The Digital marketing industry has grown huge over the past decade and with this growth comes a vast range of opportunities for people to get into and make a career from. Are you thinking about starting a career in digital marketing? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to get a job in digital marketing in the United States. Don’t worry if you’re new to this field – we’ll start with the basics and work our way up.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
What is Digital Marketing?
Before we jump into how to get a job, let’s talk about what digital marketing actually is. Simply put, digital marketing is all about promoting products, services, or brands using digital technologies. This includes things like:
• Social media marketing
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Email marketing
• Content marketing
• Pay-per-click advertising (PPC)
• Website design and development
Digital marketing is a huge field, and it’s always changing. That’s what makes it so exciting. There’s always something new to learn, and you’ll never get bored.
Why Choose a Career in Digital Marketing?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I choose digital marketing as a career?” Great question. Here are a few reasons:
It’s a growing field: More and more businesses are moving online, which means there’s a growing demand for digital marketing experts.
It’s creative: You get to come up with cool ideas and strategies to help businesses grow.
It’s flexible: Many digital marketing jobs offer remote work options or flexible hours.
It’s well-paid: Digital marketing professionals often earn competitive salaries.
It’s always changing: If you love learning new things, this field is perfect for you.
Skills You Need for a Digital Marketing Career
Okay, now that you know why digital marketing is awesome, let’s talk about the skills you need to succeed in this field. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these skills yet – you can learn them!
Writing: You’ll need to write a lot in digital marketing, from social media posts to blog articles.
Creativity: Coming up with fresh ideas is a big part of the job.
Analytical thinking: You’ll need to analyze data to see what’s working and what’s not.
Basic tech skills: You don’t need to be a coding wizard, but being comfortable with technology is important.
Social media savvy: Understanding how different social platforms work is crucial.
Communication: You’ll be working with teams and clients, so good communication skills are a must.
Adaptability: The digital world changes fast, so you need to be able to keep up.
Education and Certifications
Now, let’s talk about education. The good news is, you don’t necessarily need a specific degree to get into digital marketing. Many successful digital marketers come from various backgrounds. However, having some formal education or certifications can definitely help. Here are some options:
College degree: A degree in marketing, communications, or business can be helpful.
Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer digital marketing courses.
Certifications: Google offers free certifications in areas like Google Analytics and Google Ads.
Bootcamps: Intensive digital marketing bootcamps can give you hands-on experience.
Remember, the most important thing is to keep learning. The digital marketing world moves fast, so staying up-to-date is key.
Gain Practical Experience
Here’s a secret: employers love to see practical experience. But how do you get experience when you’re just starting out? Here are some ideas:
Start a blog: This is a great way to practice your writing and SEO skills.
Volunteer: Offer to help local businesses or non-profits with their digital marketing.
Internships: Look for internships at marketing agencies or in the marketing departments of companies.
Freelance: Sites like Upwork or Fiverr can help you find small gigs to build your portfolio.
Personal projects: Start your own social media account or YouTube channel to practice your skills.
Remember, any experience is good experience when you’re starting out!
Build Your Personal Brand
In digital marketing, your personal brand is super important. Here’s how to start building yours:
Create a LinkedIn profile: Make sure it’s complete and professional.
Start a portfolio website: Showcase your best work and skills.
Be active on social media: Share industry news and your own thoughts on digital marketing trends.
Network: Attend marketing events and join online communities in your area.
Building your personal brand takes time, but it’s worth it. It can help you stand out to potential employers.
Understand the Different Roles in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing isn’t just one job – there are lots of different roles you could pursue. Here are some common ones:
Social Media Manager: You’d be in charge of a company’s social media presence.
SEO Specialist: Your job would be to help websites rank higher in search engine results.
Content Marketer: You’d create and manage content like blog posts, videos, and infographics.
Email Marketing Specialist: You’d be responsible for creating and managing email campaigns.
PPC Specialist: You’d manage paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads.
Digital Marketing Manager: You’d oversee all digital marketing efforts for a company.
Think about which areas of digital marketing interest you most. It’s okay to start in one role and switch to another later as you learn more about the field.
Job Search Strategies
Now that you’ve got some skills and experience, it’s time to start looking for jobs. Here are some strategies:
Job boards: Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often have digital marketing job listings.
Company websites: Check the careers pages of companies you’d like to work for.
Networking: Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for a digital marketing job. You never know who might have a lead.
Marketing agencies: Many agencies are always on the lookout for new talent.
Recruitment agencies: Some agencies specialize in marketing jobs and can help match you with opportunities.
LinkedIn: Make sure your profile is up-to-date and set your status to “open to work”.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect job right away. Job hunting takes time, but persistence pays off.
Develop Soft Skills
While technical skills are important in digital marketing, don’t forget about soft skills. These can make a big difference in your career:
Time management: Digital marketers often juggle multiple projects at once.
Teamwork: You’ll likely be working with other marketers, designers, and developers.
Problem-solving: Every campaign is different, so you need to be able to think on your feet.
Creativity: Coming up with fresh ideas is a big part of the job.
Adaptability: The digital world changes fast, so you need to be able to roll with the punches.
Customer focus: Understanding and meeting customer needs is crucial in marketing.
Work on developing these skills alongside your technical skills. They’ll make you a more well-rounded candidate.
Conclusion
Remember, your journey in digital marketing is just that – a journey. It might take some time to land your dream job, but every step you take is moving you in the right direction. Stay positive, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career in digital marketing.