Digital marketing is an exciting and ever-changing field that offers numerous opportunities for those interested in creativity, communication, and problem-solving. However, starting a career in digital marketing can be challenging, especially if you have no prior experience in the field.
But don’t be discouraged. In Nigeria, there is a growing demand for digital marketing professionals, and with the right approach, you can launch your career and make a meaningful impact.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
#1: Choose a specific area of digital marketing
Digital marketing is a broad field that encompasses many different areas. To start your career, it is important to choose a specific area of digital marketing that interests you and aligns with your strengths. Some of the most common areas of digital marketing include:
- Content creation: This involves creating written, visual, or audio content to promote products or services. Content creators can specialize in areas such as copywriting, blogging, graphic design, video production, and podcasting.
- Social media management: This involves managing a company’s social media accounts to build brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive traffic to the website. Social media managers need to have excellent communication and writing skills, as well as an understanding of social media platforms.
- Search engine optimization (SEO): This involves optimizing a website’s content and structure to improve its ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO specialists need to have a good understanding of how search engines work and be able to conduct keyword research and analyze website data.
- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising: This involves creating and managing online advertising campaigns that target specific keywords or audiences. PPC specialists need to have strong analytical skills and be able to write compelling ad copy.
- Email marketing: This involves creating and sending promotional emails to a company’s subscribers to promote products or services. Email marketers need to have excellent writing skills and be able to analyze email data to improve the effectiveness of campaigns.
#2: Develop Your Digital Marketing Skills
Once you have chosen a specific area of digital marketing, you need to develop the skills required to succeed in that area. There are many ways to develop your skills, including:
- Online courses: There are many online courses available that can teach you the skills required for digital marketing. Some of the most popular platforms for online courses include Google Digital Skill Africa, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning.
- YouTube tutorials: YouTube is an excellent resource for learning digital marketing skills. There are many channels dedicated to teaching digital marketing, including Neil Patel, Moz, Social Media Examiner and HubSpot.
- Practice: One of the best ways to develop your digital marketing skills is to practice. You can start by creating your own website or social media accounts and experimenting with different digital marketing techniques.
#3: Focus on Your Strengths
While it’s essential to develop a broad range of skills, it’s also crucial to focus on your strengths and passions. Identify the areas of digital marketing that interest you the most and where you excel. Perhaps you are a talented writer, a visual storyteller, or a data analyst. Find your niche and hone your skills in that area.
Focusing on your strengths will not only make you more confident and competent, but it will also make you stand out from other candidates and help you develop a unique personal brand.
For example, if you have excellent writing skills, focus on developing your content creation skills and become a content marketing specialist. If you are visually creative, focus on developing your design skills and become a visual storyteller.
#4: Join Online Communities
In Nigeria, there are many online communities and forums where digital marketers share insights, best practices, and job opportunities. Join these groups and participate in the conversations.
Some popular digital marketing communities in Nigeria include:
- Digital Marketing Nigeria (DMN)
- Social Media Managers in Nigeria
- Content Marketing Nigeria
- Nigerian SEO and Digital Marketing Forum
- Nigerian Social Media Hub
- Nigerian Bloggers Forum
- Digital Marketing Skill Institute Community
- Nigeria Internet Business Community
By joining these communities, you can learn from experienced professionals, ask questions, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field. You may also find job opportunities and networking opportunities that can help you launch your career.
#5: Build Your Portfolio
One of the most significant challenges of starting a career in digital marketing with no experience is building your portfolio. Employers want to see evidence of your skills and achievements, but how do you showcase your work when you haven’t had any clients or projects yet?
Fortunately, there are many ways to build your portfolio, even if you have no clients or formal work experience. For example, you can:
- Create a blog or website and publish high-quality content on topics that interest you
- Volunteer to create digital marketing materials for a non-profit or community organization
- Participate in online challenges, such as the 30-day content challenge or the 100-day writing challenge
- Create social media posts or campaigns for your personal brand or a fictitious brand
- Offer your digital marketing services to friends, family, or local businesses for free or at a discounted rate
By building your portfolio, you can demonstrate your skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, and showcase your potential to employers.
#6: Network and Gain Experience
Networking is a crucial component of launching a successful career in digital marketing. Attend digital marketing events, webinars, and conferences, and connect with other professionals in the field. Build relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from others’ experiences.
You can also gain experience by offering your services as a freelancer or intern. Many companies and startups in Nigeria are looking for digital marketing support, and offering your services can help you gain valuable experience and build your portfolio.
By networking and gaining experience, you can develop a better understanding of the digital marketing landscape in Nigeria, learn about different career paths, and gain insights into the skills and qualities that employers are looking for.
#7: Apply for Jobs
Once you have developed your skills, built your portfolio, and gained some experience, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Look for job openings on job boards, LinkedIn, and company websites. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job description, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.
In your job interviews, be prepared to demonstrate your skills and knowledge, showcase your portfolio, and communicate your passion and enthusiasm for digital marketing. Be honest about your level of experience and highlight your potential to learn and grow.
#8 Keep Learning and Growing
Finally, to succeed in digital marketing, you need to keep learning and growing. Digital marketing is a fast-paced and ever-changing field, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.
Continuously educate yourself, read blogs and books, attend webinars and conferences, and experiment with new tools and platforms. Seek feedback from your peers and clients, and use it to improve your skills and performance.
Additionally, consider pursuing a professional certification in digital marketing, such as Google Ads, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. These certifications can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise in a specific area of digital marketing.
In Conclusion
Starting a career in digital marketing in Nigeria may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. Develop your digital marketing skills, focus on your strengths, join online communities, build your portfolio, network and gain experience, apply for jobs, and keep learning and growing.
Remember that success in digital marketing requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and stay motivated. With time and effort, you can launch a successful career in digital marketing and make a meaningful impact in the industry. Good luck!