Digital Marketing as a Career - The Ultimate Guide for a Career in Digital Marketing [2021]

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing, also known as online marketing or internet marketing, refers to the marketing or advertising of your products/services delivered through digital channels such as search engines, paid advertisements, online websites, social media channels, emails, mobile apps, etc.

Digital marketing is like any other type of marketing in which businesses connect with and influence their current and prospective customers, but online via the internet and other forms of digital communication. It can be in many forms, including text, images, online videos, display ads, social media posts, etc. Like any other traditional marketing method, a company has a product they wish to sell in digital marketing. Hence they try to engage customers by introducing the product and closing a sale online.

Consumers heavily rely on digital means to research products. For example, Think with Google marketing insights found that 48% of consumers start their inquiries on search engines, while 33% look to brand websites and 26% search within mobile applications.

As a marketer, it's essential to take advantage of the digital world with an online advertising presence by building a brand, providing a great customer experience that brings more potential customers using a reliable digital strategy.

If a marketing campaign involves digital communication, it's digital marketing.

Why is there a need for Digital Marketing?

Can you recall the last time you sat before television for a prolonged period? 90% of you may not remember it. That's because, with the internet and easy streaming of TV shows online, people have shifted from television to the internet. Companies have also moved from traditional advertising to digital marketing and bringing advertisements to your mobile or computer screen with this change.

As we all know, the internet is almost endless - digital marketing has to deal with many skills and roles so that you can cut through the competition. It has become a very lucrative option, and digital marketer's demand is increasing.

Why Choose a Career in Digital Marketing in 2021?

Choosing a career is a very daunting process. You're supposed to find something you love while also factoring in things like long-term stability and supporting the overall lifestyle you want. Digital marketing as a career isn't necessarily the dream job most people aspire to while they're in school or college. But when you consider the opportunities in this dynamic field, you'll see that the digital marketing career outlook is nothing but positive and will continue to be so in 2021 and onwards.

Digital is the new normal. The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially changed the world as we knew it before. If you carefully observe the things around you, you will realize that businesses are not running. There are lockdowns and social distancing measures that pegged back industries across the verticals. Whether it's a sector like manufacturing, electronics, or food processing, every industry has suffered substantial economic setbacks.

But, digital is the only sector that is functioning well and valuable. Many businesses are switching to digital mediums to promote their brands and products or services online. Digital would rule this new normal as a channel, and it opens plenty of possibilities for future digital marketing aspirants to make it big in the future.

Now, did you understand how much a digital marketing career is essential?
It's your chance to become a part of this digital revolution now.

What is the Demand for Digital Marketers?

With an ever-increasing scope of digital marketing, the demand for digital marketing professionals is also increasing rapidly. Companies are trying to engage customers by using the immense power of the internet. They have to employ several people in different roles and specific skillsets to help. Digital marketing is quite versatile and creative. 

According to LinkedIn, the "Digital Marketing Specialist" role is among the top 10 most in-demand jobs in 2021, with more than 860,000 job openings. Since there are so many facets to digital marketing strategy, the number of related jobs is relatively high. The industry is facing a crisis and the digital skills gap. With so many jobs and not enough professionals to fill them, now is the perfect time to get started in digital marketing.

Eligibility to become a Digital Marketer?

To become a digital marketer, one does not require an extraordinary degree in the respective domain. But certifications and courses in Digital Marketing will intensify your knowledge and skillset, eventually increasing your employability. Various digital marketing courses cover all the aspects of this discipline.

Most of the marketing courses provide practical training along with theoretical knowledge.

Many private and government institutes offer various digital marketing certifications and diplomas. These courses can be short-term (six months) or long-term (one year). The candidate must have prior professional experience or a certificate for an advanced diploma.

What are the various career options in Digital Marketing?

The digital marketing profession field includes many niche jobs. As a marketing professional, you might come across various domains in digital marketing. As you get started in digital marketing, it's necessary to understand the fundamental specialties within the industry.

There are many digital marketing job roles to consider, and each of them comes with its own sets of skills to master. Digital marketing includes, but is not limited to, the following fields:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Social Media Optimization (SMO)
• Social Media Marketing (SMM)
• Pay per Click Advertising (PPC)
• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
• Growth Hacking
• App Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Affiliate Marketing
• Referral Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Content Writing
• Copywriting and Editing
• Marketing Automation
• Web Design & Development
• Business and Web Analytics
• Video and Audio Production
• Branding & Reputation Management
• Professional Blogging

You do not require training in all of these as a fresher, but you have to master at least two or three of them. However, if you take up the role of a manager, you might have to master a couple of the above skills.

What is the Future of Digital Marketing?

While traditional marketing still has its place globally, digital marketing is quickly taking over because of affordability and analytics.

Digital Marketers can now see exactly where people are coming from, what they're doing on the website, and which tactics produce the highest return on investment (ROI). The data-driven approach makes it easier for professionals to prove their worth and for leaders to see which strategies are most effective.

Conclusion

A career in digital marketing is highly lucrative if you play your cards right. It would be best to keep your learning spirit active and always aim high. Never be contented when you opt for a career in digital marketing, as you will always have room to improve.