Digital Entrepreneur

What the F Is a Full Stack Marketer?

What is a Full Stack Marketer (FSM)?

You’ve probably heard the term referenced when speaking about Developers. “Full Stack” meaning a complete skill set in the field. A full stack marketer is a versatile marketing professional proficient in various areas of marketing, including SEO, SEM, content creation, social media management, data analysis, web development, and email marketing. They possess a broad skill set that allows them to strategise and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring cohesive and effective marketing efforts. This role is crucial for businesses looking to integrate all aspects of their marketing strategy under one knowledgeable individual.

Expertise and skills you can expect from a Full Stack Marketer

Technical Skills

  • SEO and SEM: Importance and tools.
  • Data Analysis: Using analytics for strategy.

Content Creation

  • Copywriting: Crafting compelling content.
  • Graphic Design: Using tools like Canva.
  • Video Production: Role of video in marketing.

Social Media Management

  • Strategies for engagement.
  • Tools for scheduling and analytics.

Email Marketing

  • Building and managing email lists.
  • Effective campaign techniques.

Customer Support

  • Community Management: Organic posts, live chat.
  • Public Relations: Influencer outreach, traditional press.

Paid Advertising

  • Platforms: Google Adwords, Facebook Ads.
  • Strategy: Budgeting and targeting.

Market Research

  • Conducting focus groups.
  • Competitor analysis.

Storytelling

Formats: Blogs, emails, videos.

Engagement: Creating compelling narratives.

9. Website Optimization

Technical: Landing pages, CRM integrations.

UX/UI: Design and user experience.

Strategic Planning

  • Funnel Marketing: Audience profiling, lead generation.
  • Big Data: A/B testing, Google Analytics, reporting.

Mobile Marketing

  • Optimisation: App store promotion, mobile user experience.

E-Commerce

  • Platforms: Shopify, Amazon.
  • Payment Solutions: PayPal, Stripe.

How do I become a FSM?

As you can see from the list above, to be a FSM you need quite the skillset. Hilarious to think, years ago this was known as “Jack of all trades”. I feel like this is something you fall into out of curiosity and I suppose entrepreneurial thinking. People tend to go to college or university to specialise in an area of Advertising / Marketing, where as after finishing my degree I thought .. Yeah so what do I do now? 

Throughout my career, I have had the constant battle with people about the different skill sets required for marketing and sales and then in the next breath the battle about how marketing is more impactful with data. The one thing is apparent, a true marketer who can translate sales/ product/ tech is essential and a unicorn.

How is a Full Stack Marketer different from a T-Shaped Marketer

A T-shaped marketer is a professional with a broad understanding of various marketing disciplines (represented by the horizontal bar of the “T”) and deep expertise in one or a few specific areas (the vertical bar of the “T”). This model combines generalist knowledge with specialist skills, making T-shaped marketers versatile and highly valuable in the marketing field.

Breadth with Specialization: Has a broad understanding of multiple marketing areas but specializes deeply in one or two.

Roles: Offers general marketing knowledge while excelling in specific fields like SEO or content marketing.

Approach: Focuses on leveraging deep expertise in key areas while supporting other marketing activities with basic knowledge.

 

 

Key Differences:

Skill Range: Full stack marketers have extensive skills across many areas, while T-shaped marketers specialize deeply in a few.

Approach: Full stack marketers provide a more integrated, all-encompassing strategy, whereas T-shaped marketers offer focused expertise with broad support.

If you’re a full-stack marketer you can complete everything your client needs from start to finish. A purple marketing unicorn will be able to easily produce successful campaigns at every stage of the marketing funnel.

A Chief Marketing Officer should be a Full Stack Marketer

A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) embodies the role of a full stack marketer, leveraging a comprehensive skill set to drive a company’s marketing strategy. CMOs are adept at both technical and creative aspects of marketing, from SEO and data analysis to content creation and public relations. They manage cross-channel campaigns, optimise digital presence, and engage with customers across various platforms. Their strategic vision includes market research, branding, and e-commerce, ensuring cohesive and effective marketing efforts that align with business objectives. With my background as a Full Stack Marketer, I am able to offer businesses the opportunity to engage as a Fractional CMO, this approach helps your business achieve its goals without the commitment of a full-time executive.