So you want to learn how to become a freelance digital marketer with no experience, but you don’t know where to start.
It can be tough to break into the freelance digital marketing world without experience. Most people will tell you that you need years of experience before even thinking about freelancing.
Don’t let your lack of experience stop you!
Becoming a freelance digital marketer with no experience is not as tricky as you think. However, there are a few things that you can do to get started and prove yourself in the field.
Table of Contents
What Does a Freelance Digital Marketer Do?
A freelance digital marketer helps businesses promote and sell their products or services online. As a freelance digital marketer, you will be responsible for creating digital content, online marketing campaigns, managing social media accounts, and driving traffic to websites.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Freelance Digital Marketer
While you don’t need years of experience to become a freelance digital marketer, there are some digital marketing skills that you should have.
First, you should have a basic understanding of marketing principles and digital marketing strategy. This understanding will help you create effective digital marketing campaigns and understand how to measure their success.
You should also be familiar with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You will create and manage social media accounts as a freelance digital marketer.
Next, you need to understand Google Analytics and Google Seach Console.
Finally, you should have some experience driving traffic to websites. You drive traffic through SEO, paid advertising, or social media.
More specifically, a few technical skills that would be useful as a freelance digital marketer include:
Content Writing and Copywriting
You need to be skilled at content creation and able to write effective copy if you want to be a freelance digital marketer. Content creation includes writing headlines, calls to action, and blog posts tailored to a target audience.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Digital marketing professionals are good at driving traffic to websites through SEO. SEO involves optimizing website content, titles, and descriptions to rank high in search engines.
Paid Advertising
As a freelance digital marketer, you should also be familiar with digital advertising. Paid Ads include search engine marketing, social media advertising, and other forms of digital ads.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is another effective way to promote businesses online. As a freelance digital marketer, you should be able to create and send email campaigns.
Social Media Marketing (SMM)
You will need to be familiar with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SMM includes creating and managing social media accounts.
Marketing & Web Analytics
Digital marketers need to be good at measuring the success of their campaigns. This skill involves using marketing and web analytics tools to track metrics like website traffic, leads, and conversions.
Digital Marketing Certifications
Since you don’t have experience, one way to prove your skills and start your digital marketing career is by getting an industry-recognized certification. There are many digital marketing certifications available online. Some are free but highly respected.
Digital marketing courses can help you learn the necessary digital marketing tools, skills, and knowledge to become a freelance digital marketer.
Example Online Digital Marketing Certifications:
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate from Google
The Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate can be your ticket to success! In just under six months, you can acquire the essential skills in high demand and take the first step toward achieving your marketing goals. This digital marketing certificate can help you prepare for a promising career and give you the boost you need to kickstart your journey in the field of marketing.
Inbound Marketing Certification from HubSpot
HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing Certification is among the most popular digital marketing certifications available. It’s also one of the most respected. The certification is free and takes about 4-5 hours to complete. This certification is a great start, but may not be everything you need without experience.
Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate from Meta
Meta’s certification will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in this booming industry and earn an industry-recognized credential. Don’t wait – start today and make 2023 your most successful year yet!
Content Marketing Certification from Copyblogger
Copyblogger’s certification is designed to teach you how to create and market compelling content that attracts visitors, converts prospects into customers, and turns customers into raving fans.
Email Marketing Certification from Hubspot
Hubspot’s email marketing certification will teach you how to create and send email campaigns that turn prospects into leads, customers, and raving fans.
If you’re looking for a certification program through a college or university, there are many continuing education programs in digital marketing.
Example University Digital Marketing Certifications
University of Virginia AI Marketing Certificate
Are you interested in taking your digital marketing strategy to the next level? Look no further than Darden School of Business’s unique certification, led by top faculty. Discover how machine learning, AI, and customer insights have revolutionized the marketplace through AI marketing.
University of Illinois Digital Marketing Specialization
If you’re eager to get into digital marketing and influence customer behavior online, this certification is just what you need. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – mastering the art of digital marketing could be the game-changer that leads you to success!
University of California Davis Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
This UC Davis expert-led certification will provide the tools and strategies needed to stand out in today’s crowded online landscape. You’ll be able to create content that resonates with your audience and ranks higher on search engines. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to become an SEO master!
USF Digital Marketing Certificate Program
The USF Digital Marketing Certificate Program is an excellent way to become a digital marketing expert. The program consists of eight self-paced modules, and you can apply the concepts you learn to any current projects you have. In addition, you’ll be learning from experts who guide you through solving real-world challenges with best practices used within top companies.
Oklahoma State University Digital Marketing Certificate
The Oklahoma State Digital Marketing Certification is a 10-week course where you’ll learn all about core digital marketing concepts, from understanding strategy and tactics to mastering various channels.
