The step to becoming an independent marketing professional
Moving into a career as an independent marketing professional offers tremendous freedom and opportunities for personal growth. This career path is ideal for professionals who want to use their expertise flexibly at different organizations. As an interim marketing professional, you decide which assignments you take on, for which companies you work and under what conditions. Begin your adventure by specializing in a niche within marketing, activating your network and clearly communicating your added value to potential clients.
How do you get started as a marketing interim?
As a marketing interim, you work temporarily for various organizations on specific marketing projects or challenges. This flexible form of work is rapidly growing in popularity. On the one hand, companies are increasingly looking for specialized knowledge for temporary projects, on the other hand, professionals desire more freedom and variety in their work.
To start successfully, you need at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Clients pay precisely for your proven expertise. A keen specialization within the marketing field is essential – think expertise in SEO, content marketing, marketing automation or social media advertising. It is precisely this specialized knowledge that makes you valuable in an interim role.
Don’t forget the legal aspects as well: a registration with the Chamber of Commerce, an appropriate company name, and a good understanding of the tax rules for the self-employed. It is important to understand the DBA Act, which determines when there is employment versus self-employment, to prevent false self-employment.
What skills do you need as a marketing interim?
For a successful career as a marketing interim, you need both specialized professional knowledge and strong personal attributes. This combination enables you to add immediate value with new clients.
In terms of hard skills, these skills are essential:
- In-depth marketing expertise in at least one specialty area
- Analytical ability to interpret data and formulate action insights
- Strategic thinking to develop marketing plans that align with business goals
- Project management to lead complex marketing projects independently
- Technical skills in relevant marketing tools and platforms
Equally important are your soft skills:
- Adaptability to quickly become effective in new organizations
- Excellent communication skills to communicate ideas clearly
- Independence and proactive attitude
- Stakeholder management to connect different departments and interests
- Entrepreneurial mindset to develop your own practice and see commercial opportunities
The most successful marketing interims combine these skills with a continuous learning attitude. Marketing techniques and platforms evolve at lightning speed, so keeping up is crucial to your market value.
How do you determine your rate as a marketing interim?
Setting an appropriate rate is a challenge for many beginning marketing interim professionals. You want fair compensation for your expertise, but also to remain attractive to potential clients.
Different rate structures are available:
- Hourly rate: most common and transparent for short assignments
- Part-day rate or daily rate: practical for longer journeys
- Project rate: based on results delivered rather than time
- Retainer: fixed monthly fee for a certain number of hours or services
To determine your market value, research comparable rates in your specialty. Talk to other interim professionals, review assignments on freelance platforms, or consult recruiters who specialize in marketing profiles.
Your rate is affected by several factors:
- Experience and proven results
- Specialization and scarcity of your expertise
- Type of assignment and level of responsibility
- Size and sector of the client
- Duration of assignment (shorter assignments often justify higher rates)
Remember that as a self-employed person, you are responsible for insurance, pension, administration and periods without assignments. Therefore, calculate carefully the rate needed to achieve your desired income, taking into account these costs and “bench time.
Where do you find assignments as an entry-level marketing interim?
Finding suitable assignments is one of the biggest challenges for marketing interim startups. Fortunately, there are several effective channels to acquire assignments.
Networking events provide excellent opportunities to connect with potential clients. Industry-specific meetings, marketing conferences and local entrepreneurial networks are ideal for showcasing your expertise and making valuable connections.
Online platforms for freelancers and interim workers can be a good source of assignments, especially in the beginning:
- General freelancing platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer.com
- Specialized platforms for marketing professionals
- LinkedIn ProFinder and other professional networks
Recruiters and intermediaries specializing in marketing and communications often have access to interim assignments that are not publicly advertised. They can also advise on market rates and contract terms.
Social media is essential for marketing intermediaries. Regularly share valuable content on LinkedIn and other relevant platforms to showcase your expertise. Build a personal brand by consistently communicating your specialty and results.
For lasting success, networking is essential. Invest in building and maintaining professional relationships. Remember to keep networking even during assignments – satisfied clients are often your best ambassadors and can lead to follow-up projects or referrals.
What are the next steps in your career as a marketing interim?
Once you have established yourself as a marketing interim, it is important to think about your long-term growth and development. There are several directions in which your career can develop.
Continued learning is fundamental to sustainable success. The marketing world is changing at lightning speed. Invest in relevant certifications, take courses in emerging techniques, and stay abreast of the latest trends. This continuous development will enable you to keep your services updated and relevant.
Maintaining your network remains important even after your initial successes. Stay active on social media, attend regular events, and maintain contact with former clients. Consider forming partnerships with other marketing professionals to take on larger projects.
As your experience grows, you can further specialize in a high-demand niche or broaden your range of services. Some interim professionals develop into strategic-level consultants, while others choose to build their own agency with staff.
When in doubt about your development direction or challenges in your interim career, a specialized recruitment agency such as WerfSelect can offer valuable support. We understand the dynamics of the marketing world and can advise you on the next steps in your professional development. We not only help you find suitable assignments, but also offer insight into how you can increase your market value and strengthen your position as a marketing interim.
