Marketing strategy
A robust marketing strategy is crucial for any business aiming to thrive. Marketing strategy goes beyond simply promoting products or services; it involves a deep understanding of your target audience, market trends, and competitive landscape to develop a comprehensive plan for achieving your business objectives. Hiring a freelance marketing strategist can provide your business with the expertise and flexibility needed to navigate the complexities of the modern market and achieve sustainable growth.
What to look for in a freelance marketing strategist
When searching for a freelance marketing strategist, look for individuals with a proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns. Key qualities to consider include:
- Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience with a variety of marketing channels (e.g., digital marketing, social media, content marketing, email marketing)
- A deep understanding of marketing principles and best practices
- Adaptability and the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest marketing trends
Main expertise areas
Marketing strategy encompasses a wide range of specialisations. When hiring, consider your specific needs and inquire about the freelancer’s expertise in areas such as:
- Brand strategy and positioning
- Content marketing strategy
- Social media marketing strategy
- Search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM)
- Email marketing strategy
- Marketing analytics and reporting
- Go-to-market strategy
Examples of interview questions
Prepare insightful questions to assess the candidate's suitability. Here are some examples:
- Can you describe your approach to developing a marketing strategy?
- Tell me about a successful marketing campaign you’ve worked on and the results you achieved.
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest marketing trends?
- How would you approach developing a marketing strategy for our specific business?
- Can you share examples of your experience with [specific marketing channel relevant to your needs]?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios and case studies to evaluate the freelancer's practical experience.
- Check testimonials and references to gauge their professionalism and reliability.
- Shortlist candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of your business needs 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 relevant examples of their work
- Are unwilling to adapt their approach to your specific needs
Typical complementary skills
Marketing strategy often works hand-in-hand with other skills, such as:
- Content creation (writing, graphic design, video production)
- Data analysis and reporting
- Project management
- Public relations
Benefits of hiring a freelance marketing strategist
A freelance marketing strategist can provide your business with several key benefits:
- Expertise and specialisation: Access to a wide range of marketing expertise without the commitment of a full-time employee.
- Flexibility and scalability: Scale your marketing efforts up or down as needed, adapting to changing market conditions.
- Fresh perspective and innovative ideas: Gain new insights and creative solutions to your marketing challenges.
- Cost-effectiveness: Engage specialist skills for specific projects without the overhead of permanent staff.
Real-world examples
Here are a few examples of how freelance marketing strategists can help businesses:
- Developing a go-to-market strategy for a new product launch: A strategist can research the target market, identify key marketing channels, and create a comprehensive plan to generate buzz and drive sales.
- Creating a content marketing strategy to increase brand awareness: A strategist can develop a content calendar, create engaging content, and distribute it across relevant platforms to attract and engage the target audience.
- Optimising a company's social media presence: A strategist can analyse the existing social media strategy, identify areas for improvement, and implement a plan to increase engagement, followers, and ultimately, conversions.
