As small businesses grow, so do the number of manual tasks that eat up valuable time and energy. That’s where automation can be a game-changer.
Whether it’s streamlining workflows, integrating apps, or reducing data entry, automation can help you scale without burning out your team. But choosing the right automation consultant is critical — the wrong choice can lead to wasted time, poor implementations, and more confusion than clarity.
Here’s how to choose a small business automation consultant who can deliver real value.
1. Understand What You Need to Automate
Before you start searching, get clear on what processes you want to automate. Common areas include:
- Customer onboarding
- Project management
- Invoicing and payment workflows
- CRM and marketing automation
- Document collection or approvals
Even a rough idea of your bottlenecks will help you choose a consultant with the right experience.
Need ideas? Check out our Apps & Workflows!
2. Look for Industry Experience
Some automation consultants are generalists, while others specialize in specific industries or tools. If you’re in construction, real estate, or trades, you’ll benefit from a consultant who understands your unique workflow challenges and the platforms you already use.
Ask:
- “Have you worked with businesses in my industry?”
- “Do you have experience with [specific tools you use]?”
3. Check for a Strategic Approach, Not Just Technical Skills
You don’t just want someone who can “hook things up.” The best consultants take time to understand your business, map out your workflows, and identify which automations will save time and money.
Look for someone who:
- Asks about your current process and pain points
- Offers insight into what should be automated — and what shouldn’t
- Helps you prioritize based on ROI
4. Review Case Studies or Testimonials
A credible automation consultant should have real examples of how they’ve helped other businesses. Ask for:
- Case studies
- Client testimonials
- Before-and-after metrics
This will help you assess their impact and working style. You can check out Automation Crafters’ case studies here.
5. Ask About Ongoing Support and Documentation
Automation isn’t “set it and forget it.” Platforms update, your business evolves, and workflows change. Make sure your consultant offers:
- Ongoing support or training
- Documentation for workflows
- Options for scaling automation as your business grows
6. Get a Clear Proposal with Timeline and Cost
Avoid vague estimates. A good consultant should provide:
- A clear scope of work
- Timeline for delivery
- Transparent pricing (hourly or project-based)
This sets expectations and helps avoid surprises later.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right automation consultant is about more than finding someone who understands software — it’s about partnering with someone who understands your business. The right consultant will help you streamline operations, improve customer experience, and set a foundation for growth.
Taking the time to choose well will pay dividends in saved time, reduced errors, and greater efficiency.