Full-Time Employee vs. Freelancer: Which Should Malaysian Companies Hire for Digital Projects?

Meyra Abdullah -

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, Malaysian companies are constantly adapting their strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

One critical decision they face is whether to hire full-time employees or freelancers for their digital projects. Each option offers unique advantages and challenges that can significantly impact the success of a project.

Introduction:

As businesses grow and digital marketing becomes increasingly complex, finding the right talent is essential. Choosing between full-time employees and freelancers for your digital marketing needs can greatly impact your success. Full-time staff offer a deep connection to your company’s culture and long-term goals, while freelancers provide specialized skills and flexibility for short-term projects. Whether you need to boost your search engine ranking, manage ad campaigns, or create compelling content, understanding these options helps you make the best choice for your marketing strategy

This article will explore the key factors in choosing between full-time digital professionals and freelancers. We’ll compare the benefits and drawbacks of each option and provide a detailed overview of various digital roles. You’ll find information on salaries for full-time employees versus rates for freelancers, the experience required, and the essential skills needed.

This guide will help you make a well-informed decision that fits your company’s needs and budget.

1. SEO Specialist

Full-Time Salary

1) Junior Level:

  • RM3,300 to RM5,000 per month
  • Description: Junior SEO Specialists are often responsible for day-to-day SEO tasks such as keyword research, basic on-page optimization, and tracking website performance. They are typically in the early stages of their career, gaining experience and building foundational skills.
  • Example: A Junior SEO Specialist might handle on-page optimization and basic keyword research for your company’s website.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM5,800 to RM8,300 per month
  • Description: Senior SEO Specialists take on more strategic roles, including advanced on-page and off-page optimization, technical SEO, and in-depth analytics. They often lead SEO projects and mentor junior team members, requiring several years of experience and a deep understanding of SEO tactics.
  • Example: A Senior SEO Specialist could develop and execute comprehensive SEO strategies, including link-building and advanced analytics.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM8,300 to RM12,500 per month
  • Description: SEO Managers oversee the entire SEO strategy, coordinating with other departments and managing SEO teams. They are responsible for setting long-term SEO goals, budgeting, and ensuring the integration of SEO with broader marketing strategies.
  • Example: An SEO Manager would oversee a team, set strategic goals, and ensure alignment with broader marketing objectives.

Freelancer Rate:

1) Junior Level:

  • RM1,500 to RM3,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance Junior SEO Specialists typically work on specific tasks like keyword research and basic on-page SEO, offering their services on a project basis or part-time.
  • Example: Freelance Junior SEO Specialists might work on optimizing a single website or specific pages.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM3,000 to RM5,500 per project or per month
  • Description: Senior Freelance SEO Specialists can manage comprehensive SEO strategies and provide in-depth analysis. They are often hired for specific campaigns or ongoing consulting.
  • Example: Senior Freelancers can handle extensive SEO audits and strategic planning for multiple projects.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM5,500 to RM8,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance SEO Managers offer high-level SEO consulting and project management, often working on larger projects or multiple clients.
  • Example: Freelance SEO Managers may provide high-level SEO strategy and project oversight for larger campaigns.

Experience:

  • Junior: 1-2 years of experience, focusing on learning and implementing basic SEO techniques.
  • Senior: 3-5 years of experience, with expertise in advanced SEO strategies and team leadership.
  • Manager: 5+ years of experience, overseeing SEO departments and strategic planning.

Skills:

1) Keyword Research: Identifying relevant keywords and phrases to target in content and optimization.

2) On-Page SEO: Optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic.

3) Technical SEO: Improving site architecture and technical elements to enhance search engine indexing.

4) Link Building: Acquiring high-quality backlinks to boost domain authority and search rankings.

4) Content Strategy: Developing and managing content to attract and engage users.

5) Analytics & Reporting: Using tools like Google Analytics to measure SEO performance and ROI.

6) User Experience (UX): Enhancing site usability and design to improve visitor satisfaction and SEO.

7) Local SEO: Optimizing for local search results to attract nearby customers.


2. Paid Ads Expert

Full-Time Salary

1) Junior Level:

  • RM4,200 to RM5,800 per month
  • Description: Junior Paid Ads Experts manage day-to-day ad campaigns, including setting up ads, monitoring performance, and adjusting budgets. They are relatively new to the field but are gaining practical experience.
  • Example: A Junior Paid Ads Expert could manage PPC campaigns and analyze ad performance data.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM6,700 to RM10,000 per month
  • Description: Senior Paid Ads Experts develop and execute complex ad strategies, analyze performance data, and manage larger budgets. They bring extensive experience and often lead ad campaigns for significant projects.
  • Example: A Senior Paid Ads Expert would design complex ad strategies, optimize bids, and track ROI across various platforms.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM10,000 to RM15,000 per month
  • Description: Paid Ads Managers oversee multiple ad campaigns and teams, setting strategic goals and ensuring alignment with overall marketing objectives. They handle high-level planning and coordination.
  • Example: A Paid Ads Manager would lead ad campaigns, manage budgets, and oversee a team of ad specialists.

