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How much does it cost to hire a digital marketer

How much does it cost to hire a digital marketer?

Published on February 5th, 2023

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Who is a Digital Marketer?

A digital marketer is a professional responsible for driving brand awareness, traffic, and lead generation through various digital channels such as search engines, social media platforms, email, websites, and more.

To achieve their objectives, digital marketers use strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. They also evaluate and monitor the performance of their campaigns and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

The Importance of Digital Marketers

According to the Global World Index, social media platforms have approximately 3.2 billion daily users, accounting for 42% of the population. On average, people spend 2 hours and 22 minutes on the internet daily. Social media is a sales channel for 98% of sales representatives to meet their quotas, and 51% of consumers use mobile devices to discover brands and products.

Digital marketing has transformed marketing, becoming the new normal and one of the most successful ways to generate brand awareness, connect with potential customers, and maintain relationships with existing ones.

Deciding a Budget to Hire a Digital Marketer

Here are steps to help you set a budget:

Determine Your Marketing Goals
Identify your objectives, such as increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or improving customer retention. Clear goals help define the level of expertise and support you need.

Evaluate Your Existing Resources
If you have an internal team, you might need a smaller budget for additional hires or services. If you lack resources, consider investing more in building a team or outsourcing.

Research Industry Benchmarks
Explore average costs for marketing roles and services. Use salary data or market reports to get an idea of expected expenses.

Consider Scope and Complexity
Broader or more complex marketing needs may require a larger budget. A comprehensive strategy across multiple channels will demand more resources than a simple campaign.

Determine Budget Constraints
Factor in your overall business budget and other priorities. You may need to allocate funds over time or start small and increase as results are achieved.

Costs to Consider When Hiring a Marketer

Recruitment Costs
Includes job postings, recruiter fees, and candidate travel expenses.

Salary and Benefits
Covers the base salary and additional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.

Training and Development
Includes costs for improving the marketer's skills through training programs.

Technology and Software
Involves tools like computers, phones, and marketing automation software.

Overhead Costs
Includes office space, utilities, and administrative support.

Outsourcing Fees
If marketing is outsourced, project-based or retainer fees apply.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Hiring

Expertise
Experienced marketers with proven track records command higher salaries.

Location
The cost of living influences wages. Marketers in major cities like New York or San Francisco may charge more than those in smaller cities or rural areas.

Specialization
Specialists in SEO, PPC, social media marketing, or email marketing may charge more for their expertise.

Firm Size
Larger companies with extensive marketing needs may require higher budgets.

Scope of Project
Complex projects with larger scopes demand more resources and time, increasing costs.

Industry Type
Regulated industries like healthcare or finance may require specialized expertise, increasing expenses.

Miscellaneous Costs

Onboarding Costs
Includes training, equipment, and other setup expenses.

Overhead Costs
Covers resources like workspaces, computers, and software.

Benefits and Insurance
Companies must provide perks like health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans.

Taxes and Compliance
Includes payroll taxes and legal compliance costs.

Turnover Costs
If the marketer leaves, replacement costs can add up.

Project Management Costs
Outsourcing may require additional resources to manage agency relationships.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Digital Marketer?

Average Salaries

  • Digital Marketer: $68,021 annually (includes base pay and bonuses).
  • SEO Specialist: $51,072 per year.
  • PPC Specialist: $58,500 per year.
  • Social Media Marketer: $48,350 per year.
  • Content Marketing Manager: $75,164 per year.
  • Email Marketing Specialist: $62,464 per year.

Hourly Rates vs. Project Rates

  • The average hourly salary for a Digital Marketing Manager is $59, ranging from $51 to $67 depending on education, certifications, skills, and experience.

In-House Marketer vs. Outsourcing

In-House Marketer

Costs:

  • Salary: $45,000–$100,000+ annually.
  • Benefits: Healthcare, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.
  • Overhead: Office space and equipment.

Pros:

  • Stronger understanding of company culture and goals.
  • Always accessible for communication and support.
  • Long-term commitment to projects and collaboration.

Cons:

  • Higher costs for salaries and benefits.
  • Limited expertise in multiple areas.
  • Additional management responsibilities.

Outsourcing

Costs:

  • Agency fees vary based on reputation and services.
  • Additional expenses may include travel or rush project fees.

Pros:

  • Access to a diverse, skilled team.
  • Flexible scalability based on needs.
  • Lower overall costs compared to in-house hires.

Cons:

  • Less understanding of company culture.
  • Limited availability and communication challenges.
  • Short-term focus, lacking ongoing support.

We hope this guide helps you create a hiring strategy for your digital marketing needs. For more insights, use HireQuotient's ROI calculator or reach out to their team for assistance with HR solutions.


Authors

author

Radhika Sarraf

Radhika Sarraf is a content specialist and a woman of many passions who currently works at HireQuotient, a leading recruitment SaaS company. She is a versatile writer with experience in creating compelling articles, blogs, social media posts, and marketing collaterals.

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