7 Ways to Advance your Digital Marketing Career

In today's tech-driven world, digital marketing is essential for businesses in all industries. Organizations must meet consumers where they are, which means a large portion of marketing takes place online. Digital marketing can refer to any type of marketing that reaches audiences online. It's a wide field that is projected to keep growing. As a result, it can offer a wealth of career opportunities for eager marketers hoping to reach new audiences. For many companies, digital marketing is as important, or even more important than traditional marketing. Digital marketing is as diverse as the internet. From traditional business communications like email and websites, to interactive media like social media platforms and video, there are many specialties to choose from. Whether you're just starting out, or you're hoping to take your digital marketing career in a new direction, these tips can help you advance your digital marketing career.

1.  Get the Right Education

Although digital marketing will depend heavily on your experiences and abilities, an educational background in marketing-related courses and digital media can be beneficial. If you're in the process of pursuing your bachelor's degree, consider how your focus can provide essential building blocks for your intended career in the digital marketing field. This can include marketing, digital media, communication, graphic design, language arts, etc.It's also possible to supplement your degree with ongoing education that represents your interest in digital marketing. With such a wide field of changing opportunities, you can find a variety of courses online, many of which are free. Some popular options for online courses include Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. By seeking different marketing skill sets, you can broaden your education to include a wide knowledge base that will help you land the digital marketing position you've been seeking.

2. Seek Internships

If you have the talent and are looking for a way to get your foot in the door, an internship might be the perfect opportunity. An internship offers both learning opportunities and a chance to build experience. Since many employers prefer hiring candidates with relevant work experience, an internship provides a way for you to fill out your resume. An internship can offer an opportunity for beginners to better understand the industry and the different roles available. It can also help you build experience in a learning environment to prepare you for the future.

3. Work with a Recruiter

Finding the right opportunity in a popular occupation like digital marketing can be a challenge. Recruiters and talent acquisition specialists work with hiring managers to find the best person for open job positions. At Career Group Companies, our recruiting experts build long-term relationships with both leading companies and top talent to connect both parties with opportunities that might otherwise not be available. By becoming part of a recruitment network, you'll be eligible for job positions that aren't advertised on traditional job boards or through other job-seeking methods. Working with a recruiter can also provide assistance in creating your resume and preparing for interviews.

4.  Build Soft Skills

It's crucial to know the ins and outs of tools and procedures used in the digital marketing industry. However, marketing requires other essential skills as well. Soft skills, or  transferable skills, describe the underlying skills you can use to improve your success in different professions. There are a variety of soft skills that can help you excel in digital marketing, including:

• Organization
• Time Management
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Leadership
• Flexibility

5.  Specialize

There is a vast difference in the skills used to create a website versus the skills needed to successfully build a social media advertising campaign. By assessing your career goals as well as your strengths and weaknesses, you can better target the position that will be best for you. Begin by understanding the different positions available in the digital marketing industry. Entry-level positions may include content writer, social media specialist, pay per click (PPC) specialist, PR specialist, etc. More advanced positions in the field may include SEO expert, content marketing manager, digital marketing manager, and digital marketing coordinator.After learning about various roles and the requirements associated with them, you can consider how your talents and preferences match the requirements of each role. If you have a specific career path in mind, consider the entry-level positions that will help you achieve your goals.

6. Attend Networking Events

While online courses and information are widely available to assist your digital marketing journey, physical networking events can offer a different level of value. Different networking events can give you the opportunity to listen and speak to industry-leading experts and gain valuable advice about your chosen profession. Learning within a group can also present the opportunity to meet your peers and find new job opportunities.

7. Build Your Portfolio with Freelance Work

Digital marketing is a hands-on industry that requires professionals to prove their abilities. This can be difficult if you haven't yet begun your career. By getting your name out there and sharing your skills by helping people grow their online presence, you can gain valuable examples to fill your portfolio. You could combine volunteer work with non-profit organizations with seeking work from local businesses in your area. Even providing successful marketing campaigns for family and friends with businesses will provide you with ways to showcase your abilities. Online freelance sites can also provide opportunities to find paying work while building your portfolio and experience in the industry.

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An industry that is constantly growing and changing can provide a wealth of opportunities to work toward a career in a field with ample room for growth and development. If you're interested in joining the exciting field of digital marketing, various preparation methods can help. Working with an established recruiter is one way for digital marketing professionals to recognize new opportunities with successful companies. If you're seeking a new job or seeking experience that will highlight your education, abilities, and experience in a way that makes you stand out from the competition, browse our existing job openings to find work.