The role of a digital marketing analyst involves being a senior staff member who is responsible for examining and evaluating the effectiveness of digital advertising content on behalf of a company. The tasks may vary depending on the company, but generally include analyzing advertising analytics, evaluating online video performances, and comparing sales rates before and after the implementation of advertising efforts.
Before presenting conclusions to members of management and suggesting alterations to the company’s marketing strategy, this procedure involves utilizing various analysis software and data visualization techniques.
When employed at a company, a digital marketing analyst dedicates their efforts to the specific digital marketing needs of that organization, providing counsel on long-term plans and establishing directives for the marketing team. Whether operating independently or as part of a larger firm, a digital marketing analyst fulfills their role in this manner.
A freelance digital marketing analyst assists smaller companies by examining the effectiveness of their online marketing efforts. This service is sought after by small businesses as hiring a full-time digital marketing analyst can be costly. Freelancers in this field typically have a diverse range of clients in their portfolio.
How to become a digital marketing analyst
1. Complete a university courses
Begin with the accomplishment of a university degree, which showcases an advanced level of proficiency in the chosen field of study. By successfully fulfilling various assignments and modules within multiple specializations, you establish yourself as an expert in the respective industry.
A marketing or business studies degree is highly recommended for individuals aspiring to become digital marketing analysts as it provides the necessary knowledge of crucial performance indicators and metrics involved in marketing campaigns. This information is invaluable for digital marketing analysts as it enables them to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns throughout their professional journey.
Completing a degree is advantageous for students since they acquire various skills, including report writing, which is a widely used assessment method across different academic fields. The skill of report writing is directly applicable in the profession of a digital marketing analyst.
The more skills you cultivate in university, such as teamwork on projects, research skills for assessments, and creativity in practical work, the more prepared you become for a career as a digital marketing analyst.
2. Learn data analysis
When you finish your degree, take into account the importance of acquiring knowledge in the basic components of data analysis. Gaining a deeper understanding of the theory behind data analysis is a crucial part of this learning journey.
Learning more about how different trends in data demonstrate narratives means you understand marketing data and present the right conclusions. Use online courses and tutorials when learning some of the most useful software in the industry.
If you’re pursuing a data-related degree, it would be beneficial to choose modules that emphasize data analysis. For instance, enrolling in an analytics module within a marketing course would be highly advantageous.
You gain an advantage by learning from experienced instructors who teach you industry-standard tools, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of complex techniques that are beneficial for a digital marketing analyst in a professional setting. While self-taught data analysis can be beneficial for a job applicant, receiving formal education, qualifications, and guidance from an instructor lead to higher levels of analysis throughout one’s career.
3. Get an internship
After completing your university degree, it is worth considering the idea of obtaining an internship. An internship entails an agreement between a candidate and a company, allowing the candidate to gain a deeper understanding of various responsibilities and tasks within the organization. This is achieved through shadowing a current staff member and assuming some of their workload.
For individuals aspiring for a position in the marketing industry, this presents an important chance. Being familiar with data manipulation in a real work environment allows for a deeper comprehension of how companies collect, organize, and manipulate data to draw conclusions regarding advertising effectiveness.
When searching for internships, digital marketing analysts should consider two distinct areas. The first area pertains to roles within the marketing industry, which offer a deeper understanding of marketing principles. Such roles allow candidates to gain insights into material development and the various factors that companies take into account.
Another alternative is a position in data analysis. Internships in data analysis provide candidates with exposure to the essential responsibilities of analyzing data and producing reports that influence company policies. The ideal internship significantly facilitates the transition into a role as a digital marketing analyst.
4. Follow industry news
The data analysis industry is constantly evolving in response to various factors, such as regular software package updates, the emergence of new companies with their own data analysis tools, and the evolution of marketing strategies.
In order to work more efficiently as a digital marketing analyst, it is crucial to regularly stay updated with industry news and events. By incorporating new technology whenever feasible, you can enhance your company’s performance and leverage even the slightest advantages over competitors.
Good analysis is essential for better marketing, which in turn leads to better sales.
Attending conferences and industry events is a valuable opportunity for a digital marketing analyst candidate. These gatherings assemble industry experts who introduce novel concepts and technologies to a group of colleagues.
Take advantage of this chance to gain knowledge from industry experts. Utilize these events to expand your professional network. Engaging with individuals who hold prominent positions in the field will help you establish connections across various companies.
5. Apply for jobs
Once you possess knowledge in data analysis and marketing, along with a university degree and relevant industry experience, initiate your job search. The initial step involves conducting research on various job positions that are currently open.
By creating a table that includes the list of available job positions, along with their corresponding prerequisite skills and required experience, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential information to include in your CV and cover letter.
