What kind of jobs and roles are there in Digital Marketing in 2018

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The number of job titles and descriptions at agencies that deliver digital marketing solutions is an ever increasing list. What are the roles involved and where do they fit in in the digital product cycle? Ever day in this connected age of marketing, we see new points of engagement come to the foreground, and naturally new positions are created, or current roles are customized to address the new areas of focus. 

Here's a starting-point list of the most common job titles and roles at advertising, media, social media and specialized digital services agencies, and at brands these days. While the highly specialized roles usually are at agencies, a lot of brands are bringing some of the key roles in-house.

Brand

Channel Neutral Planners, Brand Managers, Strategic Planners (non digital specific)

Integration Director/Manager, Integrated Content Manager/Coordinator, Brand Planners

Digital Strategy

Digital Strategists – define the role of the brand in digital specific channels

Audience and Insight: Insight: Insight specialist, data analysts, Analytics Managers, Data Visualizer,

Content Strategy Managers/Directors, Engagement Strategy Managers, Campaign & Eco-system Planners, Social Voice Strategy Managers, Behavior Analysts, Trends Analyst,

Performance Marketing Director/Manager/Specialist, Usability Engineer/Strategist

CRO Specialist (Conversion Rate Optimization), CRO Director, CRO Analyst, CRO Data Specialist

Data Planner, Affiliate Marketing Manager/Specialist, 

Digital Creative

Creative Technologist

Digital Creative Director, Digital Art Director, Digital Production Artist, Graphic Designer,
Digital Identity Development Art Director, 

Video Director, Videographer, Video Editor, Video Producer

Digital Content Director, Content Creation Manager, Copywriter, Content Editor,
AR and VR Creative, AR and VR Producers
Mobile Experience Specialist
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Specialist

SEO-relevant writer, SEO specialist

UI/UX Designers, UI/UX analyst

Digital Programmatic Creative Specialist/Manager/Director

Pre flight manager, Traffic Manager, 

Project Manager

Social Media

Social Media Director, Social Media Manager, Social Media Account Handler/Associate

Social Media Strategists (Director/Manager), Social Media Planners, Social Calendar Developer,

Community Manager

Social Media Data Analyst, Social Media Monitoring Manager/Director, 

Social Media Distribution Manager, Social Content Publisher

Social Specific Content Manager, Social Content Art Director, 

Paid Social Manager, Paid Social Planner

Customer Experience

Web & Mobile Experience Architect, Website Designer, Website Developer, Mobile Apps Strategist, Mobile App Designer, Customer Engagement Analyst, UI/UX specialist,  CMS specialist, 

Programmers, Specialist Programmers, Mobile Code specialists, Applications Designers, Loyalty Specialist Designers, CRM designers, Website Pre-flight Analyst, QA and QC Manager, 

Experience Strategy Director, Digital Activation Manager/Director, 

e-Commerce Director, e-Commerce Strategy Director, e-Commerce Designer, e-Commerce Creative Director/Art Director, e-Commerce Content Analyst, e-Commerce Code specialist, e-Commerce Product Analyst, e-Commerce Content Coordinator

eMail Marketing Specialist/Manager/ Creative Director, eMail Marketing Analyst

Innovation

Innovation Leads, Digital Product & Service Development Manager/Director, Innovation Lab Director, Innovation strategy Director, IOT Specialist, IOT interface designer, Wearables Strategist, Wearables interface designer

Media

Digital Media Director, Digital Media Strategy Director/Manager, Digital Media Engagement Director, Digital Media Data Analyst, 

Digital Media Associates, Media Planners, 

Digital Media Buying Manager/Director, Digital Media Buyer, 

Digital Media Dashboard Manager, Programmatic Director/Manager, Digital Media Content Analyst, Digital Media Pre Flight Manager/Associate, Digital Media Distribution Manager, 

Media Creative Director, Media Art Director, Media Engagement Manager/Director

Media Content Manager, Media Content Writer

RTB Director/Manager, RTB Specialist (Real Time Bidding)

Paid Social Planner, Paid Social Buyer

Search

SEO Analyst, SEO Specialist, SEO Consultant, SEO writer, SEO Coordinator, SEO tag specialist, SEO specialized Web Designer/Developer

