How to become a digital marketer

Digital marketers are the creative minds behind successful online strategies, influencing brand presence, and connecting with audiences. You will create compelling content, manage social media, optimise for search engines, and oversee advertising campaigns. As a digital marketer you’ll master the art of blending creativity with analytics, navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, and staying updated on industry trends to effectively reach target audiences and drive business growth.

Embarking on a career as a digital marketer offers various pathways. While formal education is the recommended route, the field does welcome diverse backgrounds.

Educational Background - The strongest route to becoming a digital marketer is through taking a relevant bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or other related field, forming the cornerstone of your digital marketing journey. Entry requirements are generally five GCSEs (A-C), including Maths, English, and Science, along with two or three A levels in relevant subjects like Business Studies or Media. For those without a degree, demonstrating knowledge and aptitude can open doors to entry-level positions, apprenticeships, or specialised training schemes.

Specialised Training - Engage in courses and certifications focused on key areas such as SEO, social media marketing, content creation, and email marketing to enhance your proficiency.

Hands-On Experience and Continuous Learning - Actively seek hands-on experience through internships, freelance projects, or personal initiatives to gain practical exposure. Throughout your continued learning, it’s advisable to create a compelling portfolio showcasing successful campaigns, content creation, SEO strategies, and social media management. Commit to continuous learning by staying informed about the latest trends, and technologies in digital marketing.

Networking and Professional Development - Forge connections within the digital marketing community, attend industry events, and contribute to ongoing discussions for professional growth.

What does a digital marketer do?

A digital marketer utilises their expertise in marketing, data analysis, and digital platforms to craft tailored strategies that meet the promotional needs of businesses and organisations.

In a dynamic and ever-evolving technological landscape, the role of a digital marketer is dynamic and fast-paced. As a digital marketer, collaboration is key. You'll regularly engage with clients, working out their requirements and translating them into effective digital strategies. Writing, testing, and optimising content are integral tasks, ensuring that marketing initiatives resonate with the target audience. Much like a software engineer, as a digital marketer you will dedicate time to refining and maintaining digital campaigns in addition to conceptualising and executing them.

Your responsibilities will often include:

• Conducting thorough market research
• Crafting, testing, and enhancing digital content
• Adapting existing strategies to meet evolving market trends
• Generating comprehensive documentation for campaigns
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Integrating diverse digital channels for cohesive solutions
• Staying up to date with emerging technologies and trends in digital marketing

What are the typical working hours for a digital marketer

Digital marketers generally maintain a standard 35-hour workweek from 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, but flexibility is essential for time-sensitive projects. They might extend working hours during critical campaign phases and, in some cases, be on-call during evenings and weekends to align marketing strategies with dynamic market trends. Jobs in this field can range from 5 days per week in the office, to hybrid remote working, through to fully remote positions.