Short answer — follow a simple 5-step process: (1) clarify what you need, (2) search the right places, (3) write a short brief/RFP, (4) vet candidates with a checklist and a paid trial or audit, and (5) use a clear contract with milestones and IP/insurance clauses. Below is a compact how-to you can use right away.

1. Clarify what “digital consultant” means for your project

• Define scope: strategy (digital transformation, channel strategy), execution (SEO, paid ads, social, content), product/UX, or technical (web/app development, integrations).
• Set success metrics (KPIs), timeline, budget band and whether you want agency, boutique consultancy or an independent freelancer.

2. Where to search (good, reliable channels)

• Professional network: LinkedIn (search titles like “digital consultant”, “digital strategist”, “growth consultant”) — good for senior, local hires. (au.linkedin.com)
• Marketplaces for freelancers/contractors: Upwork, Freelancer (fast, flexible, global/local talent). (upwork.com, nypost.com)
• Agency/directories for vetted firms and reviews: Clutch, DesignRush, Sortlist — useful for agency discovery and client reviews/case studies. (clutch.co, designrush.com, sortlist.com)
• Local job/contract boards in Australia: SEEK and local professional groups (APSCo/industry bodies) — for contract roles and local candidates. (seek.com.au, apscoau.org)
• Your local business/adviser finder (business.gov.au) can also point to small-business advisers or templates for hiring contractors. (business.gov.au)

3. Write a short brief / RFP (use this template)

• 1–2 sentence intro to your business and users.
• Problem to solve / key goals (KPIs).
• Scope: deliverables, duration, and working model (hourly, fixed price, retainer).
• Budget band (helps save time).
• What to include in proposals: relevant case studies, one-page approach, key team members, references, and estimated timeline.

4. Vetting checklist (what to ask / check)

• Portfolio & case studies that match your sector or problem. Look for measurable results. (clutch.co)
• References and client reviews (ask for 2 recent references and contact them).
• Technical/strategic fit: ask for a short audit or 30–60 minute strategy call to see how they approach your problem. Use that call to gauge thinking and communication. (community.upwork.com)
• Credentials: relevant certifications, ABN/ACN (if in Australia), and insurance (professional indemnity/public liability) if applicable. business.gov.au explains contractor checks and ABN/employee distinctions. (business.gov.au)
• Red flags: vague deliverables, unwillingness to sign a contract, no verifiable references.

Sample interview questions

• How would you solve X problem for our business in 90 days? (ask for a 3-point plan)
• What metrics would you track and how often would you report?
• Can you show 1–2 similar case studies and the results achieved? Who can we contact as a reference?
• How do you charge and what’s included/excluded? Do you subcontract work?
• What IP and data protections do you put in place?

5. Engage safely — contract & onboarding

• Start with a short paid engagement (audit, 2–4 week pilot, or first milestone) before committing long-term. This reduces risk. (community.upwork.com)
• Include in the written contract: scope, deliverables, milestones & payments, IP ownership, confidentiality, insurance responsibilities, termination terms and whether the worker is a contractor or employee (business.gov.au guidance). (business.gov.au)
• Use clear acceptance criteria for each milestone and a reporting cadence.

What it typically costs in Australia (ballpark ranges)

• Freelancers / consultants: roughly AU$50–AU$300+ per hour depending on seniority and specialization; many marketing/digital consultants commonly fall between AU$100–AU$300/hr for experienced people. (groe.com.au, 23digital.com.au)
• Agency project fees / retainers: small projects often start at several thousand AUD; retainers commonly range from ~AU$2,000–AU$15,000+/month depending on services and scope. Design/agency directories and agency guides show these common bands. (designrush.com, appsalon.com.au)
  (Always get multiple proposals — costs vary widely by experience, city and project complexity.)

Quick practical search phrases to copy/paste

• “Digital strategy consultant Australia [city]”
• “Growth marketing consultant Australia freelance”
• “Digital transformation consultant Australia agency”
• “[service] consultant Australia site:clutch.co” (to find agency profiles and reviews)

Final tips to save time

• Use a short 2–3 question pre-screen form when you post the brief (Are you available? Example project & result? Ballpark fee?). Shortlists from that are faster to interview.
• Prefer a paid short audit/pilot over unpaid proposals — it reveals ability and commitment. (community.upwork.com)
• Keep legal/contract basics ready (ABN check, simple SOW template) so you can onboard quickly when you find the right candidate. business.gov.au has clear guidance and contract checklists. (business.gov.au)

If you’d like, I can:

• Draft a 1-page brief/RFP for your project (paste your 2–3 line project summary), or
• Produce a short pre-screen questionnaire you can paste into LinkedIn/Upwork posts.

(If you want one of those now, paste a 1–2 line description of the project and your budget band and I’ll draft it.)