When to Hire a Freelance Marketer: A Guide for Small Business Owners
You started your business because you believe in what you do—not because you love writing Instagram captions, building email funnels, or staring down a blank website draft. Marketing can feel like a full-time job (because it is). So how do you know when it's time to stop doing it all yourself?
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to recognize the signs that it’s time to hire a freelance marketer, what kind of support is out there, and how to start small. Whether you need freelance marketing support for a launch or ongoing help with social media and newsletters, there are ways to grow your business without burning out.
Why Marketing Feels Harder Than It Should
Most small business owners and solo entrepreneurs are already juggling a lot. When you're running the show, it's easy to push marketing to the bottom of your list—or to do it on the fly without a strategy.
But the cost of inconsistent, last-minute marketing can add up:
Your brand voice gets muddled
You stop showing up online consistently
You miss opportunities to build trust or grow your audience
Even worse? You might start to resent marketing altogether.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep doing it this way.
Quiz: Is It Time to Hire a Freelance Marketer?
Answer yes or no to the following:
I feel behind on posting to social media.
I’m not sure what my marketing priorities should be.
I know I should send a newsletter… but it never happens.
I’m reusing old content because I don’t have time to create more.
My website hasn’t been updated in months (or years).
I’m not proud of how I show up online.
I’d feel relief if someone just took marketing off my plate.
If you answered “yes” to three or more, it might be time to explore freelance marketing support.
What a Freelance Marketer Can Help With
The great thing about freelance marketers is that they come in all shapes and specialties. You can hire someone for a specific task (like writing blog posts or running ads) or bring on a partner who helps with strategy and execution.
Here are a few common services small businesses outsource:
Social Media Management
Content calendar planning
Caption writing and graphic design
Scheduling and engagement
Email Marketing
Writing and designing newsletters
Managing subscriber lists
Setting up automated campaigns
Website & SEO Support
Updating website copy
Light SEO optimization
Content audits and recommendations
Digital Advertising
Facebook and Instagram ad creation
Google Search campaigns
Targeting and A/B testing
Content Strategy
Keyword research
Editorial planning
Cross-channel consistency
Why Hire a Freelance Marketer (vs. an Agency)?
There are plenty of reasons why small businesses prefer freelancers over agencies:
Personalized support: You work with one person who gets to know your voice, your brand, and your goals.
Flexibility: Freelancers are often more adaptable. You can start small, test the waters, and scale up or down.
Affordability: No overhead, no account managers, no bloated fees. You pay for exactly what you need.
Speed: Freelancers can move fast and adjust quickly when priorities shift.
And perhaps most importantly?
A good freelance marketer becomes a trusted partner—not just a task-taker.
How to Get Started
You don’t have to outsource everything at once. In fact, most clients I work with start small:
10 monthly social media posts
A monthly newsletter
A homepage refresh
A one-hour strategy session
From there, we build a system that works. One that feels less stressful, more aligned, and better for your long-term growth.
What to Look for in a Freelance Marketing Partner
When hiring a freelance marketer, look for someone who:
Listens first, creates second
Can show clear examples of past work
Understands how to reflect your voice and values
Offers flexible pricing and clear deliverables
Communicates clearly and consistently
And don’t be afraid to ask questions about process, platforms, and expectations.
You Were Made to Shine. Your Marketing Should Too.
If you’re marketing feels scattered, time-consuming, or like it never gets done, it’s okay to get help. That doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means your growing.
Hiring a freelance marketer can bring clarity, consistency, and peace or mind to your business.
Want to talk through your options?
