Hiring an Online Media Buyer

According to this study, Americans spend an average of 7 hours and 3 minutes online each day as of 2024!

Your customers are online, especially the younger ones. So having an online media buyer on your team can be a total game-changer. They'll help you boost your online presence and drive effective advertising campaigns. 

Let's dive into what they do, the skills you should look for, and why hiring one is a great idea for your business.

‍

What Does an Online Media Buyer Do?

An online media buyer is like a superhero when it comes to purchasing advertising space on various digital platforms. 

‍

At Somewhere, we’ve placed 53 Online Media Buyers so far (and still counting!) and here are the top 5 most frequent key responsibilities according to our clients:

‍

Campaign Strategy and Execution

• Developing, launching, and optimizing PPC campaigns across platforms like Google Ads, Meta (Facebook), TikTok, and Snapchat.
• Conducting A/B testing to improve campaign performance.

Budget Management

• Monitoring and optimizing budgets to maximize ROI and ensure cost efficiency.
• Adjusting bids and allocations based on performance metrics.

Performance Analysis and Reporting

• Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and providing actionable insights through detailed reports.
• Regularly communicating campaign results to stakeholders.

Audience Targeting and Optimization

• Conducting audience research and segmentation to reach the most relevant users.
• Refining targeting strategies to enhance ad effectiveness.

Collaboration and Cross-Team Coordination

• Working closely with creative, account management, and product teams to align strategies with business goals.
• Partnering with stakeholders to streamline workflows and exceed client expectations

‍

Skills to Look for in an Online Media Buyer

So are you now seeing the value of adding an Online Media Buyer to your team?

Let our clients help you make sure you hire the right one! We’ve collated the top skills and qualifications that they looked for when they were still on the hunt for an Online Media Buyer:

• Experience in Paid Media Advertising: Proven track record in managing paid media campaigns, particularly on platforms like Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and Google Ads.

• Required experience ranges from 2–5+ years, with emphasis on performance-driven results.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze campaign data and metrics (e.g., ROAS, CPC, CTR) to make informed decisions.

• Proficiency in tools like Google Analytics, Excel (pivot tables, calculations), and other tracking platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of ad platforms such as Meta Ads Manager, TikTok Ads Manager, Google Ads, and emerging platforms like Pinterest.

• Expertise in bidding models, audience segmentation, and optimization techniques.

• Communication and Collaboration Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting insights and strategies to clients or stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and collaborate on creative strategies.
• Detail-Oriented and Organizational Skills: High attention to detail for managing multiple campaigns simultaneously without compromising quality.
• Ability to adapt quickly to platform changes and implement new strategies effectively.

‍

Key Platforms for Media Buying

From our hiring data so far, businesses in the U.S. are mostly interested in experience with these platforms:

‍

• Google Ads: Mastery of Google Ads ensures optimal visibility when potential customers search for relevant products or services.
  
  
• Facebook Ads: Proficiency in Facebook Ads is crucial for segmenting audiences based on demographics, interests, and user behavior.
  
  
• LinkedIn Ads: For B2B companies, LinkedIn Ads can be a powerful tool for reaching professionals and decision-makers.
  
  
• Twitter Ads: Understanding how to leverage promoted tweets, trends, and accounts to gain traction in trending topics related to your brand.
  
  
• TikTok Ads: Creating compelling short-form videos that resonate with TikTok's user base is essential.
  
  
• Programmatic Advertising Platforms: Utilizing platforms like Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs) allows for automated ad buying and real-time bidding.
  
  

Salary Expectations for Online Media Buyers

Okay, let's talk money! What can you expect to pay an online media buyer? Well, it really depends on a few things:

• Experience Level: Generally, you might see entry-level media buyers starting around $40,000-$50,000 per year. As they gain experience and move into Senior media buyers roles, that can easily jump to $70,000-$100,000 or even more. But the good news is– you can easily hire a pro for as low as $18,000 a year. 
  
  
• Location: Salaries can vary quite a bit depending on where the remote talent is located. If you want an overall glimpse of the Philippine, Latin American, and South African remote hiring landscape, we've put together a guide here.
  
  
• Specific Skills: Does the candidate have expertise in a niche area like programmatic buying or deep experience with Facebook Advertising? Specialized skills can command a premium.
  
  

Related: See how much you can save when you hire Paid Ads Managers through Somewhere.

‍

Keep in mind that these are just ballpark figures. It's always a good idea to research average salaries in your specific area and industry to get a more accurate idea of what to expect. Don't forget to factor in benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and any other perks you offer.

‍

Benefits of Hiring an Online Media Buyer

Hiring an online media buyer can bring several benefits to your business:

• Enhanced Campaign Performance: They help optimize ad performance to achieve maximum ROI.
  
  
• Expertise in Digital Platforms: They have in-depth knowledge of various digital platforms, ensuring your ads reach the right audience.
  
  
• Strategic Budget Management: They manage advertising budgets effectively, ensuring you get the most out of your spend.
  
  
• Improved Collaboration: They work closely with your marketing team and creative team to ensure cohesive campaigns.
  
  

PLUS: Not only will you hire a qualified team member, but also you’ll get to save huge dollars when you hire your Media Buyer remotely. Read more about how a Digital Advertising Agency Hired a Media Buyer and Marketing Assistant for $1,500/ month here!

So, if you're serious about taking your online presence to the next level, consider bringing an online media buyer into the fold!

‍

Hiring an Online Media Buyer through Somewhere

‍

Somewhere helps businesses find top remote talent from regions like the Philippines, Latin America, and South Africa.

We use a team of professional headhunters to find, screen, and vet talent on your behalf. Here’s a closer look at our process:

‍

‍

Instead of spending weeks sorting through applications, our clients enjoy fast and efficient remote hiring — plus a 6-month guarantee.

‍

‍

FAQs on Hiring an Online Media Buyer

‍

‍