If you’re considering entering the field of online marketing, then congratulations! You are among the 1% of the population who want to do something meaningful with their lives. You have the opportunity to make a real difference in peoples’ lives, and you should grasp it with both hands. Your blog post may resonate with thousands, even millions, of people, and you could potentially reach a global audience with your digital marketing campaigns. You might even find that marketing becomes an all-consuming passion that never lets you sleep. Sound too good to be true? Believe it, you’re among the lucky few who can actually make this happen.
Depending on which phase of your journey you’re in, this article will advise you on what to expect and which direction to take. We’ve compiled a list of the top 9 most crucial things you need to know if you’re considering embarking on a career in digital marketing.
Decide What Type Of Marketer You Want To Be
Before you begin your digital marketing journey, it’s essential that you identify what type of a marketer you want to be. This will heavily depend on your goals and the type of business you’re running. Do you want to be a social media marketing expert who manages huge online communities? Or do you prefer to specialize in SEO and pay-per-click marketing for big brands? Or do you even prefer to take a more traditional approach and master the art of getting people to click on your offers?
These are all legitimate options. However, if your ultimate goal is to become a prosperous business owner with a nice little company, then becoming an online marketing consultant might not be the best route to take. If you do decide that this is the direction you want to go in, then make sure you develop the skills needed to be an effective consultant. Additionally, you will need to specialize in one area of digital marketing to ensure you become an expert in that field. Lastly, do not underestimate the value of experience. Regardless of which area of digital marketing you choose, gaining practical experience will only further your growth as a professional.
The Industry Is Growing
With each new generation, the need for digital marketing becomes more critical. As more people turn to the internet for their daily news and information, the demand for engaging content will only increase. Digital marketing is an ever-evolving field that requires you to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies. If you don’t want to get left behind, make sure you continuously educate yourself on the latest methods and tactics. Additionally, it’s crucial that you network with other professionals. Going alone into the field of online marketing can get pretty lonely. Luckily, there are many like-minded individuals out there who are willing to lend you a helping hand, so be sure to ask for advice and assistance when you need it. Finally, make sure you have a plan B in case your plan A doesn’t work out. You never know what could happen during your studies and after receiving your degree. There are many other careers out there, but if you want to make a career out of marketing, then you’ll need to specialize in digital marketing.
Salary
One of the first things you’ll need to consider is your salary. If you’re planning on running your own business, then you’ll need to prepare yourself for the fact that you may not be making a lot of money. Now, this may not be a lot compared to what you’d make working in a traditional job, but you’ll need to realize that the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Your salary will primarily depend on your experience and which company you work for. A good rule of thumb is to take the highest of the three salaries offered to you and then add about 10% to it. This should put you well into the six-figure per year range.
If you’re currently working, then your salary will depend on your experience, the type of work you do, and whether you work full-time or part-time. Startups may not offer you as much money as corporate firms, but you’ll still be able to make a decent living. In order to arrive at a decent living, you may need to consider taking on some side gigs or looking for a second job.
Job Prospects
Another important thing to consider before you begin your studies is your job prospects. As we’ve stated above, the need for digital marketing graduates is constantly growing, and with each new generation, the demand for skilled marketers will only increase. With more people specialized in online marketing, social media, and search engine optimization, finding a job can be slightly easier. However, with the constant growth in the industry, it’s always a good idea to develop a list of contacts in your local area, as well as in other places you’ve worked. This will assist you in finding a job when you’re finished with your studies. Additionally, you can always look for internships and part-time jobs to gain some practical experience before you graduate.
If you don’t want to stay within the same job sector once you graduate, then make sure you develop the skills needed to be able to work in any industry. Having a broad-based skill set will give you the opportunity to work in any industry, be it pharmaceutical, technology, or retail. Just make sure you have the skills needed to be a successful online marketer.
Working Conditions
Depending on which type of digital marketer you’re considering becoming, you may need to consider the working conditions. There are many different opportunities in terms of working remotely and independently, as well as in a team. If you’re looking for a career in SEO, then you may need to consider working remotely since most SEO work is carried out from home. The same goes for social media marketing. If you’re looking to be a part of a team, then consider working for a larger company since those usually provide better working conditions. Do your research before making a decision, as there are many legitimate perks to working for a company. Additionally, some companies even provide benefits such as health insurance and paid parental leave if you have children. Finally, make sure you put in the necessary hours to gain the experience you need. Even though you may be studying online, it’s still vital that you put in the necessary hours to ensure you gain the practical experience you need.
Where Do I Study?
Depending on which area of digital marketing you decide to specialize in, you will need to consider where you will study. If you’re looking for a full-time degree, then make sure you get one of the top-rated universities in your state since these usually provide the best education and job prospects. Alternatively, if you want to gain experience and want to be able to put in the work hours, then consider a part-time or open-enrollment program. Some prestigious universities, such as MIT, also have extremely flexible policies when it comes to allowing you to study whenever and wherever you please. With each new generation, the need for skilled marketers rises, and with each new generation, the need for skilled marketers rises. With more people specialized in online marketing, social media, and search engine optimization, finding a job can be slightly easier. However, with the constant growth in the industry, it’s always a good idea to develop a list of contacts in your local area, as well as in other places you’ve worked. This will assist you in finding a job when you’re finished with your studies.