Thinking about how to even approach this article, I wasn’t really sure if I could retrace my steps of how I started thinking about and exploring the world of digital marketing. The thing is, I come from a widely different background than most of my colleagues in SeekandHit, so when my manager suggested I write specifically ABOUT THAT, I started thinking that maybe I should try creating a short guide outlining things that worked for me. So here it goes!
I’ve been at SeekandHit for a little over a year now and when I mention I come from a different background, I mean that; I’ve been a curator of contemporary art for a long time, after which I switched over to the language industry as a resource manager for over four years, and then finally landed a project management position in digital marketing.
Getting started in digital marketing involves a combination of education, practical experience, and staying updated on industry trends. Things here move fast! So here are some steps to help you get started:
Educate yourself
I’d start by looking into online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot Academy offer comprehensive digital marketing courses. Look for courses on topics like SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, and analytics. You don’t have to dive too deep into these, but gaining an understanding of the world of digital marketing and all the various areas you can specialize in, can provide you with a general direction where you want to take your career.
Another great way to do this is by reading through and earning the following certifications: Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Facebook Blueprint. Not only can these certifications enhance your credibility when trying out for a position in Digital Marketing, some companies (SeekandHit included) insist you pass them in order to keep a certified professional staff at all times. Once you earn these, you will need to retake them on a yearly basis in order to keep your certified badge.
Additionally explore the world of Paid Advertising. Specifically, familiarize yourself with platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Learn about keyword targeting, ad creation, and budget management. If you can, experiment with small campaigns to understand how paid advertising works.
Build a strong foundation
Building a bit more on what I already mentioned, understanding the Basics is crucial at this starting point. So, get familiar with the fundamental concepts of digital marketing, including SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), social media marketing, content marketing, and email marketing.
If you are interested in the Website-side of things, try covering basics like: learning about website design, user experience (UX), and conversion optimization.
In order to take that extra step, if your own personal circumstances let you, a great way to gain practical experience is through internships. And guess what, we offer those! Get in touch here – https://seekandhit.com/contact/. Or you can try freelancing; real-world projects will give you insights that theoretical learning alone cannot provide. If you go this route, don’t forget to create a portfolio down the line. Document your project and achievements online, this can be invaluable when applying for jobs or freelance opportunities.
Somewhere down the line, hone in your analytical skills by learning Data Analysis. Familiarize yourself with analytics tools such as Google Analytics. Understanding how to track and analyze website traffic, user behavior, and campaign performance is crucial in data-driven decision making.
Networking
Join Online Communities: Participate in digital marketing forums, groups, and communities. Platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Twitter have active communities where professionals share insights and opportunities.Attend Events: Attend webinars, conferences, and local meetups to connect with industry professionals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities. There is a great community of tech professionals in Split called Split Tech City, be sure to check them out and join their online and offline activities, there’s something for everyone – https://split-techcity.com/.
Stay updated
I can’t stress this enough. A few ways to stay updated is to follow industry blogs: Subscribe to blogs and websites that regularly publish updates on digital marketing trends. This will help you stay current with the latest tools and strategies. Here’s a few links to get you started:
https://www.marketingdive.com/
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/category/paid-media/pay-per-click/
https://searchengineland.com/
Another great way to stay up to date I use, are podcasts and webinars: listen to podcasts and attend webinars hosted by industry experts. This is a convenient way to learn from experienced professionals. My current favorites are: The Digital Marketing Podcast by Target Internet and The Marketing Millennials by Daniel Murray.
In the end, remember that hands-on experience is crucial in digital marketing. Educating yourself and learning about digital marketing is a great way to get started in the industry, but if possible, try applying what you learn to real-world projects or create your own projects to build a practical understanding of digital marketing strategies.
Remember that digital marketing is a dynamic field, so ongoing learning and adaptation are essential. Be proactive, test different strategies, and continuously refine your skills based on industry developments.
Stay curious and good luck 🙂
