Digital marketing is the promotion of products and services using electronic devices. It encompasses all aspects of online marketing tactics like social media, email, SEO, PPC, content marketing, and more.
According to a report from the World Economic Forum, demand for professionals skilled in digital marketing is on the rise:
- The employment outlook for digital marketing roles is projected to grow 8% globally from 2021 to 2028 – a rate faster than the average across all occupations (Forbes).
- There were over 250,000 digital marketing job openings in the US and UK markets in 2020 (HubSpot).
- 78% of digital marketing leaders say finding qualified candidates is a top challenge. Employers are hungry to hire people with relevant skills (DMN).
Digital marketing offers strong potential with high demand, lucrative pay, and flexibility for young adults seeking employment outside the traditional corporate job market.
However, breaking into the industry can be difficult for unemployed youth who need more connections, work experience, or specialized training. For the over 5 million European youth currently unemployed and out of school – known as NEET status – digital marketing seems out of reach. Luckily, new educational programs aim to open more access and opportunities in this fast-growing field. Let's talk about how Digital Marketing can boost your career.
Important Skills to Master
While many envision marketing jobs as all about creativity, specific hard skills are also precious. Some of the most sought-after abilities include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimizing website content to rank higher in search engines like Google.
- Data Analysis: Using tools like Google Analytics to gather visitor insights.
- Social Media Advertising: Creating and optimizing ads across platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Email Marketing: Designing email campaigns to engage subscribers.
- Web Design: Building websites and landing pages that drive conversions.
Most entry-level digital marketing roles require no specific college degree or background. By developing expertise in a few areas through hands-on experience, young job seekers can significantly improve their appeal to employers.
Flexible Lifestyle and Strong Earning Potential
Besides advantageous career prospects, marketing offers more flexibility than many traditional corporate occupations. Opportunities to telecommute and work remotely are commonplace, allowing greater work-life balance. The income upside potential is also complex to ignore.
According to Glassdoor data, experienced digital marketing managers can earn over €75,000 per year on average within the EU job market:
- Entry-Level Salary: €30,000 - €45,000
- With Experience (5+ years): €50,000 - €75,000+
And for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a freelance digital marketing business has relatively low barriers. With some hustle and expertise, over €100,000 incomes are attainable given the high demand.
Opening Doors for Unemployed Youth
Fortunately, new programs recognize digital marketing's strong potential to empower unemployed young adults with concrete skills for employability and income generation.
The Erasmus+-funded DIGMA initiative offers free educational guidebooks, online courses, and training materials specific to digital marketing topics. Their bite-sized e-learning modules and step-by-step lessons make gaining expertise accessible for youth from all backgrounds.
Any young person still determining their career path would benefit from exploring opportunities in this fast-growing industry.
To get started, check out the materials available through DIGMA:
- Website: https://websites22.my.canva.site/digma#home
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DIGMA.DigitalMarketing
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digma_digital_marketing/
With projections of continued growth in digital marketing job openings, now is an ideal time for unemployed youth to build valuable skills. The door to working in marketing is open - it just takes the proper guidance and introduction.
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