Freelancer Rate:

1) Junior Level:

  • RM2,000 to RM4,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance Junior Paid Ads Experts focus on executing specific campaign tasks or handling smaller projects.
  • Example: Freelance Junior Paid Ads Experts might run small-scale ad campaigns or assist with daily ad management tasks.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM4,000 to RM7,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Senior Freelance Paid Ads Experts provide advanced campaign management and optimization services on a contract basis.
  • Example: Senior Freelancers can design and manage larger, more complex ad campaigns for specific short-term needs.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM7,000 to RM10,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance Paid Ads Managers offer high-level strategic planning and management for large or multiple campaigns.
  • Example: Freelance Paid Ads Managers may provide strategic direction and oversight for major advertising projects.

Experience:

  • Junior: 1-2 years of experience, focusing on campaign execution and basic performance monitoring.
  • Senior: 3-5 years of experience, with expertise in complex ad strategies and performance analysis.
  • Manager: 5+ years of experience, leading ad campaigns and managing teams.

Skills:

1) Campaign Management: Setting up and overseeing ad campaigns to achieve marketing goals.

2) Data Analysis: Interpreting ad performance data to optimize campaigns and improve ROI.

3) Budget Management: Allocating and managing ad budgets to maximize effectiveness.

4) Audience Targeting: Defining and targeting specific audience segments for ads.

5) Copywriting: Crafting compelling ad copy that drives clicks and conversions.

6) A/B Testing: Testing different ad variations to determine the most effective approach.

7) Platform Expertise: Proficiency in ad platforms such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads.

3. Digital Marketing Specialist

Full-Time Salary:

1) Junior Level:

  • RM3,500 to RM5,000 per month
  • Description: Junior Digital Marketing Specialists assist with executing marketing campaigns, managing digital channels, and analyzing performance. They are early in their careers, focusing on gaining practical experience.
  • Example: A Junior Digital Marketing Specialist might assist with creating digital content, running PPC ads, and analyzing campaign results.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM5,800 to RM8,200 per month
  • Description: Senior Digital Marketing Specialists develop and oversee comprehensive digital marketing strategies, manage multi-channel campaigns, and analyze complex data. They bring considerable experience and strategic insight.
  • Example: A Senior Digital Marketing Specialist would develop and implement comprehensive digital marketing strategies, manage complex campaigns, and optimize performance across channels.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM8,200 to RM11,500 per month
  • Description: Digital Marketing Managers coordinate overall digital marketing efforts, including strategy development, budgeting, and team management. They ensure alignment of digital initiatives with broader business objectives.
  • Example: A Digital Marketing Manager oversees digital marketing efforts, coordinates between teams, and ensures alignment with business objectives.

Freelancer Rate:

1) Junior Level:

  • RM1,800 to RM3,500 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance Junior Digital Marketing Specialists work on specific tasks such as campaign execution and basic analytics on a project or part-time basis.
  • Example: Freelance Junior Digital Marketing Specialists might handle specific tasks such as setting up ad campaigns or creating digital content.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM3,500 to RM6,500 per project or per month
  • Description: Senior Freelance Digital Marketing Specialists manage larger projects, including strategy and multi-channel campaigns.
  • Example: Senior Freelancers can design and manage comprehensive digital marketing strategies, including SEO, PPC, and email marketing.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM6,500 to RM9,500 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance Digital Marketing Managers offer strategic planning and oversight for major campaigns or multiple clients.
  • Example: Freelance Digital Marketing Managers might oversee large-scale digital projects or multiple client accounts.

Experience:

1) Junior: 1-2 years of experience in digital marketing roles, focusing on campaign execution and analytics.

2) Senior: 3-5 years of experience, with a focus on strategy development and multi-channel management.

3) Manager: 5+ years of experience, overseeing digital marketing teams and comprehensive strategies.

Skills:

1) Digital Strategy Development: Creating and implementing effective digital marketing strategies.

2) Campaign Management: Managing digital marketing campaigns across various platforms.

3) Analytics & Reporting: Analyzing performance data to refine strategies and improve ROI.

4) Content Creation: Developing content tailored for digital channels to engage audiences.

5) SEO & SEM: Expertise in search engine optimization and marketing.

6) Social Media Management: Overseeing social media channels and campaigns.

7) Email Marketing: Designing and executing email marketing campaigns.

8) Budget Management: Allocating and managing digital marketing budgets effectively.

