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How to progress in your digital marketing career

The experience of working in a digital marketing agency is like no other. I would never have believed at the beginning of my journey that after two short years that I would have been promoted twice and gained a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. I quickly learned what it was really like to work in a digital marketing agency back in 2021 and since then I have moved from a digital marketing executive, to a performance marketing specialist in March 2022 and then to a performance marketing lead in December 2022. Achieving this succession of progression in two short years is by no means easy, it requires hard work and dedication but with these tips you will be well on your way to progressing in your digital marketing career. 

Update your skills and knowledge consistently

To progress in your digital marketing career, you need to keep up with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Digital marketing is a constantly evolving industry. New technologies, platforms, and algorithms are introduced regularly, and it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. I signed up to newsletters, followed industry specialists on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, took online courses and did everything I could to keep myself informed on the latest. Some of the top newsletters I read are: Stacked Marketer, Performance Marketing World and Neil Patel’s digital marketing blog.

Recognise your successful campaigns

One of the best ways to showcase your skills and expertise is to build a portfolio of successful campaigns.  Create case studies showcasing the success you have created for clients, the results you achieved, the strategies you used to achieve them and share them with your team. This portfolio can serve as proof of your abilities and can be used to secure new clients and progress your digital marketing career. 

Get better at problem solving

Figure out how to solve problems. It can be very easy to send a quick text or email to your superior and ask them to help you figure out the solution to a problem in digital marketing. However I have learned it is more beneficial in your career to figure it out for yourself. The ability to problem solve is a unique skill that will set you apart from the rest. It shows you can work independently and enhances your ability to succeed. Now, if your back is against the wall and you have tried every possible way to get around your problem and you still have not reached a solution, seek some help, but try first to motivate yourself to come up with a solution. You will also get a strong sense of achievement and satisfaction knowing that you worked it out all on your own and this makes you a strong asset to any team throughout your career.

Be adaptable and flexible 

Digital marketing is an ever-changing industry, and you need to be adaptable and flexible to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Be open to learning new skills and strategies. Whilst you should be open to problem solving on your own, don’t be afraid to be open to new strategy suggestions from your team and a varied approach to digital marketing. By keeping an open mind you are more likely to achieve success in the long run.

Seek out opportunities for advancement

Be proactive in seeking out opportunities for advancement. Talk to your boss or manager about your career goals and express your interest in taking on new responsibilities or advancing within the company. Look for opportunities to lead internal training sessions or calls with clients. Once you start to exert confidence in leading these sessions and calls, the opportunities to lead will keep on coming. I have asked to work on a variety of client accounts to give myself the best opportunity possible to learn – from big clients to small clients from fashion industries to financial service industries. This wide variety of client work has made me a well-rounded marketer and given me the ability to better help my clients and my team. Ask for feedback after delivering training or a strategy session or client results, from your boss or manager and take onboard constructive feedback to improve on every time. 

Digital marketing is a constantly evolving industry that requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing learning. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, overcome common challenges, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow and develop your skills.

Picture of Niamh Taylor

Niamh Taylor

I am the Founder and CEO of Digital Twenty Four. I’m an award winning digital marketer who took a risk, and left the safety of a well-paid, super safe in-house head of marketing role to launch Digital Twenty Four in May 2015. But -it was a risk worth taking because I now own a brilliant company, with a brilliant reputation, and with the best humans working within it. And an award-winning digital marketing expert with over 20 years experience in marketing.