How To Become A Digital Marketing Manager: Everything You Need To Know
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Digital marketing management is a current career choice for creative thinkers who want to be at the forefront of the field.
With the decline of print advertising, digital marketing sites have become an important means of attracting and retaining customers. Digital marketers help businesses use these powerful channels effectively.
Our guide explains in detail how to become a digital marketing manager. Learn more about what these managers do, find career opportunities in the field, and view job rankings.
What is a Digital Marketing Manager?
Roles and Responsibilities
Digital marketing managers oversee their employers' and clients' marketing strategies in electronic media, including channels such as email, social media, blogs, websites, and SMS.
These professionals use creativity, data analysis, and leadership to promote products and services, focus on customer needs and industry trends, build brand awareness, and support business growth.
Digital marketing managers are often led by a team of experts in areas such as search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (CEM), content creation, email marketing, pay-per-click advertising (PPC) and influencer marketing.
Work environment
Some digital marketing managers work for individual companies where they gain a deep understanding of customer needs in specific areas. Others work for marketing and advertising firms with multiple clients in all industries. Major marketing firms like Accenture and Deloitte Digital are hiring digital marketing managers, as are digital marketing pioneers like Razorfish.
A marketing job offers a wide range of opportunities for remote work. Nearly half of respondents to the 2022 CMO Survey report that their teams work exclusively from home. Remote work means that many digital marketers can work from anywhere without having to move.
How to become a digital marketing manager
Consider a course or degree in digital marketing
If you are considering a career in digital marketing, start by exploring this field to improve your skills and knowledge. The way you decide to study depends on your experience and personal preference.
For example, a recent high school graduate may choose a traditional bachelor's degree in marketing, while a career changer with a degree in another field may choose to supplement their existing bachelor's degree with a digital marketing bootcamp.
Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's or advanced degree, often in marketing or business. Marketing and business experts often recommend a digital marketing focus. However, digital marketers can have different backgrounds.
Even if you don't have a degree, you can learn the skills you need for the job with free or low-cost training courses, certificate programs, and online courses. If you want more scheduling flexibility, you can earn a digital marketing degree online.
Check the certificate
People often confuse certification with certification. Both certifications help raise the professional level, but certifications are issued by academic institutions and industry leaders such as companies and professional organizations. Credential requirements may include coursework, exams, previous degrees, and professional experience.
Obtaining a certification will help you demonstrate the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. A digital marketing certificate often focuses on core industry software, tools and techniques, such as SEO and PPC marketing. Popular digital marketing certification providers include the American Marketing Association, HubSpot, Google, and Meta.
Build a digital marketing portfolio
A strong portfolio will help you stand out from candidates with similar experience. Think of it as an opportunity to sell your portfolio to one of your most important customers: yourself.
A digital marketing portfolio usually consists of several components:
- An "About Us" section that reflects your personality and describes your experience and credentials.
- Work samples highlight your favorite companies and show your strengths
- Contact information including email address, phone number and relevant social media accounts.
- Your work experience
Some professionals may include blogs, customer testimonials, and details of their fees and services.
Build your network
Networking is one of the most effective job hunting habits. In the year A 2017 LinkedIn study found that 70% of new hires found a job online. If you're a student, your classroom may be one of your teachers and first places to practice.
Connect with potential contacts and mentors by attending marketing events and conferences as you work towards your goals. Also follow industry leaders, companies and professionals you admire on social media. Maintain your network even if you are not looking for a job.
Salary and Career Outlook for Digital Marketing Managers
Digital marketing managers are part of a fast-growing and forward-thinking industry. According to research firm Global Industry Analyst Inc., the digital marketing and advertising industry was valued at $357.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $946.9 billion by 2027.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the marketing industry's shift to digital channels and increased overall marketing budgets, so now is the time to consider becoming a digital marketer.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for marketing managers in 2022 was $140,040. The BLS predicts job growth of 10% (double the national average) for these professionals from 2021 to 2031.
Salary data for May 2023 shows that the median annual salary for digital marketing managers is around $71,500. However, as marketers gain experience and climb the career ladder, their position may change as their salary increases. A director of digital marketing earns $108,600 a year, while vice presidents of marketing earn an average of $152,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Become a Digital Marketing Manager
What skills does a digital marketing manager need?
Digital marketing managers need a mix of soft and hard skills. Must be a creative and flexible thinker with strong communication, project management and leadership skills. For complex skills, they need knowledge in SEO, SEM, PPC and data analysis.
How long does it take to become a digital marketing manager?
There is no specific timeline to becoming a digital marketing manager. Completing a bachelor's degree in a related field usually takes four years, but the length of study for a non-degree format varies. After graduation, you may spend a few years in a small position before moving into a management role.
Do I need a degree to become a digital marketer?
You don't need a degree to become a digital marketer, although many in this career have bachelor's degrees in marketing and business. Aspiring digital marketers without an advanced degree can enter the profession through tutorials, online courses, and self-study.
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