Navigating Fair Compensation for Your Skills in the Marketing World
In the dynamic realm of marketing, the intersection of creativity and technology often brings forth unique challenges. As a professional working for a marketing agency, I’ve encountered a dilemma that raises questions about fair pay for specialized skills.
My role involves collaborating with tools like WordPress and Figma to design and develop landing pages and websites. Recently, a client approached us with a request for a site that mirrors macropolis.pe. While the design may appear straightforward, the features that caught my attention include a 360-degree virtual tour and an interactive map—elements I’m fully equipped to handle.
After a thorough analysis using developer tools, I discovered that the original website utilizes Pano2vr for the virtual tour and MapboxGL for the interactive map, with licenses costing around 500 euros annually. Unfortunately, these costs were not included in our initial project scope. The client has hesitated to cover these additional expenses, and my company is reluctant to invest in the licenses as well.
With my background in advanced technologies such as Three.js, WebGL, and GSAP, I am confident in my ability to produce these interactive components myself. However, I face a significant barrier: if I take on this task, I would not receive additional compensation for my expertise. Despite my reluctance, the team insists that I proceed with the project.
What troubles me further is the potential for my work to be utilized for other clients by my company, effectively sidelining my involvement. This scenario prompts me to consider an alternative path: Should I develop these features independently and present them to my CEO as a product that could be marketed for a premium? Given the agency’s focus on real estate, these tools could prove invaluable to our clients.
Ultimately, I find myself at a crossroads—should I take the initiative to create something that could enhance our offerings and, in turn, justify my valuation? Or am I overestimating my position within the company and the market? It’s a tricky situation, and I invite any insights from fellow professionals who may have faced similar predicaments.
Navigating the complexities of job roles and compensation requires careful consideration, especially when your skills can significantly enhance a project’s value. What are your thoughts on this? Should expertise be compensated fairly, or is it just part of the job?
2 responses to “Am I justified in asking for higher payment in this scenario?”
Your situation is indeed challenging, and it raises several important considerations about your value as a developer and designer, especially in a competitive field like marketing and web development. Here are some insights and practical advice you can consider:
Assess Your Value and Skills
Market Research on Rates: You should start by analyzing the standard rates for similar work in your region. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, or even specific freelance platforms such as Upwork can give you an idea of how much professionals with similar skills and experience earn. If your skills in Three.js, WebGL, and GSAP are in demand, they certainly add value to your contributions.
Showcase Your Skills: Make a list of all the skills and capabilities you bring to the table in this project. If you can deliver high-quality interactive elements that utilize cutting-edge technologies, that increases your bargaining power. You may want to create a portfolio piece showing what you can achieve, which can be impressive to both your current employer and future clients.
Negotiation Strategies
Discuss the Project Scope: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to clarify the project’s scope. Present your findings about Pano2vr and Mapboxgl and explain how incorporating those systems enhances the project. Highlight the extra knowledge and skills you possess that aren’t reflected in your current pay.
Propose a Licensing Solution: Instead of positioning it as a demand for a raise, frame it as a solution to a problem. Suggest that if the agency cannot cover software licenses, perhaps you could find a way for them to purchase or license the solution you create separately.
Intellectual Property Consideration: If you do complete the work outside your job’s parameters, consider drafting an agreement regarding intellectual property rights. Make sure it is clear whether your company or you own the rights to any code or applications you develop.
Long-term Perspective
Creating a Product: Your idea of creating a product that they could purchase is a strong business model. If you go in this direction, consider how you can make your product stand alone and solve issues faced by the industry.
Freelancing or Starting a Side Business: If you feel underappreciated and undervalued, it may be worth exploring freelance opportunities. Building your brand outside of your current position could lead to better compensation and fulfillment.
Skill Development: Continue improving your skills in web technologies. The more versatile and skilled you are, the harder it will be for your employer to overlook your contributions. Consider getting certifications or taking courses that enhance your current skill set.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it’s crucial to recognize your worth in the industry. You have skills that are valuable and can differentiate you from other developers and designers. The situation you’re navigating is common in the tech industry, especially where multiple stakeholders can complicate project scopes and ownership.
Before making any decisions, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of advancing the project as proposed versus advocating for your value directly or pursuing your venture. Ultimately, trust your instincts and remember that your skills are marketable—whether within your current company or in the freelance sphere.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and the challenges you’re facing regarding fair compensation for your skills in marketing. Your dilemma is a common one, especially in creative industries where the value of specialized expertise can sometimes be undervalued or overlooked.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that the skills you bring to the table—like your expertise in Three.js, WebGL, and GSAP—are not only valuable but also essential for delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that can significantly enhance a project’s value. In light of this, it’s perfectly justified to advocate for higher compensation when taking on additional responsibilities, especially those that involve advanced technologies and tools that require significant investment, like licensing for Pano2vr and MapboxGL.
Navigating this situation could benefit from a few strategies:
1. **Open Communication:** Consider having a candid discussion with your leadership about the added value that your skills bring, especially when it comes to more complex projects. Use specific metrics or case studies from past work to illustrate how your contributions have led to successful outcomes.
2. **Value Proposition:** Frame your proposal not just as additional compensation for current work but as an opportunity for the agency to expand its offerings and market potential. If you can demonstrate how your proposed features could attract more clients or retain existing ones, that could strengthen your case significantly.
3. **Independent Innovation:** Developing these features independently could indeed be a strategic move. If you present it as a product, you not only showcase your initiative but also demonstrate your commitment to the agency