What is a Digital Strategist? Job Description, Skills & More

In today’s fast-moving world, the internet is the pulse of most companies. Social media to websites, everything is becoming digital.

You might have come across the term “digital strategist” bandied about in marketing, business meetings, or even job listings.

But what is a digital strategist? What do they do, and why are they so much in demand?

Let’s break it down in simple terms that anyone can understand.

What is a Digital Strategist?

First things first, let’s answer the big question—what is a digital strategist?

A digital strategist is a person who makes businesses grow online. Imagine them as a digital architect. Just as an architect designs and plans buildings, a digital strategist designs and plans how a business should look and function on the internet.

They devise a plan, determine what needs to be done, when, and how to have it done in the most effective manner possible.

Their objective? To put your business in front of the right people online, keep those people engaged, and get them into loyal customers.

Why Do Companies Require a Digital Strategist?

Today, everyone is online—shopping, reading, watching videos, and looking for services. If your business isn’t online, or if your online presence isn’t strong, you’re likely losing customers.

This is where a digital strategist comes in. They help businesses:

Get found online
Build trust with customers
Drive traffic to websites
Increase sales
Stay ahead of competitors

With all the websites, social media platforms, and online apps out there, it can be overwhelming. A digital strategist brings focus. They make sure your online behaviors are not mere random but organized and effective.

Also Read – 8 Inspiring Digital Marketing Portfolio Examples to Follow in 2025

What Does a Digital Strategist Do?

You might be wondering what a digital strategist actually does from day to day. The answer is—it depends. But here are some common tasks you’ll find in a digital strategist job description:

1. Planning Online Campaigns

A digital strategist creates detailed plans for online marketing campaigns. This could include:

Social media ads
Email newsletters
Blog content
Google ads
Influencer partnerships

They figure out which platforms to use, what messages to share, and how to measure success.

2. Market Research

A digital strategist researches first. They want to know:

Who the audience is
What the competition is doing
What trends are trending
What people are looking for online

This helps them make smart decisions that actually work.

3. Data Analysis

A lot of the job is studying data. A digital strategist considers things like:

How many visitors a site received
Which social media posts performed
What kind of content got the most clicks
Where traffic is originating

By reviewing data, they can spot what’s effective and what’s not.

4. Working as Part of a Team

Digital strategists don’t fly solo. They tend to lead or work with:

Content creators
Designers
Developers
Social media managers
Marketing teams

They ensure that everyone is contributing toward the same objectives and that all elements of a digital campaign cooperate together.

5. Staying Current with Trends

The digital landscape is always evolving. Yesterday’s answer might not be tomorrow’s answer. A digital strategist anticipates trends in:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Social media algorithms
Online tools and platforms
Consumer behavior

They anticipate ahead so your business doesn’t get left behind.

Key Skills Every Digital Strategist Must Have

You now know what a digital strategist does, so you’re probably asking yourself what skills are needed to do this job. Here are some of the most important skills:

Strategic Thinking: As the name suggests, a digital strategist has to think ahead. They must see the larger picture and see how all the pieces connect.

Creativity: Coming up with fresh ideas that are innovative is a significant part of the job. Whether it’s creating an appealing campaign or a new way of connecting with people, creativity is key.

Communication: A digital strategist must clearly communicate their plans to teams, clients, and decision-makers. They must also create messages that resonate with listeners.

Data Analysis: Numbers and reports enable a strategist to know what works and what doesn’t. It helps in making smart decisions.

Tech Savvy: They might not be level-headed technologists, but they should be skilled at using digital tools, platforms, and software.

Flexibility: Alteration occurs instantly in the cyber world. The effective strategist should be flexible and willing to adapt plans whenever it is required.

Also Read – How to Make Money With Digital Marketing in 2025: Top 10 Proven Methods

Tools Digital Strategists Utilize

The digital strategist utilizes several tools for executing their duties efficiently. The most commonly employed ones include:

Google Analytics – to track traffic and performance on websites
SEMrush or Ahrefs – for researching keywords and for SEO
Canva or Adobe Suite – for visual content
Hootsuite or Buffer – social media scheduling
Mailchimp or ConvertKit – email marketing
Trello or Asana – project management

These make the work easier to handle and yield better results to monitor.

Where Do Digital Strategists Work?

Digital strategists work everywhere. They are needed in:

Marketing agencies – planning for different clients
Companies – managing the company’s online presence
Startups – helping to build a new brand
Freelance work – working with multiple clients independently
Nonprofits – assisting in spreading the word and raising money

In short, if a company has an online presence, it likely needs a digital strategist.

What Kind of Education Is Required?

There isn’t one way to become a digital strategist, but most individuals in this profession have a background in fields such as:

Marketing
Communication
Business
Journalism
IT or Computer Science

Some digital strategists also pursue online courses or certifications in fields such as:

Digital marketing
SEO
Social media marketing
Data analytics

The key is to stay up to date, be willing to learn, and gain experience over time.

How Much Do Digital Strategists Make?

Salaries for digital strategists will vary based on location, experience, and the type of company. But for the sake of giving you a rough estimate:

Entry-level: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
Mid-level: $60,000 – $85,000 per year
Senior-level: $85,000 – $120,000+ per year

Independent digital strategists will charge by project or by hour, and pay can range enormously depending on level of experience.

Also Read – 8 Essential Pay Per Click Tools for Digital Marketers

How to Become a Digital Strategist

If this looks like an exciting career, following is a no-nonsense manual you can employ:

1. Learn the Fundamentals

First, learn what digital marketing entails. There are many free online courses and pay courses that will help, like Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy, or Coursera.

2. Get Hands-On Experience

Try out internships, side projects, or freelancing. Even helping a friend’s online business can be a learning experience.

3. Create a Portfolio

Show what you’ve done. Create a basic website or PDF that includes:

Campaigns you’ve worked on
Results achieved (e.g., traffic increase or sales growth)
Tools you’ve used

This gets future employers or clients to notice your value.

4. Stay Current

Digital marketing is always changing. Read blogs, follow industry leaders, and test new tools periodically.

5. Network with Others

Join online communities, participate in webinars, or connect with online marketers on LinkedIn. Networking is the key to new opportunities.

Also Read – How to Create an Impressive Digital Marketing Resume ( With Examples)

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Strategist

Like any career, being a digital strategist has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at them.

Pros

Creative freedom – You get to come up with new ideas and see them implemented
High demand – Every business needs a digital presence
Remote working opportunities – The majority of digital strategists have the ability to work remotely
Constant learning – Trends and new tools keep life interesting

Cons

Quick paced – It is quick, and it can be stressful
Number-cruncher – You tend to be held accountable by numbers and performance
Multi-tasking – You may have to do several campaigns at once

Even so, for the majority of people, the good outweighs the bad—if you’re a digital enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a digital strategist?

A digital strategist develops and implements online marketing strategies to achieve business goals.

Where do digital strategists operate?

Digital strategists operate across a variety of industries, including marketing agencies, e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and others.

How does a digital strategist measure success?

Success is measured through metrics like website traffic, engagement rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI).

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

A digital strategist is interested in developing overall digital strategies, while a digital marketer executes individual marketing strategies.

Conclusion

So, what is a digital strategist? In brief, it’s someone who makes companies successful online. They develop smart strategies, manage teams, analyze trends, and utilize digital tools to deliver results. As the world goes more digital by the day, the role of the digital strategist will only grow.

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to hire one, or someone thinking about becoming one, understanding this role is step number one.

At the end of the day, a digital strategist isn’t just someone who “does marketing.” They’re a thinker, a planner, and a problem-solver—someone who takes online madness and turns it into clear-cut results.