In this digital age, the Internet has become an integral part of people’s lives, leading to a surge in the number of internet users. Consequently, businesses and brands have turned to digital marketing as a powerful tool to connect with people and promote their products and services.
The popularity of digital marketing has resulted in high demand for digital marketers. However, as the industry becomes more competitive, becoming a digital marketer requires more than just a desire to do so. Nonetheless, this article aims to equip you with all the necessary knowledge to become a proficient digital marketer.
Who are Digital Marketers?
The role of a digital marketer involves utilizing digital platforms and tools such as social media, email, websites, and search engine rankings to execute marketing campaigns that target a broad audience and advertise a business’s products and services.
The functions of a digital marketer include the following:
- Planning and execution of brand awareness and marketing campaigns.
- Analyzing the performance of marketing campaigns.
- Analyzing the market, consumer behavior, and needs.
- Generating leads for brands and businesses.
- Nurturing and converting leads into active customers.
- Generating traffic to a company’s digital mediums or platforms.
- Driving sales increase by leveraging digital tools.
Here are the skill needed to become a Digital Marketer.
1. Content Writing
Content writing involves using written words or text to inform, educate, engage, or entertain a target audience. Engaging in digital marketing campaigns is only possible using content writing.
Hence, content writing is a crucial skill you must develop to become a digital marketer. As a digital marketer, you’ll use content writing to create ebooks, articles, and blog posts that drive customer engagement and marketing programs.
2. Copywriting
Copywriting involves using compelling written language to convince readers to take action, such as buying a product or service or accepting an idea. Digital marketers leverage copywriting to craft irresistible offers for their target audience, making it an essential tool in driving sales. Thus, copywriting is a crucial component of a digital marketer’s arsenal.
3. SEO and SEM
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) entails creating content enriched with strategically placed keywords, updated title and header tags, and employing other technical SEO tactics to enhance its visibility in search engine rankings. Consequently, optimized content is easily discoverable when searched for on the internet.
SEO-optimized content facilitates generating free traffic to a business’s website and other digital platforms. Subsequently, Search Engine Marketing (SEM) can leverage SEO articles to promote a company. Hence, digital marketers must possess expertise in both SEO and SEM. Below are steps on how to become an SEO expert.
4. Social Media and Email Marketing
Social media marketing involves utilizing social media platforms to advertise and sell a brand’s products or services. Considering the ever-increasing number of individuals and businesses using social media, knowing how to leverage this platform is a crucial skill for digital marketers.
Email marketing involves utilizing email messages to promote a brand or company. One of the significant benefits of email marketing is the ability to establish a personalized connection with customers, which companies require to thrive.
5. Graphic Design
Visual designs are a great way to arrest people’s attention and pass a message to them in the most appealing way. It is always a great idea to accompany your content with a visual design summarising the information you intend to convey. Hence, digital marketers should have basic design skills and knowledge of visual tools like Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva.
6. Market Research Analysis
Market research analysis involves the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data about a target market. This data from market research analysis aids a digital marketer in planning the most effective strategy to penetrate the market. Hence, it would help if you learned how to become a market research analyst to succeed as a digital marketer.
7. Effective Communication
Digital marketers typically utilize digital mediums to communicate and effectively convey a message to a target audience. The mode of communication may be through writing, audio tapes, or video sessions. Hence, you must develop effective written and oral communication skills as a digital marketer.
How to Become a Professional Digital Marketer
Now, having identified the skills used in the digital marketing industry, how can you develop these skills and become a digital marketer?
1. Take Online Courses
Online courses are a popular means of acquiring the knowledge required to launch a career in digital marketing. The internet offers numerous courses that equip learners with the skills necessary to become proficient digital marketers. Check out this list of the best online digital marketing courses.
Online courses are designed to prepare learners for the job market and provide them with the information required to execute successful marketing campaigns. Moreover, these courses are frequently updated to keep learners abreast of the latest tools, skills, knowledge, and technological advancements in the industry.
2. Obtain a Degree in Marketing or Equivalent Subjects
Pursuing a degree in marketing, business administration, or related fields is an excellent approach to establishing a solid foundation for a career in digital marketing. College education in these areas provides learners with knowledge of marketing theory and various industry concepts.
Furthermore, many companies require candidates to possess a university degree before offering employment. Therefore, acquiring a degree is crucial to succeeding as a professional digital marketer.
3. Find Digital Marketing Roles to Gain Experience
After acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills in digital marketing, gaining industry experience is essential to becoming a recognized professional. Therefore, you can gain experience in digital marketing by securing roles in the industry.
Freelancing is an excellent approach to obtaining digital marketing opportunities and gaining industry experience. As businesses seek to outsource their branding and marketing requirements for cost-effectiveness, freelance digital marketing positions are becoming increasingly popular.
Additionally, documenting every project and marketing campaign you undertake is essential in developing your portfolio. This approach demonstrates the extent of your experience in your career. Establishing a robust portfolio is especially critical because it enhances your chances of securing additional opportunities.
4. Start a Digital Marketing Agency
As a digital marketer with the required skills, you can establish your own company and provide digital marketing services to interested parties, rather than waiting for employment in a company.
Running a digital marketing agency gives employers the impression that you have the necessary resources to handle their marketing needs. Additionally, the skills you acquire as a digital marketer will aid you in promoting your services and attracting clients who anticipate replicating your achievements in their business.
Some of the top digital marketing agencies in the world are:
- CamRojud
- WebFX
- Porter Novelli
- TBWA/Media Arts Lab
- Cuker Agency
- Mighty Citizen
Become a Professional Digital Marketer
Traditional marketing is no longer as effective as it used to be. Nowadays, companies prefer digital marketing as the most efficient way to conduct, monitor, and evaluate the success of their marketing campaigns.
Consequently, pursuing a career as a digital marketer is a wise decision as you can assist companies in reaching larger audiences and expanding their customer base. In exchange, you can enhance your skills, build your portfolio, and earn a good income.
