In recent years, digital marketing has emerged as a highly sought-after career path, reflecting the growing trend of businesses embracing online marketing strategies to effectively engage their target demographics.
But is digital marketing really a good career path? Is it something you would like to venture into? Well, whether digital marketing is a good career path for you depends on a couple of factors, including your skills, interests, and long-term goals.
That said, let’s find out the truth about digital marketing as a career path, shall we?
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing, often referred to as online marketing, is a method of promoting a brand or business and connecting with customers by utilizing online channels. This approach involves using the internet to advertise products and services.
To make it make sense, what digital marketing does is take advantage of different online pathways such as email, social media, web-based advertising, and multimedia messages to influence a product or service and meet the needs of potential buyers.
Related: How to get into Digital marketing without a degree
Is Digital Marketing a good career path?
Digital marketing may be a good career path for several reasons. For instance, according to BusinessDay, digital marketing in Nigeria is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% between 2021 and 2025. And in 2021, the total digital ad spend in Nigeria was estimated to be around $928 million.
Also, an online survey analyzed that social media penetration in Nigeria is high, with over 85% of the population using social media; Facebook as the most popular social media platform in Nigeria, followed by Instagram and Twitter.
The rapid growth of online marketing in the country, coupled with the high level of social media penetration, suggests that there is a strong demand for digital marketing professionals. Moreover, the fact that Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Nigeria means that there is a large potential audience for businesses that utilize digital marketing strategies.
In addition, digital marketing is a fast-growing field with constantly evolving concepts and lots of opportunities, which amongst them include career advancement and flexible work systems, as many digital marketing jobs can be done remotely. It can also be quite lucrative as many professionals earn high salaries.
Pros of a career in Digital Marketing
Are there pros of a career in digital marketing? Yes, there are, and they include:
Variety of jobs and career paths available
The variety of job roles and career paths available in digital marketing is one of its greatest advantages. From SEO specialist to content marketing manager, the field offers many different paths to success.
Other popular job roles include social media manager, PPC specialist, and email marketing specialist. There are also many opportunities for freelance work and entrepreneurship in digital marketing. This variety of jobs and career paths allows individuals to find their niche and pursue their passion.
Flexibility and ability to work remotely
Flexibility is another major advantage of a career in digital marketing. Many digital marketing jobs can be done remotely, which allows for a greater degree of flexibility in terms of location and work hours.
Additionally, many digital marketing professionals have the option to work on a freelance or contract basis, which gives them even more flexibility and control over their work schedule. This flexibility can be especially appealing to individuals who are looking for a better work-life balance or have other commitments outside of work.
Ability to impact and connect with a large audience
The chance to impact and connect with a large audience is a compelling reason to pursue a career in digital marketing. By creating and implementing effective digital marketing strategies, individuals have the opportunity to reach and engage with thousands or even millions of people around the world.
This can be especially rewarding for those who are passionate about communicating their ideas and making a positive impact. Furthermore, the ability to measure the success of digital marketing campaigns in terms of reach and engagement can provide valuable insights and feedback.
Chance to work with new and emerging technologies
A career in digital marketing provides the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. From analytics and automation to social media and content management systems, digital marketers have access to a wide range of tools and technologies that are constantly evolving.
By keeping up to date with the latest developments, individuals can stay ahead of the curve and develop new skills that will be valuable in the future. The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the digital marketing field can be both exciting and challenging but also highly rewarding.
Potential for high salaries and job security
Job security and high salaries are among the top benefits of pursuing a career in digital marketing. In terms of salaries, the average digital marketing salary in Nigeria is between ₦200,000 to ₦1,500,000 per year, though this can vary significantly depending on experience and location.
Digital marketing is also a growing field, with a projected 9.2% growth in job openings between 2021 and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities for skilled digital marketers to find work and advance in their careers.
Cons of a Career in Digital Marketing
Here are four potential downsides of a career in digital marketing:
Long hours and high stress
One of the main drawbacks of working as a digital marker is the long hours and high-stress levels associated with the job. The fast-paced nature of the industry means that digital marketers often have to work long hours and under pressure to meet deadlines. This can lead to burnout and impact on mental and physical health.
Constant changes
The constant changes in the digital marketing industry can be a challenge for professionals in this field. With new technologies, platforms, and algorithms emerging on a regular basis, it can be not easy to keep up and stay relevant.
This requires continuous learning and adaptation, which can be time-consuming and exhausting. In addition, the ever-changing landscape of the industry can lead to a sense of uncertainty and instability for those working in it.
High competition
With so many people trying to make it in this field, digital marketing is one of the competitive niches in the business sector, and it can be difficult to stand out and get noticed.
Additionally, the pressure to perform and produce results can be intense. While there are many potential benefits to working in digital marketing, the fierce competition can make it a challenging career path.
Isolation
Isolation is a major drawback when considering a career in digital marketing, as many digital marketers work from home, which can make it difficult to build relationships and feel connected to a team or company. This can also lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Tips for Getting Started as a Digital Marketer
Here are some general tips that are relevant for anyone just starting in digital marketing:
- Do your research
When starting as a digital marketer, it’s important to conduct thorough research to gain a deep understanding of the industry and the different specializations within it. This will help you identify which areas of digital marketing interest you most and align with your skills and experience.
A good starting point is to research the different types of digital marketing, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. You can also explore the different platforms and tools used in digital marketing, such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Mailchimp, and WordPress.
- Find a niche that interests you.
One of the most important steps for a budding digital marketer is to find a niche that aligns with their skills, interests, and experience. This may involve some trial and error, but it’s worth taking the time to figure out what area of digital marketing is the best fit.
Some examples of niches within digital marketing include e-commerce, B2B, small business, fashion, travel, and beauty. By focusing on a specific niche, you can become an expert in that area and stand out from the crowd.
- Build a portfolio of work to showcase your skills and experience.
Building a portfolio of work is a critical step in establishing a career in digital marketing. A portfolio can take many forms, such as a personal website, a blog, a social media account, or a collection of case studies.
The goal of a portfolio is to showcase your skills, knowledge, and accomplishments in the field of digital marketing. It should demonstrate your expertise, highlight your strengths, and provide evidence of your ability to produce results.
- Network with other professionals
Networking is a vital part of any career, and this is especially true in the field of digital marketing. By connecting with other digital marketers, you can gain valuable insights, learn new skills, and build relationships that can lead to future opportunities.
There are many ways to network, including attending industry events, joining professional organizations, participating in online communities, and connecting with other professionals on social media.
- Stay up to date with the latest trends.
If you want to skyrocket your career as a digital marketer, staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry is essential for long-term success. The digital marketing industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep up with the latest developments and learn how to apply them to your work.
However, it’s important to be willing to experiment with new ideas and technologies, even if they’re outside of your comfort zone. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re always offering your clients the best possible service.
Related: 9 Steps to get a Job in Digital Marketing
Conclusion
In summary, digital marketing can be a rewarding and fulfilling career with many opportunities for growth and advancement. While there are some potential challenges, such as the need for ongoing learning and the competitive nature of the field, etc…..
There are also many benefits, including the ability to work remotely, high salaries, and the chance to have a real impact on businesses and consumers. For those who are passionate about digital marketing and willing to put in the hard work, it can be a very rewarding and successful career choice.