When considering job opportunities, it’s important to think about which roles align best with your application. Each person possesses unique skills and competencies that they employ in their professional environment. By applying for vacancies that match your individual skill set, you increase your chances of successfully obtaining the position.
Having success in a job increases the likelihood of enjoying your time in that particular role. Broaden your applications for various roles to maximize your chances of securing a position in an industry that brings you pleasure.
6. Learn about digital marketing tools and platforms
Here are some excellent examples of tools that can enhance digital marketing efforts across various channels.
- Social media marketing – Hootsuite, BuzzSumo & SkedSocial
- Data and analytics – Google Analytics 4, Kissmetrics & Data Boards
- Email marketing – Marketo, MailChimp & Campaign Monitor
- SEO – Ahrefs, Screaming Frog & SEMRush
- Paid search & Social – Wordstream, AdEspresso & Google Ads Editor
- UX and Design – Canva, Hotjar & Google Optimize
- AI – Jasper, ChatGPT & Murf
You can utilize these tools to effectively optimize and evaluate your digital marketing campaigns, enabling you to carry out a range of essential tasks.
7. Build your personal network by joining digital marketing groups
By either establishing a network or becoming a member of an online group on LinkedIn, you can establish connections with fellow marketers or aspiring marketers. This network will enable you to seek guidance, pose inquiries, and potentially discover job opportunities suitable for your application.
There are some excellent LinkedIn groups that you can become a part of.
- Digital marketing
- Content marketing
- Digital Marketing: Social Media, Search, Mobile & more
- Marketing & Communication Network
8. Keep on top of digital marketing trends
It is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in digital marketing as there is always something new to discover. In addition to following industry experts, make sure to explore our resources page for frequent blogs, podcasts, and webinars covering various aspects of digital marketing.
9. Start acquiring AI marketing expertise
Having knowledge and expertise in artificial intelligence can make you an exceptional candidate for any job, as it is a new and fast-growing field of skills.
Marketers can learn about various areas of AI such as natural language processing (e.g., Chat GPT), decision-making algorithms, and image recognition, which companies aim to incorporate into their products and applications in order to enhance speed and personalization.
No matter the extent of your experience or knowledge in digital marketing, it is advantageous to establish a strong foundation from the outset. Ensure that you grasp the concept of digital marketing and its myriad benefits in facilitating business growth.
10. Attend a marketing conference
Investing in a conference or event provides unique benefits that cannot be obtained from podcasts, blogs, or webinars, despite the abundance of knowledge and resources available through these platforms.
When attending digital marketing conferences, you can learn from industry experts worldwide, seek guidance from marketing professionals, and gain valuable knowledge about upcoming trends in digital marketing. With numerous conferences available, it is essential to prioritize your preferences. Are you interested in the topics discussed? Do you prioritize the expertise of the speakers? Or is it the local aspect that allows you to establish connections for future collaborations?
Typically, marketing conferences offer numerous networking opportunities to engage with international specialists. Additionally, seizing the chance to network can lead to discovering a mentor who can provide valuable guidance in initiating and molding your professional journey.
“You’re never too early or too late in your career to have a mentor to guide you through your career, ” says Eimear Walsh, Managing Partner of Alternatives and a Director of the Brightwater Group. “That could be somebody reporting into or somebody that you know through your professional network or a lecturer in one course that you’ve done.”
Do not disregard offline events as a means to meet colleagues and gain further knowledge, despite the networking possibilities provided by online events.
11. Keep learning about digital marketing
Even though education is advantageous for a career in digital marketing, the process of learning should not end upon graduation. Continuously investing in training throughout your professional journey will enable you to excel as a digital marketer, possessing versatile skills that are highly sought after.
Your industry knowledge should also evolve as the digital marketing industry is in constant evolution, as stated before.
Walsh says that embracing emerging technologies and upskilling oneself will bring great benefits. The field of marketing automation, in particular, is currently flourishing and offers abundant opportunities for candidates.
12. Become a member of a professional marketing body
Being a part of a professional body in the field of digital marketing can be advantageous during the interview process as it validates your expertise and distinguishes you from competitors, considering that digital marketing is a skilled industry.
Consider joining a reputable marketing organization like the American Marketing Association, Australian Marketing Institute, or Canadian Marketing Association to determine if they can provide you with valuable networking opportunities, training, or events. Invest time exploring the offerings of each marketing body.
13. Learn how successful brands use marketing
Examining the accomplishments of leading brands in their marketing endeavors or strategies is frequently the most effective approach to learn. Diverse tactics are employed by various brands depending on variables such as their target market, sector, unique selling points, and available resources.
Publications like Marketing Week or AdWeek can provide insights into companies’ strategies to attract and engage customers, making them valuable sources of information for those interested in the marketing field.
