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How to become a Digital Marketer?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a Digital Marketer.
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
10 answers
Kelly Taylor
1
Answer
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
This is a great question! Digital Marketing is an evolving career field filled with various connected components and can encompass many different job roles. There are numerous areas that can fall under the umbrella of digital marketing - website management/marketing, data analytics, SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media. I'd recommend doing some initial research and really familiarizing yourself with some of the key areas of digital marketing. This will not only help provide insight into the connectivity across the field, but also allow the opportunity to hone in on the areas of interest.
Once you have a better understanding of the specific areas you would like to focus on, I would recommend looking into some "beginner guides" and online courses. There's plenty of great resources available online through platforms such as LinkedIn, Moz, Google Analytics, etc. that offer free trainings and certification courses. This is a great first step to help develop your skillsets and showcase your interest across your network.
Once you have a better understanding of the specific areas you would like to focus on, I would recommend looking into some "beginner guides" and online courses. There's plenty of great resources available online through platforms such as LinkedIn, Moz, Google Analytics, etc. that offer free trainings and certification courses. This is a great first step to help develop your skillsets and showcase your interest across your network.
Suzanne Gonzales
Marketing
8
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Becoming a digital marketer is an exciting journey that combines creativity, strategy, and analytics. By acquiring the right skills, gaining practical experience, and continuously learning, you can build a successful career in this dynamic field.
1. Understand What Digital Marketing Is:
Digital marketing encompasses all marketing efforts that use the internet or an electronic device. Businesses leverage digital channels such as search engines, social media, email, and websites to connect with current and prospective customers. Key areas include:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improving your website’s visibility on search engines.
Content Marketing: Creating and distributing valuable content to attract and engage a target audience.
Social Media Marketing: Promoting your brand and content on social media platforms to drive engagement.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC): Paid advertising to drive traffic to your website.
Email Marketing: Using email to communicate with your audience.
Affiliate Marketing: Earning commissions by promoting other people’s products.
Analytics: Measuring and analyzing your digital marketing efforts.
2. Essential Skills for Digital Marketers:
Analytical Skills: Understanding data and analytics to make informed decisions.
Creativity: Developing innovative campaigns and content.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with digital tools and platforms like Google Analytics, SEO tools, and content management systems (CMS).
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Project Management: Managing campaigns, timelines, and teams effectively.
3. Educational Pathways:
Formal Education: Many digital marketers have degrees in marketing, business, communications, or related fields. Some universities offer specialized digital marketing programs.
Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in various aspects of digital marketing. Certifications from Google, HubSpot, and Facebook are highly regarded.
Bootcamps: Intensive training programs that provide hands-on experience in digital marketing.
4. Practical Experience:
Internships: Interning with a marketing agency or in the marketing department of a company can provide valuable experience.
Freelance Work: Offer your services as a freelancer to build your portfolio and gain practical experience.
Personal Projects: Create and manage your own blog, social media accounts, or website to practice and showcase your skills.
5. Networking and Mentorship:
Join Professional Groups: Become a member of marketing associations like the American Marketing Association (AMA) or local digital marketing groups.
Attend Industry Events: Conferences, webinars, and workshops can provide valuable learning opportunities and help you network with professionals.
Find a Mentor: A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate your career.
6. Stay Updated:
Digital marketing is constantly evolving. Stay current with the latest trends, tools, and best practices by following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, and participating in online forums.
7. Build Your Personal Brand:
LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and share your insights on digital marketing topics.
Portfolio: Showcase your work, including successful campaigns, content, and case studies.
Online Presence: Establish yourself as a thought leader by writing blog posts, participating in webinars, or creating video content.
8. Specialize:
As you gain experience, consider specializing in a particular area of digital marketing that aligns with your interests and strengths. Specializations can include SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media, email marketing, or analytics.
9. Continuous Learning:
Digital marketing is a field where continuous learning is essential. Regularly update your skills through courses, certifications, and by staying engaged with industry news.
10. Career Opportunities:
Digital marketing offers diverse career paths. You can work in-house for a company, join an agency, or even start your own consultancy. Roles range from digital marketing specialist, SEO analyst, content marketer, social media manager, to digital marketing manager and beyond.
