Finding a skilled content strategist without breaking the bank can be quite a challenge for many businesses. The average salary of such specialists is $90,463 annually, making small companies and startups reconsider their budget limits.
Key Takeaways of Content Strategist Salary
- Fractional content is hiring part-time experts to help with work. It saves money for firms.
- There are many roles in fractional content, such as strategists and marketers. They help make the business known.
- To find good fractional workers, use online tools like Upwork or LinkedIn. Also, ask people you know for suggestions.
- A fractional contract should be clear about pay and work time. Both sides must agree on this.
What is Fractional Content?
Fractional content refers to the strategy of hiring an expert on a part-time, contract basis rather than a full-time employee. This approach, gaining traction in today’s flexible work culture, allows companies to access high-level skills at a fraction of the cost.
Different roles within fractional content can range from writers and strategists to managers and marketers, each contributing unique value toward maximizing your company’s content output.
Definition
Fractional content is a special kind of contract. In this, a content worker gets paid for finishing a set task. Firms use it to get expert writing services from subject matter pros.
With fractional marketing, businesses can bring in part-time marketing whizzes without hiring full time. A fractional chief marketing officer (CMO) plays the CMO role but isn’t an employee of the company.
They help fill gaps in putting out content at less cost than having all workers on staff full time. Fractional content marketers join a team to test or grow a plan for content, adding key know how and backup.
Types of Fractional Content Roles
There are several types of fractional content roles. One is a fractional content strategist. This person makes plans for the words we use in our business. They make these plans to help us reach our goals.
Another role is a fractional content marketer. This person works part-time to create and share things that tell others about our business. They make more people know, like, and buy from us.
Lastly, there is a role known as a fractional content creator. This person joins your team on certain tasks or projects to test or grow the plan made by the strategist.
When to Invest in Fractional Content
Investing in fractional content is a cost-effective option for businesses seeking to maximize their content output without the high salary commitment of full-time employees. This approach is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups, enabling them to leverage expertise on an as-needed basis while maintaining budget control.
Key considerations include assessing current and projected content needs, evaluating potential savings over hiring a full strategist role, and identifying suitable professionals with relevant experience and flexibility.
Benefits of Hiring a Fractional Content Strategist
A fractional content strategist brings many gains. One key gain is cost savings. Businesses pay these experts a set rate each day. This way, companies only spend money when they need help.
It’s a smart choice for those with tight budgets or small needs. Businesses can do more too. They don’t have to hire new staff or buy extra stuff to grow their work in this area. With a part-time expert on board, companies get the knowledge of top-notch marketers without paying high salaries like full-time workers ask for.
Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring a fractional content strategist saves money. You can get marketing expertise without paying a full-time salary and benefits package. It is like having an expert but with less cost.
Often, a full team costs from $250,000 to $500,000 every year. A fractional CMO cuts this cost down by removing the need for bonuses and long-term promises. This makes it budget-friendly for firms with tight budgets too.
Fractional Content vs. Full-Time Content
Fractional content and full-time content are not the same. Fractional content gives a business access to great marketing skills. These come without the high cost of a full hire or agency fee.
Full-time content hiring can lead to high costs for your company. They could even be more than you need.
But with fractional content, you pay only for what you use. This makes it much cheaper than traditional marketing. It also fits better when you want to test new ideas or make your strategy bigger.
You get flexible, resourceful, and scalable growth with a fractional approach.
How to Find Fractional Content Folks
Companies can efficiently find fractional content professionals through various online platforms dedicated to freelance work, or by leveraging their existing networks for recommendations and referrals.
Utilizing Online Platforms
Online platforms can find you great content people. You don’t have to pay a lot of money. Websites like Upwork and LinkedIn help companies connect with these skilled workers. They have all the skills but cost less than a full-time hire.
This is the power of using internet tools for your business needs.
Networking
Networking is a big part of finding good fractional content folks. You might know someone in your circle who needs work. Start by asking people close to you if they know any good content strategist.
Also, make use of online platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups. They have many people who work in marketing or writing fields. Look for pages or groups where these workers hang out online.
Then join the talks and share what kind of person you want to hire for your business.
How to Structure a Fractional Contract
When structuring a fractional contract, it’s crucial to negotiate rates and expectations upfront. Set clear deliverables and work schedules to ensure smooth operations. The agreement should be transparent, reflecting the precise nature of the job role without any ambiguity.
This approach guarantees a fair contractual relationship that benefits both parties involved.
Negotiating Rates and Expectations
Talk about pay is vital in the contract. The company and the content strategist should agree on a fair price. It helps to know what others in this job get paid. This is called industry standards.
You can offer more perks or benefits to make your offer better if needed. Make sure both sides are happy with the deal. A good rule is to pay $4000 a month for work on two days each week.
Setting a Schedule and Deliverables
Plan your work with a fractional content strategist well. Be clear about the days you need them to work. This is part of a part-time contract. Also, have in mind what tasks they must finish each day.
These are known as deliverables. Doing this helps manage time better. Especially when hiring senior writers who can do more in less time. Company goals become clearer too, which is great for leaders unsure of their aims.
Benefits of Fractional Content for Everyone
Opting for fractional content provides increased flexibility for businesses, allowing them to scale their content needs according to their specific requirements and budget. On the other hand, it opens up a world of opportunities for freelancers who can work on diverse projects while maintaining a stable income stream.
