In the ever-changing world of marketing, it is essential that you stay educated with the latest trends and technologies. If you want to succeed in business, then it is essential that you gain knowledge in digital marketing and social media. With the growth of technology, the ability to conduct research and analyse data online has increased. A good understanding of online marketing is therefore necessary to make successful marketing decisions and monitor performance.
The Basics Of Online Marketing
The basics of online marketing include understanding what types of content perform well and which types of advertising methods to use for a pitch. Simply put, if you are new to the world of online marketing, then it can be difficult to know where to start. To make matters worse, since the field is so vast, there is a lot of competition and many businesses trying to overcharge for worthless services. Therefore, it is essential to learn the foundations of this field.
When it comes to establishing whether or not an online marketing degree is necessary, it is important to look at the basics. Before you begin your studies, it is important that you have a firm grasp of what online marketing actually is. In simpler terms, online marketing is the process of promoting a business or brand online. The practice typically begins with marketing research and analysis before the development of strategy. A marketing plan is then formulated that will form the basis of all future marketing activity. In addition to this, regular reviews of performance are conducted to ensure that objectives are being met and that the plan is relevant and adequate to the situation. Marketing may also involve social media and content creation via blogs or video content.
Why An Online Marketing Degree?
With the growth of digital technology and social media platforms, the world of online marketing has shifted to the digital sphere. As a result, a good understanding of digital marketing is essential for any marketer or business owner. Not only does it provide you with a good foundation for further study but you will also be able to find work in a field that is constantly expanding and evolving.
The growth of technology has also increased the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). If you are running an online business or brand, then you will already be familiar with SEO and the importance it plays in ensuring your site is visible when someone searches for your product or service. However, did you know that SEO is constantly evolving and changing, and good SEO practices can be difficult to find?
Since SEO is constantly evolving and changing, you must stay informed of what is going on. One way of keeping up with all of this is through regular and continuous study. Not only will this ensure you stay informed of all the changes but it will also allow you to critically analyse the situation and determine the effectiveness of current strategies.
Continuing from the previous point, since the practice of SEO involves a lot of research and analysis, it is often used as a tool for business owners and marketing executives to assess the situation and formulate a game plan. The more you study and the more you take an active interest in digital marketing and SEO, the more you will find employment opportunities.
The Job Market In 2021
In 2021, there will be about 478,000 new jobs created in the UK, and about 73% of these will be in digital marketing and social media. If you are looking to secure a job in the next year, then a degree in online marketing may be right for you. The key industries in 2021 that will require a good understanding of digital marketing include:
- Fashion & Retail
- Technology
- Digital Marketing & Social Media
- E-commerce & Online Shopping
- Telecommunications
If you are looking to go into a creative industry such as art, design or film, then you may find that a degree in graphic design or an online media degree can be more suitable. These subjects can help you get a creative job that will use your talents to their full potential.
The Growth Of Online Marketing
Since the practice of online marketing involves a lot of focus on digital technology and social media, it is important to monitor the growth of this industry. According to a study from 2021, about 83% of adults in the UK use social media platforms and about 67% have used online marketplaces. In the same study, about 28% of respondents use blogs and 5% use forums. If you are looking to work in online marketing, then these figures should give you plenty to work with.
As these platforms continue to evolve, so do businesses’ approaches to online marketing. Today, the practice involves using multiple platforms with cross-platform marketing and content strategy. This essentially means promoting products and services across different channels at the same time.
The Evolving Role Of Marketing Analytics
As stated above, SEO is crucial to the practice of online marketing. In 2020, Google released its Senior Marketing Analyst job description. The description notes that the successful applicant will have the following skills:
- Pro-active approach to solving problems
- Excellent analysis and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and effectively
- Extensive knowledge of marketing analytics and measurement tools
- Understanding of various marketing technologies and platforms
- Solid practical knowledge of digital marketing
- Ability to travel and engage with clients nationally and internationally
- Excellent interpersonal skills
If you are looking to take your career in a different direction, then a move into marketing analytics could be the next step for you. The role of a marketing analytics professional is to collate and analyse marketing data to inform decision-making. This is typically achieved through the use of statistical packages and business intelligence tools. With more and more businesses getting involved in online marketing, it is essential that you arm yourself with the right skills to secure a job in this growing field.