Did you know that more and more people work remotely now than ever before? According to LinkedIn, 83.3 million American workers shop remotely at least occasionally, compared to 78.8 million who go into a store. That’s a 13% increase in the number of shoppers that shop online. It would be safe to assume that with more people working remotely, demand for online marketing managers is on the rise.
If you’re looking to enter the field, you’ll want to be sure that you’re prepared to work remotely. Luckily, that’s becoming easier with the advancements of technology. According to LinkedIn, the number of remote positions doubled from 2016 to 2018. The most in-demand jobs for remote workers are:
- Search Marketers
- Customer Support Specialists
- Content Strategists
- Social Media Managers
- Account Managers
- Copywriters
- Product Marketers
- Analysts
- Operations Managers
- HR Recruiters
Now is a great time to enter the field. Just bear in mind that working remotely isn’t for everyone. People who prefer a more traditional office environment will likely find it difficult to adjust to working remotely.
Where do I begin?
Before you begin your quest to become an online marketing manager, take some time to think about where you want to start. It might be a good idea to look at other industries in your area for inspiration. How about retail? Many companies, such as Nordstrom, operate department stores globally. Why not take a stab at running a virtual Nordstrom store? You could offer customers a unique experience by personalizing their shopping experience and providing effective and efficient customer service.
Do you have experience working in a creative field – such as design or advertising – and want to use that expertise to influence and inspire others? A career in marketing might be the right fit for you. You’ll need to possess the following skills to be considered for an online marketing manager job:
- Creativity
- Insight
- Marketing knowledge
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Research skills
If you think that you possess these skills, you’re in for a treat. You’ll be well-equipped to navigate the field and stand out among your peers. Just make sure that you’re ready to work remotely.
What will I need to work remotely?
If you’re determined to work remotely, you’ll need the proper equipment. You’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need to feel comfortable and productive. Here’s a short list of everything you might need to get started:
- Laptop
- Desktophase
- Wireless mouse
- Wireless keyboard
- Internet connection
- Headphones
- Eco-friendly desk lamp
- Smart phone or tablet
With all of that gear, you’ll be well prepared to work remotely. Just remember: this is not a desktop-only workplace. You might have to compromise a bit on quality if you want to get things done. But nothing stops you from using a laptop, connecting to a virtual desktop, and performing all of your duties remotely.
Many large companies now offer fully equipped workstations for remote workers. You can get a dedicated desktop or take advantage of a company’s shared server to provide a more traditional office environment. If you decide to work remotely for a company, make sure to negotiate an excellent contract and work environment. You might also want to look into getting a premium VPN so that your company can’t see what you’re doing online nor monitor your activities.
How do I start my career as an online marketing manager?
If you’re interested in starting a career in marketing and are looking for a place to start, consider applying for a job as an online marketing manager. You’ll find all sorts of opportunities, from in-house positions at large companies to freelancing and consulting. When applying for a job as an online marketing manager, make sure that you have the following in mind:
- The company you’ll be working for
- The location of the workplace
- The number of hours you’ll be expected to work
- The required qualifications
- The culture of the company
- The flexibility of the job
- The compensation package
If you’re lucky enough to get an in-house position with a company, you’ll have the opportunity to prove yourself and grow your career. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a freelance or consulting position, make sure that you have the proper training and experience to back you up. A good place to start might be LinkedIn, which not only connects you with other professionals but also provides you with a virtual office space, business cards, and more.
Choose your own hours. One of the biggest perks of a remote job is that you get to set your own hours. If you want to work a certain way, you can set your schedule and follow it. This will also allow you to better balance your work and personal life. Having your own schedule gives you more freedom and flexibility.