How to get started in a Digital Marketing career

The world of digital marketing is exciting and varied, and the fact you are reading this shows it has piqued your interest – and we can see why! Working in digital marketing, no two careers are the same, neither are any two days for that matter. It is a challenging, creative, and endlessly diverse field; those starting out in the field may even feel overwhelmed by the vast choice in front of them.

But whether you are fresh from school, college or university, from a traditional marketing background, or from a different career field entirely, with the right know-how, you can go on to have a successful digital marketing career. Here’s how…

What does digital marketing encompass?

Digital marketing, sometimes referred to as online marketing, is a broad term used to describe the process of marketing on the internet. It encompasses everything from:

• Social media marketing
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
• Communication
• Email marketing
• User experience and even coding
• Content management and copywriting
• Link building
• Content creation
• Data and statistics
• PR and traditional marketing methods
• Paid advertising
• Influencer marketing
• Pay-per-click advertising (PPC)
• Campaign management

And everything in between!

Is digital marketing a good career choice?

In times when job security is a main concern, it is worth knowing that the job outlook for digital marketing is strong. Just about every business with an online presence is thinking about how it competes, stands out and gains an advantage. A good digital presence will help businesses remain visible and relevant, and so the demand for digital marketing professionals is set to continue long into the future.

“We now spend a quarter of our waking day online. For those working in marketing, this ever-growing online audience is right at your fingertips, and it can only be harnessed by sophisticated digital marketing efforts.” - Why digital marketing should be at the top of your priority list

Do I need a marketing degree?

Prospective digital marketers may believe they need a marketing degree to enter the field. However, this is a common misconception. Whilst some job ads may ask for a degree, it may not matter what field it is in. What is likely more important is the candidate’s relevant skillset.

Demonstrating that you can be both analytical and creative, a great communicator and willing to learn will be key to landing the position. In terms of hard skills, mastering the essential tools and methods of digital marketing is a good starting point. Here at ILX, we offer a range of digital marketing training, from our Digital Marketing 101 course, through to Digital Strategy for Brand Marketing, Content Marketing and Mobile Marketing training, allowing you to progress and your skillset to grow.

Each of our courses is delivered in an e-learning format, allowing you to complete it at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. Our online training has been cleverly designed to be both informative and engaging, with interactive elements and course material that flows, building your knowledge and understanding progressively. The courses have little to no prerequisites and you don’t even need to work in a digital marketing role in order to enroll.

How to have a successful digital marketing career

Once you have gained the necessary skills and confidence that digital marketing training provides, you will have a fantastic foundation of understanding to help get you started. You will have a grounding of the basics and a good grasp of the jargon. From here you can look to gain experience in a digital marketing role.

It may be at a marketing agency or ‘in-house’ as part of a company’s marketing department, or you may even opt to work freelance. Whichever route you choose, it is worth recognising that digital marketing is a fast-paced profession, and it can pay off to always be learning.

Stay informed of new updates and keep learning digital marketing tactics by reading industry websites and blogs. (Sites such as Google Blog, The Drum, and Search Engine Journal are a great place to start.) You can also keep your finger on the pulse through continued professional development training. Expanding your skillset into disciplines beyond your specialism can improve your understanding and help you to reach high-level positions with a salary to match!