full-service
freelance
marketing.
A full-service senior freelance marketing manager, who learns your business deeply to drive results from strategy to execution, content to digital ads and automation.
For all businesses, with a focus on Tech/SaaS, B2B, Start-Ups, Sport and Retail.
about.
I’m Mariela Zaharija, a full-service freelance marketing manager.
17 years ago, early in my marketing career, I was thrown straight into the deep end, working in small teams, with small budgets, and big expectations.
No fancy agencies. No handovers. Often just me, a laptop, and a to-do list a mile long.
So I learned… everything. Strategy, copy, design, websites, social ads, SEO, CRM setups, automations, AI, you name it. I figured it out through trial, error, Googling, YouTube holes, late nights, and too many online courses to count.
And over time? I got really good at it.
That pressure-cooker start gave me the kind of full-stack marketing expertise most people don’t have. It’s also why I’m not just a strategist or a doer, I’m both. I see the big picture and I execute it efficiently.
That experience eventually led me to senior marketing roles, including leading marketing for Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, where I launched global campaigns and managed a multi-million dollar budget, and Vision Personal Training, where I drove national growth and supported over 55 franchises with strategy and campaign execution.
Those roles sharpened my ability to think commercially, lead big-picture strategy, and still get the job done.
Fast-forward to today, in Marketing – I’m a rare gem: a senior marketer who knows how to build brands, scale campaigns, and deliver results, without the overheads and disconnect of a traditional agency model. Check out my LinkedIn profile to learn more about my background.
who I work with.
Small to mid sized brands wanting to grow. My expertise is in Sport, Tech, Start-Ups, E-Comm, Retail, B2B.
I’m the right fit if you:
✔ Move fast – You’re decisive, action-oriented, and don’t need five sign-offs to make something happen
✔ Care about the customer – You know good marketing starts with understanding people, not just pushing product
✔ Think long-term – You’re building something real, not chasing shiny distractions
If that sounds like you, we’ll get along just fine. 🙂
what i do.
I’m not a consultant who hands over a slide deck and disappears.
I’m not an agency that shuffles your project between five people.
I’m a full-service freelance marketing manager who works like your Head of Marketing. You get senior-level strategy and hands-on delivery, without the overhead or the internal politics.
I partner directly with founders, CEOs, and internal teams to figure out what actually needs to be done, and then I do it. Quickly. Properly. Start to finish.
how i help.
You don’t need a full team. You just need someone who knows what they’re doing.
✔ Brand Strategy
Define who you are and how to stand out in a crowded market
✔ Audience & Market Analysis
Dig into the data and insights so you can market smarter, not louder
✔ Marketing Strategy & Planning
Clear, focused direction that aligns with your business goals and growth stage
✔ Campaigns
From concept to launch across digital, local, or traditional channels
✔ Customer Journey
Map it, improve it, and set it up to retain and convert with ease
✔ Website & Content Audits
Figure out what’s holding your message back and what to fix first
✔ Digital Ads
Meta, Google, YouTube and more — planned, launched, tested and optimised
✔ AI & Automation
Work smarter, save time, and scale without extra headcount
Available for new clients.
Freelance marketing serviceS.
I’m your Fractional CMO, Marketing Consultant and Freelance Marketing Manager all rolled into one. My goal is to simplify marketing and ensure it delivers results, allowing you to concentrate on what you do best. Explore the services I offer tailored specifically for Tech, B2B, Consultancies, Sport and Retail industries, and let’s collaborate to take your business to the next level.
strategy.
I work closely with you to understand your business objectives and develop a marketing strategy that aligns with your goals. This includes market analysis, competitive research, and identifying key growth opportunities in Australia and globally.
Brand.
Building a strong brand is crucial. I can help you develop a comprehensive brand strategy, ensuring your brand message is consistent across all channels. This includes logo design, messaging, audience profiling and brand positioning.
Digital Ads.
As a Digital Marketing Consultant, I create and manage digital advertising strategies from Google Ads to Facebook Ads, that drive traffic, generate leads, and boost conversions.
Design.
