Advice on finding growth / marketing contractor?

Hi HN,

I have a few side-project DTC brands. I've been fortunately been able to handle all of the tech side, setting up e-commerce stores, some cool custom pages for user feedback and instructions etc.

That said, I am woefully clueless when it comes to marketing. I've spent a lot of time reading up on copy-writing and online marketing strategies without much luck. I largely intend to keep my side hustles well - as side hustles and at this point I'd be willing to pay someone for their expertise. ($1-2k to start per campaign)

However, outside of some instagram traction (lots of money wasted on ads that fell flat) and a relatively promising "promo code" strategies I'm stalling out on growth and would like to hire a relatively affordable "part time" marketing person to help drive growth and maybe develop some ad strategies.

I've talked to a few people, but many are either looking for a full-time gig or don't have much "ecomm" experience.

My products are both physical and target specific "plant" niches.

Thanks!