Top 10 Social Media Experts to Grow Your Presence in 2024

In the digital world, staying ahead of the curve requires a constant flow of fresh, engaging content. Social media posts, blog articles, website copy—the list goes on, and the pressure to stay top-of-mind is relentless. So, what happens when you don't have the time or resources to tackle it all yourself?

Enter the digital media freelancer. These skilled individuals offer a diverse range of expertise, from masterful copywriting and captivating designs to effective social media strategies and insightful data analytics. The right social media expert can help you stay on top of your social media content, ensuring you resonate with your audience and fuel your brand's success.

Our top picks of the best digital media freelancers

1. Sherisse W. - Best overall

2. Oded L. - Best for improving digital strategy

3. Mark S. - Best for targeted paid ads media

4. Pawel K. - Best for B2B media

5. Nicolas G. - Best for B2C media

6. Audrey M. - Best for KPI-driven media

7. Alexander C. - Best for eCommerce brands

8. Ben T. - Best for mobile apps

9. David D. - Best for optimizing email media

10. Todd C. - Best for smaller budgets

What is a digital media freelancer?

A digital media freelancer is a self-employed professional who offers marketing and content creation expertise to clients on a project-by-project basis, often working remotely. Think of them as independent specialists who help businesses enhance their online presence.

They can specialize in various areas, such as:

• Creating engaging content (including text, videos, visuals, design)
• Executing marketing campaigns (including social media, online communities, targeted campaigns, and SEO)
• Developing an overall strategy and providing valuable guidance

What does a social media freelancer do?

A digital media freelancer leverages various online channels to help businesses achieve their marketing goals. They undertake several key tasks, including:

Developing and implementing digital marketing strategies

Digital media freelancers work closely with marketing managers and business owners to create comprehensive strategies tailored to the business's objectives. They identify target audiences, define key performance indicators (KPIs), and outline effective tactics to reach and engage potential customers.

Managing social media presence

Digital media freelancers excel in creating engaging content, scheduling posts, and managing social media accounts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They use their expertise to build a strong social media presence, foster meaningful interactions with the target audience, and drive brand awareness.

Conducting market research and audience analysis

Digital media freelancers conduct thorough market research and audience analysis to ensure successful digital marketing campaigns. They gather insights about consumer preferences, behavior, and trends to inform content creation, ad targeting, and overall campaign strategies.

Creating and optimizing digital content

Content is king in the digital realm, and digital media freelancers are skilled in crafting compelling and relevant content for websites, blog posts, social media posts, and other digital platforms. They understand how to create content marketing strategies for their target audiences, optimize content for search engines, increase organic visibility, and engage users through valuable information and storytelling.

Managing digital advertising campaigns

Digital marketers possess expertise in managing and optimizing digital advertising campaigns, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and display advertising. They set campaign objectives, target specific demographics, monitor performance metrics, and make data-driven adjustments to maximize ROI.

Analyzing and reporting on campaign performance

Digital media freelancers use analytics tools to monitor campaign performance, track key metrics, and generate comprehensive reports. They provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your marketing strategies, identify improvement areas, and make data-backed recommendations to drive better results.

Why hire a social media specialist?

When it comes to navigating the digital landscape, hiring a digital media specialist can offer numerous benefits for marketing managers and business owners:

Expertise and industry knowledge

Digital media specialists possess a deep understanding of the digital marketing ecosystem. They stay up to date with the latest trends, algorithms, and best practices, allowing them to implement strategies that align with industry standards and deliver optimal results.

Time and resource optimization

Outsourcing digital media responsibilities to a freelancer saves time and resources for marketing managers and business owners. Instead of juggling multiple tasks, they can focus on core business activities while entrusting digital marketing efforts to an experienced professional.

Access to a diverse skill set

Digital media specialists bring a diverse skill set, including proficiency in content creation, social media management, advertising, analytics, and more. Their versatile expertise enables them to handle various aspects of digital marketing, providing comprehensive solutions for businesses.

Fresh perspective and creativity

Working with a digital marketer consultant injects fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into marketing strategies. They can bring creative solutions to the table, helping businesses stand out in a crowded digital landscape and captivate their target audience.

Cost-effectiveness

Hiring a digital media freelancer can be a cost-effective solution compared to hiring a full-time employee. Freelancers often offer flexible pricing models, allowing businesses to scale their digital marketing efforts based on their specific needs and budgets.

How much does a social media specialist cost?

The cost of hiring a digital media specialist can vary depending on several factors, including their experience, skill set, geographic location, and the project scope. Social media marketers may charge an hourly rate ($50 to $150 on average) or a fixed fee for specific services or projects. At Mayple, for example, digital marketing services start at $1,800/ month (with the cost depending on your requirements and the digital marketer's experience). 