As a skilled Graphic Designer and generalist freelance marketer, I offer design services to create compelling visuals that align with your brand and attract your target audience. Visual identity plays a key role in how your brand is perceived.
Automation.
I develop and implement segmented email automation journeys, ensuring your communications are timely, relevant, and effective in nurturing leads through the sales funnel.
Market Analysis.
I utilise advanced analytics tools to track campaign performance, measure KPIs, and continuously optimise strategies for better results. As a freelance marketing manager, I delve deep into data and insights to provide informed recommendations to get your brand noticed.
trusted by.
wins.
Driving Business Growth
I help businesses grow. At Cromer Golf Club, I implemented marketing strategies that led to a 30% increase in membership renewals by focusing on what mattered - engaging the community and delivering clear, targeted messaging.
Global product launches
I’ve successfully launched products on a global scale. At Shriro, I led the US launch of Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, ensuring the brand stood out in a competitive market and exceeded sales targets through a strategic, well-coordinated approach.
clear brand positioning
At the Australian Retailers Association, as Head of Marketing, I crafted brand strategies that resonated with both the market and stakeholders, strengthening brand loyalty and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
Effective digital campaigns
I believe digital marketing should drive real results. A Facebook campaign I ran for a golf club brought in over 600 new leads in 10 months by using smart targeting and data insights, resulting in higher engagement and conversions.
Leveraging technology
I introduced new marketing tech, like personalised email automation with AI and automations, which boosted campaign performance by 20%. Staying up-to-date with the latest tools means your marketing is always one step ahead.
Team
leadership
Great marketing starts with a great team. I’ve built and led high-performing teams at Vision Personal Training and Shriro, ensuring they deliver results that drive your business forward.
FAQ's.
How do I find a trusted freelance marketing consultant in Melbourne?
I’m based in Richmond and serve Melbourne startups in tech, SaaS, retail, and sport. Working locally means fast response times, occasional in-person meetings, and a deep understanding of the Melbourne market dynamics.
What should I look for when hiring a freelance marketer in Melbourne?
Look for someone with industry experience (tech, SaaS, retail, sport), strong strategic thinking, clear communication skills, and the ability to deliver both strategy and execution quickly. That way you avoid fluff and get real momentum.
What marketing services can a freelancer provide?
I deliver full-stack marketing—brand and positioning, digital ads (Meta & Google), email/SMS automation, customer journey optimisation, campaign strategy, copywriting, and reporting. No handoffs—strategy to delivery is done end to end.
Is hiring a freelance consultant better than using a marketing agency in Melbourne?
Freelancers offer direct senior skills, faster turnaround, lower cost, fewer layers (no account teams), and more flexibility—perfect for startups scaling in Melbourne or regional VIC.
What qualities should I look for in a freelance marketer in VIC?
The ideal mix: strategic mindset, industry-specific experience (tech, SaaS, retail, sport), strong communication, quick execution, and analytics sanity—not just familiarity with tools.
How do you work?
I offer flexible options tailored to fit your needs. Here’s how I can work with you:
- Fractional CMO or Freelance Marketing Manager: I can integrate seamlessly with your team, working regular hours as a fractional marketing manager. In this role, I lead your marketing function, manage strategies, and oversee execution, all while becoming an integral part of your team.
- Marketing Consultant: Alternatively, I can work on a project basis Freelance Marketing Consultant, directly with you (the CEO, business owner or CMO). This approach is ideal for businesses needing focused expertise on specific projects or initiatives without committing to a full-time role.
Whichever model you choose, I’m here to provide the strategic support and hands-on management needed to drive your marketing efforts forward.
What can I expect during the consulting process?
Expect a collaborative approach with regular updates and clear communication. I’m data-obsessed, so I’ll be checking performance regularly! I’ll work closely with you to ensure our strategies are on track and delivering the results you’re aiming for. Learn more about how we work together.
Can you help me if I only need marketing for a product launch?
Absolutely. For launches, I design timelines, messaging, lead-gen funnels, ads and email/SMS sequences. Then manage the rollout end-to-end. After, I hand over detailed analytics and a re-engagement plan to maximise ROI.