SEM planner, SEM strategy director, SEM Buying specialist/Manager/Director, PPC Director, PPC Analyst, Keywords Analyst, Trends Analyst,  Growth Specialist, SEO Editor, Bidding Director, 

Demand Generation specialist, 

Account Management/ Client Interface / Agency Management

CEO – Digital, Digital Managing Director, Digital Group Director, Digital Account Manager, 

Client Services Director/Manager/Associate, Digital Services General Manager

Social Media Director/Manager/Associate, CRM Manager, Experience Director, 

I haven't even mentioned niche job titles like "Snapchat Content Strategist" or "Digital Culture Analyst" – those jobs are either super niche and fall into the "invented here" bracket, or are just ways of luring brands through the front door.

If you're a brand looking for an agency and have really specific needs, you need to figure out if they are equipped to handle what you want, or are they just going to get someone within their staff to just try and "talk the walk". The roles above cover a wide spectrum – some are highly specialized roles needing unique skill sets – the others simply evolve from current roles and job descriptions. Either way, that's how agencies and brands today are defining and rising to the needs of digital marketing. And just knowing about these roles is basic knowledge – its Digital Marketing Strategies 101. 

Please add your comment if I have missed a role or job title that you feel should be included in this list.

Here are some current openings across the region at the group of agencies where I work. A lot of these job openings are for digital roles.

Read this: How to get a job in Digital at an Agency

Here are some posts that address digital marketing needs and how they are best addressed by key people in the roles above:

Insights & Data/Analytics

• Intent is the new black in digital marketing. In-the-moment marketing is what's hot.

• Customer Insights is your First Step in Digital Marketing

• What do women want from brands online today

• Data made simple: What is first, second and third party data?

Customer Experience & Social

• 5 Simple Ways to get your Mobile Marketing Done Right

• The importance of listening in social media, and how to get it right

• 4 ways to build a cool Snapchat audience for brands

• 3 ways to improve your brand's online advertising

• Improve your social media engagement. Move from Selling to building Relationships

• 11 simple ways for brands to build better following on social media

and one transformative development that's redefining roles at agencies:

• Why media agencies are now doing creative: Programmatic and Data Driven Creative is a powerful combination

Read more

Today's consumer is ready for one-to-one marketing. In a segment of One.

2m to read /

Forget demographic segmentation – today's consumer is a segment of one. As technology is re-writing the rules of marketing, media and brand communication – and the main driver seems to be mobile – today's consumer is empowered with increasing choices and control, and is really a unique, individual segment. An individual target.

We need to start thinking of marketing and advertising to individuals, not a group or a mass. Focus needs to be shifted from 'audiences' to individuals, and that really changes marketing as we know it. Today's tech savvy consumer is so adept with technology, so focused on their individual need, that we cannot cut through the clutter of a mass audience targeting any longer.

People instinctively tune out messages that don't directly cater to them. This has become so easy with mobile, and in particular with Search. People today are in a 'micro-moment behavior' mode (as Google calls it). It's really personal need based and intent is the new gold in marketing.

Intent is the new black in digital marketing. In-the-moment marketing is what's hot.

When, in my moment of immediate need, I turn to my mobile and find a solution right there, right then, brands really need to focus on delivering both relevance and immediacy. The consumer today is used to information and solutions when they want it, no matter where they are. And, in particular, solutions that are available immediately around them.

Google reminds us that "When it comes to getting trusted advice, most people turn to a friend or family member—someone who really understands them. And now, according to the latest data, that list includes search. Consumers now believe that answers to their most specific questions are out there, and they trust search to deliver the right response at the right time."

Brands need to understand that when it comes to looking for a solution to their immediate need, people turn to search—and they expect content that meaningfully and quickly addresses those needs. Brands that will be able to communicate effectively with the empowered consumer need to anticipate the need and then provide resolution. And the solutions or the directions to them need to be there in the right context – be relevant – in real time and in the right language and the right conversational tone.

Knowing more about the consumer is obviously key. That's the starting point, specially if you are going to hyper target your audience. Data driven customer and target insight is key today – which allows you to develop truly insight driven creative that resonates. Provide something meaningful for that one person - at the right moment and in the right context. And focus on mobile.

