Looking to hire a digital marketer for your small business? Great decision! A digital marketer can dramatically change how your business connects with customers online. Let’s get into what a digital marketer does and how they can help your business grow.

What Do Digital Marketers Do?

Today, a majority of customers start their buying journey online. If your business isn’t easy to find and engaging on the web, you’re missing out on potential sales. A skilled digital marketer taps into trends, understands what your audience wants, and knows how to use the digital world to influence consumer behaviour favourably towards your brand.

Hiring a digital marketer is an investment in your business’s online success. They bring the expertise needed to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape effectively, ensuring your small business stands out in a crowded market. Ready to find the right digital marketer? It’s about knowing what skills are crucial and ensuring they align with your business goals.

Do You Even Need a Digital Marketer? How to Know

Wondering if you need a digital marketer? Let’s check a few signs that might point you in that direction. First, ask yourself: is your business visible online? When potential customers search for services or products you offer, does your business show up on Google? If not, a digital marketer could help enhance your online presence through SEO and targeted content.

Next, consider your social media. Are your accounts driving engagement and leads? A digital marketer knows how to leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with your audience effectively.

Also, think about your competitors. Are they outshining you online with slick websites and robust digital campaigns? Keeping up or getting ahead might require the strategic insights a digital marketer offers.

Lastly, evaluate your current marketing efforts. If you’re spending money on ads without seeing returns, or if digital marketing tasks are taking up too much of your time, it’s likely time to bring in a professional. They can optimize your budget and free you up to focus on running your business.

If these points hit home, it’s probably time to hire a digital marketer to help your business grow in the digital world.

Why Should You Hire a Digital Marketer?

First off, the digital space is where customers hang out. About 4.66 billion people worldwide use the internet—that’s about 59% of the global population. Most of them use mobile devices and spend hours online daily. A digital marketer knows how to reach these potential customers effectively, wherever they are on their digital journey.

They Help Boost Your Website’s Visibility

A digital marketer uses a variety of tools and strategies to boost your online presence. They optimize your website for search engines, making sure your business pops up when potential customers search for related products or services. This isn’t just about being visible; it’s about being found at the top of search results. For example, the first five organic results account for 67.6% of all the clicks on Google. That’s a lot of visibility—and potential business—you don’t want to miss.

Manage Your Social Media

They also manage your social media profiles, creating content that engages and grows your audience. Plus, they analyze data from your online activities to understand what works and what doesn’t. This means every dollar you spend is used more effectively, maximizing your return on investment.

Save Your Time

Lastly, a digital marketer can save you time. Instead of trying to figure out digital marketing yourself, you can focus on what you do best—running your business. They handle the complexities of digital campaigns, from planning to execution and monitoring, ensuring that your digital marketing efforts are successful.

If you hire a digital marketer, they can bring measurable returns, enhance your brand, and free up your time to focus on growing your business.

Key Skills Of A Digital Marketing Manager

When you’re ready to hire a digital marketer, knowing what skills to look for and what best practices to follow is essential. Let’s dive into the details:

SEO skills

SEO, or search engine optimization, is all about making sure your online content shows up when people search for relevant keywords. It’s like planting signposts that lead folks straight to your digital doorstep. Why does it matter? Well, consider this: as of 2023, Google processes over 5.6 billion searches per day. That’s a whole lot of folks looking for answers, products, or services. If your content isn’t optimized, it’s like whispering in a crowded room—you’ll get drowned out by the noise. But with solid SEO skills, you can boost your visibility and drive more organic traffic to your website. You do this by researching keywords, optimizing your content with those keywords, and improving technical aspects like site speed and mobile-friendliness. Essentially, SEO helps you cut through the online clutter and connect with the people who need what you’re offering.