1. Understand What Digital Marketing Is:
Digital marketing encompasses all marketing efforts that use the internet or an electronic device. Businesses leverage digital channels such as search engines, social media, email, and websites to connect with current and prospective customers. Key areas include:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improving your website’s visibility on search engines.
Content Marketing: Creating and distributing valuable content to attract and engage a target audience.
Social Media Marketing: Promoting your brand and content on social media platforms to drive engagement.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC): Paid advertising to drive traffic to your website.
Email Marketing: Using email to communicate with your audience.
Affiliate Marketing: Earning commissions by promoting other people’s products.
Analytics: Measuring and analyzing your digital marketing efforts.
2. Essential Skills for Digital Marketers:
Analytical Skills: Understanding data and analytics to make informed decisions.
Creativity: Developing innovative campaigns and content.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with digital tools and platforms like Google Analytics, SEO tools, and content management systems (CMS).
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Project Management: Managing campaigns, timelines, and teams effectively.
3. Educational Pathways:
Formal Education: Many digital marketers have degrees in marketing, business, communications, or related fields. Some universities offer specialized digital marketing programs.
Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in various aspects of digital marketing. Certifications from Google, HubSpot, and Facebook are highly regarded.
Bootcamps: Intensive training programs that provide hands-on experience in digital marketing.
4. Practical Experience:
Internships: Interning with a marketing agency or in the marketing department of a company can provide valuable experience.
Freelance Work: Offer your services as a freelancer to build your portfolio and gain practical experience.
Personal Projects: Create and manage your own blog, social media accounts, or website to practice and showcase your skills.
5. Networking and Mentorship:
Join Professional Groups: Become a member of marketing associations like the American Marketing Association (AMA) or local digital marketing groups.
Attend Industry Events: Conferences, webinars, and workshops can provide valuable learning opportunities and help you network with professionals.
Find a Mentor: A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate your career.
6. Stay Updated:
Digital marketing is constantly evolving. Stay current with the latest trends, tools, and best practices by following industry blogs, subscribing to newsletters, and participating in online forums.
7. Build Your Personal Brand:
LinkedIn Profile: Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and share your insights on digital marketing topics.
Portfolio: Showcase your work, including successful campaigns, content, and case studies.
Online Presence: Establish yourself as a thought leader by writing blog posts, participating in webinars, or creating video content.
8. Specialize:
As you gain experience, consider specializing in a particular area of digital marketing that aligns with your interests and strengths. Specializations can include SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media, email marketing, or analytics.
9. Continuous Learning:
Digital marketing is a field where continuous learning is essential. Regularly update your skills through courses, certifications, and by staying engaged with industry news.
10. Career Opportunities:
Digital marketing offers diverse career paths. You can work in-house for a company, join an agency, or even start your own consultancy. Roles range from digital marketing specialist, SEO analyst, content marketer, social media manager, to digital marketing manager and beyond.
Affan Nisar
CEO
13
Answers
Doha, Qatar
Updated
Affan’s Answer
To become a digital marketer, start by educating yourself on the fundamentals, including SEO, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, PPC advertising, and web analytics. Online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning can provide a solid foundation. Developing key skills is crucial; focus on both technical abilities, such as using tools like Google Analytics and Google Ads, and soft skills like communication and creativity. Gaining practical experience is essential, so consider creating your own blog, working on freelance projects, or securing internships to build a portfolio. Staying updated on industry trends by following blogs, listening to podcasts, and participating in online communities is vital, as digital marketing is a constantly evolving field. Building a professional network through attending conferences, webinars, and joining industry groups can open up new opportunities. Earning certifications from recognized institutions like Google or HubSpot can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your expertise. While it's beneficial to have a broad understanding of digital marketing, specializing in a specific area, such as SEO or social media marketing, can make you more appealing to employers. Lastly, develop a strong analytical mindset, as the ability to measure and analyze the effectiveness of campaigns is key to optimizing strategies and achieving success in digital marketing.
Melissa Arthur
Manager
6
Answers
North Rose, NY
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Digital Marketing is a truly thrilling area to explore. It's enjoyable to keep abreast of the latest business trends, annual color schemes, social media developments, and to craft artwork that inspires and uplifts individuals.
