6 Tips for Becoming a Digital Marketer with No Experience

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Digital Marketing

Happy female digital marketer smiling with a laptop in front of her

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6 Tips for Becoming a Digital Marketer with No Experience

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Happy female digital marketer smiling with a laptop in front of her

Digital marketing has become an integral part of business strategies in today’s digital age. With the increasing reliance on online platforms, the demand for skilled digital marketers is skyrocketing. However, you may be surprised to know that you don’t necessarily need prior experience to start a career in digital marketing. With the right mindset, determination, and these six tips, you can embark on your journey to becoming a successful digital marketer, even without any prior experience. 

1. Educate Yourself:

To kickstart your digital marketing career, invest time in educating yourself about the industry. Read books, blogs, and online resources to understand the basics of digital marketing, such as SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, and analytics. Several online courses and certifications are available that can provide you with a solid foundation. Here are some top options to consider:

  • Google Digital Garage: This free online training platform by Google covers a wide range of digital marketing topics, including SEO, SEM, social media, analytics, and more. Google Digital Garage offers certifications for each topic, providing a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing fundamentals.
  • HubSpot Academy: HubSpot offers a variety of free online courses and certifications on inbound marketing, content marketing, social media, email marketing, and more. HubSpot Academy certifications are highly regarded in the industry and can help you develop valuable skills.
  • Meta Blueprint: As the largest social media platform, Meta offers Blueprint courses that cover advertising, analytics, and marketing strategies on their platform. Completing Meta Blueprint certifications can demonstrate your expertise in Facebook marketing. 
  • LinkedIn Learning: This is a paid platform and it provides an extensive library of online courses on various digital marketing topics. You can find courses on SEO, Google Ads, social media marketing, content marketing, and more on the LinkedIn Learning platform. These courses often come with completion certificates .
  • Coursera: Coursera partners with leading universities and institutions to offer a wide range of digital marketing courses.
  • Udemy: Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a vast selection of digital marketing courses. Look for courses with high ratings and positive reviews. 
  • Simplilearn: Simplilearn provides comprehensive digital marketing courses that cover various aspects of the field, including SEO, SEM, social media marketing, content marketing, and more. They offer both self-paced and instructor-led options.
  • Moz Academy: Moz is a well-known authority in the SEO industry, and their online training platform, Moz Academy, offers courses on SEO fundamentals, keyword research, link building, and more. Completing their certifications can enhance your SEO knowledge.
  • Google Ads Certification: Google offers certifications for Google Ads, including Search, Display, Video, Shopping, and App advertising. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in Google Ads and are highly valued by employers.
  • Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification: Hootsuite provides a comprehensive certification program for social media marketing strategies, content creation, community management, and analytics. It’s an excellent choice if you want to specialize in social media marketing.

2. Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is invaluable in the world of digital marketing. It not only solidifies your theoretical knowledge but also equips you with the skills needed to excel. Here are three great ideas on how to get started and gain practical experience in the field. 

  •  Internships and Volunteering: One effective way to gain practical experience is by seeking internships or volunteer positions in digital marketing. Many companies, including startups, non-profit organizations, and small businesses, offer internships that provide hands-on experience in various areas of digital marketing, such as social media management, content creation, SEO, or digital advertising. Volunteering for such organizations can also provide valuable opportunities to work on real projects and gain practical skills. 
  • Freelancing: Freelancing is another avenue to gain practical experience in digital marketing. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer opportunities to work on digital marketing projects for clients around the world. Starting as a freelancer allows you to apply your knowledge, work on different projects, and build a diverse portfolio while gaining real-world experience. It also helps you develop client management and communication skills, which are essential in the digital marketing industry. 
  • Personal Projects: Initiating personal digital marketing projects can be a valuable way to gain practical experience and showcase your skills. For example, you can create a website or blog and implement SEO strategies to improve its visibility in search engines. You can also start and manage social media accounts for a fictional business or create and optimize digital advertising campaigns using platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads. These projects allow you to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and demonstrate your abilities to potential clients or employers.

3. Create a Personal Brand

Creating a personal brand is a crucial aspect of establishing yourself as a digital marketer. In today’s competitive landscape, having a strong personal brand sets you apart from the crowd and enhances your credibility and visibility. Here’s why developing a personal brand is essential and how to go about it: 

  • Establishing an Online Presence: To begin building your personal brand, it’s important to have a strong online presence. This starts with creating a website or blog that showcases your expertise and acts as a hub for your digital marketing endeavours. Your website should include an about page highlighting your background, skills, and achievements, as well as a portfolio or case studies showcasing your work. 
  • Consistently Produce High-Quality Content: Producing high-quality content related to digital marketing is a fundamental aspect of building your personal brand. Start a blog where you can share valuable insights, tips, and industry news. Write articles, create videos, or record podcasts that demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Consistency is key; aim to produce content on a regular basis to keep your audience engaged and build a reputation as a reliable source of information. 
  • Showcase Your Skills and Results: While producing content is important, it’s equally crucial to demonstrate tangible results. Share case studies or success stories that highlight how your digital marketing strategies have achieved positive outcomes for clients or businesses. Showcasing your skills and results helps potential clients or employers understand the value you bring to the table. 
  • Engage with Your Audience: Building a personal brand isn’t just about pushing out content; it’s also about engaging with your audience. Respond to comments on your blog or social media platforms, participate in industry-related discussions, and interact with others in the digital marketing community. Engaging with your audience establishes rapport, builds trust, and expands your network. 
  • Leverage Social Media: Social media platforms provide a powerful avenue for building your personal brand. Choose platforms that align with your target audience and industry. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with professionals, share industry insights, and participate in relevant groups. Twitter can be used for quick updates and engaging in real-time conversations. Instagram and YouTube are great for visual and video content, respectively. Leverage social media to amplify your personal brand and reach a wider audience. 
  • Position Yourself as an Expert: Consistently producing valuable content and sharing your expertise will help position yourself as an expert in the field. Seek opportunities to speak at industry events, contribute guest articles to reputable publications, or offer to be a guest on relevant podcasts. These activities boost your credibility and visibility within the digital marketing community. 
  • Maintain Consistency and Authenticity: As you develop your personal brand, it’s important to maintain consistency and authenticity in your messaging and communication. Establish a unique voice and tone that aligns with your values and resonates with your audience. Authenticity builds trust and fosters genuine connections with your followers. Building a personal brand takes time and effort, but the benefits are worth it. A strong personal brand opens doors to opportunities, attracts clients or job offers, and establishes you as a go-to authority in the digital marketing industry. Be patient, persistent, and consistently deliver value to grow your personal brand and thrive as a digital marketer. 

