What is Digital Marketing?
Marketing done through digital mediums like the Internet, search engine, social media, blogs, video channels, websites, and applications, is known as digital marketing. This is the fastest-growing form of marketing owing to its reach, cost-effectiveness, measurability, and accuracy. It is overtaking all marketing platforms and will soon become the primary form of marketing.
Digital Marketing refers to the marketing of products or services via digital channels to reach consumers. Brands used to get promoted before too, but the means and mediums were limited. With the advent of digital media, the norms and rules are changed. And rightly so.
Today, as per the stats, nearly 60% of the world’s population use the Internet. Just two years ago, it was 40%. One can imagine the rate at which people are using the Internet to do almost everything. From ordering foods and vegetables to booking cabs to leasing furniture to people becoming viral influencers, everything has gone digital. A business without a digital presence is bound to go kaput in no time.
Why Do Companies Use Digital marketing?
In the realm of modern business, digital marketing stands as a cornerstone for companies looking to broaden their horizons and excel in a fiercely competitive landscape. It serves as a potent instrument for connecting with a diverse global audience while honing in on specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads offer robust tools for tailoring campaigns, enabling companies to achieve a more targeted and impactful outreach.
Furthermore, the ability to measure and analyze data in real-time is a fundamental aspect of digital marketing, allowing businesses to track metrics such as website traffic and conversion rates with precision. This data-driven approach empowers companies to swiftly refine their strategies for optimal performance. Additionally, digital marketing fosters brand development through platforms like social media and content marketing, facilitating direct engagement with audiences and cultivating brand loyalty.
In essence, the adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and unparalleled reach of digital marketing make it an essential strategy for companies striving to maintain a competitive edge and thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.
The Future Scope of Digital Marketing in India in 2024
India is a prime sector for digital activity. The country has one of the largest populations of internet users in the world. By 2025, India will have close to 974.86 million internet users
The number of internet users in India was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by 60.5 million users (+4.28 percent). After the fifteenth consecutive increasing year, the number of users is estimated to reach 1.5 billion users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of internet users has continuously increased over the past years.
So, let’s have a closer look at the scope of digital marketing in India regarding different sectors:
1. Scope of the Digital Marketing for Business
Businesses in the country are becoming digitally aware, and realising the potential of digital marketing. Therefore, many of them are investing in digital marketing to have a strong online presence and sell their product and services to potential customers.
Digital marketing is affordable as businesses have control over the budget and campaigns can be optimised. Campaigns can be accurately targeted with measurable results. All of these are difficult with traditional marketing; hence, businesses are shifting to digital marketing. 40% of today’s businesses depend entirely on digital marketing and it is estimated that more than 90% of businesses will go digital.
2. Scope of the Digital Marketing for Jobs/Career
In 2017, which was one of the earliest phases of digital marketing growth, the sector created close to 8 lakhs jobs in just one quarter. So, you can imagine the jobs created so far. This sector was also largely unaffected during the pandemic owing to its digital nature and is expected to create more jobs in the coming years.
Digital marketing has many different aspects like copy, design, technology, social media, marketing, finance, and business development. Therefore, with the growth of digital marketing, all these aspects will also grow. There will be many jobs available in these sub-sectors, and students can make strong long-lasting careers. Most of the jobs in digital marketing also pay really well.
Top Digital Marketing Career Options
The digital marketing industry has many career opportunities. The great thing about these careers is that they cover a wide spectrum of skills and competencies, so you can choose from a wide variety of careers that suit you best.
Many private institutions and universities in the country have also begun offering courses and degrees that focus on different aspects. So, getting a career will not be difficult.
Here are the top digital marketing career options you can choose to pursue:
1. SEO (Search Engine Optimizer)
SEO stands for search engine optimizer and it is one of the most important professions in digital marketing. Their job is to optimize websites and drive relevant traffic to the websites. For this, they employ many creative and technical strategies. This is a difficult job as search engine algorithms keep changing, and the SEOs have to adjust and re-strategize accordingly. Their main aim is to get a website onto the first page of the search engine.
