Five ways to enter a career in digital marketing
One of the most popular work sectors right now is digital marketing. A recent article by Reuters found that spending on digital marketing globally by businesses is now around the $100bn mark! Of course, all this digital marketing activity needs people to make it all happen.
That is why digital marketing careers are on the up at the moment and a real growth market. It is not just the demand for digital marketing skills that is attracting workers either. With an average annual salary of over $86,000 for digital marketing managers in the US alone, it is also a very lucrative industry to be in.
What is behind the rise of digital marketing?
In the same way that the internet has changed our personal lives, it has changed business also. One key area in which this has been keenly felt is marketing. While the traditional forms of marketing are used still, a lot of the activity in this area has shifted online. This online way of marketing is what is behind the digital marketing boom. As more and more businesses look to connect with customers here, where they mostly now hang out, this will only become more common.
Awesome ways to get into a digital marketing career
If you like the sound of a career in this exciting sector, then you may also need a few pointers on how to go about it. The below show some simple yet effective ways to get your foot in the door:
- Gain relevant qualifications – as with a lot of other industries, having the right qualifications goes a long way in bagging your first digital marketing role. This demonstrates to employers that you not only have the skills needed to perform well but you can also operate at a high level. Getting the right digital marketing associate training is key for many different roles within this industry, from digital marketing assistant to social media manager or search engine specialist. To really get a firm understanding of the basics and more advanced elements of digital marketing to succeed, getting the right education is vital.
- Consider internships or unpaid positions – once you have the necessary qualifications, making the leap into a proper job can seem daunting. One way to enter the digital marketing world here is to consider internships. While this may pay quite badly and involve entry-level work, it will help you gain valuable experience and could see you end up with a job offer if you do well. In the same vein, unpaid work experience is worth thinking about for the same reasons. Both will also look good on your CV when applying for digital marketing roles.
- Build up your online brand – as digital marketing is entirely based around being online, you had better make sure that you have an online presence. This will help to show potential employers that you have the skills needed to market yourself, which can then transfer into the role for which you are applying. Setting up your own website or blog along with using social media will also give you practice of key online marketing skills such as SEO or content marketing.
- Network – one of the great advantages of the digital age in business is how easy it is to network now. Popular sites such as LinkedIn make it simple to connect with companies or people already involved in the digital marketing sector. By networking in this way, you will not only build up your circle of influence to bag a job but also help to increase your knowledge continually.
Make sure that your CV is up to scratch
Although the days of posting hard copy CVs are gone, many companies will still ask to see a CV when you are trying to get into digital marketing. This means that having an updated and competent one to email over is one of the best tips for your career. Ensure that all the relevant skills, qualifications and experience you have around digital marketing are on there. It is also worth considering the layout, length and fonts used for maximum impact.
Take steps today to enter a digital marketing career
One of the most exciting things for a digital marketing career is that there are so many specific roles from which to choose. While getting the basic skills and qualifications is a must, it then gives you license to pursue certain aspects to gain further expertise in. The other great thing about working in digital marketing is that it will not be going anywhere soon – in fact, the opposite looks set to be true. This means that you will be working a sector that is always in high demand.