But what does a career in digital media sales entail? First, stop and think about all the advertising you see or hear: on the side of a bus, in a magazine, on TV. Whatever it is, someone had to sell that ad slot to a client. And that’s what someone in digital media sales does: sells media space.
Personality and Positivity Are Must Haves as a Digital Media Planner
As with most sales jobs, digital media planners have to be personable. They have to build relationships with consumers and clients in order to land sales. They have to present positive images of their companies so that potential clients will be attracted to them and buy into whatever the given company is offering.
Digital Media Planners Work with Various Directors in Various Industries, Including HR and Marketing
Typically, digital media planners work with marketing directors, HR directors, and managing directors. A digital media planner uses his or her strong communications skills to persuade these types of clients to choose his or her company over all the others. Digital media planners must persuade marketing directors, HR directors, and managing directors to choose their companies, because, otherwise, another company will snatch the sale.
What Are the Responsibilities and Expectations of a Digital Media Planner? Making Cold Calls and Understanding the Client’s Business Are at the Top
One way to win clients, as in most other sales jobs, is by making cold calls. But before you start calling, make sure you know your potential client and the industry they are in. Understand what the client’s business is about. This way, when you’re on the phone with a client, you can explain exactly why your company would work best. And eventually, if you are successful making cold calls, you can move up to selling to clients in person.
The Education of a Digital Media Planner Includes a Bachelor’s Degree and One to Two Years of Experience in the Field
Most likely, a company seeking to hire digital media planners will require that applicants have a college degree — preferably in business, communications, or statistics — along with one to two years of digital planning experience. Any extra knowledge of digital media, advertising, marketing, or technology is a plus, as is having strong communication skills, creativity, and a customer-service background
What Does the Current Job Market for Digital Media Planners Look Like?
According to Salary.com, the average base salary for a media planner is between $41,184 and $54,022. Not bad. Remember, in typical sales jobs, there is also the possibility of commissions, which can be quite high, depending on the client and the sale.
Conclusion
So if you have an interest in the entertainment industry and in a career in sales, become a digital media planner and get the best of both worlds.
