Marketing Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025

United States Independent & Freelance Marketing Specialists to Know in 2025

In a landscape where brand awareness can turn on a dime and audience expectations are evolving faster than a TikTok trend, independent marketing consultants have become the go-to powerhouses for businesses wanting to stay sharp and adaptive. At Digital Reference, we’ve seen a rising tide of companies opting for consulting support, flexible partnerships, and seasoned experts who know how to deliver.

That’s why we’re proud to roll out our inaugural list of Marketing Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025. This isn’t just another directory. These are the folks making waves from coast to coast—freelancers, solopreneurs, and boutique business owners who bring a unique combination of agility, experience, and strategy to the table.

Why We Created This List

At Digital Reference, we believe in curating insights that bring clarity to the professional talent ecosystem. Our lists are designed not just to name names, but to demystify how the work world actually operates—especially in a field as dynamic as marketing.

We approached this list with intention. Our selection methodology focused on consultants who:

• Are independently operating in the U.S. (as solo founders, freelancers, or boutique firm owners)
• Demonstrate a strong regional presence or serve clients in specific local markets
• Have publicly accessible experience, thought leadership, or portfolios that reflect their niche expertise
• Come recommended through professional networks, client testimonials, or consistent recognition across platforms

Let’s dive into the list—and if you're a business leader, founder, or talent seeker, take notes. These marketing professionals are the ones to know.

Shanika Hillocks

A Brooklyn-based marketing consultant who brings cultural relevance and experiential savvy to every campaign. Shanika’s expertise lies in storytelling and influencer partnerships, particularly for food, beverage, and lifestyle brands. She’s not just building campaigns—she’s building community.

Jenny Kay

From the DMV, Jenny leads Kay Communications with a focus on strategic communications and brand messaging. With a background in public relations, Jenny has a sharp instinct for helping companies find their voice in crowded markets.

Amanda Tien

Amanda brings a blend of digital strategy and editorial thinking to her consulting practice. Based in New York, her work helps purpose-driven brands clarify their message and drive real engagement across platforms.

Nathan Groce

Nathan is passionate about harnessing the power of marketing for positive change. With over 15 years of experience in the marketing arena, he has worked in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, facilitating organizations in achieving annual nine-figure revenues. Some of his past clients include the George Washington University and The Bail Project. 

Jacqui Genow

Operating out of Los Angeles, Jacqui is a seasoned consultant who helps small business owners develop marketing plans that are both practical and performance-driven. She blends traditional strategy with digital execution—and her client roster shows the results.

Lydia Vogtner

Lydia’s practice is centered on B2B marketing strategy, with a niche in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Her results-oriented approach makes her a go-to for companies looking to modernize their approach without losing their brand identity.

Claire Jarrett

Also working within Lydia Marketing Consulting, Claire specializes in account-based marketing and client acquisition strategies. Her analytical mindset and campaign chops make her a standout for tech-forward businesses.

Jasmine Sandler

A digital marketing veteran, Jasmine brings enterprise-level expertise to personal branding and LinkedIn marketing. Based in NYC, she’s worked with Fortune 500s and now empowers founders and executives to build digital credibility.

Eric Schwartzman

Eric’s background spans journalism, corporate communications, and digital strategy. Known for his deep dives into content marketing and digital policy, he also brings strong training chops to organizations leveling up their teams.

Catie Starr

Catie leads Starr Marketing with a passion for helping small businesses grow through clean branding, strategic planning, and digital campaigns. Based in the Midwest, she’s particularly tuned in to the needs of regional businesses.

Perry Marshall

A long-time thought leader in the marketing world, Perry is well-known for his expertise in sales funnels, Google Ads, and the 80/20 principle. His work has helped thousands of businesses scale through smart targeting and conversion tactics.

Liz Marshall

Through Cole Marketing, Liz brings decades of experience in marketing operations, strategic planning, and demand gen. Based in North Carolina, her work supports everything from healthcare to higher ed.

Mark Schaefer

Mark is one of the most respected voices in modern marketing. His blog, books, and speaking work are known worldwide. He brings a human-first perspective to digital strategy, especially around community building and content.

Holly Robinson

Holly leads Fathom35, a consultancy focused on aligning marketing strategy with business goals. Her ability to bridge marketing and operations makes her a strategic asset for growth-stage companies.

Erika Heald

A content marketing and social media consultant based in San Francisco, Erika partners with B2B tech companies to develop thought leadership and editorial programs that actually resonate. She’s also a frequent speaker and community builder.

Brian Honigman

Brian is a marketing consultant and adjunct professor known for his content strategy expertise. He helps nonprofits, startups, and mission-driven brands cut through the noise with content that works. Bonus: his writing appears regularly in major publications.

Nicole Bonneville

Nicole works with wellness brands, nonprofits, and mission-aligned organizations to build authentic, human-centered marketing strategies. She’s especially skilled in helping values-based businesses reach the right audience.

A Nation of Specialists

What stands out across this list is the range—not just of geographic locations, but of niche strengths. Some of these consultants are laser-focused on content. Others are masters of messaging, media relations, or PPC. Some partner with growth-stage SaaS firms, while others help small business owners and nonprofits.

This fragmentation isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature. It speaks to a shift that Digital Reference has been tracking closely: the decentralization of talent. If you’re new to this trend, our piece on Fractional CMOs is a great starting point.

We’re seeing more and more businesses trade one-size-fits-all for customized, right-sized consulting relationships. And it’s not just a big-city thing—our regional breakdowns of freelance talent show how talent is thriving in cities and metros across the country.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re a founder looking to overhaul your brand strategy, a startup needing an inbound game plan, or a marketing lead searching for a specialist to fill a gap, this list is your launchpad.

These consultants represent the future of flexible, independent marketing talent. They’re not just helping brands grow—they’re redefining what it means to work smart in 2025.

We'll be updating this guide throughout the year, so keep it bookmarked. And if you know someone who should be on the radar, drop us a note.

Welcome to the new era of marketing talent—decentralized, diverse, and deeply effective.

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