Have you ever needed expert advice on a topic but didn’t know who to ask, that’s where a subject matter expert (SME) comes in. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is a professional with years of experience and knowledge in a specific field or industry.
They are the people to turn to for advice, guidance, and solutions. Whether it’s a field like software development, cyber security, or digital marketing, SMEs are crucial in helping individuals and organizations solve tough problems.
In this article, we’ll explain what it means to be a subject matter expert, why they are important, and how they help projects and teams succeed.
What is a Subject Matter Expert?
A Subject Matter Expert (SME) is someone who has a lot of knowledge and experience in a specific area or field. They are the go-to person you reach out to when you need advice or information about a particular topic. Whether it’s technology, finance, digital marketing, or any other area, SMEs have spent years learning about and understanding the details of their subject.
For example, if you’re working on a project and need to develop a marketing strategy, you need to give the task to a team member who can do that. But if you don’t have a team member who can do it, you might need to consult a subject matter expert (digital marketing consultant) in that field. They can help you understand complex ideas in simple terms, share useful tips, and offer solutions to common problems.
Their expertise can also be very helpful in reaching your goals and making sure everyone on your team knows what to do to succeed. When you seek to deepen your understanding of a topic, it can play a vital in helping achieve your campaign goals and also ensures that your teams are aligned and informed on what to do to achieve success.
How Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Work
Subject matter experts (SMEs) are highly skilled professionals who bring deep knowledge and experience to their areas of expertise. They play a key role in helping organizations succeed by performing several important tasks.
A simple look at how SMEs work and the value they provide:
Sharing Knowledge
The main job of an SME is to share their knowledge with others. They often lead workshops, training sessions, consultations or webinars to teach people about specific topics.
For example, when I was planning to start a career in digital marketing, I reached out to a subject matter expert who helped me with information on how to get started and the different career paths in digital marketing. After the consultation, I began by taking a digital marketing course, implementing my learning to acquire useful skills and knowledge and applying for a job opportunity.
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SMEs are also asked to create content like articles, training materials, or instructional videos because they know their subject so well, that they can explain complex information in a way that’s easy to understand, helping others learn more effectively.
For example, if you want to know more about digital marketing, you can follow Neil Patel to consume his content and gain more knowledge in the field. When you have your niche as an SME, it lets you focus and create relevant content for your audience.
Providing Guidance
Besides sharing knowledge, SMEs offer advice and guidance on specific projects. They help teams solve problems by offering insights based on their experience. For instance, if a marketing team is launching a new product, an SME can suggest strategies or warn them about common mistakes. The advice and contribution can go a long way in helping the company achieve their goals.
Collaborating with Teams
SMEs often work closely with different teams, like marketing, sales, product development, and customer support. Their expertise helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.
When you collaborate with an SME, it opens the door to a wealth of knowledge that can improve your projects and decision-making processes.
Staying Updated
You cannot be a subject matter expert without updating your knowledge and staying current with new developments in your field. SMEs must read industry news, attend conferences, and continue learning through networking and professional growth. This helps them provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Skills of a Successful Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Being a Subject Matter Expert (SME) is about more than just knowing a lot about one topic. It also requires a set of important skills that help them share their knowledge and make a real difference in their organization.
Some of the skills that make an SME successful include:
Deep Knowledge and Expertise
A successful SME must have a strong understanding of their area of expertise. This includes knowing the basics, staying updated on new trends and technologies, and applying best practices. This knowledge will help them give valuable advice and insights to others.
For example, a social media manager with years of experience in the field can share their knowledge with small businesses that want to use their social media page to attract customers and improve their visibility.
Communication Skills
If you are an SME, you need to know how to explain complex ideas in simple ways for people to understand what you are sharing without getting lost. Whether writing, giving presentations, or teaching, you must communicate clearly so everyone can understand.
You should also know how to adjust the message depending on the audience, the way you will relate with a beginner will be different from the way you will relate with someone with years of experience, so communication is key for people to understand.
