5 Experts Advise to Build a Successful Career in Digital Marketing in 2024

Are you feeling stuck in your digital marketing career, or perhaps you’re just starting and want to make sure you’re on the right path to success? A successful career in digital marketing involves developing a diverse set of skills and continuously adapting to the evolving marketing industry.

But here’s the good news, we have our comprehensive digital marketing course that can equip you with the right strategies and mindset, so you can build a thriving career in this exciting field.

In this article, we have discussed some proven strategies to help you stand out from the competition and also tapped into the minds of great industry experts who are crushing it in the digital marketing industry.

So let us guide you on how you can grow your skills, and position yourself as an indispensable digital marketing professional.

How to Build a Successful Career in Digital Marketing

Building a successful career in marketing is an exciting path that combines creativity, planning, and connecting with people. So whether you’re new to marketing or want to move up, we have some helpful steps to follow.

Developing Your Marketing Skills

If you’re just starting in the world of digital marketing or looking to take your career to the next level, one of the most important things you can do is focus on continuously developing your skills.

Some of the skills you can build your marketing expertise on include:

Content Creation

Creating great content is an important skill for digital marketers. This could mean writing social media posts that grab people’s attention, designing eye-catching visuals, or producing engaging videos.

You need to develop your creative skills so you can create content that connects with your audience, and that’s when you will start seeing great results in your digital marketing efforts.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

To become an SEO Specialist, you need to learn how to optimise various website content to rank higher on Google. This will help you to understand how search engines work and apply the best on-page and off-page SEO practices to boost online visibility.

Social Media

With over 36.75 million Nigerians active on social platforms in January 2024, You can learn how to become a social media manager and start helping Nigerian businesses thrive online. If you’re good at creating engaging social content, running ads, and using social listening, you can use social media to better understand your audience and drive more sales for businesses.

Email Marketing

Email remains one of the most powerful digital marketing channels. You can hone your skills in building email lists, crafting compelling email copy, and using automation to nurture leads and drive sales. This will also help you connect with your audience and drive more leads for business.

Advertising

Whether it’s social media ads, search engine marketing, or influencer partnerships, paid advertising is a core part of most digital marketing strategies. When you are familiar with the major ad platforms, you can start creating high-performing campaigns that deliver real results.

Data Analysis

Digital marketing is all about using data to drive better decisions. When you are proficient with tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, etc. You can apply for a job as a technical digital marketer to help businesses extract meaningful data and measure their campaign performance to uncover valuable insights and make informed choices.

The great thing about these digital marketing skills is that many of them are transferable across different channels and specialities. As you build your core competencies, look for opportunities to apply them in new contexts and expand your expertise even further.

Resources for Developing Your Marketing Skills

Digital Marketing Skills Institute offers comprehensive digital marketing courses that provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Our programs cover a wide range of topics, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, website design, and advertising. DMSI also offers a range of supplementary resources to help students develop their marketing skills.

Gain Practical Experience

When you’re just starting your digital marketing career, one of the best things you can do is get some hands-on experience under your belt. Nobody employs someone that have only theoretical ideas and hasn’t tried their hand at any practical or real-world experience.

So you have to try your best to get work experience as it is invaluable when it comes to building a successful career in this dynamic field. Here are some ideas to consider to gain that all-important practical experience:

Seek Out Internships

Look for internship opportunities at a digital marketing agency, companies, or even startups in your local area. Internships allow you to apply your skills in a professional setting, learn from experienced marketers, and build up your resume. Platforms like Indeed, and LinkedIn are websites that you can use to start applying for opportunities and start your digital marketing career.

Take on Freelance Projects

Freelancing is a great way to gain practical experience and build your portfolio. You can offer your services for things like social media management, content creation, or digital advertising. You can apply for freelancing jobs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr etc. This gives you the flexibility to work on diverse projects, acquire new additional skills and showcase your abilities to many clients.

Volunteer Your Skills

If you have the skills, consider volunteering your digital marketing skills to local businesses, organizations, or small businesses around you. This is an excellent way to get hands-on experience, make connections, and get feedback for the work you do and this will help you get better opportunities.

Start a Personal Project

For instance, if you are a writer or content creator, you can launch your blog or social media account, and start creating content. Treat the project like it is a real marketing project and apply everything you’re learning. This allows you to experiment, build a portfolio, and demonstrate your skills.