Customer Insights is your First Step in Digital Marketing

Now read this:

• 6 Ways to Be There in Today's Search Driven World

Read more

9 key Digital Marketing Trends for 2018 that you need to follow

3m to read / 

Just about a week into this new year, and we can see some clear trends emerging for digital marketing. Yes, 2018 will see quite a few new trends emerging, although some of them will really be reiterations of some trends we have seem emerge across the last couple of years. Here are some trends you need to follow and keep track of, to stay on top of your brand's digital marketing game.

1. Phygital marketing

This is my big one for 2018. Digital will no longer stand alone as a separate discipline. It really just cannot anymore. In order for 'digital' to work, it will need to be seamlessly integrated into real-life experiences – and this will really be this whole 'experiential' trend that everyone is talking about. In particular, at sporting events, at concerts, we are seeing the online and mobile experience leading into the actual physical – and, as well, blending the two, often with AR and VR playing a key role. This will become big.

2. AR (Augmented Reality) will be a lead in Social Media

Brands on social media will need to take a serious look at using AR. With our smartphones becoming increasingly powerful, social platforms will start to integrate AR technology, and this will enale brands to use AR and social in interesting new ways. Pokemon Go did this a couple of years back, and it's only now that we'll see wider scale adoption.

3. Data to drive most aspects of marketing

For brands, understanding their customers and their target audiences have never been as important as now. And, data – converted into intuitive marketing insights – will be at the core of this. Understanding the customer journey – across all aspects of the multi-channel marketing spectrum – will be key. And data science will become a key aspect of marketing. This will lead to better targeting, better and cleverer remarketing and, on to better loyalty.

4. Targeted ads with real power

The days of pray and spray marketing are done. This year, we will see a far more focused energy being driven into creating advertising that's resolution driven for the consumer and customer. Campaigns will be micro-targeted and hyper-personalized – speaking to individuals at their very moment of need – focusing on their need, their experience and with conversion in mind. 

5. Again, video. Video marketing has arrived and here to rule.

I said this last year, as did Cisco and many leading pundits: video marketing is going to be very, very big. Video is  the most popular and influential form of digital content for digital marketers today, and it holds the power to persuade better than any other content medium. With attention becoming an expensive commodity, what with multi-tasking, brands will need to re-focus energies on video content – to get better search ranking, better engagement and better content recall.

6. And, make that Live Video.

Every social platform now offers some form of live video – and most are trying to out-gun each other will various new features and ways of using live video. To really best utilize the power of live video, it will need to be high quality, delivering content that has value for the consumer, and be structured and organized – while still, of course with the reality of it being live. That's going to ba a challenge, but with advances in technology, and better pre-planning, I'm convinced good content creators will win this game.

7. Conversational experiences

Chatbots and their conversational use in marketing is becoming rather common. Watch out for more adoption of brand-customer or brand-audience conversations (see voice marketing, later) using platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexam Microsoft Cortana and more. I'm beting that this aspect will become part and parcel of our lives – and speaking to a connected device in our moment of need (Google calls these micromoments) will be commonplace. As technology better grasps natural language processing, this will make it second nature for us.

8. Voice as marketing tool

With voice search increasingly taking over the the way we search, with our mobile phones now almost surgically attached to us, voice as a marketing tool should really come into its own this year. We are increasingly going to ask our phones, our cars, our smart fridges to do things for us, and brands have a huge opportunity to stand by, and become a handy resolution provider at that time of query or need. This will be a whole new kind of content marketing.

9. Humanize, personalize and win the game

I mentioned hyper targeting. But we really need to believe in, and adopt true personalization of our brand communications across all aspects of our marketing. From landing pages that are made-for-one – instantly, and on demand, to apps that are micro-developed in the instant using clever algorithms, to even digital OOH applications that speak to an individual, true personalization will change the game this year, and make brand communications genuine, interesting, engaging, and human.

That's just the top trends for 2018. And there are several other areas that will break out and become important to keep track of. Do share this, and comment below. Thanks. Have a wonderful and meaningful 2018.

