It’s no secret that a strong marketing strategy is key to any successful SaaS business. No wonder, recent data show SaaS companies spend the highest of their revenues on sales and marketing, delving into up to 50% of their budget. But what if you don’t have the time or resources to handle marketing yourself?
That’s where a SaaS marketing manager comes in. Finding and procuring the right person for this role can be tricky, but with the right tips it can be done. So, how do you go about finding and hiring the best SaaS marketing manager for your SaaS business? Keep reading to find out.
The benefits of having the right SaaS marketing manager
In today’s business world, SaaS marketing managers are in high demand with nearly 300,000 currently employed in the U.S. Earning about $120,000 a year on average, they provide a much-needed service to software companies who want to increase their online visibility and reach a wider audience.
Below are a few reasons why you need to ensure your SaaS marketing manager is the right fit:
- They can help a SaaS company to achieve its goals by developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies.
- They have the ability to manage a team of marketing professionals, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of your business.
- They provide valuable insights into your target market and customers, helping you to better understand their needs. This understanding can then be used to create more targeted and effective marketing campaigns
- They can also provide valuable insights into the latest trends in the software industry and identify new opportunities for growth. As a result, companies that hire a SaaS marketing manager can expect to see a significant return on their investment.
What to look for in a SaaS marketing manager
When it comes to finding a SaaS marketing manager, there are a few key qualities to look for as follows:
First and foremost, they should have a deep understanding of the SaaS product and how it fits into the larger market. An ideal candidate will have experience working with and marketing similar products.
They should also be able to develop and execute a marketing plan that is aligned with the company’s overall goals and objectives. The plan should be realistic and achievable, with measurable milestones to track progress.
They should have a strong understanding of digital marketing automation tools and how to use them effectively. This includes everything from social media to email marketing and lead generation. Some of the most important tools for a SaaS marketing manager include Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Mailchimp.
In addition, they should be able to effectively measure and track results so that they can continue to optimize the marketing strategy. Some of the key metrics they should be tracking include leads, website traffic, conversion rates, and customer retention rates.
Read our blog on 18 Essential SaaS Marketing Metrics You Should Track In 2022
Finally, they should have strong communication skills and be able to work collaboratively with other members of the marketing team. Ideally, the candidate must know how to manage a team and be able to delegate tasks effectively.
By finding a candidate with these essential qualities, you can be confident that you have found a SaaS marketing manager who will be a valuable asset to your team.
Responsibilities of a SaaS marketing manager
A SaaS marketing manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies that promote the growth of the SaaS company he/she works for. This includes everything from identifying target markets to creating and managing marketing campaigns. In addition, they are also responsible for measuring and tracking results to ensure that the marketing strategy is effective
Some of the specific responsibilities of a SaaS marketing manager are as follows:
Plan and execute marketing programs
The SaaS marketing manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing programs that generate demand for the company’s products and services. This includes developing marketing plans, setting budgets, and designing and implementing marketing campaigns.
Manage lead generation activities
The SaaS marketing manager is also responsible for managing lead generation activities, such as developing lead generation programs, setting up lead capture forms on the company website, and managing email marketing campaigns.
Analyze market Trends
In order to develop effective marketing programs, the SaaS marketing manager must be able to analyze market trends and understand the needs of the company’s target market. This requires research into the latest industry trends as well as understanding the competitive landscape.
Develop messaging and positioning
Once the SaaS marketing manager understands the needs of the target market, they can then develop messaging and positioning for the company’s products and services. This involves creating value propositions, taglines, and other messaging that will resonate with potential customers.
Create marketing collateral
The SaaS marketing manager is also responsible for creating marketing collateral, such as website content, brochures, case studies, white papers, and blog posts. This collateral is used to promote the company’s products and services to potential customers.
Manage social media accounts
In addition to traditional marketing activities, the SaaS marketing manager must also be proficient in social media marketing. This involves creating and managing social media accounts for the company, posting regular updates, and engaging with potential customers online.
