Digital Marketer vs Marketing Strategist: What's the Difference?

A detailed comparison of digital marketer and marketing strategist freelancers — key differences, rates, and when to hire each for your project in Canada.

If you're looking to hire a freelancer for your next project, you may be wondering whether you need a digital marketer or a marketing strategist. While both roles are valuable and sometimes overlap, they serve distinct purposes and bring different strengths to a project. Understanding the differences between a digital marketer and a marketing strategist will help you make the right hiring decision, save time, and get better results for your budget. In this guide, we break down what each role does, how they differ, what they cost, and when to hire one over the other.

Role Overview

Digital Marketer

A digital marketer is a professional who specializes in their specific domain, bringing focused expertise to projects. They typically work on tasks that require deep knowledge and specialized tools within their area. Canadian freelance digital marketers often work with startups, agencies, and established businesses across the country, delivering targeted solutions that drive results. Their focused skill set means they can dive deep into complex problems within their specialty.

Marketing Strategist

A marketing strategist brings a different but complementary perspective to projects. Their expertise lies in their specific domain, with a focus on delivering value through their unique skill set. In the Canadian freelance market, marketing strategists are sought after for projects that require their particular blend of skills and experience. They excel at tackling challenges that fall squarely within their area of specialization.

Key Differences

Primary Focus
Digital Marketer: Digital Marketers focus on their core area of expertise, delivering specialized solutions within their domain.
Marketing Strategist: Marketing Strategists concentrate on their specific area, bringing targeted knowledge and tools to projects.
Core Skills
Digital Marketer: Requires deep expertise in tools, frameworks, and methodologies specific to the digital marketer role.
Marketing Strategist: Demands proficiency in the tools and techniques central to the marketing strategist discipline.
Typical Projects
Digital Marketer: Projects that require focused digital marketer expertise and specialized deliverables.
Marketing Strategist: Projects that need dedicated marketing strategist skills and domain-specific outcomes.
Deliverables
Digital Marketer: Specialized outputs within the digital marketer domain, tailored to project requirements.
Marketing Strategist: Targeted deliverables that leverage marketing strategist expertise and best practices.
Career Path
Digital Marketer: Typically progresses from junior to senior digital marketer, potentially moving into leadership or consulting roles.
Marketing Strategist: Advances from entry-level to senior marketing strategist, with opportunities for specialization or management.

Rate Comparison

When it comes to rates, both roles command competitive freelance rates in the Canadian market. Mid-level freelance digital marketers typically charge between $55 and $95 per hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $155/hr. In comparison, mid-level marketing strategists charge between $65 and $110 per hour, with senior rates reaching $175/hr. The difference in rates often reflects the level of specialization required and market demand for each skill set in Canada.

Digital Marketer Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$35–$55/hr
Mid-level$55–$95/hr
Senior$95–$155/hr

Marketing Strategist Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$40–$65/hr
Mid-level$65–$110/hr
Senior$110–$175/hr

When to Hire Each

Hire a digital marketer when your project specifically requires their area of expertise and you need deep, focused skill in that domain. This is the right choice when the deliverables are clearly within the digital marketer discipline and you need someone who can hit the ground running with specialized knowledge.

Choose a marketing strategist when your project aligns more closely with their particular skill set and requires their specific type of expertise. If your needs span both areas, consider hiring both professionals to work in tandem — their complementary skills often produce the best results for complex projects.

Sample Freelancers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a digital marketer and a marketing strategist?

The main difference lies in their area of focus and core skill set. A digital marketer specializes in their specific domain, while a marketing strategist focuses on their particular area of expertise. While there can be overlap, each brings unique value to projects within their specialty.

Can a digital marketer do the work of a marketing strategist?

While there may be some overlap in skills, a digital marketer and a marketing strategist are distinct roles with different specializations. Some professionals may have cross-functional skills, but for best results, it's usually better to hire the specialist whose expertise matches your specific project needs.

Should I hire a digital marketer or a marketing strategist for my project?

It depends on your project requirements. If your needs align more closely with digital marketer expertise, hire a digital marketer. If your project requires marketing strategist skills, go with a marketing strategist. For large or complex projects, you may benefit from hiring both.

Who earns more in Canada: a digital marketer or a marketing strategist?

Freelance rates vary based on experience, specialization, and location. Both roles command competitive rates in the Canadian market. Check the detailed rate comparison above for current hourly rate data by experience level.

Do I need both a digital marketer and a marketing strategist?

For complex projects that span both domains, hiring both can deliver superior results. Each specialist brings focused expertise that ensures quality work in their area. For smaller projects with a clear scope, one specialist is usually sufficient.

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