What It’s Really Like to Work with a Remote Digital Marketing Manager

Outsourcing different functions, such as marketing has become a common practice in the modern business landscape. Many Australian companies turn to remote digital marketing managers to boost their growth and handle different campaigns.

But what is it really like to work with one?

Similar to hiring a remote marketing team, several benefits and challenges are associated with hiring an virtual digital marketing manager. Understanding what to expect before working with one can save business owners time and frustration.

What is a Virtual Digital Marketing Manager?

A remote digital marketing manager is a strategic partner who helps companies remotely manage their digital marketing projects, typically from another country like the Philippines. These professionals oversee various aspects of a firm’s online presence, such as social media, content marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), and digital advertising.

Virtual digital marketing managers can usually handle various critical roles, including:

Developing and Implementing Strategies – defines objectives, target audiences, and approaches to achieving marketing goals.
Managing Online Campaigns – plans and executes various digital marketing activities, such as SEO campaigns and social media postings.
Overseeing Content Creation and Distribution – ensures content quality, optimises for various channels, and manages content calendars.
Analysing Digital Performance – traces key metrics, analyses data, and gathers insights from reports to enhance marketing efforts.
Managing Digital Assets – organises and manages digital graphics, files, and other related assets.
Staying Updated on Trends – keeps up with the latest digital marketing trends and technologies to ensure campaigns stay relevant.

Working with Virtual Talent: What to Expect

Collaborating on projects with a professional on another part of the globe is different from an in-house team. Since digital marketing manager will be working remotely, firms should expect the following routines:

1. Virtual Communication

Expect most of the communications and task delegation to be done online, usually through emails, video calls, messaging apps, and project management tools. It is also normal to ask for and receive regular follow-ups for updates and scheduling check-ins to ensure that work is being done.

2. Cultural Differences

Expect cultural differences from the start, especially if the digital marketing manager will be coming from another country. They might have different communication styles, work practices, and decision-making approaches.

For example, a Filipino virtual marketing assistant might appear overly polite and friendly, referring to superiors as “sir” or “ma’am,” due to their culture of respecting hierarchy.

3. Time Zone Differences

A common concern when sourcing staff from outside Australia is time zone misalignment. But Australia and the Philippines’ time zones only have two to three hours gap, allowing remote workers to overlap their work hours with the usual Australian schedule. Many virtual workers in the country adjust their time to match their client’s needs, enabling real-time collaboration and optimal productivity.

The Benefits of Working with a Remote Digital Marketing Manager

Around 56% of organisations outsource front-office functions, including outsourced digital marketing, for several benefits, including:

Cost Savings

Remote digital marketing managers usually require lower salaries compared to in-house staff. However, this does not mean that their expertise in digital marketing is inferior to local marketing managers. Most remote digital marketing staff drives better results over time, and their lower rates allows their clients to allot extra budget for other core business tasks.

On average, businesses that outsourced to the Philippines reported saving 70% on labour costs, largely due to the country’s lower cost of living and reduced overhead.

Scalability and Flexibility

Businesses can freely scale up or down depending on current needs when they hire offshore digital marketing managers. Outsourcing talent from other countries offers the flexibility to adjust resources if they need to cut down or expand their digital marketing campaigns.

In fact, 60% of companies reported that it is much quicker to scale their operations after they invested in remote talents.

Enhanced Overall Productivity

Studies found that offshoring increases a company’s performance and productivity by up to 25%. Remote digital marketing managers can streamline the execution of different marketing initiatives, allowing internal teams to focus more on core competencies, such as strategy planning and growth-related activities.

Fresh Perspective on Global Markets

Outsourcing allows firms to tap into a new realm of strategic ideas, especially in an industry like digital marketing which constantly evolves. Different cultures bring fresh viewpoints, new strategies, and creative campaigns, allowing brands to be more flexible when entering a new market or launching new products or services.

Challenges That Might Catch Companies Off-Guard

While offshoring delivers a plethora of amazing benefits, it also has its own set of challenges, including:

Cultural and Contextual Gaps in Branding Language

Cultural differences is usually the first barrier companies must overcome when offshoring. Every country has its way of marketing, usually shaped by the local market trends. An idea that clicks for one party might not work well with another, making clear communication crucial when building remote teams.

Micromanagement Risks

When offshore managers oversee vital operations, business owners might be tempted to keep checking in and attempt control of their work. While it can be assuring to check in constantly, too much oversight can unintentionally signal a lack of trust, which can be frustrating for even the most dedicated worker.

Tips for Making the Partnership Thrive

Establish Clear Expectations and Goals

Start with a detailed onboarding process.
Clearly define what success looks like for each campaign.
Use project management tools like Trello or Notion to keep tasks transparent and track progress.

Maintain Open and Regular Communication

Schedule weekly check-ins to discuss work, issues, or new ideas.
Use instant messaging platforms for quick questions.
Use tools like MS Teams or Zoom to stay connected.

Address Time Zone Gaps

Choose overlapping hours for high-priority meetings and agendas.
Utilise asynchronous communication tools like email and Slack.
Ensure clear and documented communication protocols.

Foster Cultural Understanding and Relationship Building

Encourage cultural exchange by sharing stories or celebrating holidays.
Invest in team bonding activities via video calls.
Take time to understand each other’s backgrounds.

Use Offshoring Agencies

Work with virtual assistant, offshoring, and outsourcing agencies to gain the right candidate.
Request for consultation and advice about how to hire a VA in the Philippines.

Experience Seamless Collaboration Across Borders with Outshore AU!

You have seen what working with a virtual marketing professional feels like; now, let us make it work right. You can maximise the benefits of offshoring your digital marketing operations by partnering with a professional who understands precisely what you need.

At Outshore AU, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest-quality talent from the Philippines. With our help, we will match you with a digital marketing expert whose skills and work ethic fit your business perfectly, making your remote collaboration effortless.