In today’s digital world, having a website or social media page is not enough. Businesses need a well-thought-out strategy to attract customers, grow their brand, and generate revenue online. This is where a digital marketing strategist comes in.
A digital marketing strategist is a key player in any online business. Their job is to create detailed marketing plans using tools like SEO, paid ads, social media, email campaigns, and data analytics. They work closely with content creators, designers, and developers to make sure every part of a marketing campaign supports business goals.
Whether you’re a business owner looking to hire one or a student planning your career, this complete guide will help you understand everything about digital marketing strategists — their roles, required skills, and how to become one.
What Does a Digital Marketing Strategist Do?
The role of a digital marketing strategist is multi-dimensional, combining technical, creative, and analytical thinking.
Here’s what a digital marketing strategist typically does:
1. Research and Audience Analysis
Every campaign starts with understanding the target audience. A strategist will study customer behavior, pain points, and online habits to find out:
- What platforms your audience uses (Google, YouTube, Instagram, etc.)
- What content they prefer (blogs, videos, guides)
- What triggers them to take action (buy, sign up, call)
2. Develop Digital Marketing Strategy
Once the research is complete, the strategist develops a marketing blueprint. This includes:
- Choosing marketing channels (SEO, PPC, Email, Social)
- Setting campaign goals (leads, traffic, sales)
- Planning the content calendar
- Allocating budgets
3. Manage Execution
Strategists don’t just plan — they also manage teams or tools to execute the strategy. For example:
- Coordinating with SEO writers
- Running Google or Facebook ads
- Managing email marketing workflows
- Monitoring analytics to track progress
4. Analyze and Optimize
After launching campaigns, strategists continuously analyze data using tools like:
- Google Analytics
- SEMrush or Ahrefs
- Meta Ads Manager
- Hotjar or Crazy Egg
They use these insights to make decisions like changing ad copies, tweaking landing pages, or shifting the marketing budget.
Essential Skills of a Digital Marketing Strategist
Being a digital marketing strategist means wearing many hats. Here’s a breakdown of must-have skills:
1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Understanding how Google ranks pages is crucial. Strategists should know how to:
- Perform keyword research
- Optimize content for on-page SEO
- Build backlinks
- Monitor rankings and traffic
2. Paid Advertising (PPC)
Running paid ads on platforms like Google Ads or Meta Ads is often part of the job. Strategists must:
- Create high-performing ad campaigns
- Set up targeting and bidding
- Track ROI and performance
3. Content Marketing
Digital marketing success often depends on content. A strategist should be able to:
- Create content strategies (blogs, videos, infographics)
- Identify what content converts
- Work with copywriters and content creators
4. Email Marketing
Strategists plan email sequences, newsletters, and automation funnels. They use platforms like:
- Mailchimp
- ActiveCampaign
- Klaviyo
5. Data Analysis
Without data, there’s no strategy. Strategists should know how to:
- Set up and read Google Analytics
- Track KPIs like conversion rate, bounce rate, and CTR
- Run A/B tests
6. Project Management & Communication
A good strategist keeps everything organized. They often use tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to:
- Assign tasks
- Track deadlines
- Report progress to stakeholders
Why Businesses Need a Digital Marketing Strategist
Many small business owners try to handle marketing on their own — and most fail to scale. A digital marketing strategist can make the difference between random efforts and real results.
Here’s why hiring one matters:
- Focused Goals: No more guessing what works — strategies are built on research and data.
- Higher ROI: Budget is spent wisely across the most effective channels.
- Growth Planning: Campaigns are not just short-term; they build long-term visibility.
- Measurable Results: You’ll always know what’s working and what’s not.
For startups, eCommerce, local businesses, or even large brands, a strategist helps turn ideas into measurable growth.
How to Become a Digital Marketing Strategist
If you’re interested in this career, here’s a step-by-step roadmap to becoming a digital marketing strategist:
Step 1 – Learn the Basics
Start by understanding the major areas of digital marketing:
- SEO
- Google Ads
- Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Ads
- Email Marketing
- Analytics
Use platforms like:
- Google Digital Garage
- HubSpot Academy
- Coursera
- Udemy
Step 2 – Get Practical Experience
Practice what you learn. You can:
- Start a blog
- Run a mock campaign
- Intern with a digital agency
- Freelance on Fiverr or Upwork
Step 3 – Build a Portfolio
Document your projects, results, and strategies. Even unpaid projects matter if they show your skills.
Step 4 – Apply for Jobs or Offer Services
You can now:
- Apply as a junior strategist or assistant
- Offer your services to small businesses
- Join a marketing team as a specialist and grow
Step 5 – Keep Learning
Digital marketing trends change fast. Keep up with:
- Google algorithm updates
- Social media platform changes
- New tools and technologies
Follow blogs like Search Engine Journal, Neil Patel, or Moz
Conclusion: The Power of a Digital Marketing Strategist
A digital marketing strategist is not just a marketer — they are a planner, analyst, and decision-maker. Whether you’re hiring one or becoming one, this role is central to online success.
As businesses compete for digital attention in 2025 and beyond, those with a clear, data-driven strategy will always win. And behind every winning strategy, there’s a skilled digital marketing strategist making it happen.
