How to Become a Digital Marketing Manager

The digital economy offers so much opportunity for digital marketing managers. The transaction loop in which we buy products (such as laptops and phones) and services (like internet subscriptions and data plans) is guided by digital marketing managers — with the most successful ones resulting in our purchase of even more products and services.

Digital marketing managers are trending. They determine how to sell stuff, whom to sell it to, and how to keep the loop turning. If you’re interested in data, brand strategy, storytelling, design, social media, and the marketing funnel, consider learning how to become a digital marketing manager. In this guide, we’ll explain what they do and how to start your career journey toward this in-demand role.

What Does a Digital Marketing Manager Do?

Companies build marketing departments to increase sales and enhance their brands. So what does a digital marketing manager do? The same job, but through the use of digital platforms and tools to reach their target audience.

Digital marketing managers coordinate and implement their organization’s online marketing strategy. They maintain a strong web presence, manage content, run social media campaigns, and create digital advertising.

They may also coordinate marketing calendars and assure that their company’s message is visible and consistent across all channels, and develop strategic plans by analyzing data, tracking competitors, and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).

Digital marketing requires cross-functionality; managers might write a blog post or sponsored content, record and edit videos for a YouTube channel, and develop budgets and plans for paid search advertising, such as pay-per-click (PPC) ads.

Digital marketing manager jobs are available in nearly every industry: retail brands look to digital marketing managers to elevate their market share; the healthcare industry relies on marketing managers to raise awareness about new treatments and medicines; nonprofits tell their stories and fundraise through digital marketing.

Your natural next question may be, How do I become a digital marketer? Everyone charts a unique path, but here’s one route you might follow to become a digital marketing manager.

5 Steps to Becoming a Digital Marketing Manager

Before we address how to become a digital marketing manager, let’s illustrate why a digital marketing career is worth considering.

According to the World Bank, the digital economy represents 15.5 percent of global GDP, and will continue to grow as the online universe expands. This rising digital momentum extends to marketing. A Global Industry Analysts study found that the digital marketing and advertising market will reach $786.2 billion by 2026, more than doubling over six years. Correspondingly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for marketing managers to increase by 10 percent by 2030.

You don’t necessarily need previous experience to get started in digital marketing. These steps can help light the path, particularly for those new to the field.

1. Pursue a Digital Marketing Education

According to CareerOneStop, 79 percent of marketing specialists have degrees, with 25 percent holding advanced degrees. The most common degrees, according to the BLS, are marketing, business, and communications.

Some colleges and universities offer digital marketing degrees and graduate programs, as well as certificates in specific disciplines such as social media strategy. For college-bound students who aspire to a digital marketing career, a marketing (or related) degree offers a strong first building block.

As another option, digital marketing certificate programs can help you stand out in the job market or when applying for a promotion. Certifications demonstrate expertise and look sharp on a resume. For example, Google offers a digital marketing and e-commerce certificate and several certifications regarding Google Ads.

What if you’re approaching the field from another perspective or already have professional experience? Career-changers and those seeking to enhance their skills might consider a digital marketing boot camp, like University of Denver Digital Marketing Boot Camp, which can help open new career doors.

Boot camps deliver comprehensive curricula in collaborative learning environments. They cover essential concepts such as data strategies and digital funnels, and essential skills such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and WordPress. Learners also work to develop real-world digital marketing projects that look great in a portfolio.

2. Develop Digital Marketing Manager Skills

Digital marketing managers blend knowledge of people, trends, psychology, culture, data, strategy, media, and sales into their skill set. They have to be long-term planners who are agile, analysts with a creative streak, and ad buyers who understand influencers.
Of course, digital marketing managers must also be critical and analytical thinkers. To be successful, they must develop and continually hone these digital marketing manager skills, which are outlined in our digital marketing curriculum.

Learners interested in acquiring these skills might consider enrolling in a digital marketing boot camp.

3. Explore Digital Marketing Roles

Gaining experience in one or more digital marketing positions can prepare you to become a manager. Entry-level digital marketing roles are available in content production, social media, email marketing, and other fields, and can help you further your understanding of the broader role of digital marketing for an organization. Look for job titles that contain the word “specialist,” as this often indicates entry-level positions.

One such job is digital marketing specialist. This is a broad description for someone who operates social media accounts, writes email newsletters or sponsored content, and manages paid ads. This role serves as a good base for someone breaking into digital marketing.

Similar jobs carry more specific titles, such as email marketing specialist, PPC specialist, or social media specialist. Professionals in these roles often work as part of larger marketing teams. Take advantage of these opportunities by learning to connect with customers and generate new business.

Writers can begin their careers as copywriters or content producers, who might also be responsible for audio and video content. Content strategists not only write copy but also tap the market for new customers.

As noted above, visual content is booming. Graphic designers produce the visuals that populate social media, whereas video specialists can build content for just about any organization. Retailers, healthcare providers, real estate agencies, and travel companies all understand the value of video.

If you lean toward the technical end of digital marketing, look for roles such as SEO optimizer, CRO specialist, or paid ads manager. These will require proficiency with SEO and PPC platforms, along with some basic HTML skills.

4. Apply for Digital Marketing Manager Jobs

With some experience, you’re ready to explore digital marketing manager jobs. Don’t limit yourself to one discipline. Having experience with SEO/SEM, CRO, paid ads, and content marketing will make you more valuable as a digital marketing candidate.

According to Burning Glass, the median digital marketing manager salary is $71,779, though some can earn significantly more. The BLS lists the median salary for marketing managers at $135,030.

Since digital marketing manager job descriptions vary, here are a few to explore:

5. Become a Digital Marketing Manager

Companies value digital marketing managers. Burning Glass projects that demand for digital marketing managers will grow by 11 percent over the next decade. So, how can you tap into this market?

Stary by matching your skills with the right job. Based on job postings, LinkedIn compiled a list of the top digital marketing skills that companies seek. Make sure that your resume highlights the skills, experience, and successes relevant to the position you’re pursuing.

You can also search for digital marketing jobs by industry. Not sure where to start? The same LinkedIn study found high demand for digital marketing skills in arts, retail, and education.

A digital marketing manager’s resume isn’t complete without a portfolio, particularly for content producers. Digital marketing managers also should consider the impact of their personal social media when seeking to run commercial accounts. The interview process can be daunting, so Indeed has compiled some digital marketing manager interview questions and answers to consider.

Are you looking to network? Professional organizations such as the American Advertising Federation, the American Marketing Association, and the Digital Marketing Association host conferences, hold training seminars, and promote opportunities to connect with other industry professionals.

Above all, be patient. Burning Glass notes that the average digital marketing manager role takes 45 days to fill. You’ll get there.

How to Become a Digital Marketing Manager FAQs

Start Your Digital Marketing Manager Career Today

Companies are selling more products and services online than ever and need growing teams of smart, creative people to enhance their digital brands. They also need digital marketing managers to guide these teams and convert clicks into customers. If you want to become a digital marketing manager, consider enrolling in University of Denver Digital Marketing Boot Camp.