How to Get into Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a fairly new concept to the marketing world. It is an umbrella term that refers to any marketing done using digital technologies on the Internet. How can you get into digital marketing? Is a digital marketing degree necessary or can you apply to a job role with no experience?

What exactly is digital marketing?

Digital marketing roles are constantly evolving, but at present, the job role can cover one or more of the following areas:

• Blogging

• Campaign metrics and research

• Public relations (PR)

• Content marketing

• Copywriting

• Database management and analysis

• Email marketing

• Mobile marketing

• Pay-per-click (PPC)

• Search engine optimisation (SEO)

• Social media

• Web design and development

How to get started in digital marketing

Whether you’re a professional new to the marketing field or fresh out of college or university, it seems like every agency or brand requires someone who already has some experience under their belt. But how can you get experience without having a job or having just finished your studies?

You’ll be pleased to know there are a number of avenues to follow to get into digital marketing. Some of the main options include the following:

• Take a digital marketing degree or apprenticeship

• Get some work experience

• Make the most of free resources

• Take courses (online or in person)

- Complete a digital marketing degree

Photo credit: ImageFlow / Shutterstock

Most marketing degrees in the UK include a digital component, which is the perfect fit if you are looking to get into digital marketing. Many of these degrees include a qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and commonly feature one-year work placements, ensuring you have some all-important experience alongside your studies.

Digital marketing university courses often feature work undertaken in computer labs using marketing software and media applications. Therefore, if you have a creative flair for web design, multimedia production, digital graphic design or marketing communications, tailored courses may be closer to your interests than general marketing or business courses.

However, if you’re currently studying for an unrelated degree, or you have already graduated, do not worry. There are a number of different marketing courses available to help you pick up the latest digital marketing expertise, such as online courses or postgraduate degrees.

Alternatively, if you are wondering how to get into digital marketing without a degree, you may also want to consider a marketing apprenticeship. This is a great way to learn and get hands-on experience, whilst also gaining a qualification too. All of the latest marketing apprenticeships can be accessed through the Gov.uk website.

- Get work experience in the field

Photo credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

As always, the best way to get into the industry is to get some hands-on experience. Anyone who has looked for a job before will know how important experience is and that it can spell the difference between getting a role or not. Thus, it is no surprise that work experience – or an internship – is also a great way to set yourself apart from other potential candidates or graduates, especially as digital marketing is a competitive field.

As a result, it’s a good idea to scour job websites for any available internships or temporary roles. Although these will be on job boards, it is also a good idea to take a look on social media and LinkedIn for positions. There are also student-specific job boards which specialise in marketing internships and work experience, like Milkround and Inspiring Interns. You could even email digital marketing companies and ask if they are willing to offer work experience – this is where any networking comes in handy. By contacting an employer first, it is a great way to show your passion and get your foot in the door.

Read more: How to Find a Job After Graduating from University​

It’s worth noting that most large employers run formal marketing graduate schemes that are highly competitive – if this is what you would like to do, it is important to do anything you can to set yourself apart from other applicants.

- Make the most of free resources

Photo credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

Luckily, there are several different free online resources to help you develop a good understanding of the industry. Blogs, news reports and marketing advice can help you keep up with current trends in the industry or learn about best practices.

On top of this, providing examples of work you have produced can be highly advantageous. This could be through article submission websites or creating your very own blog, which is absolutely free. Doing this shows you have a passion for writing and telling stories – a key skill for marketers – and you that possess other desirable skills, such as knowledge of CMS systems like WordPress or even HTML coding.

Related: What are the benefits of coding

It’s also a good idea to attend industry events and exhibitions where possible. These events tend to be free and include a range of guest speakers, which can give aspiring digital marketers the knowledge and confidence to go forth to the interview process. Not to mention, it’s also a fantastic way to network with other marketers in the industry, which is valuable.

- Take a training course  

Photo credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock

To develop your knowledge further, you may want to think about taking a digital marketing training course. We have a wide range of different courses, each relating to any aspect of digital marketing – such as web development training, SEO or an introduction to WordPress – or providing an overview of everything the role encompasses.

Completing a course in your own time can show potential employers that you are serious about the role and shows a clear desire to learn and improve – a valuable skill in the workplace. Not only this, but it gives you a qualification you can put on your CV, which can set you apart from other candidates who are in your position and going for the same role.

Take a look at our range of digital marketing courses here.

Feature image credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock