Did you know that nine out of ten adults in the U.S. go online every day? In fact, 41% are online almost constantly. As a marketer, you should take advantage of the online environment to create a strong presence, build your brand, and provide an excellent customer experience.
As more businesses use the internet to connect with customers, digital marketing is becoming increasingly important.
Learning about what digital marketers do and the skills they need can prepare you for a successful career. Understanding their earnings can also help you decide if this job is right for you.
But where do you start?
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is a way to promote brands and reach people using the internet and other digital tools. It’s sometimes called online marketing because it often happens online. This can include email, social media, website ads, and even text or picture messages. If a company uses digital ways to communicate with people, it’s using digital marketing.
Become a Digital Marketer in Five Steps
Digital marketing is a popular job today because it mixes creativity with technology to help brands reach people online. Here’s an easy guide to getting started in digital marketing.
Step 1. Learn the Basics of Digital Marketing
You can start in digital marketing by learning about SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing) to understand how to drive website traffic. Focus on key skills in this field, such as social media marketing to reach people on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Get familiar with email marketing to help companies stay connected with customers. Alongside these technical skills, build soft skills like leadership, clear writing, and understanding an online audience.
Find a course or program that covers these areas together. Many programs offer exercises and projects so you can practice as you learn, helping you build skills faster.
Step 2. Get Familiar with Marketing Tools
Digital marketers use many tools to track and measure their campaigns. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Ads are especially important for tracking website visitors and the success of ad campaigns. SEO tools like Ahrefs, Moz, and SEMrush help with finding useful keywords, seeing where your website ranks, and understanding what competitors are doing.
Start with these basics, then add new tools over time. Trying a social media tool like Buffer or Canva can make content creation easier and help you stand out. Building experience with these tools will help you become more confident in digital marketing.
Step 3. Create a Portfolio
As a digital marketer, your portfolio is essential. It shows potential employers or clients what you’ve done and how you think through projects. Start by gathering examples of your work: maybe a social media post you created, a newsletter, or a blog article. Clearly show your role in each project—did you create the ad design, write the copy, or lead the entire campaign?
Data is key here. Show the impact of your work. For example, you might say, “I grew social media followers by 500 in three months” or “My SEO strategy increased website traffic by 20% in six months.” Even starting, you can use results from class projects or side projects. Build an online portfolio to keep everything organized and easy to share.
Step 4. Craft a Strong Marketing Resume
Your resume is often a potential employer’s first impression, so make it count. Keep the design simple, and make sure your main marketing skills and experiences are clear. Employers look for specific skills, so customize your resume for each application. If the company is focused on social media marketing, make sure that skill stands out on your resume.
Whenever possible, use numbers and clear achievements to back up your experience. For example, you could say, “Managed a social media campaign that increased engagement by 35%.” Put your top marketing skills upfront, followed by other transferable skills like communication, creativity, or adaptability.
Step 5. Build Your Network
Networking is a big part of digital marketing. Start by building a professional online presence. You could create a blog about marketing, share your insights on LinkedIn, or start a newsletter. This not only shows your knowledge but also gets your name out there in the industry.
Attend industry events, even if online or in person. These events let you meet people who can give you advice, connect you with job opportunities, or even become mentors. Building a network takes time, but it’s a valuable asset in the digital marketing world, where trends and connections change constantly.
Types of Digital Marketing
Digital marketing encompasses various specializations focused on connecting with audiences online. Here are some key types:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – SEO boosts website rankings on search engines like Google. It involves creating unique, helpful content, optimizing keywords in titles and headings, and enhancing user engagement. Key factors include backlinks, mobile-friendliness, and fast loading times. Combining research and creativity, SEO requires staying updated with search engine changes.
- Content Marketing – Content marketing focuses on sharing valuable information to attract customers. This includes blog posts, e-books, newsletters, videos, and infographics. The main goal is to provide useful content that engages the audience and encourages them to connect with your brand.
- Social Media Marketing – Social media marketing utilizes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to engage users. It emphasizes building brand awareness, creating discussions, and posting relevant content. Success in this area requires knowing your audience and responding to their comments.
- Email Marketing – Email marketing consists of sending promotional messages directly to customers. Effective emails should be personalized and valuable to ensure recipients want to read them.
4 Benefits of Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is essential today because it can reach many people and offers several advantages that enhance your marketing efforts. Here are some key benefits:
1. Wide Reach
Digital marketing allows you to connect with a global audience. When you post an ad online, it can be seen by anyone, no matter where they are, helping you expand your business.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to traditional marketing methods like print ads or TV commercials, digital marketing is often more affordable. It enables you to create lasting content that attracts visitors over time, while also allowing for easy adjustments to your campaigns.
3. Measurable Results
Digital marketing provides clear metrics to track success. Tools can automatically measure how many people visit your site, open your emails, or make purchases, giving you valuable insights into your marketing effectiveness.
4. Better Customer Connection
With digital marketing, you can engage with customers in real time. Social media interactions, comments, and shares increase brand visibility and foster a sense of community and loyalty among your audience.
Start Your Journey in Digital Marketing
Are you excited to get into digital marketing? With so many people online, this is a great chance for you. By learning important skills and tools, you can stand out and find a rewarding career.
Take action by creating a strong portfolio now. There’s a high demand for digital marketers, and by starting your journey today, you’ll experience amazing opportunities and make a difference in your future!
FAQs
Where to start digital marketing
To start digital marketing, learn the basics through online courses, tutorials, and blogs. Familiarize yourself with key concepts like SEO, content marketing, and social media strategies. Building a strong foundation will help you understand the various aspects of digital marketing.
Is digital marketing hard?
The difficulty of digital marketing varies for each person. While some may find it challenging due to the constantly changing tools and strategies, others may enjoy the creative and analytical aspects. With dedication and practice, anyone can learn digital marketing skills.
How to gain experience in digital marketing?
To gain experience consider internships, volunteer positions, or freelance projects. Creating your own blog or social media accounts to practice your skills can also be beneficial. Networking with professionals in the field can lead to mentorship opportunities and job referrals.
How long does it take to get a digital marketing degree?
The time it takes to get a digital marketing degree typically ranges from two to four years, depending on whether you pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Many online programs offer flexible schedules that can help you complete your degree at your own pace.