How to Become a Digital Marketer – A Guide To Digital Marketing

Welcome to our guide on “How to Become a Digital Marketer.” In today’s digital age, marketing has transformed, and digital marketers play a crucial role in shaping brand narratives and driving business growth. This guide will aid you with the knowledge and skills that you need to succeed in the online marketing sector. Let’s dive into digital marketing and unlock your potential for success!

What is a digital marketer?

Are you interested in becoming a marketing manager?

If so, pursuing a degree in marketing can be a pivotal step towards achieving your goal. Numerous universities offer specialised marketing courses and degrees that can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field.

As a marketing manager, your role will encompass various aspects, including digital marketing. Digital marketers are experts in attracting customers and enhancing brand awareness for organisations. They meticulously plan and execute marketing strategies, utilising diverse social media and email platforms to attract and retain customers. Working either in-house for a company or within a marketing agency, they may handle one or multiple client accounts.

One of the critical responsibilities of digital marketers is content creation and management across various digital platforms, such as social media accounts and company websites. This dynamic field provides ample opportunities for growth and innovation, making marketing a promising and rewarding career path.

By investing in a degree in marketing and enrolling in relevant marketing courses at reputable universities, you can lay a strong foundation for a successful career as a marketing manager and explore the exciting world of digital marketing.

What are the responsibilities of a digital marketer?

Digital marketers are pivotal in increasing brand awareness and generating leads for organisations. They possess a diverse skill set and may work independently or as part of a larger marketing team or department. Some of the critical responsibilities of digital marketers include:

• Email Marketing: Crafting marketing strategies with captivating visuals and engaging copy to entice customers and encourage them to click on associated links.
• Social Media Marketing: Leveraging social media channels to effectively target and engage customers by creating compelling posts, images, graphics, and videos.
• Ads: Developing and implementing paid campaigns on social media channels and search engines to reach the intended target audience.
• Analytics: Analyzing valuable data from various marketing campaigns to gain insights into customer behaviour and preferences.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Collaborating with the broader marketing team to build a robust SEO strategy, increasing brand exposure on search engines.
• Brand Identity: Establishing and maintaining the unique identity of an organization or brand through logos, colours, fonts, designs, and other creative elements.
• The tone of voice: Defining a consistent tone of voice across all digital channels, aligning it with the brand’s values and goals.
• Brand Exposure: Ensuring a robust digital presence for the organisation by collaborating with external publications, podcasts, and websites to feature the brand on external channels.

By honing your skills through marketing university courses and obtaining marketing degrees, you can position yourself for a successful career as a marketing manager while also exploring the dynamic and rewarding realm of digital marketing.

Digital marketing tools

As you learn to become a digital marketer, these tools can play a pivotal role in optimising and measuring your campaigns across various domains:

• Social Media Marketing – Leveraging platforms such as Hootsuite, BuzzSumo, and SkedSocial, you can efficiently manage and strategize your social media efforts.
• Data and Analytics – Analyzing crucial data becomes seamless with tools like Google Analytics 4, Kissmetrics, and Data Boards, enabling you to gain valuable insights.
• Email Marketing – Enhance your email campaigns with tools like Marketo, MailChimp, and Campaign Monitor, ensuring effective communication with your audience.
• SEO – Elevate your website’s visibility on search engines using Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and SEMRush to optimize your SEO strategies.
• Paid Search & Social – Drive targeted traffic to your platforms through Wordstream, AdEspresso, and Google Ads Editor, effectively managing your paid advertising endeavours.
• UX and Design – Ensure an engaging user experience and captivating design with the help of Canva, Hotjar, and Google Optimize.
• AI – Embrace the power of artificial intelligence with tools like Jasper, ChatGPT, and Murf, enabling you to explore innovative marketing solutions.

By incorporating these tools into your marketing arsenal, you can perform an array of essential functions to maximize the success of your digital marketing campaigns while efficiently measuring their impact.

Be sure to check out the marketing courses online that we offer, as well as learning how to create a personal development plan.

Becoming a digital marketer

If you want to know how to become a digital marketer, follow these steps:

1. Enrol in a university course

If you aspire to become a marketing manager, starting with a marketing degree can be a valuable step to gaining expertise in digital marketing before pursuing a digital marketer position. Degrees in marketing offer a solid foundation to comprehend the latest trends in the digital landscape and equip you with essential skills and experience, instilling confidence as you enter the field.

Many universities offer marketing courses specifically designed for digital marketing, encompassing various relevant areas such as marketing, advertising, business management, economics, art/graphics, English literature, and statistics. These diverse subjects are crucial for developing a well-rounded understanding of the digital marketing realm.