Businesses who want their digital marketing to be at the top invest in strong SEO professionals as their work ensures relevant traffic and organic leads. You need to have excellent technical skills and a strong understanding of content. The SEO profession is set to grow in importance as search engines become smarter. Therefore, it is one of the best professions to consider.
2. SEM/PPC Specialist
The Search Engine Marketing/Pay-Per-Click specialist handles the marketing and advertising strategy for the search engine. They have to create marketing strategies for products and services and have to execute them as well. These professionals use paid and organic mediums to improve website ranking and run pay-per-click ads on the search engine by bidding for certain keywords. SEM/PPC specialists are important for successful digital marketing campaigns.
The SEM/PPC specialist is a good career to pursue. These professionals are in high demand and many companies even hire these professionals full-time to handle all the in-house campaigns. You can do many professional courses that are available in colleges and private institutes. There are also online courses that can help you become an SEM/PPC specialist.
2. Social Media Marketing (SMM)
Social media marketing has emerged as another strong digital marketing platform. Previously, search engine marketing dominated this sphere but now, social media marketing has caught up. A social media marketing specialist is the person who handles everything from strategy to execution of marketing and advertising on social media platforms.
If you have the technical knowledge, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of all social media platforms, you should consider this interesting career. Businesses are realising that social media is another strong platform to engage their potential customers and market to sell to them. Therefore, there will be a huge demand for SMM professionals who can conduct excellent marketing over social media platforms.
3. SMO
SMO stands for social media optimizer. This professional is in charge of handling a business social media pages and creating a strategy to increase followers and create a positive impression of the company on all social media platforms. An SMO needs to have an excellent understanding of social media as it is where people show their true nature and human nature is unpredictable. It’s a real challenge to get people to follow a business, hence, they need experts like SMOs.
If you want to work on social media strategies and create organic traffic and sales through social media pages, you should consider becoming an SMO. Imagine getting paid to be on social media all day. But it is a lot more serious than that. You need to know the pulse of the audience and ensure the business you handle has a positive outlook. You have to be able to use social media to improve the customer experience.
4. Content Writer/Copywriter
Every form of advertising and marketing requires the written word. The writing is what truly communicates the message. Therefore, digital marketing needs content and copywriters, who can write great content and copy that can be used by SEOs, SMOs, SMMs, SEMs, and website developers to be used in digital marketing mediums like websites and ads.
If you have good writing skills, you can consider becoming a content or copywriter. You need to have a good command of the language and should have a decent typing speed. If you can communicate and type in more than 1 or 2 languages, that’s even better as digital marketing is progressing into marketing in regional languages. Content/copywriters get paid well for their expert services.
5. Content Manager
Don’t confuse this profession with a content writer. The content manager has a lot more responsibilities than writing. They have a say in the marketing and social media strategies. They work closely with all the professions involved in digital marketing and also manage the complete content department, including all the writers.
To be a content manager, you will have to start as a content writer or social media specialist and then move up to the position. You need to have a good understanding of all the aspects of digital marketing. You also need to have good coordination skills. The content you create needs to be of excellent quality that can be used across all digital mediums. The content manager is an amazing career to aim for, and its importance is only going to grow as digital marketing continues to grow in India.
6. Website Designer & Graphics Designer
Although many times, the website designer and graphics designer are different positions, companies prefer a professional who can handle both responsibilities. When it comes to graphics, the designers design images and posts that can be used for marketing content, ads, social media posts. They have to design according to the brief in the content and social media strategy.
As a website designer, they have to design websites according to the latest trends. This is very important as in digital marketing, a website is an important sales point and all campaigns bring users to the website. Therefore, you need to be good with all forms of designing to succeed as a designer. Designers are some of the highest-paid professionals in the industry and command a lot of respect.
7. Website Developer
A website is a company’s primary salesman in the digital marketing world. Most activities done on the digital platform are to bring the right users on to a website from where they can get information, and make up their mind regarding the company’s product or service. Therefore, the website needs to be good, and this is possible through the services of an expert web developer.
