Overview: What This Guide Will Help You Understand
Are you wondering what a digital marketing strategist does? Or maybe you’re curious if it’s the right career for you? Do you want to hire one but aren’t sure what to look for?
If yes, then this article is for you.
In this complete guide on “Digital Marketing Strategist: What You Must Know”, we will cover everything in simple, easy-to-understand English. Whether you’re a beginner, a business owner, or a job seeker, this article will answer all your questions.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Digital Marketing Strategist?
- Why Is a Digital Marketing Strategist Important?
- Main Roles and Responsibilities of a Digital Marketing Strategist
- Key Skills Every Digital Marketing Strategist Needs
- SEO Knowledge Is a Must for a Digital Marketing Strategist
- PPC and SEM: Skills a Digital Marketing Strategist Must Know
- Content Planning: Core Job of a Digital Marketing Strategist
- Social Media: Another Key Area for a Digital Marketing Strategist
- Data and Analytics: Tools Every Digital Marketing Strategist Uses
- Technical Tools for Digital Marketing Strategists
- Soft Skills That Make a Digital Marketing Strategist Great
- Career Path: How to Become a Digital Marketing Strategist
- Typical Job Description of a Digital Marketing Strategist
- Common Questions About Digital Marketing Strategists
- Conclusion: Digital Marketing Strategist – What You Must Know to Succeed
What Is a Digital Marketing Strategist?
Simple Definition
A digital marketing strategist is someone who plans, builds, and manages online marketing campaigns. They use websites, social media, email, and search engines to help businesses reach their goals.
What Does a Digital Marketing Strategist Do?
A strategist makes sure the marketing plan is smart, cost-effective, and results driven. They study customer behaviour, use data to make decisions, and guide the marketing team.
Why Is a Digital Marketing Strategist Important?
Role in Business Growth
Without a strategy, online marketing is like shooting in the dark. A digital marketing strategist helps:
- Increase website traffic
- Attract the right audience
- Improve conversions (turning visitors into customers)
- Save time and money
- Create brand awareness
Key Reasons Businesses Need a Strategist
| Benefit | How a Digital Marketing Strategist Helps |
| Better ROI | Uses data and insights to get more results for less money |
| Brand Clarity | Makes the message clear and consistent across channels |
| Long-term Growth | Builds a plan that works today and tomorrow |
| Targeted Marketing | Focuses on the audience that matters most |
Main Roles and Responsibilities of a Digital Marketing Strategist
What They Do Daily
A digital marketing strategist wears many hats. Here’s a breakdown of their common duties:
1. Develop a Digital Strategy
- Set business goals
- Choose marketing channels (SEO, ads, social media, etc.)
- Create a content plan
- Plan campaign timelines and budgets
2. Analyse the Market
- Research competitors
- Understand target audience behaviour
- Study trends and industry updates
3. Monitor Campaigns
- Track performance using analytics
- Adjust strategies based on results
- Report progress to clients or managers
4. Work with the Team
- Coordinate with writers, designers, and developers
- Manage tasks and deadlines
- Guide the team to meet goals
Key Skills Every Digital Marketing Strategist Needs
Top Skills List
To succeed, a digital marketing strategist needs a mix of hard and soft skills.
| Skill Type | Examples |
| Technical | SEO, SEM, Google Analytics, email marketing |
| Strategic | Goal setting, funnel building, market analysis |
| Creative | Content creation, storytelling, design ideas |
| Communication | Teamwork, client reporting, writing |
| Analytical | Data interpretation, ROI tracking, KPIs |
SEO Knowledge Is a Must for a Digital Marketing Strategist
Why SEO Matters
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps a business appear in search engine results. Without it, websites can get lost online.
SEO Tasks a Strategist Handles
- Keyword research
- On-page SEO (titles, content, meta tags)
- Technical SEO (site speed, mobile-friendly design)
- Link building
Tools Used
- Google Search Console
- SEMrush
- Ahrefs
- Moz
PPC and SEM: Skills a Digital Marketing Strategist Must Know
What Is SEM?
SEM (Search Engine Marketing) includes paid ads, especially Google Ads. A strategist must plan ad campaigns that reach the right audience at the right time.