Some university courses also offer the advantage of a one-year work placement, which presents an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience alongside your qualification. This hands-on experience can be highly beneficial in preparing you for a successful career in digital marketing and, eventually, as a marketing manager.

Examples of areas that are relevant to digital marketing include:

• Marketing
• Advertising    
• Business management
• Economics
• Art/graphics
• English literature
• Statistics

Here are some universities that teach online / digital marketing courses:

• University College of Birmingham.
• Open University.
• Hot Courses Abroad.

Alternatively, you can find out about the marketing courses that we offer exclusively.

2. Take part in online courses and certifications

Besides obtaining a marketing degree, job seekers can enhance their digital skills and expertise by enrolling in short online courses and certifications. These digital marketing courses often focus on specialized subjects like search engine optimization (SEO) or data analytics. By completing these online courses, you bolster your resume and demonstrate your genuine passion and dedication to the industry.

3. Do your research

Developing a keen interest and a comprehensive understanding of digital platforms is highly advantageous. Suppose you’re-you’re particularly drawn to digital marketing on social media platforms. In that case, one must possess in-depth knowledge of these platforms and gain practical experience utilising them effectively.

Consider showcasing any freelance or personal writing published online in your CV to highlight your digital expertise. This will demonstrate your writing skills and provide evidence of your familiarity with digital marketing practices.

Additionally, subscribing to industry magazines or newsletters can be immensely beneficial to stay updated with the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape. Keeping yourself informed about the latest trends and innovations will further enhance your knowledge and position you as a competent digital marketing professional.

4. Learn digital marketing skills

Throughout your learning of how to become a digital marketer, you’ll find that a diverse skill set is essential. Although some entry-level positions offer learning opportunities on the job, you should practice and acquire critical digital marketing skills before applying for such roles.

The core digital marketing skills to focus on include:

• Social Media Proficiency: A deep understanding of popular and emerging social media platforms and the ability to effectively post and manage content across these channels is crucial.
• Ad Creation: Digital marketing positions often involve creating, implementing, and monitoring paid ads across various digital platforms, including sponsored posts with influencers.
• Content Creation: A skill in crafting compelling copy and engaging content for emails, webpages, and social media posts, tailored to the appropriate demographic and adhering to grammatical correctness, is essential.
• Industry Knowledge: Staying abreast of the latest digital marketing trends is vital to excel in this dynamic field.
• Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable you to create clear, coherent, and on-brand briefs for marketing campaigns.
• Data Management: Analysing data to understand customer preferences and campaign performance is critical in making informed marketing decisions.
• Software and Programs: Proficiency in standard office programs and graphic design applications empowers you to directly contribute to creating marketing materials.

By honing these core digital marketing skills, you’ll enhance your prospects of securing a digital marketer role and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in the digital marketing landscape.

5. Apply for an internship

When employers seek digital marketers, they often prioritize candidates with diverse experiences. An internship can be highly beneficial as it provides an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into digital marketing and gain hands-on experience. Internships may be paid or unpaid, but regardless of the compensation, they offer valuable chances to refine your digital marketing skills and enhance your CV.

A successful internship can open doors to potential full-time positions or additional marketing opportunities within the same organization. However, even if an immediate full-time role isn’tisn’t available, it’s wise to maintain a strong connection with the company that provided the internship. This connection can prove valuable in securing future opportunities or learning about job vacancies before they are publicly advertised.

Embracing internships as part of your journey into the digital marketing realm can significantly contribute to your growth and career advancement, allowing you to demonstrate your capabilities, develop valuable industry insights, and pave the way for potential long-term opportunities.

6. Network

Networking proves invaluable for connecting with professionals in the digital marketing field and gaining deeper insights into their roles and responsibilities. To expand your network, research industry events and seize the opportunity to engage with fellow digital marketing experts. Additionally, leverage online platforms designed to connect individuals within the same industry to broaden your connections further.

When seeking guidance from senior marketing employees, understand that their time may be limited. In such cases, inquire about shadowing opportunities or upcoming internship positions. Shadowing provides a unique chance to observe senior employees as they go about their daily tasks, offering valuable insights into their work. While participating in shadowing, you take on a less active role, primarily focusing on observing and learning from experienced team members.

By actively networking and pursuing shadowing opportunities or internships, you can deepen your knowledge, gain practical exposure, and foster valuable relationships within the digital marketing community, ultimately enhancing your potential for success in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

7. Tailor your CV

If your goal is to become a marketing manager, having a degree in marketing and enrolling in marketing university courses can significantly boost your chances. Writing the perfect CV to showcase your marketing skills and relevant experience is crucial before applying for a digital marketing role. Emphasize your marketing degree and any other marketing degrees you may have attained, underlining how your education aligns with the position’s requirements. Additionally, highlight any marketing courses you have completed at the university level to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning in the field.