Now read these relevant posts:

•  A phygital world: Our digital and physical experiences are becoming seamless

•  5 Ways for your Brand to be Always Customer Focused

Read more

A phygital world: Our digital and physical experiences are becoming seamless

4m to read / 

There’s that joke about non-stop flights. How can you get off, ever, if the flight actually doesn’t stop? When I hear about ‘digital’ I am equally confused. How can you experience anything that’s digital without being in the physical realm? You see what’s on screen, you listen to podcasts, you touch that smartphone, don’t you? So, actually, it’s really an online – offline world at any given time.

AR, VR and physical

AR and VR are both manifestations of this. The unprecedented success of Pokémon Go is the first example that comes to mind. The mobile app uses GPS and augmented reality technology to lead users on a hunt for the digital pets – who are scattered around across the physical world. In restaurants, bars, offices, shops, parks, stadiums, and mall parking lots. The point of Pokémon Go is to travel around – in the physical world – with a data connected mobile, exploring different geographic areas to find appropriate Pokémon.

The most compelling digitally delivered content is still created in the physical. The magic of Snapchat is the capture of the instant in physical. As is Instagram. And, on the flipside, QR codes on ads, on concert tickets, on boarding passes enable the physical to lead to the digital. And often, back to physical. The QR code on a boarding pass takes the physical-to-digital-to physical route to enable a physical experience – flying somewhere.

Google's micromoments

Google’s ‘micro-moments’ is all about mobile powered solution of intent with information that is of course accessed via digital for action that is often in the physical. The “I want to go” to a dim sum place now is guided by information from Search via mobile, but it does end up with a lunch. Real dim sum, served at a physical place in those real steamer baskets.

Google says “Of leisure travelers who are smartphone users, 69% search for travel ideas during spare moments, like when they're standing in line or waiting for the subway.” That’s not for virtual travel. It’s for the real go.

Then there’s So-Lo-Mo. Social media activated and conversations activated on Mobile but in physical Local context. It’s essentially location based marketing, on social, using a device. “Your friend Bob just dropped into your local Starbucks for a latte, would you like to meet up now? And, here’s a map on your mobile.”

Google also provides some neat stats on smartphones and physical action: “Of smartphone users, 91% look up information on their smartphones while in the middle of a task – a real task. And, 82% consult their phones while they're standing in a store deciding which product to buy.” That’s a brick and mortar store. And people also view merchandize or comparison shop in a physical store before buying it later online. Showrooming.

Experience – the buzzword of the year

Honestly, the big word this year is going to be ‘experience’ – and we’re no longer thinking online or offline for experience. The internet shapes and delivers physical experiences – and the virtual is increasingly showing up in physical. The better experiences, which every brand wants to deliver, happen when online and offline work in symbiosis to provide multidimensional engagement. The truth lies bare in the term ‘augmented reality’ itself. It’s about using digital to augment – to add value, to dynamically build on reality.


Nike (via Weiden) unleashed somewhat of a backlash at online, showing how online foils us from living the fuller life. The “Are We Running Today” campaign tells us that while online can be great, it draws us away from what we really ought to be doing. Ironically, these digital-delivered ads urged viewers not to get caught in the online-only way of life. To go out and run. And experience the real world. The on YouTube ‘Time is Precious’ campaign is stark. True. And scary actually.

Adidas have also upped their online – offline game. The Glitch app (invitation only) delivers an interchangeable boot concept allowing players to change their game whenever they want. It targets serious players, the hardcore customers, and yes it is a sales pitch, but it uses the power of an app to deliver customizable cleats, and scores.

Power of mobility

The power of mobility and the accessibility of social is what’s encouraging today’s hyper connected consumers to wipe out the on-off boundaries. First of all, it’s almost always, always-on. Then there’s empowerment of voice. Whether they buy from them or not, consumers are quick to let businesses know just what they want and need. Even when the products or services and the last mile of engagement is physical. Like, say, in home appliances, or organic food products. Business channels and customer relationships are being recontextualized because people today have a digital say on everything.

There are numerous examples of digital meeting physical. We know about offline media monitoring using mobile. About digital OOH. Robots. Interactive airport directionals. Smart homes. Personal assistants (digital, of course, not man fridays). Cross continental remote surgery. Remote 3D printing. Amazon (or any online retail). AR and VR assisted experiences at resorts and even sporting events. And there’s always data lurking behind it all.

Data, digitally, is helping transform physical retail experiences – predicting emotions and need states when people are ready to buy. They’re calling it ‘mood retail’ – a mind boggling mix of data, physical shopping, retail therapy and psychology.

