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When You Need a PPC Consultant, Not Another Agency

There’s a specific type of problem that a consultant solves — and it’s different from what a full-service agency does. You might already have someone running your Google Ads, whether that’s an in-house team member, a marketing manager, or a freelancer. But you’re not confident in what you’re seeing. The results feel flat, the reporting doesn’t tell you much, or you’re about to make a significant budget decision and you want a senior view before you commit.

That’s where I come in. I’m Stevie Morris — 12 years in Google Ads, Google Partner certified, Microsoft Ads certified, and I’ve managed over £2M in ad spend directly. I offer strategic oversight, independent account reviews, and fractional consulting for businesses across East Sussex who need expert input without necessarily handing over their whole account.

Situations Where Hiring a PPC Consultant Makes Sense

What a PPC Consultant in East Sussex Costs

Consulting engagements vary in scope. The starting point is from £300/month for ongoing advisory and oversight arrangements. For project-based work — a one-off review, a strategy session, or a specific campaign audit — the fee depends on scope and we’ll agree it on the call.

I don’t give indicative pricing for consulting work in advance because the scope matters. A one-hour second-opinion call is very different from a six-month fractional CMO arrangement. What I can tell you is that you’ll get a clear proposal before anything is agreed, and there’s no pressure to commit to anything on the initial consultation.

I'll tell you if your current setup is fine

If you bring me in for a second opinion and I look at your account and it’s genuinely being managed well, I’ll tell you that. I’m not going to manufacture problems to win your business. Honest enough to say your ads are fine — that’s the working principle. East Sussex businesses dealing with London-level CPCs need a consultant who gives them an accurate picture, not a pitch.

How a Consulting Engagement Works

  1. Initial consultationWe talk through what you’re trying to achieve, what’s currently happening, and where the pain points are. No charge for this — it’s the starting point.
  2. ProposalIf ongoing consulting makes sense, I’ll send a clear proposal covering scope, deliverables, and fee. No vague retainer descriptions — you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
  3. Account accessRead-only access is enough for most advisory work. I don’t need to be on your account as a manager unless we agree that makes sense for the engagement.
  4. Strategic sessions and async feedbackDepending on the arrangement, this might be monthly calls, written reviews, or a combination. The format fits your working style, not a rigid template.

Senior Experience That Actually Matters in a High-CPC Market

East Sussex — particularly the commuter-belt postcodes bordering Surrey and Greater London — has above-average CPCs in most commercial categories. That means the margin for error in your campaigns is smaller. A poorly structured account doesn’t just underperform; it actively wastes budget that, in a lower-competition market, might have been recoverable.

Through my work with Growth PPC, where we’ve managed over £20M in ad spend across ecommerce and home services accounts, I’ve built a detailed understanding of what drives efficiency at different budget levels and in competitive markets. That’s the kind of expertise that’s relevant when you’re spending real money in a market like East Sussex.

My focus niches are ecommerce and D2C brands and home services and trades businesses — two categories that are both strongly represented across East Sussex and its neighbouring areas including Brighton and Hove, Kent, and West Sussex.

What You Won't Get

I won’t promise specific results, quote conversion rates you’ll achieve, or give timeframes for when things will improve — because no honest consultant can do that without running your actual campaigns. I won’t lock you into anything before we’ve had a proper conversation, and I won’t tell you that your current setup is broken if it isn’t.

If after our first conversation you decide you need full management rather than advisory, I offer that too. Or if a referral to someone else makes more sense for your situation, I’ll say so.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a PPC consultant and a PPC agency?

A PPC agency typically handles execution — building and managing campaigns day-to-day. A PPC consultant provides strategic advice, independent reviews, and oversight, often for businesses that already have someone executing or who want expert input before making decisions. The two roles can overlap, but the distinction matters when you’re choosing what you actually need.

Can you review my current agency's work without taking over the account?

Yes. A second-opinion review is a defined scope — I look at what’s happening, give you an honest assessment, and you decide what to do with that information. There’s no expectation that you’ll move to me for management.

I'm based in East Sussex but my Google Ads target the whole UK — is that a problem?

Not at all. My location-based consulting is about where you are, not where your campaigns run. Plenty of East Sussex businesses — particularly ecommerce brands — target nationally, and the consulting approach is the same.

How much input will I have in the consulting arrangement?

As much as you want. Some clients want a fully hands-off arrangement where I flag issues and make recommendations. Others want to be involved in every decision. We’ll agree an approach that fits how you like to work.

Do you offer one-off strategy sessions rather than ongoing consulting?

Yes. A one-off session — reviewing your account, talking through strategy, or answering specific questions — is an option. The fee for project work is agreed on a call based on scope.

Are East Sussex CPCs really that much higher than other parts of the UK?

In competitive categories, yes. The commuter-belt effect means your local audience often has advertisers bidding at London rates, particularly in sectors like home services, legal, and professional services. A consultant who understands this market can help you set realistic expectations and structure campaigns accordingly.

Get a senior, independent view on your Google Ads

Whether you need a second opinion, ongoing strategic oversight, or a specific problem solved, the starting point is a conversation. No pitch, no obligation.

Call 07410 907 104 Book a consultation