Who is A Digital Media And Communications Consultant? Understanding The Role

Only businesses that hire consultants to work for them clearly understand the role they play in a business or an organization. We are living in a RESULTS driven world. A business that have clearly defined objectives can easily find the right digital media and communications consultant.

A Digital Media and Communications consultant briefing the client before interview
A Digital Media and Communications consultant briefing the client before interview / Photo by Mwathi Muiruri

The most important question one should ask when considering to hire a digital media and communications consultant is; can the consultant deliver the results that they are looking for? That’s where most corporates and organizations fail in. They value the level of education of the consultant more than their experience.

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Digital media and communications industry is full of creative experts with certificate or Diploma in media and communications training. These professionals have long term experience and knowledge to deliver high quality media and communications services. If given a chance, they are able to prove that they are fit for the assignment.

Educational level is one of the biggest barriers to breaking through in the consultancy business and getting high paying contracts.

If a media and communications consultant with Certificate or Diploma is not careful, he/she is prone to being tricked into accepting low pay on a high value contracts owing to their educational levels.

But what does a digital media and communication consultant do? To answer this question, lets first understand who a consultant is?

Who is a Consultant?

Consultants are professionals who have rich experience in their field and a deep understanding of the industry they are in e.g digital media and communications consultant like myself. Consultants help their clients achieve their business goals by providing them with expert advice and business solutions in their field of proficiency.

Roles of a Digital Media Consultant

  • Developing and implementing digital media strategies that align with the client’s goals, brand identity and target audience.
  • Creating and managing digital content such as websites, blogs, social media posts, podcasts, videos, newsletters, etc.
  • Monitoring and analyzing the performance and impact of digital media campaigns using various tools and metrics.
  • Providing feedback and recommendations to improve the client’s digital media performance and engagement.
  • Researching and staying updated on the latest trends, best practices and innovations in digital media and communications. e.g Artificial Intelligence(AI).
  • Collaborating with other professionals such as graphic designers, web developers, copywriters, SEO specialists, Animators, Videographers, Video Editors etc. to deliver high-quality digital media products and services.

Needed Skills & Competencies

Training and Knowledge in media and communication

One needs to have at least a certificate, Diploma or degree in media, film or communications in order to serve well as a consultant. Education helps one organize their ideas as well as prepare quotations and make money in the business as a consultant.

Creativity and Innovation

The ability to generate original and appealing ideas for digital media content and campaigns.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, as well as to work well in teams.

Technical Skills

The ability to use various software, platforms and tools for creating and managing digital media content and campaigns.

Analytical Skills

The ability to collect, interpret and use data to measure and improve the effectiveness of digital media content and campaigns.

Project Management Skills

The ability to plan, organize and execute digital media projects within deadlines and budgets.

How A Digital Media and Communications Consultant Work

  1. Freelance: Working independently or as part of a network of consultants for different clients on a project basis.
  2. Setting Up a digital Media & Communications Agency/Company : Registering a company or agency that offers digital media or communications services to various clients.
  3. In-house: Working for a specific organization or company that has its own digital media or communications department.

Conclusion

The demand for digital media and communications consultants is expected to grow as more organizations and businesses recognize the importance of having a strong online presence and communication strategy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for public relations specialists, which includes digital media and communications consultants, was $62,810 in 2020. The job outlook for this occupation is projected to grow by 7% by 2029.

And that is it. I hope this gives you a clear understanding of who a digital media and communications consultant is.

Are you considering hiring an experienced digital media and communications consultant to work for you? Let me know here. That’s my area of expertise and I will be much interested in working with you.

Otherwise, I hope you found this article helpful.

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Until next time, bye bye and take care.