As the name suggests, a marketing specialist is a specialist in marketing. A marketer is responsible for generating interest in a product or service among customers. A marketing specialist takes this responsibility even more seriously. A good marketing specialist should be able to plan a marketing strategy and implement it successfully. With the advent of the sharing economy, the role of a marketing specialist has become more important.
The Sharing Economy
The sharing economy has taken over. From Uber to Airbnb, the world of online marketplaces has transformed how we interact and conduct business. The sharing economy is all about sharing resources. Products and services are offered in a ‘shared’ way. For example, if you have a car and you’re willing to share it with someone who needs a lift, or if you have extra space in your home and you’re willing to share it with someone who needs a place to stay. The sharing economy is more about connecting individuals and communities than it is about selling a product or service.
Why Is Digital Marketing Important?
In the not-so-distant past, marketing was limited to distributing mass-produced leaflets and hitting the town square to make an announcement. Nowadays, however, most marketing is done online. Thanks to the proliferation of digital marketing channels, such as landing pages, email campaigns, and mobile coupons, it is much easier to target and engage with potential customers. In addition, thanks to the growth of online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, it is possible to reach millions of people without having an actual storefront.
What Does A Marketing Specialist Need To Know?
What exactly does a marketing specialist need to know? A thorough knowledge of digital marketing is fundamental, as almost all marketing is digital or online marketing. In addition, a good understanding of marketing analytics, SEO, and PPC is essential, as these are the primary tools used by marketers to analyze industry data and determine future strategies. Finally, a working knowledge of social media, particularly Twitter, is invaluable, as almost all marketers are expected to know how to use this platform to engage with customers.
All of this may seem rather complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re a neophyte to the field. Don’t worry – before you know it, you’ll be devising marketing plans and executing social media campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world.
Where Can I Study Marketing?
With so much information online, it is possible to study almost anything you want these days. From marketing courses to MBA programs, everything is available online. In fact, you may find it easier to get a degree in marketing than you would to find a good marketing job, as there are so many outlets for online learning. So, if you’re looking for a career in marketing and you want to gain in-demand skills, then why not consider studying marketing online? You may even be able to find the best marketing specialist course and continue learning on the job. For example, TopTalent, a leading talent management firm, reports that 58% of their survey respondents said that they’d prefer to learn on the job compared to only 22% who would prefer classroom learning. So, if you can find a good job, you may not have to worry about financing your studies.
Which Marketing Specialties Are In Demand?
Notably, the 2020 BizEaze Marketing Jobs Report found that 86% of employers are seeking marketing specialists. However, only 24% of those job hunters say they have the skills necessary to fill those positions.
The field is definitely in demand, but the barrier to entry is rather high. An avid reader of marketing blogs and a quick learner with the ability to gain experience, are the two most important qualities of a marketing specialist. In other words, marketers with these qualities will be in high demand.
How To Become A Marketing Specialist
As previously stated, the demand for marketing specialists is at an all-time high, but the supply is rather low. In order to tackle this issue, supply must meet demand. So how can you ensure you meet the demand and land that job you want? The answer is quite simple: study marketing!
While it’s never a bad idea to learn about all forms of marketing, a good grounding in digital marketing will skyrocket your employability. According to HubSpot Blogs, 72% of employers look for candidates who’ve had experience in digital marketing, compared to only 20% who’re interested in those with traditional marketing backgrounds. Digital marketing is widely varied and includes everything from SEO to email marketing. So, you’ll be able to find a job that suits your skills. And if you can’t find a job, you can always set up your own digital marketing agency and become the go-to person for all things digital. Just remember: good planning and research go a long way. And in these highly competitive times, that’s all anyone can really ask for.