How To Become a Skilled Digital Marketer
There are many ways to become a digital marketer, but the real key isn't just entering the field — it's becoming a skilled one. While some digital marketers may start in traditional marketing roles before specializing, the truth is that no specific background is required. What truly matters is mastering a set of essential skills. People from all kinds of roles — whether a copywriter, webmaster, or influencer — can make the leap into digital marketing.
For this career guide, we’re providing you an overview of what a digital marketer does and which skill you need to stand out in the market.
How Well Do You Know Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing includes all marketing efforts that use digital devices or the internet. It involves businesses utilizing digital channels like search engines, social media, email, and websites to connect with current and potential customers. If you're looking to break into digital marketing, it’s important to understand its core components, which include the following.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO specialists work on improving a website’s visibility in search engines like Google. Their job is to optimize website content, keywords, and technical aspects like page speed and mobile-friendliness so that the site ranks higher in search results.
Content Marketing
Content marketers plan, create, and distribute content that builds trust, educates the audience, and drives engagement or sales. Their goal is to engage potential customers by providing useful and relevant information that aligns with the brand's mission.
Social Media Marketing
Social media managers oversee a company’s social media presence across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Their role includes creating and posting engaging content, responding to comments, building a community, and running ads. They focus on increasing followers, boosting engagement, and driving traffic to the company’s website.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
PPC specialists manage paid advertising campaigns where businesses pay for every click their ads receive. These ads typically appear at the top of search results or on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook. Their job involves creating and optimizing ads, selecting target audiences, managing budgets, and analyzing performance to maximize return on investment (ROI).
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketers promote products or services on behalf of other companies. They earn a commission for every sale made through their unique referral links. Affiliates may be bloggers, influencers, or website owners who use their platforms to market these products. Their main task is to create content or ads that encourage others to make purchases through their links.
Email Marketing
Email marketers create targeted email campaigns to nurture leads and convert them into customers as well as analyze data to improve open rates, click-through rates (CTRs), and overall campaign success. They design newsletters, promotional offers, and personalized emails that engage subscribers and encourage them to take action, like making a purchase or signing up for a service.
Online Public Relations (PR)
Online PR professionals manage a company’s reputation on digital platforms. Their job involves securing media coverage, managing press releases, and building relationships with influencers and bloggers. They focus on improving brand visibility, managing online reviews, and addressing any negative press. They may also work with social media teams to ensure a positive brand image.
Is Digital Marketing in Demand?
To put it plainly: yes, digital marketing is highly in demand and one of the fastest-growing fields. The need for digital marketing skills is rapidly increasing. A report by Bullhorn shows that 71% of hiring managers struggle to find qualified digital marketing professionals to fill their open positions.
According to HubSpot, 70% of companies now invest in content and social media marketing, and 64% of marketers say their budgets have increased this year.
Build a Digital Marketing Career the Right Way
- Educate Yourself
If you're interested in digital marketing, it's important to get some form of education. The purpose of education isn’t just to gain skills, but also to help you figure out which areas of digital marketing match your interests and strengths. There are many fields to explore like SEO, content marketing, social media, and more.
Some people choose to get a college degree, but what’s great about digital marketing is that a degree isn’t necessary. If college isn’t an option, you can still land a professional job by taking online courses or earning certifications that teach you the skills you need.
- Build an Online Presence
Practice your digital marketing skills by creating a personal blog or website where you can apply SEO strategies, produce your own content, and engage in social media marketing. These practical experiences will help build a portfolio for future job opportunities. Start with a topic you’re passionate about, write quality content that provides value to your audience, and maintain consistency. - Get Certified
Earning certifications from reputable organizations can boost your credibility as a digital marketer. Some popular certifications include:some text- Google Analytics Certification: Demonstrates your ability to track and analyze website traffic.
- Google Ads Certification: Validates your expertise in creating and managing Google Ads campaigns.
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification: Focuses on content creation, promotion, and analysis.
- Facebook Blueprint Certification: Specializes in advertising on Facebook and Instagram.
- Gain Experience
Internships, freelance jobs, and entry-level positions are great ways to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing. Look for opportunities at digital marketing agencies or companies with an online presence. Volunteering to manage the digital marketing efforts for a nonprofit is also a valuable way to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios, sharpen your skills, and expand your professional network. Keep track of your achievements and what you’ve learned to showcase your growth and capabilities. - Network With Industry Professionals
Networking helps you stay on top of new trends, connect with thought leaders, and find mentors or job referrals. It can also open doors for collaborations that could benefit your career. Attend digital marketing events, participate in online forums, and join LinkedIn groups related to the field. - Keep Up With Industry Trends
Staying current with the latest trends and technologies is crucial in this fast-paced industry. Follow industry blogs, listen to podcasts, and read books by thought leaders to keep your knowledge relevant. Websites like Moz, HubSpot, and Neil Patel’s blog provide valuable insights to help you stay informed. Keeping up with trends will make you more competitive in the job market and better equipped to adapt to changes in consumer behavior and technology.
Become a Digital Marketer in Just a Swipe!
So, are you ready to step into the world of digital marketing?
Swob is designed to make your entry into digital marketing easy and efficient. Our platform is designed to help you navigate the job market and find your dream digital marketing role in just a few swipes with access to millions of jobs, resume-building tips, and helpful guides to kickstart your career.
Whether you're a first-time job hunter looking for your first role or an experienced professional looking to make a career change, Swob is here to help you at every step. Download the Swob app today and start your journey to becoming a successful digital marketer today!
Swob is the modern job search platform with over 8 million active jobs. Match with hundreds of employers and get hired for roles across retail, hospitality, healthcare, customer service, and more. With Swob you can find your perfect match with a simple swipe. Download the app, upload your resume, and start swiping on success today! www.swobapp.com
