Online marketing is one of the most varied and rewarding careers in the world. Not only does a marketing job give you near-unlimited scope (most businesses have some form of marketing department), but the job is also well paid, and it’s extremely people-oriented. It’s also a competitive field, so here are some tips to help you get started.
#1 Gain certification
Certification and credits from an educational program give you an undeniable advantage. Not only does certification look fantastic on your resume, but it shows that you have all the skills necessary to succeed in the world of marketing. Moreover, studying in any kind of program also shows that you have skills like timekeeping, are punctual and committed to your career. A Bachelor’s in Public Relations and Advertising with Point Park gives you the foundations that you’ll need when applying for jobs within the marketing sector. Investing in yourself is a great way to stand out from the field of applicants.
#2 Get work experience
Marketing is in such demand that work experience jobs aren’t difficult to come by, although some won’t be well paid (or paid at all). Nonetheless, work experience carries a range of benefits. It gives you the chance to “learn on the job,” developing new skills that will be useful when you take a fully paid job. Better still, it shows prospective employers that you’re fully committed and have taken the time to explore the sector before applying. Working for free can be disheartening, but a strong resume full of relevant work experience will pay dividends later.
#3 Build a portfolio
Following on from the previous point, a portfolio is essential. It will contain relevant work including successful advertising campaigns, your experiences and examples of your work from as many different places as possible. A varied portfolio doesn’t just showcase your abilities as a marketer. It shows that you’re organized and are planning for a long-term career. Not all your portfolio needs to come from work experience, either. Successful social media campaigns run from your own accounts are just as valuable.
#4 Find a specialism (but learn about other areas)
Online marketing is an exceptionally broad category. Marketers work across multiple platforms using varied mediums ranging from text to images to video and audio. They also interact with customers, perfect the business’s brand identity and work to develop a company “voice” that’s used in all online communications. You might be a gifted social media marketer adept at designing Facebook campaigns, or your specialism might lie in writing compelling email content. Knowing what you’re great at is important, but few marketers operate in just one area.
#5 Market in your spare time
Marketing is something that you can easily do in your spare time. Social media, blogs, and affiliate advertising all count as marketing experience and look fantastic on your resume. Better still, and since some of these are the most popular online side hustles, you can generate income as you hone your skills. Some online marketers even operate in a fully freelance capacity, building their presence online and taking jobs on an ad hoc basis.
