Do you crave a career in marketing but aren’t sure where to start? If you’re a newbie looking to place their foot on the first rung on the marketing ladder, breaking into the industry can be a daunting challenge. However, it’s helpful to remember that even the most influential marketing executives had to start somewhere – and it’s no different for you.
Keep that at the forefront of your mind and you’ll realize that anyone can forge a successful career in marketing – all it takes is intelligence, ambition and determination. Of course, taking precautions to give yourself a head start against the competition is also beneficial, which is why we’ve compiled this list of handy hints and tips for anyone looking to build a marketing career from scratch.
Educate yourself
So you don’t know the first thing about marketing jargon like bounce rates and PPC? There’s no time like the present to begin learning. Fortunately, there are a wide range of educational courses available online, many of which are free and carry certifications that will look impressive on your CV after completion. But don’t confine yourself to the internet; you should also read books, attend workshops and conventions and seek out information wherever you can find it. The answers are there, you just need to ferret them out.
Learn from the masters
Find advertising campaigns that speak to you and consider why they’re so impactive. Then, make a note of what they do well and try to incorporate similar ideas and ideals into your own thought process. For example, casino operators like Wildz have built a platform for success upon the back of a very powerful marketing campaign. The use of bold colors, eye-catching themes and simple, clean finishes are partnered with an excellent product, immediately drawing the attention of millions of online gamers.
Build your portfolio
Leading on from the previous point, it’s important to put the theoretical knowledge that you accrue into practice. Create dummy marketing campaigns for brands you favor and post them on your personal blog or website, which is a great place to showcase your work and point people to when they ask for evidence of it. This can take the form of content writing, YouTube videos or podcasts, graphic design or any other format with which you feel most comfortable. Just remember, whichever avenue of marketing you wish to pursue, practice is paramount to success.
Create connections
It’s a well-known fact that a robust network is essential for advancement in your career, whichever sector you operate in. That’s perhaps even doubly true for marketing, so take the time to build out your network of connections online and in-person, since you never know when they might come in handy. You can do so by attending events, participating in forums and lending a hand to other freelancing marketers online. This latter approach is especially effective, since you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and create a strong connection with a fellow professional, all in one fell swoop.
