What Is A Media Buyer?

Posted on by
What Is A Media Buyer?

A media buyer purchases advertising space on TV, radio, in print publications and on the Internet for their clients. Media buyers work at advertising agencies but they can also be found at regular businesses. Media buyers are responsible for locating their clients’ target audiences and then developing the best ways to reach these audiences. Media buyers also conduct research on their target audience’s preferences as well as general research on advertising trends. They seek out prime times for placing their clients’ advertising space in order to reach more customers, and they often work on multiple projects during the week or month.

How to Become One 

You should get a bachelor’s degree in mass communications or advertising before becoming a media buyer since this is a requirement by most employers of media buyers. While you’re in college join the advertising department of the campus newspaper or yearbook and place this on your resume. Also seek out advertising internships with local newspapers and broadcast stations. Attend media industry job fairs in town and leave your resume with some of the employers there. The skills you’ll need as a media buyer include ability to communicate well, strong negotiating skills, a pleasant attitude, good computer skills, understanding of how advertising works, time management and decision making skills.

Salary of Media Buyers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a media buyer can earn between $42,000 and $56,000 annually and if you have over three years of experience you can earn $74,000 per year. Where you live affects your salary and media buyers who live in metropolitan areas are likely to earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns. As for the outlook, there will be growth by 13% up to the year 2020.

Media buyers play a large role in how advertisements are placed within certain media outlets, and they work together with their clients to promote new products and services to the general public. This is a fun, challenging yet rewarding career for those with the determination, effort and confidence to enter and stay relevant in it.

Author

Established since 2009, Jobs Section has emerged as the leading staffing solutions provider that has set a proven track record for matching the right people to the right organization within the shortest time. With our vast network of resources, extensive databases and defined recruitment processes, we have been successfully bridging talented job seekers of the highest caliber to employers who only want the best in their teams. In our relentless pursuit of excellent service, we have adopted best practices and dynamic growth strategies in expanding our operations across country.