Marketing Analyst vs. Data Analyst: What Are the Differences?

Data analysts and marketing analysts are both in-demand jobs that require strong analytical skills. If you’re interested in working in either field, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two. In this article, we compare and contrast marketing analysts and data analysts, including job duties, necessary skills and average salaries.

What is a Marketing Analyst?

Marketing Analysts collect and analyze data to help their company better understand the needs and wants of their target market. They use this information to create marketing plans and strategies designed to increase sales and grow their business. Marketing Analysts often work in advertising, market research or public relations. They use data from surveys, customer feedback, market trends and other sources to generate reports and presentations. Marketing Analysts present their findings to company executives and make recommendations on how to improve marketing efforts.

What is a Data Analyst?

Data Analysts collect, organize and study data to help companies make better business decisions. They use their findings to improve marketing strategies, product development, pricing and other business operations. Data Analysts work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing and manufacturing. They use statistical software to analyze data sets and identify trends. They also develop reports and presentations to share their findings with clients or management. Data Analysts typically have a bachelor’s degree in statistics, math or computer science.

Marketing Analyst vs. Data Analyst

Here are the main differences between a marketing analyst and a data analyst.

Job Duties

Data analysts and marketing analysts perform very different tasks, as their areas of focus are different. A data analyst’s primary responsibility is to ensure the success of a company by using data. They may conduct surveys or research studies to help them better understand their audience and what they need. Then, they use that information to develop strategies that improve a company’s performance.

Marketing analysts also work to improve a company’s performance, but they do so by developing campaigns and plans to boost sales. They often work on teams with other marketing and advertising professionals to create promotional material like brochures, ads and posters. Marketing analysts then use this material to inform consumers about a product, which can encourage them to make a purchase.

Job Requirements

Marketing analysts and data analysts often need at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration or another related field. However, some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well. Additionally, many marketing analysts and data analysts pursue certifications through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) or the American Marketing Association (AMA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use marketing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Marketing analysts typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to meet with clients and attend conferences. They spend most of their time working on projects that require them to analyze data and create reports for internal or external use.

Data analysts usually work in an office environment, although some companies hire them as freelancers who can work from home. They often spend long hours analyzing large amounts of data, so it’s important for them to have a quiet place where they can focus.

Skills

Both marketing analysts and data analysts use analytical skills to examine data and draw conclusions from their findings. Marketing analysts use data to understand how customers interact with a company’s products or services, while data analysts use data to understand how a company’s internal operations are functioning.

Marketing analysts also use communication skills to present their findings to clients or company decision-makers. They may need to explain complex concepts in layman’s terms and persuade others to take action based on their recommendations. Data analysts typically do not need to communicate their findings to others, but they may need to be able to effectively communicate with co-workers when discussing a project or problem.

Both marketing analysts and data analysts benefit from having strong computer skills. They often use spreadsheet programs, like Microsoft Excel, to organize and analyze data. They may also use statistical analysis software, like SPSS, to run more complex analyses. Additionally, both marketing analysts and data analysts may create reports or presentations using presentation software, like PowerPoint.

Salary

The average salary for a marketing analyst is $67,661 per year, while the average salary for a data analyst is $75,765 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of company you work for, your level of experience and your location.