and achieve sustainable growth.

His expertise lies in crafting customized marketing strategies that align with his clients' business objectives. He focuses on creating strong brand identities and developing campaigns that generate high engagement and conversions.

David is particularly skilled at identifying untapped opportunities and helping businesses enter new markets. His holistic approach combines creative thinking with in-depth data analysis, ensuring that his strategies are innovative and results-driven.

Clients appreciate his transparency, consistent communication throughout the process, and ability to deliver measurable outcomes. David's ability to stay ahead of industry trends and his commitment to client success make him one of the top marketing consultants in Philadelphia.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgilpin/

6. Yuri Naumets

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Yuri Naumets is a well-regarded marketing consultant in Philadelphia with over two decades of experience helping businesses grow through comprehensive digital marketing strategies. His expertise lies in performance marketing, lead generation, and SEO optimization, making him a go-to resource for companies looking to increase their online visibility and conversion rates.

Yuri's approach is highly data-driven. He focuses on measurable outcomes that demonstrate clear ROI for his clients. He excels at identifying key growth opportunities and implementing targeted campaigns that drive both immediate and long-term results.

Clients value Yuri for his analytical mindset and his ability to adapt marketing strategies to ever-changing digital trends. His hands-on approach ensures that each project is customized to meet the specific goals of his clients, whether they are small startups or larger enterprises.

He's also known for his clear communication, providing regular updates and detailed performance reports to keep clients informed. Yuri's commitment to delivering high-quality results has earned him a solid reputation among Philadelphia's top marketing professionals. His expertise in IT makes him a great fit for tech businesses.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuri-naumets-87aa372a/

7. Kevin Young

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Kevin Young is a dynamic marketing consultant in Philadelphia with a reputation for delivering effective, data-driven marketing strategies. With over 20+ years of experience, Kevin specializes in digital marketing, content creation, and lead generation.

He has worked with a wide range of clients, from startups to well-established businesses, helping them refine their marketing approaches to achieve greater audience engagement and improve brand visibility.

His expertise spans multiple industries, giving him a versatile problem-solving and campaign management approach. Kevin is known for his analytical approach, ensuring that all his strategies are backed by solid data and provide clear, measurable results.

His passion for digital trends enables him to offer fresh and innovative solutions that meet the marketplace's evolving demands. Clients appreciate his attention to detail, hands-on involvement, and ability to create marketing plans that drive both short-term wins and long-term success.

Kevin’s personalized strategies and dedication to client goals have earned him a solid reputation as one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after marketing consultants. His experience as a product manager makes him the right fit for businesses looking to have marketing on their offerings.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinyoung1230/

8. Claudia Benjumea

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Claudia Benjumea is a highly accomplished marketing consultant in Philadelphia, boasting over 25 years of experience in fashion marketing. Her extensive career in the fashion retail industry has made her a trusted name for brands looking to enhance their presence in this competitive market.

Claudia’s expertise lies in creating innovative marketing strategies tailored to fashion businesses, from boutique stores to large retail chains.

Her keen understanding of consumer behavior, trend forecasting, and brand positioning allows her to craft campaigns that resonate deeply with target audiences. With her years of experience, Claudia has developed a unique marketing approach that blends creativity with business acumen.

She excels at helping fashion brands build strong identities, increase customer loyalty, and drive sales through both traditional and digital channels.

Clients value her deep industry knowledge, proactive communication, and ability to stay ahead of emerging trends. Claudia’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results has solidified her reputation as one of the leading marketing consultants in the fashion retail industry in Philadelphia.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiabenjumea/

9. Adam Peck

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Adam Peck is a skilled marketing consultant based in Philadelphia. He is known for his extensive experience in brand and product marketing and account management within the healthcare, technology, and life sciences sectors.

With over 10 years of professional experience, Adam has developed a robust understanding of these complex industries, allowing him to create tailored marketing strategies that effectively address the unique challenges they face.

His expertise in crafting compelling brand narratives and developing innovative product positioning has helped numerous clients increase their market presence and drive growth. Adam excels at aligning marketing initiatives with business objectives and leveraging data analytics to inform strategy and measure performance.

His ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders makes him a valuable asset to any organization. Clients appreciate his collaborative approach, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving measurable results.

Adam’s proficiency in navigating the intricate landscapes of healthcare, technology, and life sciences has established him as a prominent marketing consultant in Philadelphia, making him an ideal choice for companies looking to enhance their marketing efforts in these fields.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampeck/

Conclusion

In the bustling city of Philadelphia, you’ll find an impressive lineup of marketing consultants who are equipped to elevate your business. Their diverse expertise spans various industries, ensuring that they can tailor strategies to meet your specific needs.

From brand and product marketing to healthcare and technology, these professionals are committed to delivering results. Consultants like Richard Goldman, Laura Greene, and Adam Peck are just a few examples of the talent available to help you navigate your marketing challenges.

With their guidance, you can enhance your brand presence and drive meaningful engagement with your target audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What services do marketing consultants in Philadelphia typically offer?

Marketing consultants in Philadelphia provide a wide range of services, including brand strategy, digital marketing, market research, and social media management. They tailor their offerings to meet each client's specific needs, ensuring a personalized approach that aligns with business goals.

2. How do I choose the right marketing consultant for my business?

Choosing the right marketing consultant involves assessing your business's specific needs and looking for a consultant with relevant experience in your industry. It’s also essential to review their track record and client testimonials to ensure they have a history of delivering successful results.

3. What is the typical cost of hiring a marketing consultant in Philadelphia?

The cost of hiring a marketing consultant in Philadelphia can vary widely based on their level of experience, the scope of services, and the duration of the engagement. While some consultants charge hourly rates, others may offer project-based pricing, so discussing your budget upfront is important.

4. How long does it take to see results from a marketing consultant’s strategies?

The timeline for seeing results from a marketing consultant's strategies can differ based on the specific goals and tactics employed. Generally, businesses expect to see some initial improvements within a few months, but achieving significant results may take longer, depending on the project's complexity.

5. Can I work with a marketing consultant remotely?

Many marketing consultants offer remote services and can effectively collaborate with clients via video calls, emails, and project management tools. This flexibility allows you to work with top talent from anywhere, ensuring that you can find the right consultant for your needs, regardless of their location.