Teaching and Mentoring
Many SMEs also teach or mentor others who want to acquire a particular skill or knowledge in a field or industry. So if you are a subject matter expert, you need to be able to explain difficult concepts in a way that makes sense to people at different levels. You should also make it easy for your mentee or junior colleagues to approach you and support in helping others learn.
Problem-Solving Skills
SMEs often face problems that require quick and effective solutions. You need to be good at identifying issues, figuring out why they happened, and coming up with practical ways to solve them. If you can do that, it will improve your credibility and also open more doors of opportunity for people needing your service to solve a problem.
Research Skills
Research skills are one of the most valuable skills you need to have to stay on top of your field, You must be able to find reliable information, keep up with changes in your industry, and analyze data to ensure your advice is current and accurate.
This means you need to regularly review industry publications, follow thought leaders on social media, and participate in relevant webinars or conferences.
When you hone your research skills to find useful information, you can identify emerging trends, assess the competitive landscape, and provide informed recommendations that drive strategic decisions.
Leadership Qualities
While not all SMEs are formal leaders, their expertise often makes them natural guides. A strong leadership skills such as confidence, give you the ability to make decisions and inspire others.
For example, if you work as a digital marketing lead at a firm, you need to be able to support your team and guide them properly to achieve the goals of the organization.
You need to be able to combine your deep knowledge with important skills like communication, teaching, and problem-solving to help others learn and grow, making SMEs essential assets to any organization.
How to Become a Subject Matter Expert
Becoming a subject matter expert (SME) is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for your chosen field. It involves having experience and developing a deep understanding of its details, trends, and challenges in the field.
This expertise doesn’t come overnight, it’s built through years of hands-on experience, education, and a commitment to staying informed about the latest developments.
Whether you’re just starting or want to expand your knowledge, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you become an expert.
Pick Your Area of Focus
The first step is to decide on the specific topic or field you want to specialize in. This could be anything from digital marketing, software development or technology.
When choosing your area of focus, it’s important to consider your interests and passions. Choose something you enjoy and are passionate about, as this enthusiasm will be a driving force in your journey toward expertise. When you work in a field you love, it will not only make the learning process more enjoyable but also help sustain your motivation during challenging times.
In addition to personal interest, it’s crucial to assess the demand for your chosen field in the job market.
For example, if you are planning to become a digital marketer, you need to research current trends and job openings to ensure that there is a viable career path associated with your specialization.
When you select the right area of focus, it will set the stage for your development as a subject matter expert, guiding your education, training, and career trajectory moving forward.
Learn as Much as You Can
Once you’ve chosen your area of focus, it’s time to dive into learning. This step is crucial for building a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise. There are various ways to improve your understanding of your chosen field, and the options available today are more accessible than ever.
You can start by considering formal education. This could mean enrolling in a degree program that aligns with your area of specialization, as formal education provides structured learning and often includes valuable networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals.
In addition to degrees, you can also register online to learn various digital skills. For example at DMSI, we train students on how to acquire digital marketing skills at their own pace, covering everything from foundational concepts to advanced topics and providing insights that are both practical and relevant.
When you commit to lifelong learning, it helps you improve your expertise and also position yourself as a valuable resource in your field
Get Hands-On Experience
While learning the theory behind your chosen field is important, gaining real-world experience is what truly helps you become an expert. Practical experience allows you to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in a classroom or through online courses, and it deepens your understanding of the subject.
After learning, you can start by looking for internships. These positions often provide valuable opportunities to work alongside professionals in your field, allowing you to learn from their expertise and gain insight into daily operations.
If internships aren’t available, you can consider volunteering for organizations and community groups to gain hands-on experience while also allowing you to make a positive impact in your community.
For example, if you’re interested in social media management, you might consider working for a friend who owns a small business and needs help with their social media campaigns.
When you work on a real-life project, it allows you to apply what you’ve learned while building a portfolio that showcases your skills. As you work in different roles and settings, you’ll encounter various challenges that will help you grow and learn more about your field.
