Digital marketing involves using digital means such as websites, apps, social media, mobile devices, search engines, emails, etc., to promote brands and sell products and services. In an ever-changing technological landscape, digital marketing has gained much momentum, turning it into a lucrative career opportunity. In today’s digital age, marketing has taken on a new dimension. This article explores various digital marketing avenues, programs, and courses to help one acquire skills to thrive in the field.

Let’s begin by understanding the various branches of digital marketing. The most vital digital marketing channels today include:

Website marketing
Websites are central to any business. In addition to establishing legitimacy, they demonstrate the business’s goals, objectives, and initiatives to reach more customers. Website marketing aims to make these pages clear, distinct, and memorable.

Pay-per-click advertising
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising uses paid ads on browsers and social media websites. These can be tailored to target certain demographics to improve efficiency and save money.

Content marketing
Content marketing refers to using written, visual, or video content to reach customers.

Email marketing
Making use of emails to convert dry leads into paying customers is known as email marketing. It is also an effective way of staying in touch with old customers for repeat business.

Social media marketing
Brands can also create their accounts on social media to raise awareness about their products and services. Alternatively, this space can be used to build a community as well.

Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular marketing technique, both online and offline. With the rise of social media, this field has renewed interest as more people join in as influencers. Here, companies pay a share of the profits to affiliates who help sell their products.

Video Marketing
Brands and businesses can also turn to video marketing platforms to raise awareness about their products and services or reach a wider audience.

Text messaging
Several businesses also use text messaging to reach out to their customers. This can be used to solicit donations and keep customers updated about ongoing deals, offers, and promotions.

With this knowledge, it is time to identify a sub-category that falls within one’s area of interest. Next, to join the world of digital marketing, one must have the necessary training and skill sets. For this purpose, it is important to build foundational knowledge.

Becoming a digital marketer
To become a successful digital marketer, one must have a strong base in the field. This can be achieved by staying up-to-date with trends, following top marketers, and learning online. One can also sign up for several courses companies and universities offer.

Select a course
There are several forms of training and education in digital marketing. Popular options include:

• Degree – Many colleges and universities offer 4-year degree programs on a full-time basis. A degree offers in-depth information about marketing principles, communication, and strategies in many avenues. These courses tend to cost more and require a rigorous commitment for completion.
• Bootcamp – Bootcamps typically last between a month and a year and are less expensive than a formal degree. Although immersive, these courses are generally taught remotely and offer quick learning in one’s field. They are an excellent option for those seeking an expedited learning experience to become digital marketers.
• Certification – Lastly, one can also opt for certificate courses in digital marketing. These short courses are intended to help one get one’s foot in the proverbial door. Some courses do not have any prerequisites, while others may require learners to have some prior understanding of the subject. These are generally the least expensive, making them an excellent option for those unsure about the field or those looking to upskill.

Build a portfolio
Now, it is time to build a portfolio. This document helps recruiters understand their skills, strengths, and weaknesses, expediting the hiring process.

Create a network
Building a network of other digital marketers helps one gain an inside perspective of the field. This can be done online as well as offline. Many social media sites host digital marketing forums and conversations. Similarly, meet-ups and conferences for digital marketing are frequent. Look for these opportunities and make the most of them. They are an excellent way of connecting with digital marketing experts and can also be a boon with job placements.

Digital marketing is an evolving field with lots to learn on the go. While basic certification is crucial to help establish credibility in the field, growth entirely depends on one’s skill set and ability to apply their learned knowledge. With more experience, marketers gain more autonomy over tasks and a chance to make a difference with their creativity.