Increased Flexibility for Businesses
Businesses gain much from fractional content. They tap into many subject experts. This brings great flexibility. Business goals may change often. Fractional content moves with these changes easily.
Also, businesses can fill content gaps without a full-time team. Marketing services are outsourced at less cost and confers high skill level and trustworthiness to companies that use them.
Opportunities for Freelancers
Freelancers find many chances in the world of fractional content. They can offer their skills without a high salary demand. This is part of the gig economy where remote work and project-based tasks are common.
Creative professionals use online platforms to get these jobs. Here, flexibility is key as freelancers can choose when and how much they work. Being an independent contractor has its perks in this setup too. Businesses save money, but freelancers also benefit from cost-effective tasks that make good use of their skill set.
Hiring Fractional Content Marketers vs. Content Marketing Agencies
Considering the differences between hiring fractional content marketers and content marketing agencies involves understanding each option’s unique advantages, from personalized attention and flexibility offered by independent strategists to the extensive resources and dedicated team available through a full-service agency.
Considerations for Each Option
You need to think before choosing between a freelance content marketer and a content marketing agency. These options both have pros and cons. A freelance content marketer offers budget-friendly solutions.
They can be part-time or project-based which adds flexibility for your company. But, they might not commit fully because of their other jobs.
Content marketing agencies offer a more full-service approach. They can handle big projects and develop a complete content strategy for you.
But these services come with higher costs than hiring freelancers.
In the end, it’s about what fits best for your company’s needs, resources, and goals in content marketing management.
What to Expect When Hiring a Fractional Content Writer
When you hire a fractional content writer, expect professional expertise without the high cost. This option grants access to experienced writers who are skilled in creating targeted content for your business needs.
You can anticipate significant time and cost savings due to their flexibility and part-time commitment. Their command over language, niche knowledge, and ability to adhere to deadlines will ensure consistent content output maximization.
Experience and Expertise Necessary
A Fractional Content Writer has top skills. They know about content creation and audience engagement. They can help a business with its strategy, too. This person knows their subject matter well.
They can make a website rank higher on search engines like Google. This helps more people see the company online. The writer also knows how to turn site visitors into buyers or users of the business’s services or products.
This skill is called conversion optimization. The writer should know who the target audience is and what they like or need from a company’s service or product offering. A good content writer can also use search engine optimization (SEO) to attract this target group online.
Time and Cost Savings
Hiring a fractional content writer helps your company save time and money. You do not pay for full-time wages or benefits. They can write content and book sales meetings faster than a full staff would.
This makes your work easier and boosts productivity. With this choice, you get quality work without high costs or wasted time.
Examining Content Strategist Salary Ranges
When exploring potential content strategist jobs, an important factor to consider is the typical salary for a content strategist role. According to anonymous employees on Glassdoor, the average content strategist salary in the United States is $72,104.
There are several key factors that can affect content strategist salaries including:
- Years of experience – More experienced strategists can command higher compensation, with late-career salaries reaching $141,490.
- Company size – Strategists at large companies with over 1,000 employees report higher pay.
- Industry – Tech and gaming tend to pay strategists more. For example, the average total compensation at a global video game company like Take-Two Interactive Software is $123,562.
- Location – Strategists in major metro areas like San Francisco and LA earn higher salaries.
Looking at specific content strategist salary ranges:
- Entry-level strategists start around $42,000 – $61,000
- Mid-career strategists earn $72,104 on average
- Experienced strategists make $100,000 – $150,000
While base salary comprises a big portion, additional incentives like bonuses increase total compensation. For instance, the average additional cash compensation is $5,783 according to strategist employee responses.
When evaluating content strategist jobs, be sure to look holistically at the salary, incentives, experience required, and company reputation. This provides the full picture of compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Content Strategist Salary
1. What is a Fractional Content Strategist?
A fractional content strategist is a part-time professional who helps with your content strategy without being fully employed by you.
2. Why Should I Hire a Fractional Content Strategist?
Hiring a fractional content strategist can save money as you only pay for the hours of work they do, instead of a full salary.
3. Does Fraction Mean they are Not Skilled Enough?
No, fractional does not mean less skilled. Fractional strategists are experienced professionals providing services on part-time basis to multiple clients.
4. How Can I Find a Good Fractional Content Strategist?
You can find good fractional content strategists through online job sites, networking events or recommendations from others in your industry.
5. Will Hiring Fractional Content Strategists Affect the Quality of My Project?
No, hiring a fractional content strategist will not impact project quality if they’re experienced and competent in their field.
Conclusion and Summary of Fractional Content Strategist Without the High Salary
For companies seeking specialized marketing skills without the high cost of a full-time hire, a fractional content strategist is an optimal solution. These experienced professionals deliver targeted expertise and flexibility at a fraction of the price.
Whether you need help crafting content calendars, optimizing website copy, or managing social campaigns, fractional strategists fill crucial gaps. They provide the strategic vision and content know how to elevate your digital presence.
When structured thoughtfully, fractional contracts confer mutual benefits. Businesses access top-tier skills within budget, while strategists enjoy income stability and variety.
If your marketing initiatives need a boost but budget constraints are holding you back, fractional content is the way forward. With careful planning, you can secure the precise expertise your business needs to connect with more customers and drive results. The fractional route paves the way for marketing success.
Image Credit: Fizkes / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Doctor Marketing, MD.
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