Hashtaggz started in 2013 as me, a laptop and a home office. So I know exactly what it’s like to do everything yourself and feel like marketing is the thing that always gets pushed to “tomorrow”. And on the Costa del Sol, tomorrow can easily turn into October.
So when is the right time to bring someone in? Here’s how I’d decide if it were my business.
When is the right time to hire a marketer?
The right time to hire a marketer is when you have a product or service that already sells, you can handle more customers, and marketing is either not getting done or not bringing in enough business. If all three are true, waiting usually costs you more than hiring.
The key word is “already sells”. Marketing makes a good business grow faster. It can’t fix a business that nobody wants yet.
Sign 1: You’re posting when you remember
If your last Instagram post was three weeks ago and it was a quick photo with “open today!”, you need help. Consistency matters more than perfection, and most busy owners just can’t keep it up alongside running the business.
Sign 2: You’ve tried ads and “they didn’t work”
This is probably the one I hear most in Marbella. Usually the ads were boosted posts with a tiny budget, no clear audience and no way to track who actually got in touch. That isn’t proof ads don’t work. It’s proof they weren’t set up properly.
Sign 3: Your competitors are everywhere and you’re not
If you search for your service in Marbella or Estepona and the same two competitors pop up on Google, Instagram and in the local Facebook groups, they’re paying attention to marketing. (And now, increasingly, they’re showing up in ChatGPT answers too.)
Sign 4: You don’t know where your customers come from
Ask yourself: where did your last ten customers find you? If the honest answer is “no idea”, you can’t tell what’s working, so you can’t do more of it. A good marketer sets up tracking first.
Sign 5: You’re missing half the market
Marbella is a mix of Spanish locals, British and Scandinavian expats, second-home owners, and summer visitors. If your marketing only works in one language, or only speaks to one group, you’re missing a lot of customers.
Sign 6: You’re about to open, launch or rebrand
New opening, new location, new service or a rebrand? That’s exactly when to get help, ideally six to eight weeks before. Launches are hard to redo, and the first impression on Google and social media sticks.
Sign 7: Your quiet season is coming
The months before the season (and before the quiet winter) are a brilliant time to start. Hiring in March or April means your channels are ready when people start searching for summer. Hiring in July usually means you’re catching up.
When is it too early to hire a marketer?
It’s too early if you can’t take on more customers, your offer is still changing every week, or you have no budget left once the fee is paid. In that case, start with the free basics: a complete Google Business Profile, asking happy customers for reviews, and posting honestly a couple of times a week.
Should I hire a freelancer, an agency or someone in-house?
For most small Marbella businesses, a freelancer or a small agency makes more sense than an in-house hire. You get experienced help for less than a salary, and without the cost of employing someone in Spain.
In-house starts to make sense when you need someone every day, for example a busy restaurant group or a large estate agency creating content constantly.
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Frequently asked questions
What size business needs a marketer?
Any size, if marketing isn’t getting done well. Even a one-person business can benefit from help with one channel, like Google Ads or social media.
How much does it cost to hire a marketer in Marbella?
Freelancers and small agencies usually charge between €500 and €2,500 a month depending on what’s included, plus any ad spend.
What should I do before hiring a marketer?
Get your basics in place: know your best customers, gather photos of your business, and make sure you can take on more work.
Can I hire a marketer just for the busy season?
Yes, but start at least two months before the season. Short-term campaigns work best when the groundwork is done first.
Not sure if now’s the right time?
Drop me a message on WhatsApp and tell me where you’re at. I’ll tell you honestly whether you need help now, or whether a few simple changes will do the job for a while.
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