You’ll earn a Digital Marketing Certificate of Completion from OSU – plus three valuable technology certifications from Google Adwords, Google Analytics, and Hubspot.
Columbia Digital Marketing Certificate
Columbia University’s Digital Marketing Certificate is a unique program that will give you the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s digital age. The program includes expert instruction from David Rogers, Faculty of Executive Education, Columbia Business School. You’ll learn to create customer engagement plans, use social media effectively, and measure your results.
Challenges of Freelance Digital Marketing
While freelance digital marketing has many benefits, there are also some challenges you should be aware of.
The biggest challenge is finding clients. As a freelancer, you must seek clients and pitch your services proactively. Unfortunately, finding clients can be difficult, especially if you don’t have experience.
Another challenge is wearing many hats as a freelance digital marketer. You must be familiar with a wide range of marketing channels and strategies.
And lastly, you will need to keep up with the latest trends and changes in the digital marketing world. Keeping up can be difficult, as the industry is constantly evolving.
Benefits of Freelance Digital Marketing
Despite these challenges, freelance digital marketing allows you to get experience and build your portfolio while working from home.
And it can be a great way to earn income. You can charge hourly rates or project-based fees as a freelance digital marketing consultant.
You can make your own hours and work as much or as little as possible.
Plus, freelance digital marketing allows you to choose your clients and projects. This flexibility means you can work with companies or brands you are passionate about.
So if you’re looking for a way to get started in digital marketing, freelance marketing could be the perfect option.
Digital Marketer Salary
The average salary for a freelance digital marketer is $50-$100 per hour. But this will vary depending on experience, the type of project you’re working on, and your pricing strategy.
Many freelance digital marketers charge between $100-$500 per hour.
For example, if you have experience, you might use a project rate instead of an hourly one. A project rate is a set fee that you charge for a specific project. For example, your project rate could be $5,000-$50,000 or more.
Or some consultants use a value-based pricing strategy. Value-based pricing is where you charge based on the value you bring to the client. So, for example, if you do a conversion rate optimization project for an e-commerce client and help them increase their sales by 10%, you might charge 10% of that increase.
But if you’re just starting, you might want to use an hourly rate to get some experience under your belt. Then, once you have a few projects under your belt, you can start raising your rates or trying other types of fee structures.
However, no matter what, as a freelance digital marketer, you’ll have the ability to choose your own rates and work with clients that you’re passionate about.
How to Become a Digital Marketer With No Experience: 9 Steps
1. Pick a niche
You might be tempted to try to be a Jack-of-all-trades when you first start. However, it’s important to niche down and focus on ONE specific area of digital marketing to become an expert. In addition, being a specialist will make you more attractive to potential clients looking for someone with your particular skill set. Expand later.
2. Get certified
Many online marketing courses offer certification upon completion. Industry-recognized certifications show potential clients that you have the necessary skills to complete the job.
3. Work for free to build a small portfolio
It might be necessary to work for free to build up your portfolio, formal experience and demonstrate your abilities when you first start. Then, once you have some excellent examples of your work, you can begin charging for your services.
4. Gain testimonials and case studies
A great way to show off your work and get more clients is to have testimonials and case studies from previous clients. These can be placed on your website or used during the sales process.
Testimonials and case studies are social proof. They show that other people have used your services and been happy with the results. Social proof is a great way to build trust with potential clients.
5. Build a website and showcase your results
If you can build a website that generates traffic and converts visitors into customers, you will have no problem finding clients willing to pay for your services.
6. Share the latest trends
The digital marketing landscape is constantly changing, so it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest trends to offer your clients the best possible service. In addition, you will be more likely to land high-paying clients when you can show that you are an expert in your field.
7. Build your brand
As a freelance digital marketer, your personal brand is just as important as the results you deliver. Make sure you create a strong online presence and develop an excellent reputation to attract more clients.
8. Build your network
Freelance digital marketers need to have a strong network to be successful. So get connected with other professionals in the digital marketing community and make sure you are visible on social media.
You can become a freelance digital marketer with no skills by following these tips. Remember to consistently learn and improve your craft to deliver the best possible results to your clients.
9. Get paid clients
Now you’re ready to start getting paid clients. Reach back out to the clients you provided digital marketing services for free. Use your network to help find paying clients. Or start cold outreach to new clients and offer your services.
If you want to learn more, read our articles on:
Wrap Up: How to Become a Digital Marketer With No Experience
So, if you’re looking to become a freelance digital marketer, follow these tips and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Then, come back to The Weekly Consult to stay up to date.
It’s essential to have a solid personal brand and be visible online so that potential clients can find you. And most importantly, deliver excellent results to your clients so they will recommend you to others. Are there any other tips you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase a certification from those programs, The Weekly Consult will receive a commission. However, your experience will not change.
