There’s no such thing as a tech company anymore, you’ve either embraced a digital marketing strategy or your time is limited. With all the distractions in the world toady, getting and keeping attention has become more expensive and the demand for skilled digital marketers is increasing. If you’re considering hiring a digital marketer for your business, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is, “How much will it cost?” The answer to this question varies based on a number of factors, including the experience and expertise of the digital marketer, the scope of the project, and the specific services you require.
Experience and Expertise of the Digital Marketer
The experience and expertise of the digital marketer is one of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of hiring a digital marketer. Generally, the more experienced and knowledgeable the digital marketer is, the higher their rates will be. Digital marketers with a track record of success and a portfolio of satisfied clients will command higher rates than those who are just starting out in the field.
When evaluating digital marketers, it’s important to look beyond their qualifications and certifications. While these are certainly important, they don’t necessarily guarantee that the digital marketer is skilled and experienced. Look for digital marketers who have a proven track record of achieving results for their clients, as well as a deep understanding of your industry and your target audience.
Scope of the Project
The scope of the project is another key factor that will affect the cost of hiring a digital marketer. If you need a digital marketer to handle a large, complex project that involves multiple campaigns and channels, the cost will be higher than if you only need a digital marketer to handle a single, specific campaign.
When discussing the scope of your project with digital marketers, be clear about your goals and expectations. This will help the digital marketer to understand what is required and to provide an accurate estimate of the cost.
Specific Services Required
The specific services you require will also affect the cost of hiring a digital marketer. Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, and more. The cost of each of these services can vary depending on the specific tactics and strategies used, as well as the time and effort required to implement them.
When evaluating digital marketers, be sure to ask for a breakdown of the specific services they will provide, as well as the cost for each service. This will help you to compare costs and to understand the value of each service.
Estimating the Cost of Hiring a Digital Marketer
So, how much does it cost to hire a digital marketer? There is no universal answer to this question but there are some guidelines that can help you to estimate the cost.
According to a recent survey by the Content Marketing Institute, the average hourly rate for a digital marketer in the United States is $135 per hour. However, this rate can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, expertise, and the specific services required.
When evaluating the cost of hiring a digital marketer, it’s important to consider the value that digital marketing can bring to your business. While digital marketing can be a significant investment, it can also provide a high return on investment (ROI) if it’s done correctly. By attracting targeted traffic, generating more leads, and increasing sales, digital marketing can help to grow your business and increase your market share, revenue and profit.
Hourly, Contract & Monthly Retainers
When it comes to hiring a digital marketer, there are several payment structures to consider, including hourly rates, contracts, and monthly retainers. Each payment structure has its own benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right one depends on your business needs, budget, and goals.
- Hourly Rates: Hourly rates are the most straightforward payment structure for hiring a digital marketer. With hourly rates, you pay the marketer for the number of hours they work on your project. Hourly rates are a good option if you have a small project or a limited budget. However, hourly rates can be expensive if you need ongoing services, as the hours can quickly add up.
- Contracts: A contract payment structure is a good option if you need a digital marketer for a specific project or period. With a contract, you agree on a fixed price and scope of work before the project begins. This payment structure provides a clear understanding of what the marketer will do and what you will pay. Contracts are a good option if you have a specific project with a defined timeline and deliverables.
- Monthly Retainers: Monthly retainers are the most popular payment structure for hiring a digital marketer. With a retainer, you pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing services. This payment structure provides stability and consistency in services and allows the marketer to develop a long-term strategy for your business. Monthly retainers are a good option if you need ongoing services and support from a digital marketer.
When hiring a digital marketer, it’s important to consider your business needs, budget, and goals. Hourly rates are good for small projects or a limited budget, while contracts are good for specific projects. Monthly retainers are the most popular payment structure for ongoing services and provide stability and consistency in services. Ultimately, the right payment structure depends on your business needs and goals.
“It Depends”
This is the universal answer for almost any digital marketing question you can ask. Although it is technically true as there are many variables when bidding on a project, most experienced marketers will at least be able to give you a ball park figure. The more campaigns a marketer or agency has run, the more exposed they are to different industries and the budget required to actually get results.
At Crowley Media Group, we base our retainers and contracts on two key factors: Industry and Location. For example, a Plumber in a small town (population < 100,000) will be easier to rank than a Personal Injury Attorney in a Major Metropolitan city. This is why you should always do some due diligence before choosing the right digital marketer or agency for your company.
The cost of hiring a digital marketer can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, including the experience and expertise of the digital marketer, the scope of the project, and the specific services required. While it can be challenging to estimate the cost of hiring a digital marketer, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of a strong digital marketing strategy and the value that it can bring to your business. Working with an experienced digital marketer, you can develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that will build your brand, grow your business and increase your market share & profits.
