If you want to be successful in business, you need to be marketing to the right audience. In the old world of paper books and brick and mortar stores, you would have dedicated a large portion of your life to carefully selecting which customers you would target. With the advent of the internet, that strategy has changed. Now, you can essentially market to the entire world. But who is the world? People within a certain geography, interest, and access to the information you are offering.

Which brings us to the question: How do I become an online marketer?

If you’re looking for an answer, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll build a strategy that will equip you for the brave new world of online marketing. Plus, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the field, which will serve you well should you choose to pursue a career in digital marketing.

Get A Certificate

The first and most obvious step to gearing up for a career in online marketing is to get a certificate. Nothing nails down your commitment to a subject more than receiving a formal education in a field you are passionate about. For those interested in marketing, there are several reputable providers that offer certified training programs. You can also find an accredited university that offers an online marketing certificate.

Deciding which one to pursue depends on your existing knowledge base. If you’re looking for a quick study program, consider looking into the offerings of a for-profit university. For those seeking a more traditional route, a private university offering an accredited certificate program might be a better fit. What’s important is that you feel comfortable studying the subject matter that will enable you to take on the role of an online marketer.

Learn The Fundamentals

An important tenet of being a successful marketer is having a solid understanding of the field. Simply put, you won’t be able to execute on the strategy we’ll discuss without a firm foundation in digital marketing. Luckily, while you are pursuing your online marketing certificate, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a crash course that will educate you on the fundamentals of digital marketing. This might include things like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), content creation, email marketing, and performance marketing. All of these are important areas of study, and many digital marketers don’t possess a full understanding of any of them.

Luckily, you’ll have the opportunity to gain that knowledge in a very short amount of time.

Know When To Adapt

In a world populated by data and information, it’s essential to know when to adapt your strategy and move forward with confidence, knowing that you’re taking the right course of action. In the same way that you might study a foreign language to better communicate with your customers, you might also find that the information you’re learning here isn’t specifically designed for the needs of your business. In that case, it’s important to recognize that you’re still learning and not to feel like you’re already implementing a strategy that you’ve been trained to follow.

You’ll find that the way you approach marketing is often dictated by the nature of your business. For example, if you’re a realty company, you might focus on buying properties that are currently unoccupied, as opposed to putting your energy into marketing to existing customers.

Get A Job

Depending on your existing knowledge base, you might be able to secure an entry-level position in digital marketing, should you choose to pursue this avenue. It might not be the most glamorous of careers, but it can be a good stepping stone to building a career as a marketing executive. With the right training, connections, and a little bit of luck, you can end up working for a famous brand, overseeing all of the marketing activities for a multi-million dollar company.

While you’re looking for a job, don’t be afraid to ask about the opportunity to advance professionally. Most companies will be more than happy to provide you with additional training, should you possess the right skillset.

Build A Portfolio

As we mentioned above, marketing is a constantly changing world. Just as you would expect from a field that is always evolving, your portfolio of work will serve as a living, breathing testament to your ability to change with the times and to adapt to new situations. It’s always a good idea to keep practicing and building your portfolio as you go along. Nothing is more evident to an employer than a steady stream of professional work. So, don’t be afraid to show off your past accomplishments should you choose to apply for a job in digital marketing. Additionally, should you decide to launch your own company, your portfolio will be the first thing that potential customers (and venture capitalists) will see.

In summary, the field of online marketing is constantly evolving, changing not only the way we access information but also the way we think about marketing as a whole. As you pursue your online marketing certificate, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts and to develop the skills necessary to make a significant impact in this changing field.