Email marketing

Email marketing is about connecting with your audience through targeted email campaigns. It’s like having a direct line to their inbox, where you can share valuable content, promotions, and updates. As of 2023, email marketing still boasts an impressive return on investment (ROI), averaging $42 for every $1 spent. That’s because email allows you to personalize your messages based on user behavior and preferences, making them more relevant and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to nurture leads and build relationships over time. With email marketing, you can track metrics like open rates and click-through rates to measure the success of your campaigns and tweak your strategy accordingly. So, don’t overlook the power of the humble email—it’s still a vital tool in your digital marketing arsenal.

Data analysis

Data analysis is about digging into the numbers to understand how your digital marketing efforts are performing. It’s like being a detective, sifting through clues to uncover insights that can guide your strategy. For instance, in 2023, it was reported that 67% of marketers use data analysis to gain insights into customer behaviour. By analyzing metrics like website traffic, conversion rates, and engagement levels, you can see what’s working and what’s not. This allows you to make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources and which tactics to double down on. Plus, data analysis helps you spot trends and patterns that you might otherwise miss, enabling you to stay ahead of the curve. So, don’t just collect data—analyze it! It’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your digital marketing efforts.

Digital Adaptability

Digital adaptability is your ability to roll with the punches in the ever-changing digital world. It’s like being a chameleon, able to adjust to new technologies, platforms, and trends on the fly. For example, we’ve seen rapid shifts in consumer behavior due to factors like emerging social media platforms and changing algorithms. Being digitally adaptable means you’re not afraid to experiment with new strategies and tools, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s important because what works today might not work tomorrow. By staying flexible and open-minded, you can stay ahead of the curve and continue driving results for your business. So, embrace change and embrace growth—it’s the key to long-term success in the digital marketing game.

Creativity

Creativity is your ability to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas for your digital marketing campaigns. It’s like having a paintbrush and a blank canvas—you’re free to create something totally unique. Studies show that 82% of marketers believe creativity is crucial for success in digital advertising. Why? Because in a sea of content, creativity is what makes you stand out. Whether it’s crafting compelling ad copy, designing eye-catching visuals, or brainstorming innovative campaign concepts, creativity is what captures your audience’s attention and leaves a lasting impression. Plus, it allows you to adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences, keeping your brand relevant and engaging. So don’t be afraid to let your creative juices flow—it’s the secret sauce that takes your digital marketing efforts from good to great.

Social media savvy

Being “social media savvy” means you know your way around platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. It’s important because that’s where a big chunk of your audience hangs out. For example, there are over 3.78 billion social media users worldwide. That’s a massive pool of potential customers just waiting to be engaged with. By being savvy, you can create content that resonates with your audience, whether it’s through eye-catching visuals, engaging captions, or interactive posts. Plus, you can stay on top of trends and algorithms, ensuring your content gets seen by the right people at the right time. Being social media savvy isn’t just about knowing how to post selfies; it’s about understanding the nuances of each platform and using them to your advantage to drive engagement and ultimately, business results.

Best Practices When Hiring a Digital Marketer

By focusing on these skills and practices, you’ll be well on your way to hiring a digital marketer who can truly help your business thrive in the digital age.

Define Your Goals

Before you start looking for a digital marketer, clearly define what you want to achieve with your digital marketing efforts. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, boosting sales, or growing your social media presence, having clear goals will help you find someone who can tailor their skills to meet your needs.

Check Their Track Record

When interviewing candidates, ask for case studies or examples of successful campaigns they’ve managed. Look for a marketer who has a proven track record of improving online presence and driving growth. Their previous successes can give you insight into their skills and the potential impact they could have on your business.

Consider Their Fit with Your Business

Digital marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Make sure the person you hire understands your industry and is enthusiastic about your brand. They should be able to comfortably navigate the specific challenges and opportunities of your market.

Ask About Their Tool Proficiency

Familiarity with digital marketing tools is crucial. Ask about their experience with tools necessary for executing your campaigns, such as email marketing platforms, SEO tools, content management systems, and ad services. A skilled digital marketer should be well-versed in the technologies that will drive your strategies.