How do you position my business to stand out locally and nationally?
This happens through my Brand Strategy service, which starts with a brand identity workshop. I get a clear understanding of your business through your eyes — the founder or leadership team — then go deep into research. I analyse your market, competitors, and trends. I study your audience in detail, building clear profiles so I know exactly who we’re speaking to, what matters to them, and how to connect. Then I craft your brand positioning and campaign messaging so it feels real and relevant — both to your Melbourne audience and to customers across Australia.
Can you act as a fractional marketing lead if we’re not hiring in-house?
Yes. I serve as a part-time marketing lead—overseeing planning, campaigns, messaging, and reporting. This gives you leadership and execution without full-time headcount, especially helpful for early-stage or rapidly growing startups.
Do you manage both strategy and execution or just planning?
You get both. I design the brand and marketing strategy and implement it—campaign setup, UX flows, email/SMS sequences, landing pages, and tracking. You don’t just get a plan—campaigns run, tested and optimised in real time.
How do you tailor your strategies to my business?
I start by understanding your unique business needs and goals. Then, I create a customised marketing strategy that aligns with your objectives and integrates the right mix of channels and tactics.
What’s included in a marketing audit and how detailed is it?
In the audit, I review your brand, website, ad performance, customer journeys, and tech stack. Then I deliver a clear audit report and roadmap with channel recommendations. If you choose to proceed, I’ll implement the strategy directly.
How do you measure the success of your campaigns?
I track performance using advanced analytics tools and measure key performance indicators (KPIs). I provide detailed reports and insights to help you see the impact of our strategies and identify areas for improvement.
How long will it take to see impact from marketing campaigns?
You can expect campaign improvements (e.g. CTR, engagement) within 4–6 weeks. Messaging refined over time usually builds momentum within a few months. Strategy is clearly mapped and tracked.
What’s the typical cost to hire a freelance marketer in Melbourne?
My standard rate is $250/hour, with campaign packages starting from $5,000, mentor packages start from $2,000/month and full brand and marketing strategies typically range between $15,000–$20,000+, depending on industry and scope.
What locations do you service?
As I am a freelance marketing manager, I service clients all over Australia and all over the world remotely and in-person where required. I’m Melbourne-based, so service mainly around Richmond, South Yarra, Melbourne CBD, Hawthorn, Collingwood, South Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy, Clifton Hill, Abbotsford, Kew etc.
Can you work with Melbourne companies in Richmond, Cremorne or Fitzroy?
Yes. I work with businesses across inner Melbourne suburbs and beyond. Local presence means easy in-person catch-ups if required and quicker alignment. Wherever you are—Cremorne, Kew, Fitzroy or South Yarra—you’re supported.
How do I start working with you?
Submit an enquiry via the contact form. I’ll send you a link to book a free discovery call. From there, I’ll scope a clear proposal outlining deliverables, timelines, and pricing. You’ll then get full clarity on next steps.
How quickly can you start and how many hours can you dedicate?
The benefit of working with me is I have flexibility to work with your schedule. As a marketing consultant, I am available to start today and can generally work to your deadlines. I work remotely and service clients all over the world working with different time-zones, also across Australia and Melbourne in-person.
Local Areas Served
Based in Richmond, I support startups and small to mid-sized businesses across inner Melbourne—including Cremorne, South Yarra, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Kew, Hawthorn, Melbourne CBD and East Melbourne—and offer seamless remote delivery nationwide.
WORKing TOGETHER.
1. Initial
Chat
We’ll kick things off with a discussion about your business goals and challenges. This helps me understand your needs and how we can best collaborate.
2. tailored proposal
I’ll craft a clear, detailed plan outlining the strategy, timelines, and deliverables. This ensures we're on the same page and set for success.
3. Hands-On Execution
Once we’re aligned, I’ll handle the implementation, keeping you updated and making sure everything runs smoothly. My focus is on achieving impactful results.
4. Continuous Improvement
I’ll keep an eye on performance and tweak strategies as needed to keep your marketing efforts effective and aligned with your goals.
proof.
