How to Get into Digital Marketing Without a College Degree?

While a college degree might give you an advantage when applying for digital marketing jobs, it’s still possible for you to get a job without a degree. As education can be quite expensive, in this article, we’ll be going over 5 ways you can get into digital marketing with a college degree.

5 Ways You Can Get into Digital Marketing Without a College Degree

While there are many digital marketing colleges you can attend, you can still learn what you need for little to no money off the internet and get into digital marketing without a degree. Here are 5 ways you can do so:

1. Learn the basics online

The internet contains an abundance of information, so you might easily feel overwhelmed with the knowledge available. There are many free and paid resources you can use. For example, you can buy a course that teaches the fundamentals of digital marketing on Udemy — as most courses regularly go on sale, you might end up getting a good deal. You might also decide to use free services such as Google Digital Garage, which offers beginner courses on digital marketing for free.  Some of these online resources come with certifications that can prove useful when applying for jobs later. 

2. Take time to practice

One way to know if you have a talent for digital marketing is by practicing regularly. One of the easiest ways to do so is by creating a blog and trying to promote it using the techniques you have learned. You can decide to create a social media blog on any relevant topic.

The process of practicing can be a very worthwhile experience, as you’re more likely to understand what you have been learning so far. It should be expected that you make mistakes when starting out. This is normal and should not hold you back, but instead, you should learn from your past mishaps and focus on making the needed improvements.

3. Pick a specialization and focus on it

Digital marketing is made up of many sub-topics such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Content Marketing, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), email marketing, and Social media marketing. You might want to try them all out at first, but it might be better to focus on just one or two as a beginner.

After taking time out to figure the right one for you, next, you should learn as much as you can about it. This can be tough to do if you have a full-time occupation, such as being a student. If you can’t make time to learn marketing because of your coursework, you can outsource some of it to Trusted Essay Writers or another trustworthy academic writing service. Their experts will help you with your essay and leave you free to study the courses that interest you most.

4. Apply for internships 

After you have gotten valuable experience practicing on your website, it’s important you get some real-world experience. The easiest way to get this is by applying for internships. You might feel tempted to apply for a full-time job, but this can be quite competitive, so you might have a better chance of going for internships.

One benefit of internships is that you get to learn about what it takes to be a digital marketer from professionals in the field, and this is done under an environment of less pressure.

5. Network

During and after your internship, you might want to take time to network with fellow beginners as well as professionals in the field of digital marketing. Your internship might be the easiest way for you to secure a job in the digital marketing industry, as you can have the opportunity to impress potential employers directly. Companies also look at interns when they intend to fill up an entry-level role, so make sure you do proper networking.

Bottom Line

As more and more brands and businesses are forced to rely on online advertisement, digital marketers have become more in demand. Even if you don’t have a degree, you can still be an attractive option to these companies as long as you have a proper understanding of what the role entails. Hopefully, this article has provided you with tips that will help you get into the digital marketing industry successfully.

Author’s Bio

Carl Hill is a freelance writer and blogger. He enjoys sharing useful tips and information on marketing through his blog posts and articles. Carl is also a fan of sports and enjoys playing basketball with friends.

FAQ

What steps should I take to get into digital marketing?
To get into digital marketing, start by gaining a solid understanding of digital platforms, taking online courses, building a portfolio, and networking within the industry.

Is formal education necessary to pursue a career in digital marketing?
Formal education isn’t always necessary, but it can be beneficial. Many digital marketers start with online courses and certifications.

What are some key skills required for a successful digital marketing career?
Key skills include SEO, social media management, content creation, data analytics, and proficiency with digital marketing tools.

How can I gain practical experience in digital marketing?
Gain practical experience through internships, freelance work, personal projects, and volunteering to build a portfolio of real-world projects.

What are the most effective digital marketing certifications to pursue?
Effective certifications include Google Ads, Google Analytics, HubSpot, and Facebook Blueprint, which can enhance your digital marketing knowledge and credibility.

How important is networking in the digital marketing industry?
Networking is crucial in digital marketing as it can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and staying updated with industry trends.

What are the different career paths within the digital marketing field?
Career paths include roles like SEO specialist, content marketer, social media manager, email marketing specialist, and digital advertising strategist.

Should I specialize in a specific area of digital marketing or be a generalist?
Specializing in a particular area (e.g., SEO, PPC) can be valuable, but being a digital marketing generalist with a broad skill set is also beneficial.

Are there online communities and forums for digital marketing professionals?
Yes, there are many online communities and forums where digital marketers can connect, share knowledge, and seek advice.

What are some recommended books and resources for aspiring digital marketers?
Recommended marketing books include “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini and “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger. Online resources like Moz, Neil Patel’s blog, and HubSpot Academy offer valuable insights and courses.

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