You’re interested in a career in digital marketing, but you’re not sure if you’re ready for it. Making the jump to a new career can be scary, but it’s also a gratifying decision.
In this article, we’ll explore the signs that show you’re ready for a career in digital marketing. We’ll also provide tips on making the transition and what to expect from your new job.
12 Signs You’re Ready for a Career in Digital Marketing
1) You like to research
As a digital marketer, you’ll conduct all kinds of research. To be successful, you’ll need to understand what your target market is interested in and how to reach them. You’ll also need to research the competition to see what they’re doing well and where you can improve.
2) You enjoy building plans
If you enjoy planning, that might be a sign you’re ready for a career in digital marketing. Digital marketers create plans and strategies for everything from social media campaigns to SEO initiatives. If you’re the type of person who likes to see a project through from start to finish, you’ll enjoy this role.
3) You can adapt
Search engine algorithms constantly change. Consumer behavior changes as well. You’ll need to be able to adapt your plans and strategies on the fly to be successful as a digital marketer.
4) You like analyzing data & insights
Data drives business decisions. Digital marketing is no exception. So you’ll need to be able to analyze data and insights to determine what’s working, what’s not, and where you should focus your efforts.
5) You have a creative side
Creativity is a must-have skill for any digital marketer. To be successful, you’ll need to be able to come up with new and innovative ideas that capture your target audience’s attention.
6) You’re tech-savvy
Digital marketing relies heavily on technology. So if you’re comfortable using computers and various software programs, you should feel right at home in this career.
7) You stay up with the latest trends
The best digital marketers know what’s happening in the industry. To be successful, you’ll need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. This way, you can adapt your plans and strategies accordingly.
8) You can tell a good story
You’ll be developing a lot of content. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a blog or creating a video. You need to know how to tell a good story that engages your audience.
9) You like to test and learn
You should never stop learning about digital marketing. The industry is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt. To stay ahead of the curve, you’ll need to learn new things continuously. You learn by testing and trying new things to see what works.
10) You know how to network
You’ll be reaching out to clients and connecting with partners. So you need to know how to network and build relationships.
11) You enjoy solving problems
There will be times when software breaks down or the data isn’t telling the full story. Or maybe your clients are upset. You need to be able to troubleshoot and find solutions to problems.
12) You want a new challenge
One of the most significant signs you’re ready for a career in digital marketing is if you’re looking for a new challenge. Maybe you’re bored in your current role or just ready for something different.
A career in digital marketing will give you the challenges you’re looking for in a job.
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is creating, managing, and executing a marketing plan that uses digital technologies to reach and engage customers.
Digital marketing encompasses all aspects of online marketing, including email, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and more.
Digital Marketing Specialties
There’s a variety of digital marketing specialties to consider. Some of the most common include :
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The process of optimizing a website for Google search to earn higher web traffic levels and improve the visibility of the site.
- Content Marketing: The creation and distribution of valuable, relevant, and engaging content to attract and retain customers.
- Social Media Marketing: The process of using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to build relationships and interact with potential and current customers.
- Email Marketing: The process of sending marketing messages via email to a list of subscribers.
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: A form of online advertising in which businesses pay a fee each time one of their ads is clicked.
What Do Digital Marketers Do
The day-to-day work of a digital marketing specialist can vary widely, depending on the company they work for and the specific team they are on.
They work with various digital marketing tools and technologies to reach customers through many channels.
However, there are some everyday tasks that most digital marketers will perform at some point in their careers, such as:
- Conducting market research
- Creating marketing plans
- Executing marketing campaigns
- Managing budgets
- Analyzing data
- Writing copy
- Designing creative assets
Where Do Digital Marketers Work?
Digital marketers can work in a variety of industries and sectors. However, most digital marketers work for a traditional company that sells products/services, a marketing agency, or as a freelance digital marketer.
There is no specific route to becoming a digital marketing consultant.
Digital Marketing Job Requirements
While the specific job requirements for digital marketing positions can vary depending on the company and position, there are some common skills and experience that most employers will look for, such as:
- A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
- 1-3 years of relevant work experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with digital marketing tools and technologies
- Analytical skills
A bachelor’s degree is becoming less of a requirement. Many companies and agencies are starting to accept industry-recognized certifications combined with work experience.
As a freelancer, many companies won’t even check your education. So if you can show social proof and results, that’s what is most important.
Digital Marketing Strategist Salary
The average salary for a Digital Marketing Specialist in the United States is between $53,000-$74,000 per year, depending on your source.
- Glassdoor: $71,285
- Ziprecruiter: $60,281
- Salary.com: $73,760
- Payscale: $53,549
However, salaries for digital marketing positions can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the company, position, and location.
If you’re a freelance digital marketer, your salary potential is unlimited but will vary depending on your pricing, your projects, and the number of hours you work per week.
Freelance digital marketing consultants can charge between $50-$500+ per hour. However, your hourly rate will vary based on experience, specialty, and the project’s scope.
Determining the correct hourly rate can be difficult. However, we have a free calculator to help you. You can find the hourly rate calculator by clicking here.
How to Become a Digital Marketer
If you’re interested in becoming a digital marketing specialist, there are a few things you can do to get started, such as:
- Pursuing a degree, certificate, or courses in marketing, communications, or a related field
- Gaining relevant work experience through internships or entry-level jobs
- Developing strong written and verbal communication skills
- Building a portfolio of your work
- Staying up-to-date on the latest digital marketing trends and technologies
- Networking with other digital marketers
Wrapping Up Signs You’re Ready for a Career in Digital Marketing
A career in digital marketing is an excellent option for those interested in working in a fast-paced, creative environment.
Suppose you have the required skills and experience, and you’re excited about the prospect of working with cutting-edge digital marketing tools and technologies. In that case, a career in digital marketing may be right for you.
If you don’t have the skills and experience, consider getting an industry-recognized certification that provides an internship or real-world capstone project. Most certificates only take 3-6 months to complete and are low-cost.