The online – offline experience. It’s not even hyphenated anymore. It’s intuitive, immersive, and intensive. It’s phygital.

This post was published in Campaign Middle East, Feb 19, 2017.

Please share this article with your friends and colleagues.

Now read these posts:

• Top Technology Trends in Marketing for 2017

• How Successful Brands will Connect with Consumers in 2017: A new game

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How Successful Brands will Connect with Consumers in 2017: A new game

3m to read / 

2017 is ushering in a new game, a new era for brands who want to truly connect with their audiences – their customers and consumers. Increasingly, brands have to do a lot more than just sell. They have to build on-going relationships and as a fantastic study published by Wunderman called "wantedness" – they'll have to continually prove that they want you as a customer. The study was conducted in the US and UK markets, but I think it has significance that resonates for marketers globally.

Consumers want brands that adapt to their needs 

– not the other way around. Around 75% of consumers will only consider brands that understand and care for their needs. "Traditionally, advertising has been about changing perceptions and behaviors in order to make people want to buy a product or service." That is now upside down. "Today, consumers expect businesses to adapt to their needs and our findings are consistent across all generations, geographies and genders,".

Consumers are empowered to choose

and around 90% of them believe that mobile enables them to make better purchasing decisions. Which means, that today, Intent is the new black in digital marketing. In-the-moment marketing is what's hot. Today, we are empowered in the moment, and regardless of age, gender or geography, we, not brands have control. And brands ned to deliver on what we want, as and when we want it. So, as one of the most important tips for brand marketers: Get your mobile game right.

Operate in the culture – not the category.

Today, consumers are measuring brands not just against their competitors, but against the best in the world. The yardsticks are global bests – brands like Amazon, Starbucks and Netflix. So, don't just set your goals based on your category or industry. You need to go above and beyond and set new standards. To demonstrate a brand wanting to connect with the consumer , it needs to go beyond the basic expected every day. The concept of "Wantedness" tells us "Be the best at that one thing and bend over backwards to demonstrate that you truly want a consumer’s business."

The Consumer is Always Right.

Brands need to honestly, wholeheartedly treat consumers better – and work hard at it. Not just as one offs but every single time. Setting a higher level of customer service, connecting with consumers with true insight is key. Customer Insights is your First Step in Digital Marketing.

Marketing today is not about your brand or product – it's about the customer. Digital marketing is built around the customer, the audience you want to talk to, and getting proper insights about your customer, the consumer, their needs is what should be your first and fundamental step.

Unlike advertising as we know it, today's digital marketing is way beyond the sell-sell. It's about engaging the consumer, and moving them down the funnel from awareness to action with meaningful, relevant interactions. The first thing you need is a Customer Insight Strategy. Listening is key.

Demonstrate true understanding of the customer at every step of the journey

Brands need to demonstrate that they have a deep understanding of the customer's needs, their priorities and preferences. This understanding, derived out of data, needs to be then put into every day context. And, naturally, the creative message needs to reflect this. What needs to be shared with the consumer is a message that is crafted towards and delivers on experiences they need, right when they need them.

It's all about individuality.

The true death of mass marketing. The end of one to many. Purchases reflect what the individual stands for, not their demographic or their category. So, it's really about sharing individual values, and building towards endearing the consumer one at a time. Not easy.

Convenience becomes critical

More than 60% of consumers polled agree that the best brands make their lives easier. Sometimes, this can be about the power of the here and now, and not just with mobile, but increasingly with wearables, convenience marketing in 2017 will be key. Transform your digital marketing by Being 'Right There, Right Then'

 Use the Power of Here and Now: Convenience Marketing with Wearables. Today consumers want simplicity and convenience, and wearable devices give them what they might want with fewer obstacles to disrupt their journeys.

Brands need to make things easier for the consumer at each point in the purchase process. Sixty-two percent of U.S. respondents noted that the best brands out there, the ones that they are most dedicated to, are ones that make life easier for them.

Exceed expectations

Brands need to exceed expectations across the customer journey. Th best brands don't just make great products. They provide a deeper understanding of the consumer and connects with that understanding. Brands need to push boundaries and do something new.