4. Senior CRM Manager

Full-Time Salary:

1) Junior Level:

  • RM4,000 to RM5,500 per month
  • Description: Junior CRM Managers support CRM system operations, manage customer data, and assist in campaign execution. They are newer to the role, focusing on learning and applying CRM best practices.
  • Example: A Junior CRM Manager might handle customer database management and assist with CRM campaigns

2) Senior Level:

  • RM6,500 to RM9,000 per month
  • Description: Senior CRM Managers design and implement CRM strategies, analyze customer data, and oversee CRM systems. They bring significant experience and strategic insight into customer relationship management.
  • Example: A Senior CRM Manager would design and execute CRM strategies, manage customer segmentation, and analyze data to improve customer engagement.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM9,000 to RM12,500 per month
  • Description: CRM Managers lead CRM strategy and team, ensuring effective customer engagement and retention strategies are in place. They manage CRM operations, budgets, and cross-departmental integration.
  • Example: A Senior CRM Manager leads CRM strategy across the organization, oversees a team, and coordinates with other departments to enhance customer relationships.

Freelancer Rate:

1) Junior Level:

  • RM2,000 to RM4,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance Junior CRM Managers handle specific CRM tasks or smaller projects, often focusing on data management and campaign support.
  • Example: Freelance Junior CRM Managers might work on specific CRM tasks or short-term projects.

2) Senior Level:

  • RM4,000 to RM7,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Senior Freelance CRM Managers provide strategic CRM management and system implementation on a contract basis.
  • Example: Senior Freelancers can develop and manage CRM strategies for specific campaigns or projects.

3) Manager Level:

  • RM7,000 to RM10,000 per project or per month
  • Description: Freelance CRM Managers offer high-level CRM strategy and management for major projects or multiple clients.
  • Example: Freelance Senior CRM Managers might provide high-level strategy and oversight for major CRM initiatives.

Experience:

1) Junior: 1-2 years of experience in CRM roles, focusing on data management and campaign support.

2) Senior: 3-5 years of experience, with expertise in CRM strategy and system management.

3) Manager: 5+ years of experience, overseeing CRM teams and strategic customer engagement initiatives.

Skills:

1) CRM Strategy: Developing and implementing strategies to manage customer relationships.

2) Customer Data Analysis: Analyzing customer data to inform CRM strategies and improve engagement.

3) Campaign Management: Managing CRM campaigns to drive customer retention and loyalty.

4) CRM Systems Proficiency: Expertise in using CRM software like Salesforce or HubSpot.

5) Segmentation & Targeting: Creating customer segments for targeted marketing efforts.

6) Customer Insights: Understanding and leveraging customer behavior and preferences.

7) Automation: Implementing CRM automation for efficiency and effectiveness.

8) Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with other departments to integrate CRM efforts with overall marketing and business strategies.

Making the Right Choice: Full-Time Employee vs. Freelancer

When deciding between hiring a full-time employee or a freelancer for your digital projects, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your company and the nature of the work involved. Here’s a quick comparison:

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

  • Consistency & Reliability: Full-time employees offer stability and a long-term commitment, making them ideal for ongoing projects and roles integral to your business.
  • Company Culture: Full-time employees integrate better into your company’s culture and align with long-term business goals.
  • Team Collaboration: Employees are more readily available for cross-departmental collaboration and internal meetings.

Full-Time Employee Drawbacks:

  • Higher Costs: The overall cost of a full-time employee includes benefits, payroll taxes, and other long-term expenses.
  • Limited Flexibility: Full-time employees may not always be the best fit for short-term or specialized projects.

Freelancer Benefits:

  • Flexibility: Freelancers offer flexibility and can be hired on a per-project basis, making them ideal for short-term or highly specialized work.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: You only pay for the work you need, without long-term commitments like benefits or employment taxes.
  • Specialized Expertise: Freelancers often focus on specific skills, offering deep expertise in areas like SEO, Paid Ads, or CRM.

Freelancer Drawbacks:

  • Less Availability: Freelancers may not always be available when you need them, especially if they juggle multiple clients.
  • Limited Integration: Freelancers may not integrate as deeply into your company’s culture or long-term goals as full-time employees.

Final Thoughts

The decision between hiring a full-time employee and a freelancer depends on your project’s scope, budget, and the specific expertise required. If you’re looking for long-term growth and need someone deeply embedded in your business, a full-time employee may be the best option. However, if you need specialized skills for a short-term project, hiring a freelancer can offer flexibility and cost savings.

By carefully evaluating your business needs and project goals, you can make the right choice that aligns with your company's budget and growth strategy.

Get in Touch with Us

Whether you’re looking for a full-time digital expert or a skilled freelancer, Seekers Malaysia can help you find the right talent. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs and find the perfect fit for your next digital project!

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