I’m Dave Nelson — a Swiss Army knife of digital marketing, available for part-time, contract, or freelance work starting at $75/hour.
If you’re looking for A doer and a thinker, ready to jump in — someone who can own a campaign, analyze performance, untangle a mess, or get strategy right the first time, let’s talk.
I’m especially effective in roles that need:
- A creative engine who turns ideas into execution
- Clear, actionable insights that make your data make sense
- Flexibility to evolve with your marketing needs and pivot with purpose
- A strategist who’s just as comfortable in the weeds doing the work
I’m passionate about improving customer experience and the bottom line—but I’m no longer chasing 60-hour weeks. I’ve got a year left in my MBA, I’m staying healthy after a heart attack two years ago, and I want to partner with people and teams where I can do high-impact, sustainable work.
Hiring Dave vs. Full-Time Hire
This table compares the benefits of hiring me on a freelance basis versus hiring a full-time marketer. Spoiler: I’m flexible, fast, and effective.
Compare Freelance vs Full-Time Hire
| Hiring Dave (Freelance) | Full-Time Hire | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Flexibility | ✅ Pay only for what you need | ❌ Salaried + taxes + benefits |
| Commitment Level | ✅ Low-risk trial periods | ❌ High commitment / harder to reverse |
| Ramp-Up Speed | ✅ Jump in fast, no training needed | ❌ Onboarding often takes weeks/months |
| Expertise | ✅ Senior-level across many areas | ✅ Depends on the hire |
| Flexibility | ✅ Scale hours up/down as needed | ❌ Fixed workload expectations |
| Benefits Required | ✅ None | ❌ Healthcare, PTO, 401K, insurance, etc. |
| Long-Term Fit | ✅ Ideal for interim or async help | ✅ Better for core, ongoing functions |
⚡ “You don’t need to hire 40 hours a week to get 25 years of experience.”
What’s in the Knife?
I’ve been called the Swiss Army knife of digital marketing — and it fits. I bring sharp, reliable skills across strategy, analytics, content, and more. But not every blade is equally sharp. I believe in transparency about where I excel and where I collaborate with others to deliver the best outcomes.
That’s why I created a Marketing Skill Matrix — an honest self-assessment across the digital marketing landscape. This isn’t inflated marketing fluff. When you truly understand what expertise looks like, rating yourself becomes more difficult. I’ve often considered my skills “average” in certain areas, only to find they outperform others who confidently consider themselves experts. It’s a reminder that real expertise includes knowing what you don’t know — and staying curious enough to keep learning, especially in today’s AI-driven world.
Below, you’ll see where I shine and where I lean on collaboration. It’s part of my commitment to clarity over overpromising — so you know exactly what you’re getting.
| Marketing Aspect | Rating (1–5) |
Familiar Platforms | How I Can Help | Limitations / Dependencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | ★★★★★ | BrightEdge, Semrush, Screaming Frog, Google Search Console | On-page, off-page, and technical SEO strategy and execution | Requires developer support for advanced technical changes |
| Paid Search | ★★★★☆ | Google Ads, Amazon Ads | ROI-focused campaign builds, keyword strategy, A/B testing | Less experience with Bing, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Tag manager setup typically handled with developer or analytics support. |
| Website Analytics | ★★★★☆ | Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics | Strategic analysis, data interpretation, optimization insights, and dashboard reporting | Limited hands-on experience with GA4 implementation; no SQL, R, or advanced data science skills |
| Business Intelligence | ★★★★☆ | Tableau, Databox | Visual storytelling through dashboards, performance reporting, and actionable analysis | Complex calculated fields and managing intricate data model relationships |
| Martech | ★★★★☆ | Broad experience across categories | RFP development, martech evaluation, vendor negotiations, procurement and renewal management | Deep technical implementation typically handled by platform specialists |
| Surveys / VoC Programs | ★★★★★ | Verint, Zoho | End-to-end survey programs, including design, distribution, and analysis — with deep experience in NPS, CSAT, and Voice of Customer initiatives | |
| Marketing Automation and Email Marketing | ★★★☆☆ | Eloqua | Email and field management, optimization strategy, preference center setup, audience segmentation | Limited experience with lead scoring models and CRM platform integration |
| Website Management | ★★★★☆ | Optimizely, WordPress | Website optimization, SEO-driven content creation, sprint planning and coordination, eCommerce performance improvements | Backend development typically handled by engineering teams |
Want to see the results I’ve delivered? Check out my executive portfolio.
Get to know Dave on a more personal level.