How to Get Started in Digital Marketing

Did you know that the Average salary of a Digital marketer is expected to range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦6,000,000 per year in 2025? The best thing about this is that you can have multiple streams of income by working in different places simultaneously.

Digital marketing, also known as online marketing, involves using digital channels such as mobile devices, websites, search engines, social media platforms, email, and websites to promote brands, products, and services. It helps businesses define their target audience, create brand awareness, drive engagement, and develop strategies to constantly improve the business and boost sales. 

Types of Digital Marketing

There are different types of digital marketing for you to explore and specialise in. Some of them are:

1. Content Marketing
2. Affiliate Marketing
3. Social Media Marketing
4. Pay-per-click (PPC)
5. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
6. Email Marketing
7. Mobile Marketing
8. Video Marketing
9. Influencer Marketing
10. Advertisement 

The list is endless. You can read more about them and choose the one that best resonates with you and your interests.

How to Start Digital Marketing

Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a digital marketer.

1. Research and choose a niche that interests you: This is the first step. As stated above, there are different types of digital marketing, so do your research and choose a speciality that interests you. 
2. Take an online course: You need to gain foundational knowledge in digital marketing and to do this, you need to take an online course that will provide you with the skills and methodologies to become one. You can even earn a certificate for the course.
3. Build Your Portfolio: After becoming a certified digital marketer, the next step is to build your portfolio. You can do this by curating examples of the projects you worked on while learning, getting an internship to get real-life experience, or volunteering as a freelancer at an NGO or for a friend. All of these will help you develop a strong portfolio to showcase to your future employers.
4. Networking: Networking is very important, especially if you want to grow in your industry. Connect with your fellow digital marketers by following them on social media, engaging with them, joining their communities, and attending events where you can meet mentors and beginners like yourself.
5. Have an Online Presence: The importance of social media cannot be overemphasised. It is a way to gain visibility and reach potential recruiters. You can do this by consistently talking about your work and engaging with other people’s posts.
6. Apply for Jobs: Once your portfolio is ready, you can start applying for jobs online. There are different job sites to explore, and the communities you’ve joined can also help you get a job. 
7. Continue to Develop Yourself: You can never stop learning, so even after getting a job, continue to develop yourself by learning and gaining new skills to scale up your career. 

The best way to stay in demand and become relevant in this field is to become the best at what you do, stay up to date with the latest trends, and continuously update your skills to match the evolving industry. Take those baby steps today and start your journey to becoming a good digital marketer.