Build a Professional Network

Building a strong professional network is crucial for your career success. Your network can provide you with valuable insights, job opportunities, and support as you navigate the digital marketing journey. So as a beginner, try to connect with as many people as possible along your journey.

So, how can you build a professional network as a digital marketer?

Attend Industry Events and Conferences

To build your professional network, you need to attend digital marketing conferences, webinars, and meetups in Nigeria to connect with other professionals, learn from experts, and raise your profile within the community. You can also join online webinars in your field to learn and connect with more professionals. An example of a platform that posts events is Eventbrite and Tix.Africa.

Join Online Communities

Joining online digital marketing communities is a fantastic way to connect with other professionals in the field. When you become a part of these communities, don’t just sit back and observe. Actively engage by asking questions, sharing your own experiences, and learning from the insights of others.

We have communities like Digiclan, and Contech Africa that you can join as a marketing professional. Your level of participation can truly help you grow your skills and expand your professional network within the industry.

Volunteer or Mentor Others

Another great thing you can do is look for chances to volunteer or mentor others in the digital marketing community. It’s an awesome way to build relationships, share what you know, and give back to the people around you. You can start by discussing on a particular and share your knowledge with others to learn.

Reach Out to Professionals in Your Field

Don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced professionals in your digital marketing field. Many marketers are more than happy to share their knowledge and offer guidance to those just starting.

Connecting with senior marketers can be incredibly valuable for your career growth. They’ve been in your shoes before and understand the challenges you may be facing. So tapping into their expertise can be a game-changer for your professional development.

Offer Value to Your Network

One of the best ways to build strong relationships in your digital marketing network is to look for opportunities to add value to others. This could be as simple as sharing relevant content, introducing people to each other, or offering to help with a project or task.

When you take the time to help others, you not only build trust and credibility but also create a positive reputation for yourself. This can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and even job offers down the line.

So remember that building a professional network takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it. A strong network can open doors to new opportunities, provide you with valuable support and guidance, and help you achieve your career goals as a digital marketer in Nigeria.

Create a Strong Online Presence

In the world of digital marketing, how you show up online is important for building a great career. If you’re just starting out, creating a strong and consistent online presence can help you highlight your skills, connect with the right people, and make you stand out in a crowded job market.

So, how can you create a strong online presence as a digital marketer:

Establish a Presence on Social Media

As a digital marketing professional, being active on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can help your career. You can use these channels to your advantage by sharing your work, engaging with your audience, and building your brand.

When you are active and consistent on social media, it allows you to showcase your expertise, connect with others in the industry, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable voice in the field. This can open up all kinds of opportunities, from networking to potential job prospects. An example of a marketer who has built an online presence for his brand is Neil Patel.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your online business card. It’s crucial to make sure it is up-to-date, highlights your skills and experience, and makes a great first impression. When your profile is optimized, it helps you stand out to potential employers, collaborators, and clients. It also allows you to showcase your expertise and build credibility in the industry.

Build a Personal Website or Portfolio

I would encourage you to take the time to create a polished, professional-looking portfolio that highlights your skills, and projects, that demonstrates your expertise in the field. Your portfolio website should include your skills, the services you offer, your previous work experience, and your greatest achievements.

This gives you the chance to make a lasting impression and set yourself apart from the competition. Websites like Canva, Wix, Clippings and  Behance allow you to build a mini-website for your portfolio to present to potential employers, clients, or collaborators.

Contribute to Industry Publications

You can expand your reach and enhance your credibility by contributing through guest posts or articles to respected industry publications. For instance, when you publish on reputable platforms, it instantly lends more weight to your expertise and insights. It shows that you’re a knowledgeable voice that others in the field recognize and want to feature.

So when you are building your online presence, look out for opportunities to share your thoughts and experiences with a wider audience.

Engage with Your Network

I know it can be tempting to just scroll through your feeds and not get involved, but trust me, contributing value is where the magic happens. Whether it’s leaving thoughtful comments on posts, sharing relevant content that your connections will find useful, or participating in discussions, it all goes a long way in building stronger relationships and showcasing your expertise.

When you consistently show up and add value, you’re not only expanding your reach, but you’re also positioning yourself as a knowledgeable voice in the industry.

So remember, that building a strong online presence takes time and effort, the key is to be strategic, consistent, and focused on providing value to your target audience across all your online channels.