When preparing your CV, compare it meticulously with the job description to ensure it effectively showcases how you meet the criteria for the role. Providing concrete evidence of your skills, experiences, and achievements will bolster your candidacy for the marketing manager position.

To avoid any errors or formatting issues that could harm your application, seek the assistance of a colleague or friend to proofread both your CV and cover letter. As marketing managers play a pivotal role in approving campaigns before launch, a flawless CV is crucial to make a positive impression and enhance your prospects of success in the competitive field of digital marketing.

By diligently following these steps and leveraging your marketing degree and university courses, you position yourself for a successful career in marketing, making it a rewarding and promising career path.

8. Earn a master’s degree in digital marketing.

If you’re aspiring to become a marketing manager, acquiring a degree in marketing is a significant step towards entering the digital marketing field. While a master’s degree in digital marketing can be advantageous, it is optional to establish yourself in this industry. Traditional marketing master’s degrees often cover relevant concepts like sales and the psychology of marketing, which can also be beneficial in digital marketing.

If you pursue a master’smaster’s degree in digital marketing, you’ll find various specialized programs available. Some of these digital marketing degrees include:

• Master of Science (MS) in Digital Marketing and Design.
• MS in Digital and Social Marketing.
• MS in Marketing Analytics.
• MS in Digital Marketing Communication.
• MS in Global Digital Marketing.
• MS in Digital Marketing Strategy.

Obtaining a master’s degree in digital marketing can give you a competitive edge, as it showcases your academic knowledge and expertise in the field. However, staying current with the latest technologies and continuous learning are equally crucial in the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.

Other Tips and Tricks to Get Into Online Marketing

Learning from seasoned professionals is an excellent way to delve deeper into digital marketing and stay updated on the latest trends. Notable experts affiliated with the Digital Marketing industry include:

• Neil Patel – Entrepreneur and Online Marketing Expert
• Rand Fishkin – Tech entrepreneur & SEO leader
• Alison Battisby – Social media expert & consultant
• Neal Schaffer – CMO & digital transformation expert 
• Kate Toon – Founder, content marketing & SEO expert
• Larry Kim – Tech entrepreneur and search marketing expert

Keep on top of digital marketing trends

Constant learning is essential in digital marketing, as the landscape is ever-evolving. Listen to podcasts, follow relevant digital marketers online (see section above) and keep up-to-date with other relevant posts on our blog site.

Start acquiring AI marketing expertise

Given the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, possessing knowledge in this domain can set you apart as a top candidate for any marketing role. AI integration is sought after by companies to enhance their products and applications, making them more efficient and personalized. Areas like natural language processing (like Chat GPT), decision-making algorithms, and image recognition are valuable AI skills for marketers.

Establish a strong foundation in digital marketing: Regardless of your current experience or knowledge in the field, building a solid foundation is vital when starting your journey. Familiarize yourself with digital marketing and how it can contribute to business growth.

You also need a strong IT foundation to be a good digital marketer. You can find our digital and IT Courses if you need a booster or to learn something new!

Participate in marketing conferences – While digital marketing resources are abundant through podcasts, blogs, and webinars, investing in attending meetings offers unique benefits. These events provide opportunities to listen to global industry experts, seek advice from marketing professionals, and gain insights into future trends. Networking events at conferences allow you to engage with experts and find a mentor who can shape your career path.

By embracing these strategies, you can broaden your knowledge, expand your skills, and position yourself as a proficient digital marketer, paving the way for a successful career in this dynamic and promising field.

By combining your degree in marketing with a specialized master’s degree in digital marketing or other relevant fields, you can enhance your skillset and readiness to thrive as a marketing manager. Embracing ongoing learning and adapting to the dynamic nature of digital marketing will further solidify your position as a valuable asset in this rewarding and promising career path.

Learn how to become a project manager with this in-depth guide.

Attend marketing conferences

Digital marketing conferences provide a platform to listen to global industry experts, seek guidance from marketing professionals, and gain valuable insights into upcoming trends. With numerous conferences available, it’s essential to prioritise your preferences. Consider factors such as the topics covered, the calibre of speakers, and the potential for local connections you can leverage.

One significant advantage of marketing conferences is the inclusion of networking events, where you can engage in conversations with esteemed global experts. These networking opportunities also lead you to identify a mentor who can provide valuable guidance and support to ignite and shape your career journey. We highly recommend checking out our guide on how to get into events management if you are interested in this career path.