The three takeaways

The "wantedness" study says it's anew concept for marketers – in an era of increasing transparency and decreasing trust. Yet, it is in many ways, a great curation of great marketing simplicities. It's an underlining of the fundamentals – made fresh for 2017. And the three big takeways?

1. Get to know me
2. Deliver for me
3. Keep winning me


Now read these posts on digital marketing strategy:

• How Data will really drive Marketing in 2017

• 7 Essential Pillars for your Digital Marketing Strategy

•  10 Critical Elements you must get right for Mobile Marketing Success

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How Data will really drive Marketing in 2017

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2017 will probably be the year that data will become the core pillar around which most marketing functions will revolve. We've seen big data creep in to all aspects of business – from corporate strategy to marketing, from sales to attribution, and across both offline and online. This year, we are going to see the real use of data. And data made human. Data for us all.

More collaborative marketing using data

Data will drive more collaborative efforts in three ways: within marketing teams, with marketing teams and other departments in an organization, and in the special case – between two different brand marketing teams who somehow have to gain when they collaborate to access the target audience and the customer.

Decisions become transparent and far more realistic when they are informed by data. But data isn't enough in itself. Marketers must learn to efficiently convert data into insights and business information that is useful. This is what makes a company, and particularly, the marketing department agile. Free flow of data, sharing of insight derived from data, and cross pollination of data.

Increased use of data for decision making

Data is really going to be core for marketing decision making in 2017. This is inevitable and marketers need to understand and adapt to this trend. This is a reality. Data, and data analytics – meaning converting data into usable information is the best way to find the 'low-hanging fruit' which improves marketing performance. However, this data has to be useful and available (see next point). The insight that we get from data needs to be actionable and human – meaning both understandable and useful in a real world. Data can be overwhelming, because every channel, every touchpoint delivers certain data. But this needs to be interpreted and shared at a common, collaborative level.

DAAS and DoD

Data as a Service (DaaS) and Data on Demand. Businesses will no longer need to work through the 4Vs of Big Data (Volume, Variety, Velocity, Veracity) at huge costs of time and money. A new breed of data brokers will emerge to provide DaaS and let brands access Data when they need it, and simply have that analysed based on immediate need. We’ll see advancements to humanize big data, making it more qualitative and useful and add layers of empathy –projecting it in a more visualized, accessible way.

Data should deliver better attribution for marketing

Once data is humanized and made simple, marketers should be better able to understand how they use data to derive clearer attribution modelling across the channels they use. Attribution should not be driven by spends – but by results derived out of precise analytics.

The number of channels being used in modern marketing itself is a challenge.. Often customers will go through a dozen or more touchpoints before converting. Tracking a customer journey across those multiple channels is not easy at all.  Attributing value to each step is complicated without understandable and meaningful data. With so many new channels coming up every day, and with much of offline data being fairly 'dark' – the data-to-real-insight conversion will be key.

Hyper personalized marketing using data

Consumers are savvy. They just don't have the time and patience for marketing messages that aren't really of relevance to them. Data is going to help marketers in 2017 make messages and conversations that brands have with customers pin point personalized and accurate. Not only just the content and tone of the messages, data will obviously also help decide which channels to use to deliver those messages. Data architecture will need to be made robust in order to hyper-personalize marketing.

Data to make online marketing a lot more accountable. Really.

We've heard that online is accountable, digital is accountable. But how often do brand marketers ask their media agencies to deliver on that accountability? Or ask how creative agencies are performing based on how the actual brand creative delivers on desired action? Online marketing data in 2017 will drill down to details – not just superficial Click Through Rates and Open Rates. Issues such as click fraud, viewability, and view-through conversions will become frequent topics of conversations between agencies and data-driven marketing teams.

Overall, 2017 will really challenge both marketing teams as well as the business intelligence units that deliver data to make data more accessible, more understandable, and more useful. Data in a real world will be core. And we need to understand that as soon as possible.

That's something fundamental to marketing today. The value and usefulness of data. And that's the basics. That's Digital Marketing Strategies 101.

Please add your comments below, and do share it with friends. 

Now read more on data and insight...

• Convert Big Data into Insight to make really useful Marketing Decisions

• Data made simple: What is first, second and third party data?

• Customer Insights is your First Step in Digital Marketing

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