The Covid-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of many online auctions and online marketplaces. People are now looking for more convenient ways to buy and sell. The sharing economy has boomed during the pandemic and people are getting their trust back in business.
Marketing specialist are in high demand right now, as marketing is such a broad field that it can be used to target virtually any type of audience. Even industries that were considered “traditional” like retail and manufacturing are having to adapt to new marketing techniques.
Specialization Leads to Expertise
If you’re a specialist in SEO, content creation for digital marketing campaigns or e-commerce, you’ll have a significant edge over more generalists. Platforms like UpWork are bursting at the seams with opportunities for freelancers who can show they can perform specific tasks. The more tasks you can demonstrate, the more opportunities you’ll have for freelance work. When you complete a task successfully, you gain reputation that can be converted into more opportunities. When you become more specialized, you also become more valuable to your clients. They most likely won’t want to risk losing such an experienced professional on their team. Specialization also leads to job security, as there will only be so many opportunities for someone who is generalist in nature. It’s a buyer’s market right now, so if you want to be able to call yourself an expert, you’ll need to be the best of the best.
Marketing Changes, But Online Auctions Aren’t Dead Yet
The sharing economy has caused marketing to evolve. In the past, consumers would go into a physical retail store, find what they needed and leave. With the rise of online marketplaces and social platforms, store visits have declined and so has the amount of time consumers spend shopping for goods and services.
Retail stores are now competing for customers’ attention with online marketplaces and social platforms. Much like how traditional retail stores have adapted to online marketplaces, so, too, have online auctions. Platforms like ShopBirds and eBay emerged during the pandemic as a means of connecting manufacturers and retailers with potential buyers looking to make a purchase. These websites function as online marketplaces where sellers can set the prices and conditions of their goods and services. Buyers can browse listings and make purchases with the click of a mouse.
What used to be a time-consuming, manual process, relying heavily on physical store visits, is now an instant, online process that gives buyers the opportunity to research products and compare the prices and conditions of various goods and services without leaving the comfort of their homes. While in the past, online marketplaces like ShopBirds and eBay would only attract a small subset of the population, gaining popularity among the younger generation, as a way to make an instant purchase without leaving the house, these websites are now a valuable tool for any business.
Retail stores have adjusted their business models in response to online competition. Many have closed their physical locations and are now primarily online, some are even moving towards omnichannel retail. Others are taking a different approach, relying on more than one channel to reach potential customers.
How to Become a Marketing Specialist
If you’re looking to start your career in marketing, consider pursuing a specialization. Just because you have a general knowledge of marketing doesn’t mean you’re employable in this field. You’ll need to become an expert in some area, such as SEO, content creation for digital marketing campaigns or e-commerce. Alternatively, you can become a certified digital marketer, which provides you with a framework for inbound marketing. When you complete a marketing program, such as the one offered by HubSpot, not only will you have the opportunity to specialize, but you’ll also have the confidence and the tools to effectively market your services to prospective clients.