By investing your time in attending conferences, you open doors to unparalleled learning experiences and networking opportunities, empowering you to grow as a proficient digital marketer and embark on a successful and fulfilling career path.

Reasons to learn digital marketing

Learning digital marketing opens doors to an exhilarating industry characterized by constant change and abundant opportunities for career growth. Here are some compelling reasons why learning digital marketing is a wise decision:

• High Demand for Digital Skills: Recent surveys with Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) highlight significant shortages in digital skills, especially in areas like data analysis (47%), general digital marketing skills (37%), and UX design (34%).
• Companies across industries seek those with digital expertise, particularly as technologies like AI gain prominence.
• Overcoming Barriers to Growth: A substantial 71% of CEOs anticipate that the shortage of digital skills and labor will disrupt businesses significantly, as reported in the Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey.
• Lucrative Salary Prospects: The digital marketing industry offers competitive salaries, with an average annual salary of $65,948 in the United States. Entry-level positions start at $49,993, while experienced professionals can earn up to $107,387 per year. Such rewarding compensation makes learning digital marketing a worthy investment.
• Continuous Industry Evolution: The digital marketing landscape is ever-evolving, presenting endless opportunities for learning and growth. New technologies like ChatGPT for content creation and emerging social media platforms like BeReal offer exciting avenues for career and business advancement.
• Flexibility in Work Arrangements: Digital marketers often enjoy the flexibility to work remotely, as freelancers, or as consultants. In fact, the demand for freelance and temporary digital marketing work has seen a significant increase. Companies entice skilled digital marketers with perks like remote work arrangements to attract and retain top talent.
• Versatility and Agility: Working in digital marketing demands quick thinking and data-driven decision-making. Managing multiple digital channels while continuously measuring and optimising results for the best returns on investment requires versatility and agility. As a digital marketer, these qualities become invaluable assets to any organisation.

What to expect from entry-level digital marketing jobs

As you start your journey as an entry-level marketer, be prepared to embrace a diverse range of tasks and a constant learning curve. As a newcomer to the field, you’ll have the valuable opportunity to contribute and observe day-to-day activities, including active participation in team meetings.

Your specific tasks will vary depending on the company and available resources. For instance, if you join a small team lacking dedicated content or design personnel, you might be entrusted with sourcing graphics for blogs or social media advertisements.

Alternatively, you might be assigned to create spreadsheets and organize data insights for analysis in a substantial data project. The rapidly evolving landscape of technology, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning introduces exciting new tasks and opportunities, such as exploring advancements like Chat GPT and the Metaverse.

Embracing these diverse responsibilities as an entry-level marketer will allow you to gain valuable experience, develop a broad skill set, and adapt to the ever-changing marketing landscape. It is a rewarding path that paves the way for continuous growth and career advancement in the dynamic marketing world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPeRJvosIZM

Become a Digital Marketer Now

Digital marketing offers a rewarding and dynamic career path with opportunities for growth and success. The high demand for digital skills, flexibility in work arrangements, and constant industry evolution make digital marketing appealing. Overall, by learning how to become a digital marketer, will open doors to a promising career with endless possibilities.

FAQs

Sources

Patel, N. (n.d.). Neil Patel. [Online]. Available at: https://neilpatel.com/ [accessed 26/07/23]

Fishkin, R. (n.d.). Rand Fishkin on LinkedIn. [Online]. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/ [accessed 26/07/23]  

Avocado Social. (n.d.). [Online]. Available at: https://www.avocadosocial.com/ [accessed 26/07/23]

Schaffer, N. (n.d.). Neal Schaffer. [Online]. Available at: https://nealschaffer.com/ [accessed 26/07/23]

Toon, K. (n.d.). Kate Toon. [Online]. Available at: https://www.katetoon.com/ [accessed 26/07/23]

Kim, L. (n.d.). Larry Kim on LinkedIn. [Online]. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykim/ [accessed 26/07/23]

University College Birmingham. (n.d.). Digital Marketing BA (Hons) FdA. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/digital-marketing-ba-hons-fda/ [accessed 26/07/23]

The Open University. (n.d.). Marketing Courses. [Online]. Available at: https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/marketing [accessed 26/07/23]

Hotcourses Abroad. (n.d.). Digital Marketing Courses in the UK. [Online]. Available at: https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study/training-degrees/uk/distance-online/digital-marketing-courses/loc/210/smode/3/cgory/bf.4-4/sin/ct/programs.html [accessed 26/07/23]

Nick Cooper