Key Takeaways
- The freedom is amazing, but managing clients and deadlines can get hectic.
- You’ll never stop learning because digital marketing never stays still.
- Variety is great, but it means adapting to new challenges every day.
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Someone asked me a question yesterday – “how does it feel running your own show?” That actually got me thinking for a few minutes before I could answer. It then occurred to me that someone somewhere in Lagos (or anywhere else!) is right now considering the prospect of switching from being a 9-to-5er to a digital marketing consultant – what to expect?
First, the freedom.
The best part? The freedom. I set my own hours, work from home (or anywhere, really), and pick the projects I want to take on. And in the course of my work day? I can decide to take a break in the middle of the day, run errands, or even sneak in a nap if I’m feeling lazy. It sounds incredible abi? The catch, however, is that with all that freedom comes a lot of responsibility. As a consultant, you’re always “on,” juggling client expectations, managing timelines, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
And, oh boy, the variety!
I’ve recently had a chance to implement different content and marketing strategies for a university in Obudu, a SaaS company in Miami and a Corporate Services company in Lagos. Each project requires a completely different approach, and I have to stay on my toes. There’s no time to get bored, but I also have to keep learning. The digital marketing world changes every day – new tools, platforms, and trends. Keeping up with it all is not for the faint-hearted at all.
Now, the tech side of things.
I absolutely love this aspect! There’s not a lot I enjoy as much as I do data. What story is the data telling? What actionable insights? Google Ads, tracking pixels, and analytics are some of my tools of the trade, and when they work, it’s like magic. But when something goes wrong….hmmm. It can be challenging, but figuring it out is part of the job.
Problem solver? Yes, that’s me
One of the biggest surprises about being a consultant is how much you have to wear the “problem solver” hat. Clients look to you for answers, and sometimes they expect miracles. I’ve had those “wait, what do you mean it’ll take time to see results?” moments. Patience is key, and managing expectations is too important for words. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing a campaign come together.
Conclusion
So yes, life as a digital marketing consultant is a mix of highs and lows, but it’s never boring. It’s challenging, exciting, and sometimes a little chaotic. I love being a consultant and delivering results for my clients. Who knows? You might just be inspired to start on the consulting path yourself.