Top 10 skills a social media specialist should have

To excel in the field of digital media, a specialist should possess a range of essential digital marketing skills:

1. Proficiency in digital advertising platforms

A good digital media specialist has excellent advertising skills. This means they should have expertise in various digital advertising platforms, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads. They should understand the intricacies of each platform and know how to optimize campaigns for maximum reach and conversions.

2. Content marketing and copywriting

Strong writing skills are crucial for a digital media specialist. They must create engaging and persuasive content across different channels while maintaining brand consistency and tone of voice. Even if your digital marketer isn't the one creating your content and copy, they still need to know how to collaborate and communicate with writers to ensure quality and accuracy.

3. Social media management

A digital media specialist should be proficient in social media management, including:

• Creating compelling content
• Engaging with the audience
• Monitoring social media metrics
• Staying updated with the latest social media trends

Just like content marketing, your digital media specialist may not act as a full-time social media manager, but they need to know how to collaborate with your social media marketing specialist to devise campaigns that attract, entice, and convert. 

4. Data analysis and interpretation

Analytical skills are essential for a digital marketing consultant to evaluate campaign performance and make data-driven decisions. They should derive insights from analytics tools and translate them into actionable strategies that increase your business's online presence. 

5. Search engine optimization (SEO)

A solid understanding of SEO principles is vital for a freelance digital media specialist. They should know how to optimize content, conduct keyword research, and improve website visibility in search engine rankings.

6. Design and multimedia skills

Proficiency in graphic design tools and multimedia content creation is advantageous for a digital media specialist. They need to create visually appealing graphics, videos, and other multimedia assets to enhance digital marketing campaigns.

7. Project management

Strong project management skills enable a digital media specialist to plan, execute, and monitor campaigns effectively. They should be able to manage timelines, resources, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

8. Collaboration and communication

A digital marketing manager should possess excellent communication skills to collaborate with internal teams, clients, and external partners. Effective communication ensures smooth project coordination within your digital marketing team and helps you align your digital marketing projects with your business goals.

9. Adaptability and continuous learning

Given the dynamic nature of digital media, a specialist should be adaptable and open to learning new tools, platforms, and strategies. They must stay updated with industry trends and proactively seek opportunities for professional growth.

10. Problem-solving and creativity

A digital media specialist should be a creative problem solver who can think critically, identify challenges, and devise innovative solutions to attract potential clients and move your business objectives forward.

Questions to ask a freelance digital media expert when hiring them 

If you have a shortlist of candidates but aren't sure what to ask freelance marketers to gauge their suitability, here's a list of questions to get started: 

1. Background and experience

• Why did you choose to become a digital marketing freelancer?
• Do you have experience working with or in digital marketing agencies?
• What are the types of clients you usually work with?
• Have you ever provided services to clients in our industry?
• Which area of online marketing do you excel at?
• Have you ever run affiliate marketing campaigns?
• What is the largest marketing budget you've ever worked with?

2. Skills and expertise

• What kind of tools do you use on a daily basis?
• Can you give us an example of a successful campaign you built?
• In your opinion, what is the most suitable social media channel for our business?
• Have you ever built a social media strategy with paid ads?
• Can you give us examples of happy clients you've worked with in the past?

3. Client management and strategy

• What are your favorite digital marketing channels, and why?
• Can you tell us about one of your favorite client projects?
• How do you make sure you fill the pipeline with prospective clients?
• How do you suggest we nurture leads so they become clients?
• How do you leverage current clients to adjust campaigns?
• What are your methods for encouraging client feedback?
• How do you handle negative client feedback?

How to hire a digital media specialist

When it comes to hiring a digital media specialist, there are several methods you can consider:

• Freelance platforms: Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr provide a vast pool of digital media specialists. You can browse through profiles, check ratings and reviews, and communicate with potential candidates to find the right fit for your project.
• Referrals: Recommendations from industry peers, colleagues, or trusted sources can be an effective way to find reliable digital media specialists, as they give you insight into the freelancer's work ethic, expertise, and professionalism.
• Job boards: Posting job listings on specialized job boards or online communities for digital marketing professionals can help you attract qualified candidates actively looking for opportunities.
• Social media: You can use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with digital media specialists. Engage in relevant industry discussions, join professional groups, and leverage your network to identify potential freelancers.

Find them on Mayple

We connect businesses with vetted digital marketing freelancers in a matter of days. All you have to do is contact us, and we'll find a digital marketing expert who fits your requirements and has a proven track record of success in your industry. 

Where social media comes alive

This list offered a glimpse into the diverse world of digital media freelancers who can elevate your game on social. But remember, the right freelancer for you extends beyond names and profiles. It's about finding someone who aligns with your brand voice, understands your target audience, and possesses the passion and creativity to bring your vision to life.