Media Buyer vs. Creative Strategist - All you need to know

Media Buyer vs. Creative Strategist: I tell you what they do, when to hire them, and how they work together to maximize ad performance.

Media Buyer vs. Creative Strategist - All you need to know

If you’re an e-commerce brand and you're running ads, you’ve probably heard about media buyers and creative strategists. But what do they actually do? And which one should you hire first? Let’s break it down:

👨🏽💻 Media Buyer: The Numbers Pro

A media buyer is the person who manages where, when, and how much you spend on ads. They:

  • Choose the right platforms for your ads (e.g., Facebook, Google, TikTok).
  • Set up and manage campaigns to reach the most relevant audience.
  • Monitor performance metrics like CTR (click-through rate) and ROAS (return on ad spend).
  • Adjust budgets, audiences, and bidding strategies to optimize results.

Here’s the best part: You can find excellent media buyers on platforms like Upwork from all over the world. Many are affordable, with rates starting around $20-$50/hour.

When you need one:

  • You have great creatives (videos and pictures) ready to launch as ads, but need someone to help you scale effectively.
  • Your ads are getting impressions but aren’t converting, or your ROAS is underperforming.

Media buyers are basically the ones who make sure every dollar you spend is working as hard as it can. They’re about performance and squeezing the most out of your budget.

💡 Creative Strategist: The Ideas Person

A creative strategist creates ads (videos and pictures) people actually want to watch. They combine creativity with strategy to ensure your content not only grabs attention but also drives results. Here’s what they do:

  • Brainstorm Concepts: They come up with ideas for ad campaigns that resonate with your target audience
  • Write Hooks, Headlines, and Scripts: They craft attention-grabbing hooks, engaging headlines, and scripts that tell a story, making your audience stop scrolling.
  • Hire Creators and Manage Content: If your campaign needs videos, they find and manage content creators who can bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a relatable UGC-style video or a polished product demo, they ensure the content matches the platform and your audience.
  • Create Static Images and Graphics: Not every ad needs video. They also design (or guide the design of) static images, infographics, or carousel ads that pop and convert.
  • Test and Tweak Headlines and Visuals: They’re constantly brainstorming and testing variations of headlines, taglines, and visual elements to see what performs best.

When You Need One:

  • Your ads aren’t converting, and you don’t know if it’s the content or the targeting.
  • You’re launching a new product and need fresh, creative ideas to introduce it to the market.
  • Your team lacks the expertise to create scroll-stopping content or manage creators effectively.

Think of a creative strategist as the storyteller and project manager of your ad campaigns. They make sure your ads look good, feel authentic, and, most importantly, work.
At She Said Creatives, we offer a flexible and affordable solution for brands looking to scale their content. Whether you need scroll-stopping videos, catchy headlines, or a fresh creative direction, we make it happen. Feel free to jump on a call with me for a free brainstorming session:
https://calendly.com/silja-stallbaum/30-min

Let’s bring your ideas to life! 🚀