If the idea of working in digital marketing, either as an employee at a firm or as a freelancer working on your own sounds appealing, you may wonder exactly how to get your foot in the door. Digital marketing is growing in importance, and the field itself is constantly evolving. This type is not a career for someone resistant to change. In order to continue to not only stay employed but to continue to rise up the chain, you must continually invest in your education.
College Matters
Many aspects of tech allow for you to prove your worth. This provides a path to enter the field if you have experience and are without a degree. While you can build a digital marketing business without a college degree, it is not the ideal situation. A strong portfolio can grab attention, but it may not be enough to close the deal. If you want to work for a marketing firm, a degree is generally mandatory. Regardless of how comfortable you feel working online and with social media, there are things that your degree will teach you that are invaluable. While the digital world is changing fast, professors who teach these classes know that and ensure that the curriculum includes the latest information and techniques.
If you are concerned about the cost of college, explore private student loans. These loans allow you to borrow what you need to attend school and earn your degree. You can repay the loan at a reasonable interest rate while working in your chosen field.
Connections are Important
While building a network is important in any career, it is particularly vital in digital marketing. With the constant changes in marketing options, what platforms are hot and which are not, as well as the regulations involved, you need to build a support crew of individuals who work in the field. You will find that once you are involved in digital marketing, there are many different specialities. While some people may work in the more traditional aspects, others may work on technical data, analyzing results, and performing A/B testing. Some people focus on handling ads on social media platforms, while others develop and write email newsletters and campaigns. Surrounding yourself with others who have experience in the areas where you are weak gives you someone to bounce ideas off and consult with.
Expand and Deepen Your Knowledge Base
With the many different facets of digital marketing, it is unrealistic to expect that you will master them all. What you do need to do, however, is have a solid understanding of them all. There is a term called T-shaped used in the digital marketing field. What this means is that you will have a broad understanding of many different facets of the field. You will have in-depth knowledge of one or two. Your speciality will develop over time as you gain knowledge and experience, but it is important to have a fairly broad understanding as a whole so you can better understand how your speciality relates and fits together with other aspects of a marketing campaign.
