In the ever-evolving, constantly moving, fast-paced, always-on, tech generation we are currently living in – you would be crazy not to consider a career in digital marketing. The real question is though, how to start? If you are looking to grab a large slice of the digital marketing pie, look no further. In this blog, we highlight how to start a career in digital marketing, with or without a degree in digital marketing.
Ever heard the saying real-life experience is the best experience? Well, the same holds true when it comes to digital marketing. The beauty of it is that you do not need to be qualified up to your ears in marketing degrees to get into the field, however, you will need three things instead.
- The willingness to learn and continue learning.
- Practical experience – practice makes perfect!
- Acquired digital marketing tools.
Don’t panic, however, this is where we come in. In this blog, we will guide you with five tops tips on how to start a career in digital marketing. I’ll show you how to expand your knowledge while walking you through the different processes you might go through on your path to becoming a professional digital marketer.
Skyrocket your career in digital marketing in these five easy steps:
1. Free courses
The internet is a beautiful thing, not only is it filled with hilarious cat memes, but it is also a fountain of knowledge when it comes to digital marketing. There exist a plethora of FREE online digital marketing courses that you can easily sign up for at the click of a button. All you need to do is look. Here are our top three free digital marketing online courses at the moment.
- Fundamentals of Digital Marketing – Offered by Google.
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: 40 hours
- Curriculum: Introductory to intermediate
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
- Inbound Marketing Free Certification Course – Offered by HubSpot Academy
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes
- Time to Complete: Four hours
- Curriculum: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
- Free Diploma in E-Business – Offered by Alison
- Cost: Free
- Certificate: Yes, with a fee
- Time to Complete: Six to ten hours
- Curriculum: Beginner
- User Experience: Excellent
- Quality of Instruction: Excellent
- Build a website
Creating your own website builds a fantastic learning environment where you can safely practise and hone in on your newly acquired digital marketing skills, without harming an actual site. It is the foundation of digital marketing as it ties in all the elements of marketing, under one metaphorical ‘roof’. Get started by creating a free WordPress website.
3. Choose your channel
Trying to figure it all out at once can seem overwhelming. There are many digital marketing channels and a load of time so don’t overcomplicate it. Start small and choose a digital marketing channel you enjoy, learn everything you can about it and move on to the next channel. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time, patience and consistency! (Expert top tip: if your feeling comfortable – start with SEO first, we’ll explain why in a second)
Channels to choose from:
- Online advertising
- Social Media Marketing
- SEO
Why you should start with SEO
- There are a plethora of free SEO tools that can help you learn across the internet.
- The skills you learn in SEO (content writing, link building, content promotion, etc.) are easily transferable to other facets of digital marketing
- It is free to start. Unlike online ads, you don’t need money to start an SEO campaign.
- It is one of the only few long-term scalable customer acquisition channels.
4. Practise what you learn and avoid analysis paralysis.
While the quantity of content across the internet can be extremely helpful, it can lead you to analysis paralysis (overthinking everything and not doing anything) Why not practise the brand-new skill you’ve just learnt on your website? Get into the habit of consistently practising what you learn, and you will be a digital marketing guru in no time!
5. Networking & Apply for that job!
Once you feel confident in your chosen channel (or maybe even most of them!) get networking, follow people you admire in digital marketing across social media platforms and consume the content that they share/create (think sponge!). If you see a new marketing trend come up, find out what it is and get good at it. Marketing never sleeps, and you should always be on the lookout to grow with the industry & connect with the right people if you want a seat at the digital marketing table.
Talk to us
Should you have any questions about digital marketing contact us here at 020 3911 9715 or make an online enquiry here.
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