To be a website developer, you need to be good with web development languages like HTML, CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and PHP. You should also be good at using website building platforms. Your main job will be to follow the web designers’ design and develop a technical sound, high-functioning website. Web developers are highly sought-after professionals who are paid well. With enough experience, web developers can move on to become UI/UX developers.
8. UI/UX Designer
UI and UX stand for User Interface and User Experience. The UI/UX designer is the professional in charge of designing and developing a website from start to finish in regards to the user’s experience. Rather than looking at just some aspects of a website’s design, they have to judge how the website works as a whole and how it delivers on marketing. They also look into other online marketing tools.
After gaining enough experience as a website designer or developer, you can aim for a career as a UI/UX designer. You need to have a lot of technical expertise, but you should understand how a website would work and deliver the main tasks it was designed for. You should be able to create a unique experience for the users that will lead to marketing success. For this, you need to have a deep understanding of design and marketing. UI/UX designers are important, highly-paid professionals who are responsible for the evolution of designs.
9. Digital Marketing Analyst
The main job of a digital marketing analyst is to analyse every aspect involved in the marketing campaign. From the copy and designs used in the campaign, to the execution of strategies and the results, they have to analyse everything and provide a roadmap to improve marketing campaigns.
The digital marketing analyst is an expert position, so, you need to know everything involved in digital marketing, even the technologies behind the marketing tools. As a digital marketing analyst, you will play an important part in the improvement and success of digital marketing activities. No wonder, this is one of the highest-paid professions in digital marketing.
10. Influencer
Now, many would wonder why this profession is on the list, but the truth is that an influencer today is a legitimate career. Influencers are pseudo-celebrities who have a large number of fans and followers on their social media pages. They use this follower-base to market and advertise products to create brand value and sales for the product. Today, influencers have become a strong part of digital marketing campaigns and can make a difference to the bottom line.
To be an influencer, you need to have a unique talent that you can showcase on social media to gather followers. You need to have decent photo and video editing skills. But most important of all, you need to have marketing skills. When you have enough followers, you can make money directly from a few social media sites, but the real money comes from brand endorsements. Influencers also get opportunities to work in the radio, television, and film industry. Models, amateur chefs, fitness instructors, dieticians, comedians, singers, and dancers are some popular types of influencers.
Benefits of Digital Marketing
What makes digital marketing such an exciting area for study and work is the lightning pace at which it is changing. New technologies, apps, and devices are changing the way we market to consumers quickly. There is so much widespread advancement that it is bringing in many benefits. To truly know the importance of digital marketing, you should know about the benefits of different areas.
So, here are the benefits of digital marketing for business and students:
1. Digital Marketing Benefits for Business: Why Companies Use Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing uses technologically advanced mediums for marketing.
- The effectiveness of campaigns can be measured and optimised.
- Marketing can be targeted at anyone irrespective of geographical location.
- Businesses have many marketing options within the digital spectrum.
- Digital marketing is very cost-effective compared to traditional media.
2. Digital Marketing Benefits for Students
One of the fastest rising streams of education amongst emerging technologies.
- Digital marketing courses are available in all the top universities and institutes.
- Courses and certifications can also be done online.
- Digital marketing courses are job-oriented, and you can easily start your career.
- Digital marketing courses will also get a good salary and benefits.
Who Can Learn Digital Marketing?
The suitability for a digital marketing career extends beyond mere education level, skills, and qualifications. It encompasses a diverse range of individuals across various professions who stand to benefit from learning digital marketing. Here’s who should consider diving into this field:
1. Students:
With the exponential growth of digital marketing, students equipped with this knowledge can venture into entrepreneurship, developing innovative start-ups. Those pursuing BBA or MBA degrees can enhance their resumes by supplementing their studies with digital marketing courses, opening doors to roles like Digital Marketing Analyst or SEO executive upon graduation.
