Digital marketing is something that almost everyone has heard of these days. We’re living in a world where everything happens online. Companies are constantly connecting with customers over social media and online ads. And clients generally start their search for the products and services that they need online too. That means almost every organization is searching for a professional that can help them to make the right impact on the web. If you have a passion for the online landscape, and you know how to promote things that you’re really passionate about, then you could have a career in digital advertising ahead of you. The question is, with so much competition out there, how do you get your new venture off the ground?

Get the Right Education

This might seem obvious, but it’s amazing how often it’s overlooked. Many of today’s online professionals believe that they can jump into the online promotional world without any prior training. While it’s true that you can learn as you go, most companies and would-be clients will be more likely to take you seriously if you have the right training. Go to college and make sure that you have the right expertise in writing and advertising. You can invest in yourself by taking out a student loan with a private lender to pay for your undergraduate degree, then take additional classes online too. You can find low interest rates on loans, regardless of whether you’re a co-signer or a student. 

Develop Your Mindset

As a digital marketer, you’re going to need to decide what kind of career you’re going to pursue. If you choose to work for specific companies on a contract or retainer, then you’ll have less control over what you do and who you work with. Ultimately, you’ll be operating just like you would in a traditional job, although you might be able to work over the cloud if you have the right tech at home. On the other hand, if you want to focus on pursuing your own interests, you can take the freelance route. This involves working with different companies, and on various projects, which you can charge for however you choose. The problem is that you won’t always earn the same income this way. You’ll need to learn how to constantly market yourself. 

Find a Way to Constantly Improve

One of the most exciting things about a digital advertising career, is that you’re always moving at a fast pace. The opportunities available in the web-based world are limitless, ranging all the way from AI-enhanced customer marketing experiences, to virtual reality. On the other hand, this also means that you need to be committed to constantly learning and growing if you’re going to see results. How are you going to stay on the cutting edge of the marketplace to impress and delight your customers? One option could be to read up on the latest articles published by other business leaders or follow podcast and video series online. You can also find a lot of free and premium courses online to teach you about the latest trends of marketing. 

Learn How to Network

Networking is valuable in virtually every career these days. The fact is that often who you know really does matter a lot more than what you know. However, if you’re working in the online world, like digital advertisers tend to do, then you’re going to need to rely on networking more than most. Find a way to build your community online by connecting with people in the same industry as you on LinkedIn and other social media channels. There are online forums specifically designed for people from certain parts of the marketing landscape, and you can join unique groups too. Don’t forget that you can also find there are those who can help you to grow your presence online by visiting events both in-person and online. Virtual events are an increasingly popular way to get connected. 

Leverage Feedback

As a digital professional, you’re going to need to constantly prove to other people that you have the right skills to complete their projects and handle their tasks. It’s difficult to gain this kind of credibility when many of those you meet won’t actually get to know you in-person. One of the best ways to simultaneously advertise yourself and develop authority, is to leverage feedback and testimonials from clients that you work with. In the initial days of your career, you could consider offering discounts to any customer who takes the time to leave a positive review on your website or endorse you on LinkedIn. This is a great way to get the conversation going to begin with. As you continue to develop your portfolio, more people should be willing to say good things about your work. 

Work on Your Presence Constantly

Finally, if you’re going to be an expert in promotion, then you should be able to prove that you know how to market yourself. With that in mind, think about how much presence you currently have in the digital world. Just having a single social media account isn’t enough. You need to be present in all the places where you might find potential clients and customers. This includes industry forums, and even on YouTube and other streaming services. You can think about making a website where you post your portfolio work and showcase your thought leadership with regular blogs and articles. Other options include guest posting on popular blogs to reach a wider audience, launching a podcast, and working with influencers across multipole social channels. 

Get Advertising

Digital marketing is a lucrative career opportunity for the people with the right passion and skills. However, just like any career, it requires careful planning and consideration. The more effort you put into building your new venture, the more you’ll get out of it. Start slowly by getting your education and gradually devote more of your time to your career. Remember, maintain a good work life balance as your career transforms to avoid burning out.

Bio Erica Jennings

Erica lives and works in Pennsylvania, United States and advises people starting out on careers in many fields. She currently works with Skerling Digital Marketing and is a contributor to ProfEssays