Conduct market research
Conducting market research is another important responsibility of the SaaS marketing manager. This research helps to identify market trends, understand customer needs, and assess competitor activity. Market research can be conducted through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and secondary research sources such as industry reports.
Develop pricing strategies
The SaaS marketing manager is also responsible for developing pricing strategies that maximize revenue while still being competitive in the marketplace. This requires an understanding of cost structures as well as an analysis of competitor pricing models.
Manage advertising activities
The SaaS marketing manager must also be proficient in managing advertising activities, such as developing ad campaigns, negotiating ad rates with publishers, and monitoring campaign performance. They may also be responsible for managing paid search campaigns and developing display advertising strategies
How to go about finding and hiring the best SaaS marketing manager for your business
A good marketing manager can be the difference between a successful launch and a flop, so it’s important to take the time to find the right person for the job.
The first step is to understand what you need from a marketing manager. What are your goals and objectives? What is your budget? Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start to narrow down your candidates. You can use job boards or online directories to find potential candidates, or you can reach out to your network of contacts. Some of the best sites to source candidates include Indeed, LinkedIn, and UpWork.
Once you have a list of potential candidates, the next step is to conduct interviews. This is your chance to get to know the candidate and assess their suitability for the job. Be sure to ask about their experience, their understanding of the SaaS product, and their marketing strategy.
Next, take a look at each candidate’s experience and portfolio. Do they have experience with SaaS businesses? Do they understand your target market? Do they have a track record of success? Make sure to ask plenty of questions so you can get a good sense of their abilities.
Be sure to run a background check and reference check on the candidate before making your final decision. These checks will help to ensure that the candidate is who they say they are and that they have the experience and skills necessary for the job.
Finally, it’s time to make a decision. Choose the candidate who you think is the best fit for your business and make an offer. With the right marketing manager on your team, you’ll be well on your way to success.
Questions you should ask during the interview process
The interview process is a key part of any job application, and it’s important to make the most of it. Here are some questions you should ask during the interview process:
1. What is your experience in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry?
2. What marketing channels have you used to generate leads for a SaaS company?
3. What are some of the most successful marketing campaigns you have implemented for a SaaS company?
4. What do you think is the most important aspect of marketing a SaaS company?
5. What are some of the challenges you have faced when marketing a SaaS company?
6. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the SaaS industry?
7. What do you think is the biggest misconception about SaaS marketing?
8. Who are some of your clients in the SaaS industry?
9. What results have you been able to achieve for your clients in the SaaS industry?
10. Would you be willing to provide a case study or testimonial from a past client in the SaaS industry?
Asking these questions will help you get to know the candidate better and determine if they are a good fit for your company. Additionally, this information can help you decide if the candidate has the necessary skills and experience to manage your SaaS marketing efforts.
Things to consider after you’ve hired a SaaS marketing manager
After you’ve hired a SaaS marketing manager, there are a few things you’ll need to consider in order to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
First, you’ll need to provide the manager with a clear understanding of your company’s goals and objectives. Without this information, it will be difficult for the manager to develop an effective marketing strategy.
Next, you’ll need to give the manager access to all of your company’s marketing materials, including your website, social media accounts, and any other relevant assets. This will allow the manager to get a better sense of your brand and help to develop a more targeted marketing approach.
Finally, you’ll need to establish clear communication channels between you and the manager. This will ensure that you’re both on the same page and that any questions or concerns can be quickly addressed. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your SaaS marketing manager is able to effectively promote your business.
Final Thoughts
As a SaaS founder, it can be difficult to know what to look for in a SaaS marketing manager. But the benefits of having the right SaaS marketing manager are clear. By taking the time to find and hire the best SaaS marketing manager possible, you’ll be able to focus on other areas of your business while knowing that your marketing is in good hands. Questions you should ask during the interview process will help you determine if a candidate has the skills and experience necessary to succeed in this role. And after you’ve hired someone, there are still things to consider in order to make sure they’re hitting their targets and helping your business grow.
For more tips on growing your SaaS business, visit our blog. We publish new articles every week, so be sure to check back often!