A strategist planner is someone who is skilled in creating and implementing digital strategies for the travel industry. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the travel sector and can develop digital marketing strategies that are tailored to the specific needs and goals of travel companies.
A digital strategist planner must be able to analyze and study the different types of travel markets and target audiences in order to develop effective strategies. Generally, travel companies need plans to increase search engine visibility, drive website traffic, and ultimately increase bookings and revenue which some of them cannot realize on their own.
This is where the support of a digital strategist occurs. They are knowledgeable about the latest digital marketing trends and tools and can effectively analyze data to make informed decisions about their strategies. In a few words, a strategist planner guides travel businesses to develop effective digital marketing strategies that will help them connect with their target audience in a meaningful way.
Who is a strategist planner?
The strategist planner is a professional who plans marketing strategies for small businesses and clients or often works with outsourcing companies or corporations with large marketing teams. They have the capability to study specific markets and target audiences to evaluate the most effective advertising methods to boost a business’s marketing potential.
They may work on multiple marketing strategies for various clients and report to a senior strategist. They share their findings with the team and leverage their knowledge to formulate appropriate marketing methods. A digital strategist typically knows all styles and aspects of marketing, including events and social media.
Key responsibilities of a digital strategist
Below, you can find some of the typical responsibilities of a strategist planner regardless of the industry they work in.
- Identifying target audiences
- Collecting and analyzing data to plan effective strategies and marketing campaigns
- Collaboration with clients and marketing colleagues to develop comprehensive strategies and achieve desired business goals.
- Drawing reports for senior marketing supervisor consideration and presenting findings to support decision-making processes
- Examining areas and ways to improve a business’s brand
- Proposing solutions and creating and implementing effective marketing campaigns
- Initiating new marketing projects and identifying their target audiences
- Analyzing client briefs to ensure the strategies conform to their requirements
- Taking client briefs into account to develop tailored marketing strategies responding to their requirements
- Collaborating with other marketing specialists, if need be.
- Monitoring the success of existing marketing strategies and making adjustments as necessary
Steps to becoming a digital strategist planner
Generally speaking, there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a strategist planner. It typically involves gaining experience in marketing and strategic planning, obtaining relevant certifications or degrees, and continuing education to stay updated on industry trends and best practices. Completing a certificate in finance, marketing, or management is an added value.
It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and enhances one’s credibility in the field. Strategist planners with a background in the travel industry are more likely to be well-equipped to advise travel business owners on effective strategies for growth and success.
They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their experience and digital marketing skills.
Work experience
After completing your certificate, you can start your career in an entry-level marketing role and progress to a strategic planner position in the travel industry if that is the marketing sector you intend to pursue. This path offers practical skills and knowledge, exposure to the marketing industry, and the chance to identify other career paths that may interest you. The travel and hospitality industry is wide and complex. This means that travel business owners will prefer employees who have diverse skill sets and understand the challenges and opportunities of the tourism sector.
Consider earning a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s degree is believed to be the most direct path to becoming a strategic planner, with options like marketing management, digital commerce, or commerce marketing. These degrees typically take three years to complete, with the option of obtaining honors in a specific field. They involve theoretical and practical studies and may also provide work experience through university training programs.
If you love the travel and hospitality industry, taking some complementary courses in tourism and hotel management could be beneficial for your career growth. Theoretical and practical skills are essential in these fields, as they allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Travel business owners will thank you for that!
Pursue a master’s degree.
It is not necessarily required to become a strategist planner, but it can boost your chances. A master’s degree, which can take six years and include a bachelor’s degree, can enhance your job application as a strategic planner. It provides extensive knowledge and advanced skills in your field, making you more attractive to potential employers who can see your dedication and capabilities in the marketing industry.
Additionally, conducting research in the travel and hospitality industry will also give you valuable insights and a competitive edge in the job market. Travel and hotel businesses will appreciate your in-depth insights into their field.
Apply for jobs that require strategic planning skills.
When you have gained the necessary qualifications, experience, and skills, it is time to apply for the role of strategic planner. Employment chances are diverse and can lead to self-employment or work with multiple travel businesses or clients. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to help travel businesses achieve their goals and objectives.
