Skills You Need to Be a Digital Marketer
Many businesses need to have some form of an online presence if they intend to succeed. Having a website, app or social media page is a great way to engage with the public and have an insight as to how your business is doing. Based on how the internet landscape continues to evolve, there will always be demand for someone who can market a company digitally. This is why it would be worthwhile to develop some digital marketing skills.
What is Digital Marketing?
Before we continue, let’s establish what Digital Marketing really is. Digital marketing is a strategy of using the internet, social media platforms, search engines and other technology in the form of advertising to gain consumers. Now with all that, there are a couple of routes you can take as a digital marketer. These involve developing content, optimizing social media, budgeting for ads, affiliate marketing, social media marketing and email marketing.
As with many fields, there are necessary skill sets that must be learnt. Thankfully, you don’t need to learn all the skills to get started in digital marketing. Here are a few skills that are important in digital marketing and how to develop them.
1. Copywriting
Copywriting should not be confused with copyright laws. They are two different things. When you go on to a website and there is written content that gets you to click another link or buy a product, this is an example of copywriting. Copywriting is not limited to websites but can be involved in social media posts, online ads and even emails. The strategy behind copywriting is to grab the reader’s attention, keep them reading and then get them to do what you want to.
If you love writing, then copywriting may be a great way to start in digital marketing. All you need is a couple of language skills to begin. In order to polish your skills you can find courses on Udemy, Coursera, Copyblogger and even YouTube. You can also use tools such as Grammarly for support.
2. Audio Visual Content
Audio visual is using sight and sound, typically in the form of images and recorded speech or music in advertising. This gives a consumer something good to enjoy as well as advertises a product or service for their further consumption. If it looks good, it will attract someone.
With the use of software tools such as canva, adobe suites and even built-in editors on social media platforms, the ability to produce great audio visual content has become more important. Some tutorials will be specific to a certain tool. The most popular tools in audio visual tend to be in the Adobe Suite. The capabilities are endless and it takes a while to master.
Because Adobe has been around for a long time, there are many courses that are out there. To get started you should probably take a Udemy course in Photoshop or After Effects.
3. SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is used to generate traffic to a website from any search engine, Google, Bing etc. This is no random method, because the quality of audience that comes to the website matters just as much as the quantity. The goal may be to increase brand awareness, attract customers and build credibility for the website.
When doing SEO you may use tools such as Google Ads, ahrefs and semrush to develop keywords that would lead consumers to the website when they use a search engine. It also involves advising creators of what content is necessary on the website, like videos, images and buzzwords to use. Finally, SEO includes knowing where to display the website’s backlinks on other websites, who to affiliate with and how to use social media to get customers on the website and increase its credibility.
If you’re really good, this can save a business a lot of money when it comes to advertising. There are many courses out there that will teach SEO optimization. Here are some resources that will get you started:
- Yoast SEO
- Google Search Central Blog
- SEO 101 Podcast
4. Digital Analytics
Digital analytics is the process of analyzing the data from websites, mobile applications and others in order to get a story of the customer’s behavior. It helps to understand what content works on your digital medium of choice and where you should invest your time and money.
Many platforms offer built in analytics tools that gather data specific to their platform. The Google Play store offers analytics for apps, web builders like Wordpress and Wix have methods of analysing traffic and social media platforms give feedback on the type of people their ads reach on the platform. Even search engines have their own analytic tools.
It would be best to begin with Google Analytics Academy since Google is the most popular search engine. Then you can look at courses in Codeacademy and Coursera to further develop your skills.
5. Automation
Automation is the use of tools to automate time-consuming, complicated and repetitive tasks. The benefit is that it allows more free time to focus on other tasks. Automation in marketing can come in the form of posting social media content, sending emails, ad placements and more.
There are many tools that can be used to automate various marketing tasks. To get exposed to the best automation tools, Simplilearn offers courses in digital marketing automation. You can also find specific courses on Udemy.
6. Web development
Like digital marketing web development is another broad field with different skills needed. It not only plays well but pays really well. For the full dive, check out our future article on resources for web development.
Getting into digital marketing can be a creative job or side hustle. Many resources out there are pay to play, however, if you use any of the skills mentioned on YouTube, you can at least find an hour-long video that can get you started. The goal is as you learn these skills you keep practicing. Then when you’re satisfied, you go out and learn another skill. Read this article for insight as to why it’s important. Happy learning!
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