Examples of effective online presence in digital marketing

DMSI (Digital Marketing Skills Institute) is a leading training institute that specializes in equipping aspiring digital marketers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced marketer looking to expand your knowledge, DMSI’s programs are designed to provide you with the tools, strategies, and hands-on experience needed to become a successful digital marketing professional.

Keeping Learning and Growing

The digital marketing industry is constantly changing, and it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends and developments if you want to keep advancing your career.

So here are some practical tips for learning and growing as a digital marketer:

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

You can stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices by following thought leaders, attending webinars, and reading reputable marketing blogs. You have to see it as continuing education for your career.

When you immerse yourself in the latest insights and innovations, you’ll be able to adapt your skills and strategies to stay ahead of the curve. This not only keeps your knowledge fresh but also demonstrates your commitment to professional development.

Experiment with New Tools and Platforms

As a digital marketer, you mustn’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Experimenting with different technologies and strategies can help you develop a broader skillset and stay ahead of the competition.

I know it can be tempting to just stick with what you know, but the digital space is constantly evolving. When you are open to learning new tools and platforms, you’ll be able to adapt your approach and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Reflect on Your Progress and Set Goals

Don’t forget to set a goal for yourself as you are navigating your digital marketing career, and track your achievements along the way. This helps you stay motivated, focused, and committed to your ongoing learning and growth.

So take some time to really reflect on where you want to be in 6 months, a year, or 5 years from now. What does your dream digital marketing role look like? What skills do you need to develop to get there? Answering these questions will give you the clarity and direction you need to make meaningful progress.

Celebrate Your Successes

As you progress in your career, be sure to take the time to celebrate your successes and milestones along the way. Acknowledging your achievements, no matter how big or small can help you stay motivated, confident, and inspired to continue learning and growing.

When you embrace some of these habits, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful and in-demand digital marketer in Nigeria.

5 Expert’s Advice to Build a Great Career in Digital Marketing

Harrison obiefule

Co-Lead Superteam (Nigeria)

I started my career in broadcasting before a friend advised me to go into digital marketing since I was good with social media. So, I took the advice, took digital marketing courses, and joined online communities.

It wasn’t long before I landed my first digital marketer job, and kickstarted my professional journey. Let me tell you, It’s been an incredible learning experience, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The way I’ve navigated my career may differ from yours, so you have to find what works best for you.

Another thing I can say is that you need to keep learning, improving, and putting yourself out there. Join communities, connect with other marketers, and take advantage of training and networking opportunities. Apply for jobs, ask questions, and continue growing.

Finally, I advise starting with a digital marketing agency when you’re just beginning. The hands-on experience is invaluable and can help you determine the right path for your career.

At the end of the day, it’s about finding your own way. If you stay passionate, humble, and dedicated, you can build an amazing marketing career. I’m living proof, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for you.

Mary Ikwuegbu

Marketing Executive

Building a career in Digital Marketing in 2024 has become easier thanks to diverse learning opportunities ranging from boot camps and free learning platforms to YouTube. However, to be truly successful in Digital Marketing, it is essential to focus on one aspect initially while gradually evolving into other areas.

For example, I began my career as a content writer and gradually moved into content marketing before exploring other aspects of digital marketing like social media marketing, paid advertising, and email marketing. It’s important to take the first step to gain clarity about which aspect of digital marketing you want to specialize in.

Additionally, here are a few things I would advise you to do early on:

• Document your learning experience instead of just consuming knowledge, this helps you find your audience.
• Join specialized online communities that focus on digital marketing to quickly enhance your knowledge. Be active in these communities, and contribute to conversations. This can help you land your very first client.
• Get a mentor who has walked the path you are about to take to learn from their experiences and insights to accelerate your growth.

Remember, success in building your career in digital marketing is within your reach!

Tobi Asehinde

Founder/CEO, DMSI

I got into marketing by learning about digital marketing, and it was a total game-changer for me. I started driving brand awareness, sales, and customer growth for businesses that needed my services, and it was just incredible to see the impact I could have.

It was then that I realised digital marketing could help all types of businesses grow quickly if only the right digital marketing strategy is implemented with the right skills and tools. And the best part is, people started paying me to help them run effective digital marketing campaigns to grow their business. That’s when I could finally afford the life I’d always dreamed of.

