It has become an essential position in any company. But there is a special situation when it comes to recruiting for such a position: tough competition, motivation and requirements that have changed with the COVID crisis, experience in line with what we're looking for... There are many explanations for the shortage of candidates, and companies are finding it hard to arm themselves.
And yet, this is the person who is at the center of the digital ecosystem to develop business growth: digital strategy, objectives, means, planning, organization... the work of a freelance digital Marketing Director is essential to develop online sales. He or she is the guarantor of an effective digital marketing/communications strategy, distributing messages via the appropriate channels, analyzing and optimizing them to achieve precise objectives.
An overview of a booming business.
What are the advantages of a freelance marketing manager for a company?
It's one of the most popular solutions among companies. Why should we ask? Because it offers a number of significant advantages for the structure:
- An expert accustomed to adapting to different types of assignment
- A good way to test yourself before a job offer.
- A “presence” time that can be modulated according to the company's needs
- Perfectly controlled costs, since the employer pays no social security charges
- A transfer that can be made at any time
How do I find a good freelance marketing manager?
First and foremost, we recommend that you ask your professional contacts, whether privately or via professional social networks such as LinkedIn.
You can also search for freelancers on platforms such as Malt.
Whatever your sourcing needs, it's important to carefully evaluate profiles, check recommendations and opinions. Here are the different criteria you need to take into account to avoid making a mistake.
What criteria should you take into account when choosing a freelance digital marketing manager?
There are several criteria to consider when choosing a freelance marketing manager.
- Check your skills. Digital is “technical” and highly diversified, so it's important to check your contact's knowledge.
- Analyze past experiences. As with many positions, experience is essential (agency, start-up, BtoB, BtoC, etc.). The digital marketing manager is no exception to this rule.
- Understanding its specific features. Is he a technician? Is he creative? It's important to understand your contact's particularities to see if they match your requirements.
Of course, he or she will need to have the basic skills that all good digital marketing managers have, such as an analytical mind, curiosity, good communication and management skills, etc...
What are the essential tools for a freelance marketing manager?
A freelance digital marketing manager will need to be familiar with a wide variety of online tools to ensure the success of his or her assignment. Customer relationship management (CRM) software, a web analytics platform, project management, search engine optimization (SEO), social media and even growth hacking are all essential components of a good CMO.
Secondly, he will need to master more traditional tools such as instant messaging and office software.
Other tools such as virtual whiteboards or other specialized applications may be required, depending on the scope of the project.
How can you guarantee success when working with a freelance marketing manager?
It's a collaboration that shouldn't be taken lightly. In fact, there are a number of steps to follow to ensure that the company and the consultant work together efficiently.
1/ You need to sign a detailed assignment contract between you and the successful candidate, to clearly define the roles, objectives and responsibilities of each party.
2/ You need to set clear objectives in terms of quantified results and deadlines. The CMO will have an obligation of results, but also of means.
3/ It's not always the easiest thing to do, but we advise you to leave the first few weeks in full autonomy, without imposing your point of view, so that you can notice a positive change under his impulse.
4/ It may sound logical, but if the marketing manager is to get to grips with his or her new position, he or she needs to have access to all essential information, whether physical or held by individuals.
As you can see, finding a good freelance digital marketing manager isn't something you can do in a day, but it's a position that's totally indispensable to a company's growth. It's a multi-skilled job, with a strong appetite for growth through mastery of the most effective levers.
At Digitalised, we offer a freelance digital marketing director service. Contact us to find out more.