What is a Digital Marketing Strategist?
A Digital Marketing Strategist is a person who creates smart plans to promote a business online. Their main job is to understand the business, learn what the goals are, and then make a step-by-step digital marketing plan to achieve those goals.
They are not the people who post on social media or design ads. Instead, they are the brains behind the whole online marketing campaign. They study what works and what doesn’t, keep an eye on competitors, and decide which digital tools and platforms to use.
Think of them as online business planners. Just like how an architect designs a house before it’s built, a digital marketing strategist designs the entire online plan for a business.
Why Businesses Need a Digital Marketing Strategist
Today, almost everyone is online. People use the internet to search for products, read reviews, watch videos, and make purchases. That’s why every business wants to reach people on platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or email.
But there is a problem: competition. There are so many businesses online, and not all of them succeed. Many fail because they don’t know what to do. This is where a digital marketing strategist helps.
A strategist studies the market, audience behavior, and business goals. Then, they create a smart plan that helps the business stand out from the crowd. With the right strategy, even a small business can reach thousands of customers.
What Does a Digital Marketing Strategist Do?
The work of a digital marketing strategist involves many important tasks. Let’s look at some of their key responsibilities:
1. Understand Business Goals
Before anything else, the strategist speaks with the business owner to understand what they want. Do they want more website traffic? Do they want more product sales? Or maybe more social media followers? These goals help the strategist plan the next steps.
2. Market Research
Next, they study the market. They check what the competitors are doing, what customers are searching for, and which platforms are most active. This research helps the strategist make informed decisions.
3. Identify Target Audience
A digital marketing strategy is only effective if it reaches the right people. The strategist identifies who the ideal customers are — their age, location, interests, and online habits.
4. Choose the Right Channels
There are many digital platforms. Some work better for some businesses than others. For example, a fashion brand may do better on Instagram, while a law firm may perform better on Google Ads. A strategist picks the right channels based on research.
5. Create a Marketing Plan
Once all the information is gathered, the strategist builds a detailed plan. This includes what kind of content to create, which keywords to target, how much to spend on ads, when to post, and more.
6. Coordinate with Marketing Teams
A strategist works with designers, content writers, SEO experts, social media managers, and ad specialists. They make sure everyone is working together based on the same strategy.
7. Monitor and Improve
After the marketing plan is active, the strategist doesn’t stop. They keep checking how things are going. They study analytics, track performance, and make changes when needed to improve results.
Digital Marketing Strategist vs. Digital Marketer
These two roles may sound similar, but they are not the same. Here’s a simple table to explain the difference:
| Feature | Digital Marketing Strategist | Digital Marketer |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Planner and decision-maker | Task executor |
| Focus | Long-term goals and big picture | Daily marketing tasks |
| Skills | Research, planning, strategy | SEO, content writing, PPC, social media |
| Example Task | Creating a 6-month digital campaign plan | Running Facebook ads or writing blog posts |
| Tools Used | Analytics tools, CRM, research platforms | SEO tools, ad platforms, content editors |
Skills of a Good Digital Marketing Strategist
To do their job well, a digital marketing strategist needs a mix of different skills:
- Analytical thinking: They must study data and draw smart conclusions.
- Communication skills: They talk to clients and teams and explain complex ideas simply.
- Creativity: They come up with new ideas for campaigns.
- Leadership: They guide teams and make big decisions.
- Tech knowledge: They understand tools like Google Analytics, CRM software, and marketing automation tools.
Tools Used by Digital Marketing Strategists
Digital marketing strategists use several tools to do their job better. Some of the most common ones include:
- Google Analytics – to track website performance.
- SEMrush / Ahrefs – for keyword research and competitor analysis.
- Google Trends – to understand what people are searching for.
- Mailchimp – for email marketing strategy.
- Trello / Asana – to manage team tasks and projects.
- CRM tools like HubSpot – to track customer behavior.
These tools help strategists make smart, data-driven decisions.
Where Do Digital Marketing Strategists Work?
Digital marketing strategists can work in many places. Some work for marketing agencies, where they handle many clients. Others work for one company as in-house experts. Many strategists also work as freelancers or consultants. With the rise of remote work, many do their jobs from home too.
Their services are needed in almost every industry, including:
- Retail
- Real estate
- Healthcare
- Education
- E-commerce
- Entertainment
- Finance
How to Become a Digital Marketing Strategist
If you are interested in becoming a digital marketing strategist, here are some steps to follow:
- Learn the basics of digital marketing – SEO, social media, email marketing, and content marketing.
- Get certifications – Google, HubSpot, and Meta offer free and paid courses.
- Practice – Try building strategies for your own blog, business, or a friend’s brand.
- Stay updated – Digital marketing keeps changing. Follow news on platforms like SEO page to stay current.
- Work on real projects – Gain experience by working in agencies, internships, or freelance gigs.
Final Thoughts
A Digital Marketing Strategist is a key player in the online success of any business. They are not just marketers – they are planners, thinkers, and decision-makers who help brands grow using smart digital strategies. Their work may not always be visible to the outside world, but behind every successful digital campaign, there is a strategist making all the right moves.
If you are a business owner, hiring a strategist can save you time, money, and effort. If you are someone interested in this career, there has never been a better time to start. In a world that is getting more digital every day, digital marketing strategists are becoming more important than ever before.
Also Read:
- Do Digital Marketing Agencies Create Content?
- Are Digital Marketing Agencies Worth It?
- What Does a Digital Marketing Account Manager Do?
- What is MRR in Digital Marketing?
- Is Digital Marketing Legit?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a digital marketing strategist do daily?
A digital marketing strategist plans how a business will grow online. They check data, study the audience, guide the team, and improve marketing plans. They don’t just post content — they decide what should be done and how it will help the business reach its goals.
How is a strategist different from a marketer?
A digital marketing strategist creates the plan and big picture, while a marketer follows that plan by doing tasks like running ads or posting content. The strategist leads the project, and the marketer focuses on doing the daily work based on that strategy.
Do small businesses need a digital strategist?
Yes, even small businesses can benefit from a strategist. They help use the right marketing channels, avoid wasting money, and reach the right audience. With smart planning, a small business can compete with larger brands and grow faster online.
What skills should a digital strategist have?
They need skills like research, communication, leadership, creativity, and basic knowledge of tools like Google Analytics and SEO platforms. They should also know how to read marketing data and guide a team to follow the right plan for business success.
How can I become a digital marketing strategist?
Start by learning digital marketing basics like SEO, social media, and email marketing. Take free or paid courses, practice with real projects, and stay updated with industry news. Working with a team or agency also helps you gain experience and build your skills.
