Digital marketing is an exciting and fast-paced career choice, but how do you get started? In this blog, we’ll look at the essential skills you’ll need to demonstrate, and how to steadily progress on your digital marketing career path. So, how do you get into digital marketing?
Having existing digital skills and creative thinking are a great advantage for starting a career in digital marketing. Whether that is previous agency experience, relevant qualifications, such as a degree, or transferable skills. These are not always essential but definitely help.
A common misconception is that it is essential to have a degree or be a fluent developer to be successful. But, a basic understanding is a good start, and you can learn as you go along. Read on to gain valuable insight into how to find the right digital marketing job.
A career in digital marketing is a diverse and constantly evolving role; it certainly keeps you on your toes. If you are just starting out, it’s best to pick one area that you are interested in (E.g. SEO, PPC, Content, or Social Media), and learn at a comfortable pace. Ask lots of questions and learn from those around you; they have the knowledge you are looking for!
Digital marketing is using different digital channels to build online visibility. It can help a business build a brand and a reputation, as well as give them more of an advantage against competitors. This can be through a website and SEO, Social Media channels, email campaigns and PPC advertising campaigns. Digital marketing can also complement other offline forms of marketing, creating an omni-channel presence.
You don’t necessarily need to have previous experience in a digital role to get a digital marketing job. You can apply for entry-level junior roles or even apprenticeships; many digital agencies will provide you with the training and guidance you need to progress and build a digital marketing career.
There are also many reputable online courses and articles that can help you learn and understand the basics of digital marketing – we like Hubspot and SEMRush courses! Of course, some people do a degree in a related subject, which is an obvious advantage, but not always essential.
Often, digital marketing companies hire graduates straight out of university or college to fill junior-level roles. Not all of these graduates come from digital/marketing-related backgrounds but can demonstrate that they have the transferrable skills needed to succeed in digital marketing. So, don’t fret if your background isn’t quite “right”. Sometimes, all you need is the right skills and a winning attitude.
Research the company to get a good understanding of what they value. Be sure that this aligns with what you are looking for before you apply.
To be successful in digital marketing there are some skills that are essential to have under your belt.
SEO is a vital element of the digital marketing tool kit. Having skills in SEO can go a long way to success in digital marketing. You don’t have to be fully fluent in code to be good at SEO but a flair for creative thinking and writing can help with the content side of SEO.
Meanwhile, strategic thinking can be beneficial to the more technical side. You can learn SEO from scratch without prior experience. Plenty of SEO jobs will provide training and support from other members of the team. You just need to have the right attitude for learning and development.
Learn more about the skills needed to succeed in SEO in our dedicated blog, How To Get A Job In SEO.
PPC (or pay-per-click) is a paid search method of digital marketing. Many companies use this to target their audience to try and gain more traffic and generate conversions quickly. Learning PPC involves creating strategic campaigns, and requires an analytical mind, and an understanding of client budgets and the best use of this. Getting a job in PPC can be competitive, so look for jobs most suitable to your experience or that stipulate clear expectations.
Learn more on how to get a job in PPC in our recent blog on the subject.
As mentioned before, there are no set qualifications that you must have to work in digital marketing. To show prospective employers that you are the best candidate, try and keep on top of the latest industry trends and changes. Learn the basics so you can begin your career with a foundation of knowledge. Demonstrate any transferable skills that can lend themselves to the role.
That being said, there are some employers that do prefer applicants to have a relevant qualification. This could be a degree or similar qualification in marketing, English subjects, languages or business. But don’t let this stop you from applying! This may just be a way for the employer being able to sift through the applications they receive to choose the most relevant candidates. If you can demonstrate suitable skills or experience, your qualifications may not matter.
If you are looking to progress within your position, be sure to select an agency that openly displays that they value growth and development. Being valued and rewarded for your hard work through acknowledging your skills is important. As you develop in your role you should consider:
Ready to start your digital marketing career at an award-winning agency? Take a look at our current vacancies page for jobs in SEO and PPC and become a part of our team of experts.
Senior SEO Executive
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
Senior PPC Account Manager
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Team Leader
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Team Leader. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
PPC Team Leader
Carl joined Wildcat in 2023 with a wealth of experience in PPC. He has experience working with a wide range of clients, industries and budgets, from small local businesses all the way to international e-commerce businesses. Carl has a particular interest in strategic planning and forecasting. He is passionate about data analysis and creating sustainable long-term cross-channel strategies.
In his spare time, Carl enjoys keeping fit by lifting weights, bouldering and running. He’s also a keen musician, having played the double bass and bass guitar for 20 years.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
Senior SEO Executive
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
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