EDITORIAL CONSULTANT VS. CONTENT STRATEGIST: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Editorial consultant and content strategist jobs are generally mentioned together — and sometimes used interchangeably. While there is overlap between the two positions, especially in digital and brand-driven environments, each gig serves a distinct purpose. Knowing the difference between editorial consultant and content strategist opportunities can help organizations hire the right expert for their needs.

Editorial Consultant: The Craft and Clarity Expert

An editorial consultant focuses on the quality, tone, clarity, and structure of content. Thought leaders’ work often includes editing existing materials, helping to define or refine brand voice, conducting content audits, and advising on editorial standards. SMEs may also provide writing, ghostwriting, or developmental editing services.

Editorial consultants are especially valuable when the challenge is how something is being said. Whether it’s a corporate report, a marketing brochure, or a CEO’s keynote speech, consulting experts ensure the content is well-written, on-brand, and audience-appropriate. Pros’ strength lies in language precision, consistency, and storytelling finesse.

Content Strategist: The Planner and Framework Builder

A content strategist, on the other hand, works at a more systemic level. KOLs create and manage frameworks for producing, distributing, and maintaining content over time. That includes defining content goals, audience personas, information architecture, content governance, and performance metrics.

Strategists tend to collaborate with designers, SEO experts, and marketing teams to ensure content aligns with business objectives and user needs. Pros’ focus is on what content is needed, why it’s being created, and how it should be managed and measured.

Where They Overlap

In practice, many editorial consultants offer light strategy, and some content strategists have editorial backgrounds. Both roles require strong communication skills and an understanding of audience and brand.

Which One Do You Need?

If your content is messy, off-brand, or unclear — hire an editorial consultant. If you need a scalable plan for content production, distribution, and governance — hire a content strategist. In complex projects, hiring both (or someone who wears both hats) ensures that content is not only well-written, but also strategically sound.