2. Marketing Professionals:
Marketing experts, including those with BBA or MBA degrees, sales professionals, and business development executives, must embrace digital marketing to thrive in the digitized world of marketing. It’s no longer an optional skill but a necessity for remaining competitive and relevant in the industry.
3. Career Switchers / Individuals:
Those currently utilizing traditional marketing strategies can benefit immensely from transitioning to digital channels. Embracing modern marketing strategies through digital marketing courses is vital for avoiding the negative impacts of outdated tactics and staying ahead in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.
4. CEOs and Business Owners:
Understanding digital marketing strategies allows CEOs and business owners to effectively oversee their implementation within their organizations. It enables them to contribute meaningfully to the digital marketing process and stay informed about industry trends and advancements, ultimately enhancing business profitability.
5. IT Professionals:
Individuals working in the IT sector can greatly benefit from digital marketing training, as the merging of IT expertise with digital marketing knowledge is increasingly sought after by large business firms. With businesses investing significantly in digital marketing, IT professionals with these skills find themselves in high demand.
Digital marketing skills are invaluable for individuals across various professions, not limited to sales and marketing professionals. Anyone with the desire and dedication to master the subject can benefit from diving into the world of digital marketing, given its crucial role in the rapidly advancing realm of digitization.
Various Job Profiles and Their Average Salaries in Digital Marketing
Job Title | Range | Average |
Digital Marketing Manager | ₹242k – ₹2m | ₹603,725 |
Digital Marketing Specialist | ₹185k – ₹854k | ₹380,020 |
Senior Marketing Manager | ₹611k – ₹3m | ₹1,503,192 |
Marketing Executive | ₹184k – ₹609k | ₹328,345 |
Marketing Manager | ₹434k – ₹2m | ₹890,008 |
Digital Marketing Associate | ₹182k – ₹508k | ₹305,156 |
Marketing Associate | ₹202k – ₹811k | ₹408,828 |
Source: Payscale
How to Start Career in Digital Marketing?
Now that you know about the advantages of digital marketing and the potential it has to become the primary form of marketing, it’s only logical you’d want to have a career in this industry. This is a smart choice that will reap a lot of career benefits for you.
Here’s how to start a career in digital marketing:
1. Formal Education
- Many universities and institutes are offering full-fledged digital marketing courses.
- Students are also getting digital marketing certification courses as an add-on in their undergraduate and postgraduate education.
- Many online certification courses are being offered that are also of value and accepted in the professional world as qualifications.
2. On-the-Job
- There are many digital marketing courses that you can do while you are on the job and get formal training.
- Irrespective of what qualification you have, you can intern in a digital marketing position and learn on the job.
- Digital marketing can also be learned on your own, but it would be difficult to find someone who will allow you to be professional without qualifications.
3. Tips on How to Land a Digital Marketing Job
Embarking on a career in digital marketing involves strategic steps to ensure a smooth entry into this dynamic field. Here’s a guide in simple yet formal language:
- Grasp Digital Marketing Fundamentals: Acquire a strong understanding of key digital marketing components such as SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media, and analytics.
- Establish a Solid Foundation: Enrol in online courses from platforms like Google Digital Garage or HubSpot Academy to build a foundation through relevant certifications.
- Define Your Niche: Identify your specific interests within digital marketing, whether it’s content creation, social media management, or other niches.
- Craft Your Brand: Begin building your online presence through websites and social media to showcase your skills and expertise.
- Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships or entry-level roles to gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects.
- Stay Informed: Stay updated on industry trends, algorithm changes, and best practices by following industry blogs, podcasts, and attending webinars.
- Develop a Portfolio: Create a comprehensive portfolio highlighting your accomplishments, successful campaigns, and measurable results.
- Network Actively: Engage in industry events, join LinkedIn groups, and connect with professionals in your niche to build a strong professional network.
- Master Tools and Technologies: Familiarize yourself with key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics and SEO software, and consider obtaining relevant certifications.
- Pursue Career Opportunities: Once confident in your skills and armed with a robust portfolio, explore job opportunities through online boards, company websites, or your professional network.
