Digital marketing ranks among the top 10 most in-demand skills on platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn. A LinkedIn report shows that “Digital Marketing Specialist” has over 860,000 job openings.
This goes to show just how important digital marketers are, especially for brands and businesses looking to grow their online presence.
Another report by the McKinsey Global Institute indicates that the digital economy is expected to create 60-65 million new jobs by 2025.
While traditional marketing remains relevant, the digital shift is undeniable. Businesses are rapidly recognizing that to reach more customers and effectively sell their products and services, they need to expand their marketing efforts online.
It is safe to say that as long as businesses continue to establish their online presence, digital marketing will remain in high demand.
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing, also known as online marketing, is the promotion of goods and services through online platforms to attract and engage customers. It can take various forms, including social media marketing, email marketing, SEO and more.
In short, any marketing activity conducted online with the goal of attracting customers and driving sales is considered digital marketing.
How to Become a Digital Marketer in 4 Steps
A career in digital marketing is ideal for many reasons. Not only is it profitable, but it also offers significant potential for growth and development.
If you’re looking for a career that is in demand, well-paid, and full of opportunities, digital marketing is the perfect choice.
Follow these steps to become a successful and well-compensated digital marketer:
1. Choose a Path
Digital marketing is a broad field encompassing areas like social media marketing, content marketing, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, email marketing, and SEO. Trying to master everything at once can be overwhelming and time-consuming.
The fastest way to break into digital marketing is to specialize in one area first. As you advance in your career, you can expand your expertise.
Research different areas of digital marketing and choose the one(s) that genuinely interest you. This will be your area of specialization.
2. Take Courses
Once you’ve chosen your path, the next step is to learn about your selected digital marketing niche. Valuable resources include platforms like Simplilearn, Udemy, and Coursera.
For free courses, use platforms like Alison, YouTube and Saylor Academy.
There are also really great books that equip you with everything you need to become a digital marketer.
Some of these books include Seth Godin’s “Permission Marketing,” Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook,” and Olivier Blanchard’s “Social Media ROI”. All these books are excellent for deepening your knowledge on digital marketing.
3. Apply for a Volunteer or Internship Role
The best way to bypass all the competition in the digital marketing industry is to have a portfolio that demonstrates that you know what you claim to know, and are good at it.
One of the best ways to gain practical experience is by volunteering or interning as a digital marketer for a small business.
While you can also apply to entry level roles, they can be challenging to secure without experience, as many now require some prior knowledge.
So instead of spending months applying for jobs without success, consider volunteering or interning for a few months. This experience will help you build a strong portfolio that can open doors to bigger opportunities.
4. Apply for Jobs
With experience and a portfolio in hand, you can now confidently apply for digital marketing positions.
Here are some tips to help you land a role fast:
• Tailor your resume to the role and company you are applying to.
• Include your portfolio at the top of your resume, so it’s one of the first things recruiters see.
• Add only relevant experiences. Don’t add a fashion design experience if you are applying for the role of an SEO specialist.
• Always reach out to the recruiter after submitting your resume.
By following the steps outlined above, you can become a sought-after digital marketer within the next six months.
Wishing you the best on your digital marketing journey!
