In fact, it has emerged as one of the most popular subjects of conversation on platforms like Linkedin.
Moreover, it has become the most sought-after professional choice nowadays, particularly for job seekers.
The choice seems to be the proper one, in my opinion, but most of them are still left with some important questions -
Well, today, I am here to answer all these queries and to be very honest, it is all based on my own personal experience. Yes, I have been a digital marketer myself in the past and whatever I am going to share today should definitely help the aspirants.
So, let's begin!
The very first thing you must know is to start step by step.
Digital Marketing is a very vast field. Some people think that learning can be finished in a day or two. Surely yes, if we are just talking about the basic understanding. But it doesn't stop there. You really need to devote ample time to the same to mastering the essentials which go beyond the basics.
When I started my career in 2008, the term "Digital Marketing" was unknown to me and I guess to most others. Before the term Digital Marketing, terms like Online Marketing, and Web Marketing were more often used and a person was primarily hired for a specific role, not multiple roles in Online Marketing.
Either for the SEO or PPC or Email Marketing.
But as time progressed, there was a surge in demand for those who could handle or manage all aspects of Online Marketing and this is when the term "Digital Marketing" originated.
Consequently, a digital marketer must have a broad range of marketing expertise, going beyond merely SEO, PPC, and email marketing. In reality, digital marketing is the culmination of all online marketing strategies, including social media marketing, search engine marketing, and email marketing. These strategies are used to advertise and sell goods and services. So, one thing should be very clear to you. To be a digital marketer, you should work and develop all-around skills including SEO, SMM, PPC, Email Marketing and all other relevant marketing skills.
It goes without saying that you cannot learn these skills in a couple of days. You must begin with just one item before advancing gradually to learning new skills. And believe me, it is all very easy to learn!
Should I pay to learn Digital Marketing?
Absolutely not!
Why should you pay when you have tonnes of free resources available online in Digital Marketing.
You can just pick one good resource and get started with it. Of course, you may have doubts or questions regarding the authenticity of the available material. In such cases, it is better to research the same.
Check out online reviews, public forums, and social sites to know more!
The site is still active and continues to be one of the top resources for SEO learning at least for those who are just entering the world of SEO. And best of all, it is completely FREE !!
For more advanced learning, you can check out the free resources available on sites like HubSpot academy, Moz, Search Engine Journal, Semrush, etc...
Paid resources can also be tried out if it is affordable to you. Some of the top paid resources include sites like Udemy.com, Lynda.com, etc...
I have tried out Udemy.com and I was not disappointed. The site offers tonnes of resources for digital marketers coming from professional experts. You can complete your learning at your convenience and also get rewarded with a certificate in the end. How good!!
Learn Digital Marketing DIY way
My suggested approach to digital marketing is learning by doing.
Understanding theory is beneficial if you want to pass your exam. But in order to fully acquire and comprehend the topic, you must go beyond simply memorising the theory.
DIY (Do it yourself) is the way to go!
Let's understand it from one example.
You want to learn about wordpress. You have found one good resource for the same online. You have learned all the basics and advanced concepts. You think it is enough but in reality, it may never be enough when you start working on live projects.
You should have a practical understanding of how is wordpress installed, how optimal settings are done, how are themes and plugins installed, how to perform wordpress SEO, etc.,,
Until and unless you DIY, your learning can never be complete.
The best way to DIY is to create a local learning environment.
You can create online user accounts to implement and test your SEO skills. For example, you can create blogs on sites like Blogger and Wordpress and use them to gain a practical understanding of SEO.
Similarly, you can create Facebook pages, google ads accounts, and Mailchimp account and learn practically about Facebook marketing, PPC and email marketing respectively.
It was the same case with me. I started learning by doing and it really paid off well in the end!
Making your career in Digital Marketing
No doubt, Digital Marketing offers a great career opportunity today!
Some of the career options which I often see available today are:
- Digital Marketing Executive
- Digital Marketing Manager
- SEO Manager
- PPC Expert
- Social Media Manager
- Content Writer
And believe me, payscale is really good for the above roles especially if you are employed with the bluechip companies.
You can also work as a freelancer or remotely and make a good earning.
Final words...
In conclusion, learning digital marketing does not require the use of magic formulas or quick fixes. To achieve your goal, you must learn things gradually. In order to reap further rewards, you must expand your network with those who share your interests. Keep up with the most recent developments in digital marketing and keep that subject at the centre of your studies. Recall the do-it-yourself approach.
Find a teacher to teach you the principles of digital marketing if necessary. You should be able to get all of your questions answered and uncertainties resolved in this manner, which can bolster your confidence and ultimately lead to success.
Please feel free to get in touch with me if you still need any direction or assistance with your study. All of your questions and doubts will be answered as far as I can.
Happy Learning!!