By following these steps, you can enhance your chances of securing a digital marketing job and thrive in this ever-evolving industry.
Top Digital Marketing Tools in 2024
In the dynamic world of digital marketing, staying ahead requires leveraging the latest tools and technologies. As we navigate the challenges of 2022-2023, it’s essential to focus on refining and innovating our strategies for the year ahead. To help you achieve your marketing goals and outshine your competition, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten digital marketing tools that are set to make a significant impact in 2024.
Whether you’re aiming to streamline your email campaigns, optimize your website for search engines, or create compelling visual content, these tools have you covered. Discover the tools that can elevate your digital marketing efforts and propel your business to success in the ever-evolving online arena.
Top Digital Marketing Tools in 2024:
- MailChimp: Streamline and automate your email marketing campaigns with easy-to-use design tools and personalized automation features.
- Google Analytics: Gain valuable insights into your website traffic, audience demographics, and performance metrics to make data-driven marketing decisions.
- Google Ads: Reach new audiences and drive website visits, calls, and foot traffic with targeted advertising campaigns on Google’s expansive network.
- Canva Business: Create compelling visual content for your marketing campaigns with Canva’s intuitive design tools and vast library of templates and graphics.
- SEO PowerSuite: Optimize your website for search engines and improve your online visibility with comprehensive SEO tools for keyword research, rank tracking, and backlink analysis.
- Trello: Collaborate with your team and manage your digital marketing projects effectively with Trello’s flexible task management and organization features.
- Slack: Facilitate real-time communication and collaboration among your marketing team members with Slack’s messaging and collaboration platform.
- Yoast SEO: Optimize your WordPress website for search engines and improve your content’s visibility with Yoast SEO’s powerful features for on-page optimization and content analysis.
- Survey Anyplace: Engage with your audience and gather valuable insights with interactive surveys, quizzes, and assessments created with Survey Anyplace’s user-friendly platform.
- Ahrefs: Analyses your website’s backlink profile, track keyword rankings, and research your competitors’ strategies with Ahrefs’ comprehensive suite of SEO tools.
Top Digital Marketing Course to Consider in 2024
Digital marketing has become an indispensable part of any business strategy, whether it’s through social media advertising or search engine optimization (SEO). To stay abreast of the latest trends in this ever-evolving field, investing in a digital marketing course is essential.
Here’s a curated list of the top digital marketing courses available:
- Digital Marketing Institute: Offering courses tailored to various skill levels, including a 15-minute quiz to assess your proficiency, the Digital Marketing Institute provides valuable resources for developing fundamental knowledge.
- Copyblogger: With a focus on delivering valuable content, Copyblogger offers a range of certifications through its 20-part course, along with access to webinars, e-books, and forums.
- HubSpot Academy: Featuring 12 courses customizable to different learning styles, HubSpot Academy’s digital marketing course provides in-depth knowledge and culminates in qualifications upon completion.
- Lynda.com: Offering over 5,000 courses covering both business and creative sectors, Lynda.com provides digital marketing courses suitable for beginners and advanced learners.
- Udemy: Known for its simplicity and flexibility, Udemy offers self-paced digital marketing courses with masterclass options, catering to over 14 million students globally.
- Global Edulink: Tailored for advanced professionals, Global Edulink’s digital marketing courses cover a wide range of topics and offer high-quality education for skill development.
- Coursera: Providing accessible courses with a variety of certifications, Coursera allows students to achieve recognized diplomas while offering resources that suit individual learning needs.
- IIM Skills: Renowned for its master training and comprehensive curriculum, IIM Skills offers digital marketing courses with 15 valuable certifications to enhance employability.
- British Academy of Digital Marketing: Offering professional-level knowledge through practical assignments, this course from the British Academy of Digital Marketing is accessible to all with a passion for digital marketing.