4. Network and Connect:

Networking with professionals in the digital marketing industry can lead to collaboration opportunities and practical experience. Attend industry conferences, join online communities, and engage with fellow digital marketers on social media platforms. By connecting with others in the field, you may find opportunities to collaborate on projects, contribute to existing campaigns, or gain insights from experienced professionals. Collaborative projects provide valuable practical experience and expand your network. Here are my top four recommendation for marketing events in the UK: 

  • The Marketing Meetup: Free/charitable donation events for marketers with online and in-person locations across the UK and the USA.
  • Brighton SEO: A popular SEO conference held in Brighton, offering insights into the latest trends and developments in SEO. 
  • MAD//Fest: One of the UK’s biggest marketing festivals, celebrating London’s identity as a hub of innovation, creativity, and culture.
  • SocialNorth: Connects the digital communities of Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield, founded by Justin Clark. 

5. Stay Updated

Digital marketing is a constantly evolving field. Stay up to date with the latest trends, algorithm changes, and industry news by following influential blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts. Being aware of emerging tools and techniques will give you a competitive edge. Here are five easy ways to stay updated   

  • Follow Influential Blogs: There are several influential blogs in the digital marketing industry that consistently publish valuable insights, trends, and tips. Some of such blogs are Moz’s blog, Neil Patel’s blog, Search Engine Journal, HubSpot’s blog, and Social Media Examiner. These blogs cover a wide range of topics, including SEO, content marketing, social media, email marketing, and more. Subscribing to their newsletters or RSS feeds ensures you receive the latest updates directly to your inbox. 
  • Listen to Podcasts: Podcasts provide a convenient way to stay updated on the go. There are numerous digital marketing podcasts hosted by industry experts and thought leaders. Podcasts like “Marketing School” with Neil Patel and Eric Siu, “The GaryVee Audio Experience” with Gary Vaynerchuk, “Social Media Marketing Podcast” with Michael Stelzner, and “The DigitalMarketer Podcast” cover a broad range of digital marketing topics. Listening to these podcasts during your commute or downtime allows you to absorb valuable insights and stay in the loop. 
  • Engage on Social Media: Social media platforms are excellent sources for staying updated on the latest trends and news in digital marketing. Follow influential professionals, marketing agencies, industry publications, and relevant hashtags on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. Social media provides real-time updates and fosters connections with other professionals in the field.
  • Attend Webinars and Virtual Events: Many industry experts and companies host webinars and virtual events on various digital marketing topics. These events offer opportunities to learn from experts, gain insights, and stay updated on emerging tools and techniques. Platforms like LinkedIn Events, Eventbrite, and industry-specific websites list upcoming webinars and virtual events that you can attend from anywhere in the world. 
  • Join Online Communities: Engaging with online communities dedicated to digital marketing allows you to interact with like-minded professionals and stay informed about the latest industry trends. Platforms like Reddit, Facebook Groups, and LinkedIn Groups host active communities where marketers share their experiences, ask questions, and share valuable resources. Joining these communities provides access to diverse perspectives and a wealth of knowledge. 

6. Master Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a crucial tool for analyzing website traffic and user behaviour. Familiarize yourself with its features and learn how to extract meaningful insights from the data. Being proficient in Google Analytics will make you an invaluable asset to any digital marketing team.  in addition to some of the online training platform previously mentioned reading digital marketing blogs and free tutorials on Google Analytics are invaluable. Websites like Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Kissmetrics offer informative articles and step-by-step tutorials on different Google Analytics features and techniques. These resources can help you understand specific concepts, learn advanced tracking methods, and stay updated with the latest trends and updates in Google Analytics. By learning Google Analytics, you gain the ability to effectively measure and interpret data, uncover actionable insights, and make informed decisions to optimize your digital marketing efforts. It’s a valuable skill that sets you apart as a data-driven marketer and enhances your professional capabilities.  

Conclusion:

Becoming a digital marketer with no prior experience may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and dedication, it’s entirely possible. Use these six tips as a roadmap to kickstart your journey and remember to stay curious, adaptable, and never stop learning. If you’re looking for valuable tools to aid you on this journey, don’t forget to check out my blog post titled ‘Essential Digital Marketing Tools for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide.‘ It’s packed with insights on the must-have resources that can help you succeed in your digital marketing endeavours.

Are You Ready To Take Your Online Marketing To The Next Level?

Let’s connect! Contact me for any inquiries, collaborations, or just to say hello. I’m excited to hear from you and discuss how we can work together to achieve your digital goals.


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