Laurelhurst Digital Review: A Fractional Digital Strategist That Feels Like an In-House Pro

Picture this: You’re a small business owner or marketing director who needs expert digital strategy, but hiring a full-time specialist is out of budget, and agencies feel impersonal (and overpriced). That’s exactly where Laurelhurst Digital comes in—a one-person powerhouse led by Keith Appleby, Ph.D., offering fractional digital strategy without the agency fluff or freelancer roulette.

After working with Keith, it’s clear why his model stands out. Laurelhurst Digital isn’t just another consultancy; it’s a tailored, high-touch service that bridges the gap between DIY and corporate overhead. Here’s why it might be the perfect middle ground for businesses that need expertise without the bloated costs.

The Sweet Spot Between Freelancer and Agency

One of the biggest selling points of Laurelhurst Digital is its positioning—more strategic than a typical freelancer but far more affordable and focused than an agency. Keith’s approach avoids the common pitfalls of both extremes:

• No Agency Bureaucracy: Unlike large firms with layers of account managers, you work directly with Keith. No handoffs, no junior staff learning on your dime.
• More Than a Freelancer: This isn’t just project-based work. Keith acts like an embedded strategist, understanding your business deeply rather than executing one-off tasks.

For businesses that need consistent, high-level guidance without the full-time salary commitment, this model is a game-changer.

Deep Expertise Without the Corporate Overhead

Keith holds a Ph.D., and it shows in his analytical, research-backed approach. He doesn’t just throw generic best practices at you—he tailors strategies based on real data and industry trends. Some standout strengths:

• Strategic, Not Just Tactical: Many digital marketers focus on execution (e.g., running ads, tweaking SEO). Keith helps with the why behind decisions, ensuring long-term growth.
• Transparent Pricing: Compared to agencies charging $20K+/month for services you may not need, Laurelhurst Digital offers flexible, scalable engagement.

If there’s one critique, it’s that this is a solo operation—so if you need a massive team executing multiple campaigns simultaneously, this might not be the fit. But for most small to mid-sized businesses, the depth of attention outweighs the lack of a large staff.

Personalized Attention You Won’t Get Elsewhere

One of the most refreshing aspects? No revolving door of contacts. With Keith, you’re not just another client in a portfolio—you get continuity and someone who genuinely understands your business.

• No Learning Curve: Since he’s the only point of contact, there’s no re-explaining your brand or goals to new team members.
• Responsive & Hands-On: Unlike agencies where requests get lost in Slack channels, communication is direct and efficient.

The only minor trade-off? Since it’s a one-person shop, response times might vary during peak periods (though in my experience, Keith is highly professional about setting expectations).

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Pros:

✔ Cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time or overspending on an agency.
✔ Deep expertise with a Ph.D.-level strategic approach.
✔ Consistent, personalized attention—no account manager shuffle.
✔ Flexible engagement—scales up or down based on needs.

Cons:

❌ Not ideal for businesses needing a large team executing multiple campaigns at once.
❌ Availability may vary slightly compared to 24/7 agency support (but responsiveness is still strong).

Final Thoughts

Laurelhurst Digital is the kind of service you wish you’d found sooner—especially if you’ve been burned by overpromising agencies or underwhelming freelancers. Keith Appleby delivers the strategic brainpower of a high-end digital strategist without the bloated costs, making this a smart choice for businesses that value expertise, efficiency, and a personal touch.

If you need a fractional digital strategist who feels like an extension of your team (rather than a vendor), Laurelhurst Digital is worth serious consideration.