In today’s fast-paced digital world, entry level digital marketing jobs have become one of the most sought-after roles for individuals looking to dive into the dynamic tech and marketing industries. Whether you’ve just graduated from university, are looking to make a career shift, or simply want to break into the digital marketing space, securing an entry-level position can be the first step toward a fulfilling and rewarding career.
With businesses constantly seeking new ways to reach their audience, the demand for digital marketing professionals is at an all-time high. From SEO (Search Engine Optimization) specialists to content creators and social media managers, digital marketing jobs come in many forms. But how do you land that first job? This article will guide you through everything you need to know about securing an entry level digital marketing job.
Why Digital Marketing?
The digital marketing field is diverse and offers a wealth of opportunities for growth. With the constant evolution of technology and platforms, it’s a field that encourages innovation and learning. There are a few key reasons why people choose digital marketing as a career path:
- Job Opportunities: From small businesses to global enterprises, everyone needs digital marketing. This creates a constant demand for fresh talent to join the industry.
- Variety of Roles: Digital marketing covers a broad spectrum, including social media marketing, content creation, SEO, paid advertising, and email marketing. With so many different roles available, you’re bound to find a niche that suits your skills and interests.
- Flexibility: Digital marketing is one of the most flexible fields in terms of remote working opportunities. Many companies now offer remote or hybrid roles, which means you could work from anywhere.
- Career Growth: The beauty of digital marketing is that the industry is always evolving. As you gain more experience, there’s always something new to learn, and the opportunities for growth are endless.
Common Types of Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs
When applying for an entry level digital marketing job, you might come across several job titles. Each role has its own responsibilities and focuses, but they all share a common goal: driving business success through digital channels. Here are some of the most common entry level digital marketing jobs:
- Social Media Coordinator: Social media coordinators are responsible for managing and executing social media strategies for brands. They handle everything from creating content to interacting with followers and analyzing engagement metrics.
- SEO Assistant: An SEO assistant helps optimize websites for search engines to improve their rankings. You’ll work on keyword research, writing SEO-friendly content, and performing on-page and off-page optimization.
- Content Marketing Assistant: Content marketing assistants focus on creating valuable and relevant content that attracts potential customers. This could be blog posts, videos, infographics, case studies, and more.
- PPC Assistant: PPC (Pay-Per-Click) assistants help manage paid advertising campaigns, such as Google Ads and Facebook ads, to ensure that businesses are reaching their target audience and getting a return on investment.
- Email Marketing Assistant: Email marketing assistants help design and implement email campaigns to nurture leads and drive sales. This includes creating newsletters, promotional emails, and drip campaigns.
- Digital Marketing Analyst: Digital marketing analysts focus on interpreting data from digital campaigns to measure their effectiveness. They make recommendations for improving strategies based on data insights.
These are just a few of the many roles available in the digital marketing space. The key is to choose a role that aligns with your interests and strengths.
How to Land an Entry Level Digital Marketing Job
Landing an entry level digital marketing job can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can make the process more manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:
Step 1: Build Your Knowledge
Before diving into job applications, it’s important to have a strong foundation in digital marketing. Start by learning the basics of SEO, social media, content marketing, and PPC. Many online platforms offer free courses and certifications, such as:
- Google Digital Garage for Google Ads and Analytics
- HubSpot Academy for inbound marketing and content creation
- Coursera and Udemy for comprehensive digital marketing courses
These certifications will help you build a solid understanding of the core aspects of digital marketing and make you a more competitive candidate for entry level digital marketing jobs.
Step 2: Get Hands-On Experience
Employers want to see practical experience, even if it’s from personal projects. One of the best ways to build your skills and portfolio is by working on your own projects. You can:
- Start a blog or website to practice SEO and content creation.
- Create and manage social media accounts for a local business or nonprofit.
- Volunteer to help friends or family with their digital marketing needs.
If you don’t have any personal projects, consider doing freelance work or internships to gain real-world experience. This will help you build a portfolio that you can showcase to potential employers.
Step 3: Optimize Your CV and Cover Letter
When applying for entry level digital marketing jobs, make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the specific role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, even if they are from other jobs or personal projects. Key skills that employers look for include:
- Social media management
- Content creation
- SEO knowledge
- Data analysis
- Writing and copywriting
Include any certifications or online courses you’ve completed, as these show employers that you are committed to learning and growing in the field.
Step 4: Build Your Personal Brand
In digital marketing, your personal brand is often your first impression. Having a strong online presence will help you stand out to employers. This means creating a professional LinkedIn profile and portfolio website, where you can showcase your work, skills, and experiences.
Additionally, consider starting a blog or contributing to relevant platforms like Medium or LinkedIn Articles. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the industry while also giving you more credibility as a job candidate.
Step 5: Network and Apply for Jobs
Once your CV and online presence are ready, it’s time to start applying for entry level digital marketing jobs. Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to find openings. Don’t forget to also network—many jobs are found through word of mouth. Join digital marketing groups on LinkedIn, attend webinars and conferences, and connect with professionals in the field.
Step 6: Prepare for Interviews
If you land an interview, congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare. Be ready to talk about your experience, whether it’s from personal projects or internships. Employers want to see that you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world situations. Be sure to highlight your knowledge of digital marketing tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and WordPress.
Also, demonstrate your enthusiasm for digital marketing and your willingness to learn and grow. Digital marketing is constantly changing, and employers are looking for candidates who are adaptable and eager to stay updated on industry trends.
Real-Life Example: How Sarah Landed Her Entry Level Digital Marketing Job
Sarah, a recent university graduate, decided she wanted to break into digital marketing. She started by completing an SEO course and began blogging about topics she was passionate about. She created a LinkedIn profile, shared her articles, and joined digital marketing groups to connect with professionals in the field.
After a few months of building her online presence and networking, Sarah landed an entry level digital marketing job as a social media coordinator for a local brand. She quickly gained hands-on experience and was promoted within a year. Sarah’s story shows that by being proactive and building a strong foundation, anyone can land their first role in digital marketing.
Salary Expectations for Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs
Salaries for entry level digital marketing jobs in the UK can vary depending on location, company size, and industry. On average, entry-level positions can earn:
- Social Media Coordinator: £22,000 – £25,000
- SEO Assistant: £20,000 – £24,000
- Content Marketing Assistant: £21,000 – £26,000
- PPC Assistant: £22,000 – £28,000
These figures are averages, and depending on your location and the company, the salaries may be higher. Digital marketing roles in major cities like London or Manchester may offer slightly higher salaries due to the cost of living.
Conclusion: Your Future in Digital Marketing Starts Now
Landing your first entry level digital marketing job is a fantastic way to launch your career in one of the most exciting fields today. By following the steps above—learning the fundamentals, gaining hands-on experience, optimizing your CV, and building your personal brand—you can put yourself on the path to success.
Manchester is a fantastic city to launch your career in digital marketing. With its thriving tech scene, an array of companies offering opportunities, and the ability to network with other professionals, it’s the perfect place to begin your journey.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing your first entry level digital marketing job. Remember, persistence and continuous learning are key. Embrace every opportunity to grow, and soon, you’ll find yourself climbing the ranks in the digital marketing world. And when you’re ready to take that leap, resources like essoj.com can guide you along the way, offering expert advice and career tips.
