Marketing Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025

United States Independent & Freelance Marketing Experts 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.

Meet the Marketing Consultants to Watch of 2025

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.

The Digital Reference Team was able to connect with Holly to learn more about her and Fathom35's approach to client work. Here's what we learned:

What's your typical approach to client engagements?

"At Fathom35, the simplicity lies in working with brands I genuinely admire across a variety of industries. Every engagement starts with a clear audit of the tools, platforms, and resources already in play—what’s working, what’s underused, and where the untapped opportunity lives. From there, I build story-driven strategies rooted in what makes the brand truly distinct. I stay hands-on through execution, collaborating with internal teams to bring the work to life while tracking performance and refining along the way. It’s honest partnership, creative momentum, and results that can stick around, long term."

What type of clients are you the best fit for?

"I’m the best fit for founders, operators, and in-house teams at food, beverage, and hospitality brands who are ready to commit to doing the work but need support to get moving. I also work with a variety of other industries, as my time allows. My clients are often juggling big ideas with lean resources—they need a strategic partner who can quickly assess what’s working, tighten the story, and drive results across brand, digital, and PR. If you value clarity, creativity, and momentum, we’ll get along great. Similar as above! Consumer packaged goods clients, with a mix of hospitality and beverage. I have a long background in the spirits industry, which can be a tricky landscape, legally speaking. "

What type of clients are the best fit for you?

"I'm great for consumer packaged goods clients, with a mix of hospitality and beverage. I have a long background in the spirits industry, which can be a tricky landscape, legally speaking. "

What are your specialties or professional superpowers?

"My superpower is identifying the value in what you already have and turning it into momentum. As someone who’s founded and run several businesses, I understand firsthand the time and headspace it takes to get marketing truly dialed in. I specialize in evaluating existing assets—press hits, brand equity, digital content, email lists—and pinpointing where they’re working and where they’re being under-leveraged. From boosting SEO to building backlink value, I make sure organic wins like media coverage and brand mentions actually drive traffic and growth. Great stories shouldn’t live and die in one headline—they should keep paying off."

What else should your clients know about you?

"Clients should know that my roots run deep in hospitality—it's where I learned the art of connection, reading a room, and creating experiences that people remember. That foundation shaped how I approach marketing: with a focus on audience, community, and genuine engagement. Whether it’s a restaurant, a product, or a brand, I’m always thinking about how it makes people feel, and how we can build lasting relationships around it. Marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about resonance, and hospitality taught me that first."

Digital Reference is all about authenticity and transparency, tell us about your professional values, what motivates you professionally, your personality type - anything that you believe gives prospective clients more information about the soft skills you bring to the table.

"What drives me professionally is my belief that marketing is about connection. As a founder of several businesses, with a deep background in hospitality, I understand how powerful it is when a brand truly resonates with its community -- it can make or break a business, along with the way that business exists in it's community. That sense of connection informs everything I do, from strategy to storytelling, to teaching teams how to implement for long term growth and stability. I value clarity, collaboration, and momentum, and I bring a hands-on, transparent style to every engagement."

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.

The Digital Reference Team was able to connect with Jenny to learn more about her approach to client work. Here's what we learned:

What's your typical approach to client engagements?

"I take a more fractional approach rather than a traditional consultative one. That means I aim to embed myself within the team, acting as an integrated partner rather than an external advisor. I prioritize building trust and context quickly so I can contribute meaningfully—not just on deliverables, but on culture, communication, and momentum. I’m not just showing up with a slide deck and a list of recommendations; I’m rolling up my sleeves alongside you."

What type of clients are you the best fit for?

"I work best with organizations—large or small—that are ready to make an impact but feel stuck in the “how.” Whether the path forward is murky or the team is spinning its wheels, I thrive in environments where strategic clarity and calm execution are needed. If your organization has ambition but needs help turning that ambition into action, that’s where I come in."

What type of clients are the best fit for you?

"Clients who are curious, open-minded, and willing to question old assumptions tend to get the most out of working with me. I do my best work when clients are open to new perspectives and aren't afraid to experiment a little. Collaboration, candor, and a shared commitment to progress go a long way."

What are your specialties or professional superpowers?

"I’m calm in the chaos. Whether it's a big transformation or a moment of crisis, I’m able to stay grounded and help others do the same. I’m often the person people turn to when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. My ability to bring clarity and steady leadership in complex situations is a core strength."

What else should your clients know about you?

"I lead with a human-centric mindset, always balancing results with relationships. I’m known for my steady hand, my pragmatic optimism, and my ability to navigate complexity without overcomplicating things. I won’t make promises I can’t keep just to win favor—I’d rather be honest upfront than overpromise and underdeliver. Trust is built on transparency, and I take that seriously."

Digital Reference is all about authenticity and transparency. What are some of your professional values, what motivates you professionally, your personality type - anything that you believe gives prospective clients more information about the soft skills you bring to the table?

"Professionally, I’m motivated by impact and integrity. I care deeply about helping teams do their best work, and that means meeting people where they are. I bring empathy, honesty, and a strong sense of personal accountability to everything I do. I’m the kind of partner who listens first, asks thoughtful questions, and isn’t afraid to challenge assumptions—in a way that feels constructive, not confrontational. At my core, I’m a relationship builder who values trust, transparency, and forward momentum."

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. 

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.

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.

‍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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other Helpful Resources

This guide is one of many that we've put together to help you hire the right professional for your needs. Below are a few other helpful guides from Digital Reference:

• Local City Directories of Fractional CMOs
• Learn more about the broader sphere of marketing professionals
• Need an in house-leader? Explore our deep dive of marketing executives
• Deciding between an outsourced CMO and a fractional CMO <- read this

Digital Reference is on a mission to build a more efficient talent ecosystem through authenticity and transparency.

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