4 Steps to Becoming a Digital Marketing Strategist

Many companies rely on digital marketing to connect with customer segments, promote products and services, and increase sales. A digital marketing strategy is essential for developing and overseeing successful campaigns and building brand awareness. If you’re interested in a career that involves data analytics, customer engagement, and communications management, consider becoming a digital marketing professional.

In this article, we explain in detail how to become a digital marketing strategist as well as provide additional information on what they do, how much they earn, and what other positions you can pursue in this career field.

What is a digital marketing strategist?

A digital marketing strategist is an expert who advises their company on how to plan and launch marketing campaigns. Strategists typically use creative and technical approaches to improve campaign effectiveness and increase brand awareness for the businesses they work with. Many strategists focus on trending strategies, popular mass communication methods, and digital insights to help their companies achieve goals and attract a larger customer audience. Many digital strategists are also data experts and use information from business and marketing analytics to improve and optimise the performance of future campaigns.

What Does a Strategist for Digital Marketing Do?

A digital marketing strategist essentially oversees the planning and design of marketing campaigns, but their specific responsibilities may depend on the size and type of their organisation. For example, in a large business, strategists may manage entire marketing processes that rely on data analytics, customer relationships, and sales integration. In other organisations, a strategist may direct only the budgeting and performance monitoring aspects of campaign execution. However, in most fields, marketing strategists often share several key responsibilities:

• Evaluating and testing appropriate digital marketing strategies, including social media, pay-per-click, SEO, and email tools
• Monitoring marketing analytics and creating segments for delivering digital media
• Performing competitive market analysis and implementing strategies to improve campaign success
• Exploring ways to use digital technology to improve marketing plans and strategies
• Using search engine optimisation (SEO) best practices to improve digital marketing strategies
• Developing strategies for website content that promote organic traffic from popular search engines
• Taking charge of outbound and incoming digital marketing networks and resources
• Building and maintaining brand awareness through digital platforms and by engaging customer segments

How to Become a Digital Marketing Strategist

Use the following steps as a guide to pursuing a career in digital marketing strategy:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree

Many digital marketing strategists complete their bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations or even journalism to develop the background needed for their role. A bachelor’s degree in business analytics, business management or another related field can also be helpful in pursuing a career in digital marketing. When choosing your education path, look for coursework that helps you develop skills and knowledge in global marketing, marketing ethics, advertising, analytics and strategic planning.

2. Gain Professional Experience

Building your experience in a practical setting is highly beneficial for developing specialised skills and advancing in your field. For example, completing a marketing internship during your education can help you apply concepts learned in the classroom. Working in specific entry-level positions can help you gain important skills for your future.

3. Get professional certification

There are many certifications available for digital marketing professionals in a variety of specialised areas. For example, strategists working with SEO practices may benefit from obtaining certification in specific areas of SEO fundamentals and strategy. Certifications in analytics or advertising are also options you can pursue to advance your career.

4. Get a bachelor’s degree

Although it’s not necessary to pursue a career in digital marketing strategy, a master’s degree can help you boost your career prospects as well as your earning potential. Fields such as marketing, advertising, mass communications, business, and public relations are potential focus areas for your bachelor’s degree. For example, a master’s degree in marketing analytics can support career advancement in strategy development and campaign management.

Average Salary for Digital Marketing Strategists

The national average salary for digital marketing strategists is $65,394 per year. However, this average can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, your specific qualifications and level of experience in the field are often important indicators of earning potential. Your location and place of employment can also affect your earnings in this role, as certain regions and job sectors may have a higher demand for specialised skills than others. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click the link provided.

Career Outlook for Digital Marketing Strategists

According to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the occupational outlook for professionals in advertising, promotions, and marketing management can expect a 10% increase in job availability between 2020 and 2030. The BLS projects a greater increase in occupational availability for market research analysts and marketing specialists, with a 22% increase over the same decade. This outlook offers ample opportunity in the field, with many career options in advertising and marketing occupations as companies continue to rely on these processes for growth and development.

Related Roles for Digital Marketing Strategists

Digital strategy includes a variety of roles that contribute to the success and effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Strategists can often find positions in related fields where they can advance their careers. Consider the following roles related to digital strategy so you can find the best career for you:. Check out indeed.com/salaries for the latest salary figures from Indeed.

1. Marketing analyst: $64,920 per year
2. Content strategist: $66,030 per year
3. Communications manager: $66,887 per year
4. Director of public relations: $66,926 per year
5. SEO manager: $67,539 per year
6. Brand strategist: $70,806 per year
7. Marketing director: $81,615 per year
8. Brand strategy consultant: $87,338 per year

Conclusion

Becoming a digital marketing strategist can be a rewarding career path for those interested in data analytics, customer engagement, and communications management. This role involves planning and executing marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive sales. With the right education, professional experience, and certifications, you can excel in this dynamic field. The demand for digital marketing strategists is growing, and the career prospects are promising, offering many opportunities for advancement. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to specialise, a career as a digital marketing strategist can provide both professional satisfaction and financial rewards.

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