How a Digital Marketing Consultant Helps you Choose the Right Platforms

One of the biggest challenges for small and medium businesses in Australia is deciding where to invest their marketing budget online. Should you run Google Ads, build a presence on LinkedIn, focus on Instagram, create videos for YouTube, or double down on Facebook? With so many platforms available, it is easy to spread efforts too thin and waste money without seeing results.

A digital marketing consultant helps cut through the noise by identifying which platforms will deliver the best return for your business. By focusing on the right channels, you save time, reduce costs, and achieve measurable outcomes.

The risk of choosing platforms without guidance

Many businesses select digital platforms based on trends, competitor activity, or guesswork. This often leads to:

• Spending on platforms where their target audience is not active

• Running ads without proper targeting or tracking

• Overcommitting resources to low performing channels

• Failing to build consistency because efforts are spread too wide

Without expert advice, digital marketing becomes a cycle of trial and error that drains budgets and frustrates owners.

How consultants identify the right platforms

A digital marketing consultant uses data, experience, and market insights to identify the best mix of channels for your business. Their process often includes:

• Understanding your goals: Are you trying to build awareness, generate leads, or increase sales?

• Analysing your audience: Where do they spend their time online and how do they make purchasing decisions?

• Reviewing your current efforts: What has worked, what has not, and why?

• Assessing your budget: Recommending the most cost effective use of funds.

• Prioritising platforms: Choosing channels that deliver measurable outcomes rather than chasing trends.

This structured approach ensures your marketing is intentional and focused.

Examples of platform strategies

The right platform mix looks different for every business. For example:

• A trades business may benefit most from Google Ads and local SEO to capture people searching for services.

• A professional services firm might use LinkedIn to build authority and generate leads from business decision makers.

• A retail store could combine Instagram and Facebook campaigns to engage customers visually and drive online sales.

• A training provider may use YouTube videos to demonstrate expertise and build trust with potential students.

The key is that no two businesses are alike, which is why tailored advice matters.

Benefits of choosing platforms with a consultant’s help

Working with a consultant provides advantages that go beyond simply knowing where to advertise. Benefits include:

• Clarity: Understanding why certain platforms are right for your business.

• Efficiency: Avoiding wasted spend on ineffective channels.

• Consistency: Building structured campaigns that reinforce your brand.

• Scalability: Creating a foundation you can expand as your business grows.

• Confidence: Knowing your marketing budget is being used wisely.

Measuring success across platforms

Once platforms are chosen, a consultant ensures success is measured. This may include:

• Tracking website visits and conversions from ads

• Monitoring engagement rates on social media

• Reviewing cost per lead and customer acquisition costs

• Analysing long term customer retention from different channels

With data in hand, you can refine your strategy over time and focus more resources on what works.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platforms can make or break your digital marketing success. A consultant provides clarity, removes guesswork, and ensures your marketing spend delivers real results.

If you are tired of guessing where to focus your marketing budget, speak to a digital marketing consultant today and gain the confidence to invest in the platforms that matter most for your business.