1. Ask them to define marketing. Many people call themselves marketing consultants but cannot even properly explain the term. Marketing, in its simplest form, is everything your organization does to satisfy the needs and wants of your “market” (actual and potential buyers of your product or service). Subsets of marketing include public relations and sales.
2. Ask about their credentials and experience. Are they truly marketing consultants, or are they no more than a public-relations firm? Most qualified marketing consultants have degrees in marketing, not communications, and many have graduate degrees. They also should be able to select marketing components that will work best for your needs.