എക്സിക്യൂട്ടീവ്, സ്പെഷ്യലിസ്റ്റ്, സ്ട്രാറ്റജിസ്റ്റ്, കൺസൾട്ടന്റ് — റോളുകളും കേരളത്തിലെ ശമ്പളവും.
Job ads scramble these words, then argue about digital marketing salary as if the titles were the same job. They are not. An executive, a specialist, a strategist, and a consultant fail in different ways and should be priced differently — whether you are hiring in Kochi or writing your own freelance offer.
What each role owns
- Executive. Publishes approved posts, pulls report numbers, updates a profile, follows a checklist. Does not choose the channel.
- Specialist. Owns SEO or paid media. Can open Search Console or Google Ads and change the work based on queries or search terms.
- Strategist. Chooses the offer, the channel mix, and the cost per enquiry. The Calicut–Kannur–Thrissur version is described here.
- Consultant. Diagnoses and recommends. May not execute. You still need someone to ship the pages.
Pay bands
Employee bands match the Kochi and Kerala jobs guide: roughly ₹15,000–₹28,000, ₹30,000–₹55,000, and ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 as you move up that ladder. Freelance day rates should not undercut a specialist salary once you have proof.
Agency retainers in the pricing guide are company fees, not the salary of the person on your WhatsApp. Ask who does the work.
Which one to hire
Hire an executive only if a senior person inside your company sets the plan. Hire a specialist for a channel you already believe in. Hire a strategist when you are unsure where the money should go. Hire a consultant for a fixed diagnosis, then decide.
Use the 10-point checklist so a specialist title is not just a raised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a digital marketing executive and a specialist?
An executive follows a plan: scheduling, basic edits, reporting inputs. A specialist owns a channel — SEO or ads — and can change the plan when the numbers move.
How much do these roles pay in Kerala?
Executives often earn ₹15,000–₹28,000. Specialists ₹30,000–₹55,000. Strategists and consultants ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 or project fees above that, depending on proof and whether they bring clients.
Is a consultant the same as a freelancer?
A consultant is paid for decisions and diagnosis. A freelancer is often paid to execute. One person can do both, but the invoice should say which hat is on.