Consider enrolling in a diverse range of classes that allow you to dip your toes into business, graphic design, and photography. If a chance to undertake a marketing internship arises, seize it. This experience can provide invaluable insights into how these skills are applied in the real world.
Consider enrolling in a diverse range of classes that allow you to dip your toes into business, graphic design, and photography. If a chance to undertake a marketing internship arises, seize it. This experience can provide invaluable insights into how these skills are applied in the real world.
Aaron Lavin
Product Development & Product Management
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Digital marketing is a very dynamic sector and represents a growing area of marketing. Below are several steps to take to become a digital marketer. One thing to remember about digital marketing is that it is likely something you are already doing! Sending an email, posting to social media, writing a blog, etc. - these are all part of the digital marketing landscape and things you already know how to do! It just takes a little shift to start thinking about these channels as a way to reach customers (or businesses) and begin to use these tools as part of your career aspirations. Good luck!
Take courses to learn specific skills. There are lots of online courses in areas of digital marketing - for example, content management, digital strategy, measurement & analytics and social media marketing just to name a few.
Consider certifications. Each of the major digital platforms have certification programs that can be explored - for example; Google, Meta/Facebook, Snap, TikTok.
Stay aware of and up to date on digital marketing topics. One tip is to follow digital marketing or generally marketing leaders on LinkedIn. Start with the "Digital Marketing" page on LinkedIn.
Get experience. Advertising agencies are good places to start learning and getting good experience. Digital marketing is part of every (or almost every!) client campaign program.
Aaron recommends the following next steps:
Krishna Patel
Strategic Alliance Marketing
4
Answers
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Updated
Krishna’s Answer
Embarking on a career in digital marketing is an exciting journey that blends creativity with analytics. I think this field is so creative and has so much ample opportunity to bring your creativity and talent to the table. If I shared a quick guide on a way to get your feet wet in this field, I suggest:
1) Educate Yourself: Always learn the basics of digital marketing (SEO, Content Marketing, social media, Email Marketing) Take advantage of the free recourses online like courses on platforms like Google and HubSpot.
2) Gain Experience: Apply what you have learned through internships or by creating your own digital marketing assets. Couple quick and easy starting projects can be like managing social media for a local business, starting a blog or running a small ad campaign.
3) Stay Updated: Digital Marketing is evolving every day. Keeping yourself updated with the new trends and tools in the industry is crucial.
4) Network (my #1 advise): I could not express how important networking is, it can lead to mentorship opportunities and help you stay on top of industry changes.
1) Educate Yourself: Always learn the basics of digital marketing (SEO, Content Marketing, social media, Email Marketing) Take advantage of the free recourses online like courses on platforms like Google and HubSpot.
2) Gain Experience: Apply what you have learned through internships or by creating your own digital marketing assets. Couple quick and easy starting projects can be like managing social media for a local business, starting a blog or running a small ad campaign.
3) Stay Updated: Digital Marketing is evolving every day. Keeping yourself updated with the new trends and tools in the industry is crucial.
4) Network (my #1 advise): I could not express how important networking is, it can lead to mentorship opportunities and help you stay on top of industry changes.
Tahir Mehmood
IT Manager
29
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Tahir’s Answer
Hi,
You can become a digital marketer after learning some skills. These skills can be learned online in your spare time.
There are many online learning platforms available, such as Udemy, Khan Academy, and Coursera. Simply find a course that teaches digital marketing, and make sure that it has a high rating and feedback from students. These courses will not cost you much money, but they will provide you with a lot of information and practical hands-on for a subject.
Once you have completed your online digital marketing course, find a small vendor or merchant in your town to market or promote their business online for "Free Of Cost" using Facebook and Instagram. Run free and paid ads to reach customers within the city.
Get one or two more local vendors, offer them free digital marketing services, create business pages for them, and track the results. Continue doing this for the next six months or even a year. Once you have a good understanding of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest, you can start offering paid services to startup companies or entrepreneurs.
In the next one to two years, you will become a master of digital marketing and be able to command a high salary for your work.
Good luck!
