Growth strategy
Growth strategy is the process of identifying, developing, and implementing initiatives to increase revenue, market share, and overall business success. It's a data-driven approach that goes beyond simple marketing tactics and encompasses a holistic view of the business, its target audience, and the competitive landscape. A successful growth strategy aligns all aspects of the organisation towards achieving sustainable growth.
What to look for in a growth strategy freelancer
When hiring a growth strategy freelancer, look for individuals with a proven track record of developing and executing successful growth strategies. They should possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of marketing principles, and the ability to think strategically.
Experience in your specific industry is a plus, but a strong growth strategist can often adapt their expertise to different sectors.
Key qualities to consider
- Data analysis and interpretation skills
- Experience with various growth hacking techniques
- An understanding of different marketing channels (SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing)
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team
Main expertise areas
Growth strategy encompasses a range of expertise areas. When hiring, consider which of these areas are most relevant to your needs:
- Market analysis and research: Identifying target audiences, understanding market trends, and analysing competitor activity.
- Customer acquisition and retention: Developing strategies to attract new customers and build loyalty among existing ones.
- Conversion rate optimisation (CRO): Improving the percentage of website visitors or leads who take a desired action.
- Product-led growth: Leveraging the product itself as the primary driver of growth.
- Viral marketing: Creating campaigns designed to spread rapidly through social sharing.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some questions to ask potential freelancers:
- Can you describe your process for developing a growth strategy?
- What are some of the most successful growth strategies you've implemented?
- How do you measure the success of a growth strategy?
- What are your preferred tools and technologies for growth hacking?
- Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in implementing a growth strategy and how you overcame it.
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios and case studies to assess the freelancer's previous work.
- Look for demonstrable results and quantifiable achievements.
- Check references and testimonials to gauge their reliability and professionalism.
- Shortlist candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of your business goals and propose tailored solutions.
Potential red flags
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Promise unrealistic results or guaranteed success.
- Lack a clear process or methodology.
- Cannot provide concrete examples of their past successes.
- Are unwilling to adapt their strategies to your specific needs.
Typical complementary skills
Growth strategy often works best in conjunction with skills such as:
- SEO/SEM
- Content marketing
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Data analytics
What problems a growth strategy freelancer can solve
A skilled growth strategy freelancer can help you:
- Increase revenue and profitability
- Expand your market share
- Improve customer acquisition and retention
- Optimise your marketing efforts
- Develop a sustainable growth plan
Example 1: A SaaS company struggling with low conversion rates could hire a growth strategy freelancer to analyse their user journey and identify areas for improvement. The freelancer might recommend A/B testing different landing pages, optimising the signup process, or implementing a more effective onboarding strategy.
Example 2: An e-commerce business looking to expand into new markets could hire a growth strategy freelancer to conduct market research, identify target audiences, and develop a localised marketing plan. The freelancer might also recommend strategies for optimising product listings and leveraging social media to reach new customers.
Example 3: A non-profit organisation seeking to increase donations could hire a growth strategy freelancer to develop a fundraising campaign, optimise their online donation platform, and leverage social media to raise awareness and engage supporters.
