Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Marketing Manager
What marketing managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review campaign dashboards and lead numbers. From there, the day usually includes research markets, customers and competitors, develop marketing strategies and plans, and plan and launch campaigns. Most work full-time, with extra hours around launches and events.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a marketing manager working full time.
- Review campaign dashboards and lead numbers.
- Lead the marketing team stand-up.
- Meet the agency about a product launch campaign.
- Review the quarterly budget.
- Plan messaging with product managers.
- Approve ad creative and landing pages.
- Present results to the leadership team.
Where marketing managers work
Marketing managers work in offices or remotely, with meetings, computer work and occasional travel to events.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, with extra hours around launches and events.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Research markets, customers and competitors
- Develop marketing strategies and plans
- Plan and launch campaigns
- Manage budgets and agencies
- Lead marketing staff
- Measure campaign performance
- Work with sales and product teams
Tools you’ll use every day
- Marketing automation platforms such as HubSpot or Marketo
- Google Analytics
- Ad platforms
- CRM systems
- Project management tools
- Design and content tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Creative and analytical work
- Strategic influence
- Remote-friendly roles
What’s hard
- Pressure to show results
- Fast-changing channels
- Budget battles
- Deadlines around launches
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love creative ideas
- I like data and results
- I enjoy leading teams
- I like understanding customers
- I communicate well
- I want a high-paying business career
Not sure? Take the free Marketing Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow advertising and privacy laws
- Protect customer data
- Avoid misleading claims
- Manage team workload