5 STEPS TO KICKSTART YOUR DIGITAL MARKETING CAREER

So, you’ve decided to start a career in digital marketing. But where do you begin? With so many resources available online today, it can be overwhelming. You could pay for a course or study digital marketing formally, but that can be expensive and time-consuming. The good news is that, with all the resources out there, it has never been easier to learn a new skill or discipline - especially digital marketing.

Here, I’ve outlined five key steps to help you launch your digital marketing career. Remember, the most important part is getting started - so let’s dive in!

Step 1: Learn digital marketing basics

The first step is to understand the fundamentals of digital marketing. What is inbound marketing? What do terms like SEO, PPC, CTA, and social media marketing mean? If you already know some of these, that’s great! If not, don’t worry - it’s time to learn. Start with free online courses and explore blogs by industry experts. Learning the basics will lay the foundation for everything you do going forward. Many marketing companies like HubSpot, Semrush, and even Google offer free digital marketing courses. Did something in particular in digital marketing catch your eye? Let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2: Focus on a niche or specialization

Now that you understand the basics, it’s time to dive deeper. What excites you most? Do you enjoy creating content, analyzing data, or running paid ads? Or perhaps you already have a specific job position in mind, such as community manager or SEO specialist? By focusing on a specific niche - such as social media marketing, SEO, or paid advertising - you can become an expert in that area and stand out from the competition. If you’re passionate about content marketing, for example, you can take specialized courses on topics like graphic design for social media or copywriting to improve your skills. Becoming specialized will make you more attractive to potential employers or clients.

Illustration showing popular types of digital marketing, including Search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, marketing analytics, paid per click (PPC), and influencer marketing.

Step 3: Put your knowledge into practice

Now that you have a solid understanding of digital marketing and you know where you would like to focus on, it’s time to put your knowledge to work! Offer your services for free, volunteer for a local business, or start your own project. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will teach you more than any course ever could. For example, you could launch a blog or create a social media page about something you’re passionate about. If you prefer a more guided approach, you could apply for an internship or apprenticeship to gain experience while being mentored by someone in the industry.

Step 4: Update your LinkedIn profile and portfolio

You now have some experience and skills under your belt - it's time to show them off! Use your portfolio to highlight your work and growth. Whether it’s a website you built, social media posts you created, or blog articles you wrote, showcase your best work and the results you’ve achieved.

If you're not sure how to create your own digital marketing portfolio, I’ve written a blog post on how to build a marketing portfolio, and I also have a free template that you can use to get started.

Don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your progress. This makes it easier for potential clients or employers to find you and see the value you can bring to their business.

Step 5: Keep learning and stay updated with trends

Digital marketing is a field that is always evolving - new things emerge every day! To stay ahead of the curve, it’s crucial to keep learning and staying updated with the latest trends. You can subscribe to industry blogs, attend webinars, and experiment with new tools.

Ready to take the next step?

If you'd like a detailed path to get started, I’ve created a free checklist to guide you on your journey. The path may seem challenging at times, but with consistency and determination, you'll make steady progress.

Enjoy your digital marketing journey! ✨

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