Social Media Manager vs Digital Marketer: What's the Difference?
A detailed comparison of social media manager and digital marketer 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 social media manager or a digital marketer. While both roles are valuable and sometimes overlap, they serve distinct purposes and bring different strengths to a project. Understanding the differences between a social media manager and a digital marketer 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
Social Media Manager
A social media manager 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 social media managers 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.
Digital Marketer
A digital marketer 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, digital marketers 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
Rate Comparison
When it comes to rates, both roles command competitive freelance rates in the Canadian market. Mid-level freelance social media managers typically charge between $45 and $78 per hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $125/hr. In comparison, mid-level digital marketers charge between $55 and $95 per hour, with senior rates reaching $155/hr. The difference in rates often reflects the level of specialization required and market demand for each skill set in Canada.
Social Media Manager Rates (CAD/hr)
Digital Marketer Rates (CAD/hr)
When to Hire Each
Hire a social media manager 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 social media manager discipline and you need someone who can hit the ground running with specialized knowledge.
Choose a digital marketer 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
Social Media Manager freelancers on Freel
Mathilde Fauvet
Community Management | Marketing | Administratif
sambatra RAVELONAHINA
Business Development Representative
Miki Brkovic
AI Creative Director & Content Creator
Digital Marketer freelancers on Freel
Karine Keraval
Copywriter | Traductrice FR-EN | Consultante commerciale
Canada recruitment agency
Data Entry Clerk
pamela mack
Mack Pamela | Digital Growth & Creative Solutions Consultant
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a social media manager and a digital marketer?
The main difference lies in their area of focus and core skill set. A social media manager specializes in their specific domain, while a digital marketer focuses on their particular area of expertise. While there can be overlap, each brings unique value to projects within their specialty.
Can a social media manager do the work of a digital marketer?
While there may be some overlap in skills, a social media manager and a digital marketer 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 social media manager or a digital marketer for my project?
It depends on your project requirements. If your needs align more closely with social media manager expertise, hire a social media manager. If your project requires digital marketer skills, go with a digital marketer. For large or complex projects, you may benefit from hiring both.
Who earns more in Canada: a social media manager or a digital marketer?
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 social media manager and a digital marketer?
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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