How to Become a Digital Marketing ManagerHow to Become a Digital Marketing ManagerHow to Become a Digital Marketing Manager

As the digital marketing field continues to grow in popularity, you may be wondering how to become a digital marketing manager. Digital marketing managers are responsible for implementing, overseeing, and managing digital marketing strategies that advance an organization’s mission by reaching a broad audience and attaining greater exposure. The results of their efforts include increased sales, donations, or community interest and involvement.

To excel in a digital marketing manager role, individuals should have a range of skills in data analysis, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing. Additional competencies should include proficiency in current and emerging technology platforms and tools, as well as a foundation in traditional marketing strategies.

The role of a digital marketing manager encompasses varied responsibilities. Their primary focus is on enhancing and growing their company’s digital assets and creating opportunities to generate sales.

Along with developing marketing campaigns that promote a company or service, digital marketing managers spearhead brand awareness in the digital arena. Among other responsibilities, they direct website traffic, oversee social media initiatives, and target customer and business leads.

To excel in the field, professionals must be knowledgeable of digital marketing best practices and industry standards. Additional qualifications include knowledge and mastery in the following areas.

The path to becoming a digital marketing manager can vary depending on the industry, company, and other factors. However, the following three steps are essential.

Since the roles and duties of a digital marketing manager span a wide range, students of different backgrounds and interests can pursue the career path. Digital marketing managers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing, digital media, communication, website/graphic design, English, or liberal arts. While these professionals most often manage digital content, some may direct and develop team members.

The digital marketing field is broad, so students should strive to select a specialty that suits their interests, qualifications, and abilities. There are several paths a digital marketer can go down; two examples are SEO marketing and PPC marketing.

Digital marketing managers who focus on search engine optimization (SEO) continually assess search engine methodology, including algorithms, to achieve optimum search engine outcomes.

PPC digital marketing managers employ internet marketing practices to direct web traffic and user attention to certain websites or specific website pages. This specialty requires familiarity with and proficiency in all aspects of digital advertising, website analytics, and conversion rate optimization.

Digital marketing managers who are responsible for an organization’s social media presence help maintain healthy relationships — both online and offline — between clients, customers, and brands by developing an overall social media strategy. Digital marketing managers may also oversee a social media specialist who usually carries out the organization’s day-to-day social media tasks. Some digital marketing managers are active in posting content themselves, or responding to comments or questions from the organization’s followers.

Continuing education and professional development are also hallmarks of success for digital marketing managers. New technology and business approaches are continually emerging. As a result, it is essential to prioritize ongoing professional development by conducting personal research, attending workshops and seminars, networking with industry professionals, and attaining advanced education.

Also, some technical certifications may be necessary. Depending on a digital marketing manager’s niche, certification may pertain to the following:

Aspiring digital marketing managers should also hone certain soft skills:

Since a comprehensive set of both hard and soft skills influence the success of digital marketing managers, a master’s degree in management and leadership may also be beneficial.

Digital marketing manager salaries vary by industry, company size, project scope, and education level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for all marketing managers was $136,850 as of May 2019.

As a result of society’s increased personal and professional reliance on technology, the outlook for digital marketing managers is healthy. The BLS predicts the demand for marketing managers, in general, will increase by 8% between 2018 and 2028. As more users turn to conduct their banking and shopping activities online, the need for adept digital marketing managers is likely to continue to increase in the coming years.

Now that you know what digital marketing managers do and how to become one, it could be time to take the next step forward in your career. Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Marketing program can help you develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in this innovative, fast-growing field. Visit the program page to learn more about the curriculum and career opportunities that may await.

Recommended Reading

What Does the Future of Advertising Look Like?

11 Modern Marketing Skills for Business Innovators to Master

Exploring Entrepreneurship: Starting and Operating a Small Business

Sources

American Marketing Association, “Digital Marketing Certification”

Indeed, “Learn About Being a Digital Marketing Manager”

Maryville University, BS in Marketing Degree Online

Maryville University, Careers with a Marketing Degree

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers