and approaches to tackle them

Hi! I manage the LinkedIn Web Managers group of which Dave Chaffey is also a member. When Dave saw the recent thread we had running about the current challenges for web and digital marketing managers, he suggested I do a guest post on Smart Insights, so we can “share the pain” and help with planning issues that need prioritising. So here we are. These are the main themes that we identified in our discussion. How do they compare to your challenges?

1 Managing the pace of change

The main theme is that everything is changing so fast. People who have worked in web for years and consider themselves pretty knowledgeable are having to think about their jobs in completely new ways. For some, it’s almost like last year they were a ‘web manager’…

New UK rate card salary survey for digital marketing

I've been a big fan of the Econsultancy agency rate card survey and have pointed many people towards it when I have questions about salaries. But their  last survey was in 2008. So it was good to see an alternative published last week by New Media Age. This is published as part of a Digital Professional Supplement which you can read in full here. It is based on responses from 2,000 people working on digital media in the UK. It'a useful since it has sections for both client-side/brand and agency jobs (click to enlarge):

Average company salaries for digital marketing roles in UK 2011

Average agency salaries for digital marketing roles in UK 2011

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Our recommendations on the best jobs boards sites (agency independent) to post/get jobs for digital marketing specialists

I recently received a mail similar to ones I receive quite regularly saying about the difficulty of filling posts for new specialist positions - you can see the outline job specifications at the end if this post - they're for a conversion exec and content editor. My suggestion was to place ads in one of several services enabling you to post a job independent of the costly route of using an agency. As far as I know, these services have the benefit that these are independent of agencies so can be more cost-effective since they attract a one-off fee and allow you to reach more potential candidates. Of course they don't provide the filtering process and a network of potential job seekers. Of course knowledge about "Jobs boards" can help for both finding new team members…

Don't be the disaster client, agency or freelancer!

Value: [rating=3] Our commentary: Mashable have interviewed several designers regarding what makes an effective and productive client relationship, I felt their post was interesting because it has echoed some of my own experience of working with many clients of lots of different sectors in an agency>client relationship. Having also spent 4 years 'client side' I have also seen an alternative perspective! As Mashable note, nobody really wants to be 'that guy' whether you're the supplier or the buyer of products or services. The consequences of poor relationships are obvious, from delayed timings and ultimately impact the bottom line for both parties. Marketing implications: So, what's the key to nurturing good relations - here is my take on Mashable's 5 lessons: Honour your commitments: this is the worst. How frustrating is it for anyone to be told one thing and then another thing happens. The basis of…

Question: Our company is planning to out-source our SEO. We have lots of companies pitching, what are the major things we should be looking for from these agencies before we hire one? Answer: You will hear many similar promises or processes from SEO agencies so it can be difficult to tell them apart. Based on several SEO pitches I have run for clients and reviewing a lot of proposals talking to a lot of clients on SEO courses, here are 7 important questions that I would advise asking - it"€™s vital that you do all you can to find the best fit possible! Exactly how will they improve our results? Some SEOs may be unwilling to disclose techniques, but ethical techniques are well understood and documented and so an open relationship about SEO methods is essential. It will aid internal learning as well as ensure that you integrate better. Take an example…

I often receive questions about the best way marketers can develop their digital marketing skills and experience to help get digital jobs, or just to keep yourself employable. Here is my answer to a question I received recently, whick I think is worth sharing (with her permission). Which approaches do you think will work best for employers and job seekers?

Digital marketing careers question:

I, and possibly many other of your readers would appreciate your guidance/advice on transitioning from a career in traditional marketing  to one that has an online / eMarketing focus. There appear to be many jobs advertised for online marketers of various flavours, however, they all require 2-3 years online experience. While I am an experienced marketer (10 years), an avid Internet user and am developing my theoretical knowledge through the CIM course and online resources, I am finding it difficult to gain the requisite practical experience demanded by employers. Any suggestions/advice? Are you aware of…