For that reason, I decided to start my own business “Digital Marketing Skills Institute” to help and empower people to acquire the right digital marketing skills to start, grow and scale a wildly profitable business and career using our proven digital marketing strategy that works to make money online.

Felix Akinnibi

SEO Specialist

When I started in digital marketing, I did not just start in Search Engine Optimization. I had various skills I knew and practised. Digital marketing encompasses social media management, SEO, paid ads, SEM, content writing, automation, affiliate marketing, etc.

So it is crucial to have an idea of how each skill works under marketing, even if you want to specialize in one or two fields. You can take a course to have a beginner-level experience before you pick a field or two to specialize in or narrow down.

After the course, put your learning into practice. You should look for an internship or do pro bono work to gain experience. If you’re building your career, network by attending events and putting yourself out there and it can lead to job opportunities.

Also, build your brand online by sharing knowledge to connect with more people. Finally, there is no end to learning; you must always keep learning to stay up-to-date.

Uchenna

If you’re new or just getting started in digital marketing, the best thing you can do is start building a solid foundation.

First and foremost, take the time to really understand the fundamentals – things like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, email marketing, and data analytics. These are the building blocks that every digital marketer needs to have under their belt.

As you’re learning, try to get some hands-on experience too. Look for entry-level roles, internships, or even personal projects where you can apply what you’re learning. This will help you develop a portfolio and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Another important piece of advice is to stay curious and keep up with the latest trends and changes in the industry. Digital marketing is constantly evolving, so you’ll need to make a habit of continuously learning and adapting your skills.

Best institute to learn Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing Skills Institute offers comprehensive digital marketing courses that provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry. Our programs cover a wide range of topics, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, website design, and advertising.

Our courses are designed to be practical, students have the opportunity to work on projects and campaigns that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in a practical setting.

In addition to our core curriculum, DMSI also offers a range of supplementary resources to help students develop their marketing skills. These include:

• Daily online Q&A sessions with our professional online coaches
• Career support sessions including CV review and interview preparation with our career coach
• Access to a global network of digital marketing professionals for support and mentorship
• Opportunities to work on real-world projects and campaigns
• Certification upon completion of the program

Finally, DMSI’s courses are suitable for both beginners and experienced marketers looking to develop the skills they need to succeed in the dynamic world of digital marketing.

Conclusion

Building a successful career in digital marketing is an ongoing journey of learning, adapting, and continuous growth. But the good news is, you’ve got all the right strategies to get you there.

We’ve covered some of the things you need to build a successful career in marketing in this article, but if you still need more help, you check our digital marketing training page to understand the fundamentals of online marketing.

By putting your learning into practice, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals and positioning yourself as a sought-after digital marketing professional.

FAQs

Skills needed for a successful career in Digital Marketing

The key skills needed for a successful career in digital marketing include:

• Digital marketing fundamentals: You must be proficient in some or any of the niches depending on your career goals.  Some of the skills include SEO, SEM, social media marketing, email marketing, content creation, and analytics.
• Adaptability and continuous learning: As a digital marketer, you must be willing to stay up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends, tools, and best practices.
• Communication and collaboration: you must have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Technical skills: Familiarise yourself with various digital marketing tools, platforms, and software, such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and Adobe Creative Suite that can help you get the job done.

How do you select the best option in digital marketing as a career?

When selecting a career path in digital marketing, consider the following:

• Identify your interests and strengths: You need to determine which digital marketing niche aligns best with your natural talents and passions, such as content creation, social media, SEO, or advertising.
• Research job roles and responsibilities: Explore the different job titles and responsibilities within digital marketing to find the one that fits your career goals and aspirations.
• Assess the job market and growth potential: Analyze the current and future demand for digital marketing professionals in your desired location or industry to ensure long-term career prospects.
• Consider your preferred work environment: Decide whether you prefer a corporate setting, agency environment, or the flexibility of freelancing or entrepreneurship.
• Evaluate educational and training options: Determine if you need to pursue a degree, certification, or specialized training program to gain the necessary skills and qualifications.

More Resources

Digital Marketing Defined: 9 Amazing Ways to Make Money Online + Proof

15 Digital Marketing Side Hustles for Making Money Online in 2024

12 Reasons Why You Should Study Digital Marketing (2024)

12 Tips for Overcoming Challenges As a Digital Marketing Beginner