You will have the possibility to work with a diverse range of clients and travel businesses, including airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies. If self-employment is something you want to pursue, make sure you check out additional courses on how to become a freelancer in digital marketing.
A quick list of digital strategist planner skills
Below is a list of a few general skills that can guide you as a strategic planner:
Communication: As a digital strategist, strong communication skills are essential. You will need to effectively communicate with clients and understand their needs and goals. Additionally, you will need to be able to clearly articulate your strategies and recommendations to clients and team members.
Writing: Writing is another important skill for a digital strategist planner. Writing is essential for creating informative and clear briefs and plans that outline the strategic direction of a project. It is important to be able to convey complex ideas and concepts in a concise and compelling manner through written communication. This skill is crucial for effective project management and successful implementation.
Teamwork: Building strong relationships and fostering a positive team dynamic is the engine of every successful company. Teamwork skills are essential for working with marketing professionals and improving the working environment. Collaboration and effective communication within a team are crucial for brainstorming ideas, sharing feedback, and ensuring that everyone is aligned toward the same goals.
Multi-tasking: Multi-tasking is crucial for dealing with multiple clients with varying briefs and requirements. Digital strategists need to be able to effectively prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently, which is essential in order to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
Adaptability: This quality allows marketing professionals to change their strategic planning style to suit each client’s needs. Analyzing markets, audiences, and past strategies is a key duty, as it helps identify effective advertising methods.
Analytics: Another important skill for digital strategists is the ability to analyze data and interpret insights from various analytics tools. This helps them make data-driven decisions and optimize marketing campaigns for the desired results. Understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) and tracking metrics is crucial to measuring the success of their strategies and making necessary adjustments.
Creativity: Creativity is also an essential skill for digital strategists, as it allows them to come up with innovative and engaging ideas for advertising campaigns. They need to think outside the box and find unique ways to capture the attention of their target audience in a crowded digital landscape.
Problem-solving: Last but not least, problem-solving is an important skill for digital strategists. They must be able to analyze data, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions to overcome obstacles. This involves being able to think critically and strategically, as well as being adaptable and flexible in their approach.
Similar digital marketing careers
Similar professionals in travel and hospitality businesses include social media managers, content strategist planner, and travel SEO specialists. These roles also require creative thinking and the ability to engage with target audiences effectively. Additionally, digital analysts and data scientists play a crucial role in analyzing and interpreting data to optimize digital strategies. Digital marketing careers all require a combination of technical skills, analytical thinking, and creativity to succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
1. Social media specialist
The social media specialist is a marketing professional with the skills to create effective social media strategies, advise clients and businesses on managing their platforms, and analyze social media movements and trends to identify business opportunities. Your travel business could greatly benefit from hiring a social media specialist to enhance engagement with potential customers and drive qualified leads.
2. Sales and digital marketing specialist
A sales and digital marketing specialist is a professional who excels in both sales techniques and digital marketing strategies. They have the ability to identify target audiences and develop persuasive sales pitches for their marketing campaigns while leveraging the power of digital marketing. The sales and marketing specialist has the skills to review the cost-effectiveness of advertisements and campaigns. They can advise travel businesses and hotel owners on the performance of their marketing teams by outlining the sales generated by their strategies.
3. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is responsible for overseeing the overall marketing efforts of a company or organization from SEO strategies to Social Media Influencer Marketing among others. They develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans, ensuring that all marketing activities align with the company’s goals and objectives. Their primary role is to oversee a team of marketers, ensuring quality and efficiency. They analyze strategies and identify potential issues for future planning with regard to your travel company’s marketing campaigns and initiatives.
4. Director of Marketing
The marketing director collaborates with other departments within the company, such as sales and product development, to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to marketing. A director of marketing is a senior position within a marketing department in medium-sized or large companies. They are responsible for setting goals and targets, liaising with marketing managers, and having executive powers to make decisions that alter marketing strategies. Small travel businesses typically do not have a director of marketing.
