15. 10 Red Flags to Look for When Hiring a Marketing Strategist

If you've ever hired a marketing “expert” who left you with more confusion than clarity—or worse, cost you time and money with little to show for it—you’re not alone.

In this week’s episode of the Higher Purpose Marketing Strategy podcast, I’m sharing the ten red flags you should be looking for before hiring a marketing strategist. Whether you’re bringing in someone to help you map out a long-term plan, guide your team, or even serve as your fractional CMO, these signs can help you avoid the wrong fit—and find someone who will actually help you grow.

Let’s break them down.

1. They promise fast results.

Marketing isn’t microwaveable. Anyone guaranteeing “overnight success” is either not being honest—or not being strategic.

What to look for instead: Someone who talks about research, testing, tracking, and adjusting. They should set real expectations and help you play the long game.

2. They use the same formula for everyone.

If they’ve already decided what your business needs before they’ve heard your story… that’s a problem.

What to look for instead: Ask how they customize their strategies. Look for someone who starts with you—your audience, your goals, your mission.

3. They don’t ask about your mission or values.

Your values shouldn’t be a footnote. They should shape your entire marketing strategy.

What to look for instead: A strategist who actually asks about what matters to you—and builds a plan that honors those convictions.

4. They skip the long-term view.

If someone only talks about short-term tactics and not how they fit into a bigger strategy, you’re dealing with a tactician—not a strategist.

What to look for instead: Someone who can zoom out and help you build something sustainable, not just something that “works for now.”

5. They avoid talking about data or results.

If they say things like “you just have to trust the process” and don’t offer any way to measure success… run.

What to look for instead: A strategist who’s fluent in metrics and willing to explain how they'll track progress and improve over time.

6. They want to change your brand voice.

If someone tells you to “just sound like this other successful brand” or rewrites your copy until it sounds nothing like you, that’s a red flag.

What to look for instead: Someone who listens to your voice, understands your tone, and works with it—not against it.

7. They don’t educate you or empower you.

Marketing shouldn’t feel like a black box. You deserve to know what’s happening, why it matters, and how it’s helping your business grow.

What to look for instead: A strategist who explains, teaches, and brings you along for the ride—so you're not left in the dark.

8. They rely on pressure tactics.

If fear or scarcity is the foundation of their strategy (“act now or lose everything!”), it's time to find someone else.

What to look for instead: Look for someone who helps you build trust, serve well, and market with integrity—because that’s what creates loyal customers.

9. They skip audience research.

No strategist should recommend a tactic without first understanding who you're trying to reach. Period.

What to look for instead: A strategist who asks deep questions about your audience—and builds a plan around their needs, not just your offer.

10. They can’t show proof.

No testimonials. No case studies. No real results. Just vague promises and a slick sales pitch? Hard pass.

What to look for instead: Ask for examples of their past work. A strategist with integrity will be happy to walk you through their process and results.

So, what should you look for in a marketing strategist?

Here’s what I do recommend:

• Someone who listens more than they talk. They should be curious about your business, not just eager to pitch theirs.

• Someone who cares about your mission and values. If you’re a Christian business owner, you need a strategist who respects—and works within—your convictions.

• Someone with a real framework. Not a copy-paste plan, but a clear process that’s flexible enough to fit your business.

• Someone who measures what matters. They should help you define success and know how to track it along the way.

If you're wrestling with any of this right now—maybe you’ve outgrown your current marketing plan, or you’re not sure where to focus next—this is exactly what my Power Hour Coaching Sessions are designed for.

We’ll hop on a 60-minute video call and tackle your biggest marketing challenge. You’ll walk away with clarity, direction, and practical next steps—not just theory.

Click here to book your session before the spots fill up.