Media strategy
Cutting through the noise of the current media landscape and reaching your target audience effectively is now more crucial than ever. A robust media strategy is the cornerstone of any successful marketing campaign, ensuring your message resonates with the right people at the right time. It involves a deep understanding of your target audience, the competitive landscape, and the most effective channels to achieve your business objectives. Hiring a freelance media strategist can provide your business with the expertise needed to navigate this complex environment and maximise your return on investment.
What to look for in a freelance media strategist
When searching for a freelance media strategist, look for individuals who demonstrate a strong understanding of various media channels, both traditional and digital.
They should be adept at analysing data, identifying trends, and developing strategies that align with your specific business goals. A successful media strategist possesses strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a proven track record of delivering results.
Key skills and qualities:
- Analytical skills and data interpretation
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Experience with various media channels (digital, print, broadcast)
- An understanding of media planning and buying
- Knowledge of SEO and SEM principles
- The ability to adapt to evolving media trends
Main expertise areas
Media strategy encompasses a wide range of specialisations. When hiring, consider which areas are most relevant to your needs:
Digital media strategy:
Focuses on online channels like social media, search engines, and online advertising.
Traditional media strategy:
Emphasises offline channels such as print, radio, and television.
Integrated media strategy:
Combines both digital and traditional channels for a holistic approach.
Content marketing strategy:
Focuses on creating and distributing valuable content to attract and engage a target audience.
Relevant interview questions
Prepare insightful questions to assess a freelancer’s suitability:
- Can you share examples of successful media strategies you've developed and implemented?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest media trends?
- Describe your process for developing a media plan.
- How do you measure the success of a media campaign?
- What are your preferred tools and technologies for media analysis and reporting?
- Tell me about a time a media campaign didn't perform as expected. What did you learn from it?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios, case studies, and client testimonials to gauge a freelancer’s experience and expertise.
- Look for demonstrable results and a clear understanding of media planning principles.
- Check for relevant industry experience and a strong understanding of your target audience.
Potential red flags
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Promise guaranteed results without proper analysis
- Lack a clear understanding of your target audience
- Rely on outdated strategies and tactics
- Cannot provide clear examples of previous work
Typical complementary skills
Media strategy often works in tandem with other skills, such as:
- Content creation
- SEO/SEM
- Social media management
- Public relations
- Data analysis
Benefits of hiring a freelance media strategist
A skilled freelance media strategist can help your business:
- Increase brand awareness and reach
- Improve lead generation and conversions
- Optimise your marketing budget
- Stay ahead of the competition
- Gain valuable insights into your target audience
- Adapt to the ever-changing media landscape
For example, a fashion retailer launching a new line could benefit from a media strategist who specialises in influencer marketing and social media engagement.
A tech startup might require a strategist experienced in building brand awareness through targeted online advertising and content marketing.
A charity could leverage a strategist’s expertise in PR and traditional media outreach to raise awareness for their cause.
By hiring a freelance media strategist, you gain access to specialised expertise without the commitment of a full-time employee. This allows you to scale your marketing efforts efficiently and achieve your business objectives effectively.
