Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been working in digital marketing for years, there’s always something new to learn and keep up with.

That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to assist with your quest for knowledge. Whether you’re an experienced marketer or just getting started, this is a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about this ever-changing world.

Where Online Marketing Meets Real Life

In today’s digital world, working online doesn’t mean you have to be restricted to your computer. Thanks to advances in technology, there are now a variety of ways for marketers to conduct business and connect with customers even when they’re on the go.

From email marketing campaigns to online shopping portals to SEO and content marketing, marketing online is no longer just a digital activity. Nowadays, marketing managers need to be comfortable with using various platforms and technologies to ensure their message is delivered as intended.

The Evolution Of Online Marketing

The way we interact with our world is changing as fast as technology is evolving. Thanks to the interplay of all these platforms and technologies, marketing has changed too.

Just take a look at the way we consume content today. Whereas decades ago, people might’ve turned on their TV to watch the news, today we get our news from Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And, for the most part, people only consume content that’s relevant to them.

Marketing to an audience that’s already formed because of previous interactions is much more effective than trying to drive traffic to a website.

Thanks to the internet, not only do we get to learn about new things and products, but we also get to keep up with the latest news and developments as they happen. Technology has allowed marketers to be more efficient and effective, and it has enabled them to adapt to the times we live in.

The Growing Reputation Of Digital Marketing

Over the last few years, digital marketing has gained a lot of respect, if not popularity, among mainstream businesses. Thanks to the internet and social media, people can discover new things and products much more easily than they could in previous years. As a result, many established businesses have shifted their marketing budgets to include digital marketing.

Even traditionally “hard” marketing channels, like television and radio, have shifted to an online-first approach. This year, nearly every brand in the Fortune 500 has committed to using online marketing to grow their business. According to a report from HubSpot, almost all digital marketing activities can be measured and, thus, have the potential to reveal a great deal about your efforts (and results).

The Rise Of Customer-Centric Marketing

Marketing in the digital age does not mean that we need to ignore or neglect our traditional customers in favor of a new audience. To the contrary, it means that we need to adapt our marketing to appeal to the people most likely to become our customers.

To ensure they get the right message across and to drive the right results, marketers need to segment their audience and determine which groups of people will most likely be interested in their product or service.

From a luxury brand’s perspective, for example, someone who is into extreme sports and has a lot of disposable income might be willing to spend a considerable amount of money on ski equipment and travel costs. Therefore, it’s essential that your marketing campaigns and offers are relevant to this group of people.

New Marketing Technologies

Even if you’re a seasoned marketer, you’ll still find plenty to learn and keep up with in this constantly evolving world. As our world becomes more digitized and connected, marketers need to constantly be learning and expanding their knowledge.

• Email marketing
• Online shopping portals
• Social media
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Content marketing
• Mobile marketing
• Video marketing
• Paid advertising
• Marketing automation
• Cost-effective marketing
• The list goes on

Just remember, though, that not everything that’s new is created equal. You need to be careful when adopting new technologies and platforms. They might not all be as effective as you think.

Marketing Multichannel

For many businesses, the internet and social media are more than just channels for marketing. They’re the primary means of communication for consumers. As such, marketing managers need to be skilled in using various platforms and technologies, like Slack, YouTube, and email, to connect with customers and potential customers.

If you’re looking for a full-time position in digital marketing, it’s not always necessary to have a strong background in digital marketing. With so much information and new tools being made available to marketers, you can develop your expertise in these areas:

• Email marketing
• Online shopping portals
• Social media
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Content marketing
• Mobile marketing
• Video marketing
• Marketing automation
• Cost-effective marketing
• The list goes on

Above all else, make sure you have a good sense of humor. A marketing manager who doesn’t enjoy their job won’t last long working in this field.

Being able to effectively manage the growth of a company’s social media accounts is a sign of an experienced marketer. The ability to identify and engage with key influencers in a relevant industry, as well as establish meaningful connections with existing and potential customers, is a crucial skill for any modern marketer.

More Than Meets The Eye

If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either already working in digital marketing or are looking for a new position. If you’re interested in this line of work, keep in mind that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to being a digital marketer.

Just remember: being a good marketer doesn’t end with sending out regular emails or creating a content schedule. Being a good marketer is truly understanding and utilizing all available platforms and technologies to your advantage. Being a good marketer is continuously improving your skills, seeking out new training opportunities, and staying up-to-date with industry news.