Inevitably, you’ll be asked at some point in your life to choose a career. It might come as early as high school, when your guidance counselor stops by and asks you what you’re planning on doing with your life. Or maybe it’s even now, while you’re in the middle of your 20s, and you’re wondering whether you should pursue a corporate job or go independent.
It’s an age-old question with no easy answer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, there will be 1.4 million job openings in digital marketing.
Even if you have a digital marketing degree and are looking for a job, it can be difficult to land a role. The competition is fierce, especially since companies have the ability to screen your job applications and evaluate your background via their websites or mobile apps. In other words, they can see exactly what you’re capable of, regardless of whether you got the job on paper or through a competitive testing process.
What is digital marketing?
Simply put, digital marketing is any type of marketing done online. That includes advertising, social media marketing, and email marketing. Although traditional offline marketing like billboards and TV ads still exist, the majority of marketing now takes place online.
What makes digital marketing so attractive to employers is that, as a consumer, you’re used to interacting with brands and advertisers online. In other words, you’re already accustomed to clicking on ads or opening emails to find out more about a product or service. So, as an employer, you can rest assured that your new hire is going to be able to hit the ground running and use their digital marketing skills to grow your business.
Why should you hire an online marketing agency?
For one thing, it’s the easiest job in digital marketing to get. All you need is a reliable WiFi connection, a microphone, and a computer or mobile device. You don’t need to buy any expensive equipment to get started, and you can learn everything you need to know for free. And best of all, you can work remotely, so you can be flexible with your schedule and still earn a living. You won’t have to relocate or commute to an office every day, and you can potentially build a career from the ground up without any extra training. It’s a lifestyle choice many people are making, as of 2022, to reduce their stress levels and be their own boss.
How has digital marketing changed over the years?
The field is always changing, but in recent years, it’s become more specialized and digital marketing agencies have sprung up to meet the demand for skilled freelance marketers. The demand for digital marketing specialists is expected to grow by 30% in the next five years.
In 2022 alone, the demand for digital marketing managers and SEOs (search engine optimization) is projected to be 1.4 million open jobs worldwide, and the supply is only 600,000 individuals. So, if you’re looking for a new career or just want to make a change, it might be a good idea to consider a career in digital marketing. As a freelancer, you’ll be able to take on any project that comes your way and showcase your talents and skills to land new jobs. In turn, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test and prove yourself capable of handling large projects. Think of it like a mini-MBA, where you get to learn from seasoned business professionals while also being able to pitch in on marketing campaigns for some of the world’s best-known brands.
Do you have a marketing degree? Can you code? Do you want to use your brain and your talent for something better than buying coffee? If so, you might be the type of person whom an online marketing agency is looking for.
Digital Marketing Specialties Are Rising
The demand for skilled marketers is rising, thanks in part to the increasing importance brands and businesses are placing on digital marketing. Here’s a breakdown of some of the specializations in demand as of 2022:
- Marketing
- Analytics
- Social Media
- Content Strategy
- Digital Advertising
- Inbound Marketing
- Content Writing
- SEO
If any of these sound familiar, you might be able to land a job easily as a freelancer. Especially since many agencies are now specializing in only a few areas of digital marketing. For example, the aforementioned SEO specialists are now responsible for implementing Google’s own SEO strategies as well as those of other large brands and companies. In other words, they are becoming siloed specialists, only working on projects within their niche.
So, if you’re looking for flexibility and interested in trying something new, you might want to consider a career in digital marketing. The demand for qualified marketers is expected to increase by 30% in the next five years, meaning you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow your career.
Freelancer Fares Aside, Large Corporations Are Swooning
Although many people choose to freelance as a side-hustle or a way to supplement their income, as of 2022, large corporations are showing a keen interest in hiring freelance marketers. Why? Because marketing as a department has become so specialized that even the most seasoned marketing managers can’t keep up with all of the duties expected of them. So, to save costs and meet the demands of their customers, corporations have turned to independent contractors who can take on the work, but don’t require a lot of oversight.
If you love having your own independent business and being your own boss, you might consider a career in marketing, even if you’re going to work for a large corporation. As a contractor, you’ll be able to take on any marketing campaign or initiative that comes your way and direct your own schedule. You’ll also get to try out new things and be exposed to different industries. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow your business and make a name for yourself in an industry dominated by large companies. And, hopefully, one day you can land your own department in the company you work for.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits to working in digital marketing, whether you’re a freelancer or a corporate employee. It’s a fast-paced field and one that is always changing. However, as long as you keep up with the latest trends and marketing methods, you’ll be able to find a job that suits you. Now, if you’re looking for a change, you might want to consider a career in digital marketing.