The digital marketing industry has historically been represented as male-dominated, unwelcoming to women, and downright sexist. Research from The Candidate found nearly twice as many men are working in the sector than women — 65% of employees are men, 35% female. Despite the statistics, women are working and succeeding (often in large numbers) in the industry — but how do we follow in their footsteps to overcome these challenging stereotypes?
The online marketing world is a confused concoction of conflicting opinions. There’s no one, even the most influential marketing maestro, that can utter the words “I did this all on my own.” The most successful digital marketing influencers of this world are a sizzling hot cup of knowledge as they have developed their expertise and learned everything there is to know about the industry… from other people. The first step as an aspiring marketer is to seek knowledge from inspirational women in marketing who can offer you career-changing advice.
We caught up with the strong female workforce at SEO company, Bigfoot Digital, for some advice on how to navigate the digital marketing industry and secure a position working for a business that values your expertise. Here’s the advice they offered to help kick-start your career in one of the most sought-after online industries:
1) Confidence is key
This one may seem simple enough — but it’s super effective. Don’t let the fear of failure get in the way of pursuing a career that you can see yourself in for years to come. Have the courage to stand up for what you believe in a room filled with strong male leaders. The one-size-fits-all approach to digital marketing no longer works. There are so many ideas, strategies and proven tactics for success. So, when it comes to asserting your authority, this is your time to shine. Come prepared.
2) Follow online influencers
We don’t just mean the ones you come across during a frantic Google search for “top digital marketing blogs” minutes before your interview. It’s important to develop connections with people internally and externally that you can trust to deliver the best industry advice. Do your research, ask questions, and be prepared. Use your online skills to connect with business owners on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Read any posts, blogs, or shared content on their profiles to develop your understanding further. Be open to new ideas that will allow you to stand out from others in a challenging interview situation.
3) Immerse yourself in all areas of digital marketing
Research everything related to that business. What services do they offer? Do you have skills in one, or many, of these areas? SEO, social media, website design, paid advertising, and content writing are just some of the areas of digital marketing. Understanding the bigger picture will help you make smarter business decisions and having a broader skill set will always make you a more valuable candidate.
4) Learn the buzzwords
Digital marketers need to show a certain level of confidence using the critical digital marketing acronyms like PPC, SEO, CTR and SEM. So, what do they mean (no Googling)? They all have very different meanings and understanding them is a clear sign that you have the necessary level of knowledge and need no further training. The ability to speak with confidence about these areas of marketing without hesitation will show that you are up to speed with others in the industry.
5) Personal projects
While it’s important to indulge yourself in the latest marketing updates, don’t forget to test them out. Everything isn’t always black and white in the world of digital marketing (unless you are talking about hats) with many grey areas in between that are bad for business. Knowing the difference is essential when it comes to being a successful woman in marketing. It’s no good recommending an underhanded tactic you read about online that was good practice years ago. Keep your knowledge up-to-date, and don’t let those negative tactics trip you up in an interview.
6) Digital development
If you want to stand out in a room full of potential digital marketing masters, completing an industry course will do the trick. The difficulty is that anyone can get a qualification dated three years ago thinking they understand everything there is to know about marketing. The problem here is that nothing ever stays the same for long. As the industry matures, recruiters are becoming savvier about what separates people who can deliver on their promises from those who will end up costing them more money in the long run.
At Bigfoot Digital, women make up over 90% of all full-time employees with opportunities for career progression frequently offered. It’s a supportive working environment that encourages women to take a leading role in the business and grow as professionals with industry-leading training provided at all times. They specialize in affordable SEO services, including social media marketing, website design and content management – employees are given a chance to expand their knowledge in these key areas of digital marketing. This is precisely the attitude you are looking for when connecting with professionals. Don’t settle for anything less than a business that will give you the best digital marketing experience. Show you are passionate, and willing to learn. The rest will fall into place naturally.