You need to embrace these opportunities with an open mind, ask questions or seek feedback from those around you if you need support. The more hands-on experience you gain, the more confident and knowledgeable you’ll become as a subject matter expert.
Keep Up with New Trends
In any field, things change quickly, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest trends and developments. You can do this by following websites, blogs, and social media accounts that focus on your area of expertise.
You might also join online groups or professional organizations to connect with other experts and exchange ideas. These communities often discuss current issues and trends, which is a great way to learn.
When you stay informed and engaged, you’ll keep your knowledge fresh and relevant, which is crucial for maintaining your status as a subject matter expert.
Connect with Other Experts
If you want to be known as a subject matter expert in your field, you need to network with other professionals in your field as this is a valuable way to learn and grow.
Start by attending conferences, workshops, and online webinars, to meet other professionals with who you share your interests and passions. These events provide a chance to exchange ideas, ask questions, and gain insights that you might not find elsewhere.
You can also build relationships with other professionals to open doors to new opportunities, such as job offers or collaborations on projects. Additionally, connecting with experienced individuals can lead to mentorship, where someone guides you as you develop your skills and knowledge.
When you engage with others in your field, you can expand your knowledge and also create a support system that can help you succeed in your journey as a subject matter expert.
One of the best ways to strengthen your expertise is by teaching others. When you share what you know, it can help others learn and also deepen your own understanding of the subject.
There are various ways to share what you know with others to learn from your experiences, one of them is starting a blog where you can write about topics related to your field. This allows you to organize your thoughts and present information.
Creating videos or tutorials is another effective way to share your knowledge. You can create visual content that can engage a wider audience and make complex ideas easier to understand. For example, you can create a video that discusses a topic under digital marketing and share it on various social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
You might also consider giving talks or presentations at industry events, online webinars or communities with the other members. Additionally, you can create a course where you discuss properly about the topic and upload it on a platform for others to have access to it.
When you share your expertise through some of the ways, it allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Plus, teaching others can lead to new connections and opportunities, as people appreciate those who are willing to help them learn.
Seek Feedback and Keep Improving
If you want to advance in your career, you need to be open to feedback from others. Because no matter how knowledgeable you become, there’s always room to grow and refine your skills.
You can start by asking for feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors to identify your strengths and areas where you might need to improve.
Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots in your knowledge or skills that you may not have noticed, so make it a habit to reflect on your experiences regularly.
After completing a project or learning a new skill, take time to evaluate what went well and what could be improved. This self-reflection will help you internalize lessons learned and apply them in future endeavours.
By following these steps and staying dedicated, you can become a subject matter expert in your field.
Example SME Scenarios
Subject matter experts (SMEs) are key to helping organizations succeed by sharing their specialized knowledge. Examples of how SMEs can make a big difference in different situations.
The Marketing Campaign
A tech startup is getting ready to launch a new product and needs help with how to effectively reach its target audience online.
That’s when an SME—a digital marketing expert with lots of experience steps in.
You can invite an SME to hold an interactive session with the team and discuss the best practices or strategies such as social media ads, email campaigns, and creating content to reach their target audience.
As the SME shares real-life examples and actionable strategies, your team can start seeing the bigger picture. With this new knowledge and confidence, your team can develop a strong marketing campaign that truly connects with your audience, leading to a successful product launch.
The Software Development Project
A software company that is building a new app but faces challenges with the app’s user interface design. They can turn to an SME who specializes in user experience (UX) design. The SME will review the design and suggest ways to make the app easier to use and more accessible.
After working together, the team can make improvements that improve user satisfaction. In the end, you can create an app that works as expected and also provides a smooth, enjoyable experience for users.
Limitations of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Subject matter experts (SMEs) are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, but they do have some limitations that can affect how well they contribute to a team.
When you understand these challenges, it can help organizations make the most of their SMEs.
Some common limitations SMEs may face include:
Narrow Focus
SMEs are highly specialized in their field, which is valuable, but it can also mean they focus too much on one area. This narrow focus can make it harder for them to see the bigger picture or stay updated on related fields. For example, a cybersecurity expert might know everything about security but may not be familiar with the latest trends in user experience design, which could be important for creating easy-to-use security tools.
