Shropshire, UK
Shropshire, UK
How to start a career in digital marketing
It can be so difficult to know how to start a career in digital marketing.
All those doubts. Let’s face it. Embarking on a career in digital marketing can sometimes feel overwhelming.
We all can encounter negative thoughts, or feelings of insecurity from time-to-time.
Imposter syndrome.
‘I don’t have all the skills to get started’. ‘Everyone seems to know so much more than me’. ‘How will I ever be able to master all these skills?’.
It is completely normal, and you are not alone. We have all been there. Myself included. Right at the start of our digital marketing careers.
Digital marketing encompasses so many technologies, skills, and specialisms. SEO, graphic design, video editing, web development, and much more.
It is unrealistic, when starting out, to become an expert in everything.
As a close friend of mine once told me, ‘if you look at anything for long enough, you’ll always find a reason not to get started’.
Rather than agonising over all those skills you are missing, instead focus on what you know already!
Focus on that one skill
Everyone has at least one skill. That specialism that sparked their interest in digital marketing. An area where they feel most comfortable. Dedicated more time. From social media and graphic design to copywriting and SEO.
This ‘trademark’ skill can function as your foundation. Your entry point into the professional digital marketing world. Over time, that skill can develop further, even becoming your ‘super strength’. The skill you become known for.
But as we all know, digital marketing is fast-paced and never stays still. Trends constantly come and go. One skill will only carry us so far. So, it is important to adopt a continuous professional development (CPD) mindset.
Constant learning, curiosity, and evolution will help you to remain on the front foot. By slowly building up your skills, you will future-proof your career, while also building towards your professional goals.
From that foundation skill, more areas of digital marketing will develop over time. More strings to your bow. Don’t expect overnight results. Commit each day. Repetition. You will make mistakes, but you will learn from each one and become stronger.
Keep your CV updated
Remember to always update your CV, LinkedIn profile, and online portfolio. Write down the new skills you have learnt. Create a portfolio and include examples of your work. Seek permission from your client or employer to display screenshots from the project. It will surprise you how much you have achieved.
The key is a commitment, from you, to self-development. Binging on those TED Talks and YouTube tutorials. Reading those books, or blogs from your favourite content creators. Listening to industry podcasts or taking that online course to master something new. The amount of online training available to you is incredible. Coursera provides an excellent selection of courses to help you get started. To bridge any skills gaps.
Again, take it all one step at a time. One skill at a time. Let’s not rush this.
Don’t forget support in the workplace
Self-development is critical, but workplace learning is equally as important for professional development.
Leverage the knowledge and skills of your peers or colleagues.
Is ‘Jacob’ a video editing wizard? Book in some time with him. Ask him to show you the basics. Is ‘Sarah’ a copywriting superhero? Why not organise a coffee. Pick her brains about what makes engaging and irresistible content. Build your skills, your network.
People love to share. Being asked to support somebody can be one of life’s privileges. Passing on skills or advice. Yes, we are all busy people, but we can always be available for others.
Mentorship can help too. Is there somebody who has your dream job? Approach them. Ask them questions. ‘How did you get to where you are today?’. ‘Do you have any advice or could you recommend any skills that I need to help grow my career?’.
We have all reached where we are today by somebody giving us a leg up.
Those kind comments from someone we admired professionally. An act of faith by a line manager. That proverbial ‘arm around your shoulders’ at the right time. The incredible workshop from a colleague that sparked your curiosity.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Never be afraid to learn new skills from those around you.
Asking for help is a sign of strength — not weakness. And a well-supported team, is a more productive team. Knowledge sharing and transparency helps a team to grow and become even stronger. Even more successful.
But what if you don’t have a team? Or you operate on a freelance basis?
Network network network. Connect with people you admire at events and via social media. Schedule a 15 minute call with them. Ask them questions. Learn from them.
It is that simple. Keep learning. Remain curious. Visit that event. Watch that video. Invest time in you and your skills. Talk to people around you. Seek mentorship.
There is no set pathway on how to start a career in digital marketing. Everybody’s journey is different. We all move through life at different speeds.
One day you will look back on these early days of your digital marketing career and smile. Appreciating your journey and all your hard work.
I promise.
Written by Joel Reed. Read more of my blogs.