You can become a digital marketer after learning some skills. These skills can be learned online in your spare time.
There are many online learning platforms available, such as Udemy, Khan Academy, and Coursera. Simply find a course that teaches digital marketing, and make sure that it has a high rating and feedback from students. These courses will not cost you much money, but they will provide you with a lot of information and practical hands-on for a subject.
Once you have completed your online digital marketing course, find a small vendor or merchant in your town to market or promote their business online for "Free Of Cost" using Facebook and Instagram. Run free and paid ads to reach customers within the city.
Get one or two more local vendors, offer them free digital marketing services, create business pages for them, and track the results. Continue doing this for the next six months or even a year. Once you have a good understanding of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest, you can start offering paid services to startup companies or entrepreneurs.
In the next one to two years, you will become a master of digital marketing and be able to command a high salary for your work.
Good luck!
Rachel Wicks
Head of Marketing
3
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Three top tips:
1) stay up to date with marketing trends and technology
2) regular take learning courses, or attend industry events
3) decide if you are an all rounder, or you want to specialise in a particular field
How:
- follow/connect with marketing professionals/agencies/marketing forums on Linked in - listen!
- read as much as you can in marketing media
- seek out free of charge marketing learning opps such as one month trial on linked in learning or coursera or just look for free events on Linkedin.
- carefully consider what your willing to pay for and invest time in, such as an externally recognized qualification
- spend time understanding how the different elements/tactics of digital marketing work together.
1) stay up to date with marketing trends and technology
2) regular take learning courses, or attend industry events
3) decide if you are an all rounder, or you want to specialise in a particular field
How:
- follow/connect with marketing professionals/agencies/marketing forums on Linked in - listen!
- read as much as you can in marketing media
- seek out free of charge marketing learning opps such as one month trial on linked in learning or coursera or just look for free events on Linkedin.
- carefully consider what your willing to pay for and invest time in, such as an externally recognized qualification
- spend time understanding how the different elements/tactics of digital marketing work together.
Lauren Genovesi
Digital Marketing Producer
9
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello,
Digital Marketing is a constantly evolving industry that has many facets. One of the first things that someone looking to get into digital marketing can do is familiarize themselves with the different concepts such as, SEO, SEM, content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, ect. and see what speaks to them most.
Next, I would suggest taking courses specific to what you're most interested in. There are several online courses offered by LinkedIn, Google Digital Garage and HubSpot Academy that help gain better understanding of digital marketing and can also provide certifications. Then, apply this knowledge to real-world projects (hands-on learning is the best!), either through internships, freelance work, or just personal projects to help build your portfolio.
Lastly, networking. Go on LinkedIn and connect with other marketers to learn from them and expand your professional network.
Good luck :)
Digital Marketing is a constantly evolving industry that has many facets. One of the first things that someone looking to get into digital marketing can do is familiarize themselves with the different concepts such as, SEO, SEM, content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, ect. and see what speaks to them most.
Next, I would suggest taking courses specific to what you're most interested in. There are several online courses offered by LinkedIn, Google Digital Garage and HubSpot Academy that help gain better understanding of digital marketing and can also provide certifications. Then, apply this knowledge to real-world projects (hands-on learning is the best!), either through internships, freelance work, or just personal projects to help build your portfolio.
Lastly, networking. Go on LinkedIn and connect with other marketers to learn from them and expand your professional network.
Good luck :)
Daisie Magrob
Marketer
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Daisie’s Answer
Becoming a digital marketer is an exciting journey that involves mastering various skills like SEO, content creation, social media management, and data analysis. The key is to start with the basics, learn continuously, and stay updated with the latest trends.
But for businesses looking to take their digital marketing to the next level, it's not just about learning—it's about execution at scale. That's where Centric’s Enterprise Digital Marketing Services in the USA comes in. We specialize in creating and implementing advanced strategies tailored to large enterprises, ensuring they stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.
But for businesses looking to take their digital marketing to the next level, it's not just about learning—it's about execution at scale. That's where Centric’s Enterprise Digital Marketing Services in the USA comes in. We specialize in creating and implementing advanced strategies tailored to large enterprises, ensuring they stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape.
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