Resistance to Change
SMEs can sometimes be set in their ways, especially if they’ve been using the same methods for years. This resistance to new ideas or technologies can slow progress. For instance, a marketing expert who is used to traditional advertising might have difficulty embracing new digital marketing techniques, which could limit the success of their campaigns.
Communication Gaps
SMEs are experts in their fields, but they may struggle to explain complex ideas clearly to others who don’t have the same level of expertise. They might use technical jargon that can confuse team members. For example, an engineering SME might give a detailed explanation of a technical process, but non-engineers could find it hard to understand the main points.
Time Constraints
SMEs often have busy schedules with many responsibilities, like project work, meetings, and training. This can make it hard for them to find time to collaborate with others or mentor junior staff. When teams need quick answers, the SME’s packed schedule might delay decisions or slow down projects.
While SMEs bring great value to an organization, it’s important to recognize and address these challenges and encourage collaboration and innovation.
How Long Does it Take to Become an SME?
The time it takes to become a subject matter expert varies depending on the complexity of the field and the individual’s dedication to learning. Generally, it can take several years of focused study and practical experience, often ranging from 5 to 10 years to gain the depth of knowledge required to be recognized as an SME in your field.
To become a subject matter expert in the digital marketing field, I will advise you to specialize in a niche or field that truly interests you
For instance, Chima Mmeje a content marketer and strategist at Moz. She started her career writing content for an agency and learned more about SEO, on-page, design and how they all work together to improve user experience.
As she gained experience, she specialised in helping SaaS and tech brands to build topic clusters, execute their SEO content strategy and update poorly performing content to rank better on search engines.
Her dedication to continuous learning and specialization has not only helped her stand out in a competitive market but also positioned her as a go-to expert for doing comprehensive research for your topic cluster.
When you share your expertise through writing, teaching, or mentoring, you can establish yourself as an SME in a particular niche.
Read more – How To Do Comprehensive Research for Your Topic Cluster — Whiteboard Friday
FAQs about Subject Matter Experts
What are the benefits of working as an SME?
Working as a subject matter expert comes with several benefits. SMEs often enjoy a high level of job satisfaction due to their ability to share knowledge and make a significant impact on their organizations. They also have opportunities for career advancement, networking, and continuous learning. Additionally, SMEs may have the flexibility to work on diverse projects and collaborate with various teams, making their roles dynamic and engaging.
How can I become an SME?
To become a subject matter expert, start by choosing a specific area of focus that interests you. Invest in education through formal degrees or certifications and gain practical experience in your chosen field. Continuously update your knowledge by staying informed about industry trends and engaging with professional networks. Sharing your expertise through writing, teaching, or mentoring can also help establish you as an SME.
What does a subject matter expert earn?
The salary of a subject matter expert can vary widely depending on factors such as industry, location, and level of experience. On average, SMEs can earn anywhere from $70,000 to over $150,000 per year. In specialized fields like technology or healthcare, experienced SMEs may command even higher salaries due to the demand for their expertise.
Conclusion
A subject matter expert (SME) is an important part of any organization. They bring special knowledge and ideas that can help the company succeed. Whether they are teaching others, creating materials, or helping teams solve problems, SMEs are key to making sure projects are done well and on time. Their deep understanding of specific topics helps businesses understand their industry better and encourages learning and new ideas.
For example, if you are interested in becoming a subject matter expert in the digital marketing field, you can register for our digital marketing course to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field. Our course covers topics such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email campaigns, and content creation.
After completing the course, you can choose to specialize in a particular niche and continue building your experience and expertise in that area.
This focus will help you to become an expert as you continue to share your knowledge, and expertise through practical projects, and understanding of digital marketing strategies effectively.
As businesses face new challenges, the need for experts will keep growing. So you need to position yourself as an SME and support their growth by sharing your knowledge with them to make a big difference.
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