Discuss Communication

Effective communication is key to any good partnership. Your digital marketer should be able to clearly explain their strategies and the reasoning behind them. They should also be responsive and proactive in updating you about campaign progress and any adjustments needed.

Plan for Ongoing Education

The digital landscape is constantly changing. Ensure that your digital marketer is committed to staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. This commitment can make a huge difference in staying ahead of competitors and continually refining your digital marketing strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.

6 Mistakes To Avoid While Hiring A Digital Marketing Manager

Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure you hire a digital marketer who can genuinely contribute to your business’s success online. Remember, the right person should bring not only skills but also a strategic vision to help your business grow in the digital arena.

Vague about past results

A competent digital marketer should be ready and eager to share specific achievements from past roles. If a candidate is vague about their results or lacks concrete analytics to back up their successes, take heed. This could signal inexperience or ineffectiveness.

Lacks knowledge of the latest tools

Digital marketing evolves rapidly. If a candidate isn’t familiar with current tools or trends, it might mean they’re not committed to staying updated. Ask about their use of tools relevant to your needs like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or SEMrush.

No clear strategy

Be wary if a candidate can’t articulate a clear strategy or approach for your digital marketing needs. A skilled marketer should have a systematic plan based on your business objectives.

Poor communication skills

Effective communication is vital. A candidate who struggles to explain their ideas clearly or doesn’t listen well during interviews may not collaborate effectively with your team or manage your campaigns successfully.

One-size-fits-all approach

Watch out for marketers who offer a cookie-cutter strategy. Good digital marketers should provide a customized approach that fits your specific market and audience.

Rushing the hiring process

Don’t rush, even if you’re eager to fill the position. Taking the time to find the right match is crucial. Rushing might lead you to overlook better candidates or settle for someone who doesn’t align with your business goals.

Conclusion

Hiring a digital marketer can seem daunting, but it’s a crucial step for your business to thrive in the digital age. Remember, finding the right digital marketer is about more than just filling a position. It’s about finding someone who can effectively translate your business goals into successful digital strategies that drive results.

By understanding the essential skills your digital marketer needs, and following best practices during the hiring process, you’ll set yourself up for success. Define your goals, scrutinize their experience, ensure they fit well with your company culture, and keep communication clear. With the right person on board, you’ll see your online presence grow, engagement increase, and ultimately, sales boost.

Take your time, do your homework, and choose a digital marketer who not only understands the digital world but is also passionate about navigating it with you. Your business deserves a robust digital footprint, and with the right professional, you can make that happen. Good luck!

FAQs

1. What qualifications should I look for in a digital marketing manager?

Look for someone with a strong background in digital marketing strategies, including SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, and email marketing. A degree in marketing, communications, or a related field is often beneficial. Additionally, relevant certifications such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, or HubSpot Content Marketing can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment and expertise in the field.

2. How do I assess a digital marketing manager’s expertise during an interview?

Ask specific questions about their experience and strategies. For instance, inquire about a successful campaign they managed and ask them to detail the steps they took from concept to execution. Also, ask about the tools they prefer for analytics and automation, and why they choose those tools. Their answers can give you insight into their hands-on experience and strategic thinking.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a digital marketing manager?

Avoid rushing the hiring process, not checking references, or failing to ask for detailed examples of their past work. It’s also a mistake to hire based on skills alone without considering if they fit your company’s culture.

4. How much should I expect to pay a digital marketing manager?

Salaries can vary widely depending on location, experience, and the specific needs of your business. Look at salary surveys and job postings in your area to get an idea of the competitive rates. Websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed can provide helpful salary data.

5. How do I measure the effectiveness of a digital marketing manager once hired?

Set clear, measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) at the start. These might include targets for website traffic, lead generation, conversion rates, or social media engagement. Regularly review these metrics and discuss them with your digital marketing manager to ensure they are meeting the expected outcomes.