By investing in one of these top digital marketing courses, you can develop and enhance your skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital marketing in 2024.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Digital Marketing
The world of digital marketing offers exciting opportunities for professionals seeking dynamic careers in the online domain. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a career in digital marketing:
Pros of a Career in Digital Marketing:
- Abundant Job Opportunities: Digital marketing is integral to businesses of all sizes, offering diverse career paths and ample job openings. From content creation to social media management, there’s a role for everyone in this growing field.
- Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy the freedom to work remotely and choose your own schedule, making for a more balanced lifestyle. Digital marketing allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection, offering flexibility and convenience.
- High Demand for Talent: Businesses are constantly seeking skilled digital marketers, ensuring a steady demand for qualified professionals. With the right skills and experience, you’ll find no shortage of job opportunities in this fast-paced industry.
- Potential for Growth: With the right skills and mindset, digital marketers can advance quickly and carve out rewarding career trajectories. Whether you’re interested in climbing the corporate ladder or starting your agency, the sky’s the limit in digital marketing.
- Lucrative Earning Potential: Digital marketing offers competitive salaries and the opportunity for financial growth over time. As you gain experience and expertise in the field, you’ll have the potential to command higher salaries and lucrative perks.
However, every coin has its flip side:
Cons of a Career in Digital Marketing:
- Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping up with the rapidly evolving digital landscape can be challenging and requires continuous learning. New technologies and trends emerge regularly, necessitating constant upskilling to stay relevant in the field.
- Intense Competition: The popularity of digital marketing has led to a crowded job market, necessitating standout skills and experience. With so many professionals vying for the same roles, competition can be fierce, especially for entry-level positions.
- Time Commitment: Success in digital marketing often demands long hours and dedicated effort, impacting work-life balance. Meeting deadlines, staying on top of campaigns, and keeping up with industry trends can require significant time and energy.
While digital marketing presents exciting opportunities for growth and innovation, it also requires dedication and adaptability to navigate its challenges effectively. With the right skills, mindset, and perseverance, a career in digital marketing can be incredibly rewarding.
Future Trends in Digital Marketing in 2024
The digital marketing terrain for 2024 promises to take innovation and technology to the next level. As we anticipate the upcoming year, it’s evident that brands will need to adapt and evolve their strategies to connect with audiences in newly redefined ways. Staying ahead in this ever-evolving world is crucial for businesses striving for success in the competitive digital arena. To navigate these changes effectively, it’s essential to understand the latest digital marketing trends that 2024 has in store. From advancements in AI-driven conversational marketing to the rise of short-form video content, these trends will shape the future of the industry. Here are some key trends to watch out for:
- AI-Driven Conversational Marketing: With the increasing demand for personalized customer interactions, AI-driven conversational marketing is poised to become a game-changer. Chatbots powered by artificial intelligence will revolutionize customer service, providing efficient and tailored assistance to users in real-time.
- Augmented Reality Integration: The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into digital marketing strategies will offer immersive and interactive experiences for consumers. Brands will leverage AR technology to blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, engaging users in unique ways.
- Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Consumers are placing greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices, prompting brands to align their marketing efforts accordingly. Ethical marketing, transparency in data usage, and ecological responsibility will become fundamental pillars of digital marketing strategies.
- Hyper-Personalization Through Big Data: The era of hyper-personalization will continue to thrive, with brands leveraging big data and advanced analytics to tailor marketing messages and offerings to individual consumer preferences.
- Dominance of Video Marketing: Short-form video content and live streaming will dominate the digital marketing landscape, catering to the preferences of modern audiences with decreasing attention spans.
Summary
Digital marketing has immense scope in India. It has the power to help businesses grow and tap into potential customers at a fraction of the price. It also gives students a chance to make creative and technical careers that pay well and have many opportunities to grow. Digital marketing is going to revolutionise the industry, and now is the right time to be a part of this revolution.
At ASMs IMCOST, many courses also provide digital marketing certification along with your degree course. Visit the website, fill the form, and IMCOSTs representatives will contact you with all the information you need. So, hurry and fill the form and get started in your digital marketing career.