She built the whole brand strategy from scratch, but it wasn’t just from my brain dumps. She did proper audience research, figured out what would resonate with the people we actually want walking through our doors, and tied it all together in a way that felt clear and exciting. Then she designed the website, wrote all the copy and put together our full marketing plan.
It never felt too formal or complicated, just super straightforward, like I had someone on my team who actually cared about getting it right. Couldn't recommend her more if you're trying to build something that stands out and actually connects with people.”
We collaborated closely at the start while I shared some of our strategy, but she confidently took the lead - handling planning, execution, and optimisation across programmatic, display, sponsored content, and print. She has a clear understanding of both the broader strategy and the small details that help campaigns perform.
What stood out most was her practical approach: she keeps things focused, moves efficiently, and delivers results. She’s proactive, thoughtful, and always brings a collaborative attitude to the table.
Mariela is an absolute pleasure to work with - reliable, professional, and a real asset to any team. Her experience and insight would benefit any project she’s a part of."
In just 10 months, we’ve welcomed over 600 new leads into our network, all efficiently communicated with via our email platform. The streamlined email automation has eliminated the need for additional staff to manage inquiries. The process is seamless and straightforward, consistently bringing in new leads.
We highly recommend Mariela for anyone seeking remarkable results.”
She developed a smart marketing strategy and set up highly effective digital campaigns, including local area marketing that really made an impact. The results have been amazing - I’ve seen a noticeable increase in leads, and I’m now confident my marketing is reaching the right people.
Mariela’s expertise has completely transformed my approach, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. If you're looking to grow your business, I highly recommend her!"
What’s been most impressive is how deeply she’s understood our business. Mariela didn’t just write content, she immersed herself in the industry, in our tech, and in our stakeholders. She has a rare ability to take something complex and distil it into simple, engaging messaging that speaks directly to farmers, feed mills, financiers, governments and processors alike. Every time we share a brochure or piece of content she’s crafted, the feedback is always the same: “this hits the mark.”
From our brand identity to our 2025 marketing strategy, to designing our marketing collateral, Mariela has shaped how Shrimpl shows up in the world. She’s fast, thorough, and brings the kind of senior strategic thinking most startups only dream of having on their side. We consider her an extension of our team.”
freelance marketing
vs agency.
Why work with a freelance marketing manager instead of hiring an agency?
Here’s what you really get when you choose a senior freelance marketer over a traditional setup.
One point of contact
You work directly with me, no account managers, no layers, no mixed messages. Nothing gets lost in translation.
Faster Execution
No internal handovers or waiting on different departments. I plan it, build it, and launch it, without the lag.
Deep Brand Knowledge
I get to know your business inside-out. I’m not juggling 20 other clients or jumping in and out. I’m immersed and invested.
Full-stack expertise
Strategy, campaigns, content, automations, ads, I’ve done it all, and I still do. You’re not hiring a specialist. You’re hiring someone who can see the big picture and deliver every piece of it.
Commercial Focus
I’ve worked inside real businesses. I get what matters, results, ROI, and real customer impact. Everything I do is built to drive growth, not just tick boxes.
No bloated budgets
No retainers that sit idle. No markups on basic work. You pay for experience, action, and results, not overhead and admin.
meet with me.
Let’s chat marketing — one-on-one.
If you’re stuck on what to do next, overwhelmed by options, or just ready to take your marketing seriously — this is where we start.
In 30 minutes, I’ll help you cut through the noise, find clarity, and map out what’s actually going to move the needle for your business.
Simple. Strategic. Straight to the point.
Pick a time that works for you — and let’s get started.
contact.
Ready to elevate your marketing game? I’m here to help!
Whether you’re looking for a strategic freelance marketing manager, a fractional CMO or freelance marketing consultant, that’s also a doer, I’d love to hear from you.
Although I’m based in Melbourne, I work flexibly and remotely, servicing clients all over Australia and beyond.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, to schedule a consultation, or just to chat about how we can work together to achieve your business goals.
I look forward to hearing from you! 😊