Important SEM Skills
- Budgeting
- Writing ad copy
- A/B testing
- Analysing ad performance
Content Planning: Core Job of a Digital Marketing Strategist
Why Content Is Important
Good content helps build trust and brings users to your website. A strategist must know how to plan, create, and distribute content.
Types of Content to Manage
- Blog posts
- Videos
- Infographics
- Social media posts
- Email newsletters
Content Strategy Tasks
- Create a content calendar
- Choose topics based on keyword research
- Track content performance
- Update old content for better results
Social Media: Another Key Area for a Digital Marketing Strategist
What You Must Know About Social Media
Social media platforms are where millions of people spend time. A strategist must know how to use them for marketing.
Platforms to Focus On
- Facebook
- Instagram
- LinkedIn
- TikTok
- X (Twitter)
- Pinterest
Tasks on Social Media
- Plan post types and schedule
- Run ads with targeting options
- Engage with followers
- Measure engagement and reach
Data and Analytics: Tools Every Digital Marketing Strategist Uses
Why Data Is Important
Data tells you what’s working and what’s not. Without data, strategy becomes guesswork.
Metrics to Track
- Traffic sources
- Bounce rate
- Time on site
- Conversion rate
- Cost per click
- Return on ad spend
Useful Tools
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Hotjar
- Data Studio
- Facebook Business Manager
Technical Tools for Digital Marketing Strategists
Tech Skills, Help You Do More
A strategist doesn’t need to be a developer, but basic tech knowledge is helpful.
Important Tools to Learn
- WordPress and other CMS platforms
- Email marketing platforms (like Mailchimp or Klaviyo)
- CRM systems (like HubSpot or Salesforce)
- Basic HTML and CSS
- Automation tools like Zapier
Soft Skills That Make a Digital Marketing Strategist Great
Not Just Tech – People Skills Matter Too
A great strategist also needs to work well with people and handle pressure.
Must-Have Soft Skills
- Clear communication
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Leadership
- Flexibility
Career Path: How to Become a Digital Marketing Strategist
Steps to Follow
You don’t need a marketing degree to become a digital marketing strategist. Many start with free courses and grow from there.
1. Learn the Basics
- Take online courses (Google, HubSpot, Coursera)
- Learn SEO, social media, PPC, and content marketing
2. Get Hands-On Experience
- Start a blog
- Offer freelance services
- Intern with a digital marketing agency
3. Build a Portfolio
- Show real examples of your work
- Share case studies or results
4. Keep Learning
- Follow marketing trends
- Get certified (Google Ads, Meta Blueprint)
- Join marketing communities
Typical Job Description of a Digital Marketing Strategist
| Job Role | Details |
| Title | Digital Marketing Strategist |
| Main Tasks | Plan and execute online marketing campaigns |
| Required Skills | SEO, SEM, content, analytics, communication |
| Experience Needed | 2–5 years in digital marketing |
| Tools Used | Google Ads, Analytics, CMS, CRM, social media tools |
| Work Environment | Agencies, startups, companies, or freelance |
Common Questions About Digital Marketing Strategists
1. What is the salary of a digital marketing strategist?
- Varies by location, but ranges from $40,000 to $90,000 per year depending on experience.
2. Can I become a digital marketing strategist without a degree?
- Yes! Skills, experience, and results matter more than a degree.
3. Do strategists work alone?
- No. They usually work with designers, writers, developers, and marketing managers.
4. How is a strategist different from a digital marketer?
- A strategist plans and guides, while a digital marketer executes the plan.
5. Can digital marketing strategists work remotely?
- Yes. Many work from home or freelance for global clients.
Conclusion: Digital Marketing Strategist – What You Must Know to Succeed
Being a digital marketing strategist is a rewarding career. It mixes creativity, data, planning, and tech. Whether you’re hiring one or becoming one, it’s important to understand the core duties, essential skills, and growth path.
Now that you’ve read this detailed guide on “Digital Marketing Strategist: What You Must Know,” you have the knowledge to take your next step.
- Want to start your career? Begin with free tools and courses.
- Want to hire a strategist? Look for someone who understands your audience and goals.
- Want to improve your skills? Keep learning and testing new ideas.
A smart strategy is what turns marketing into business growth.
