Tips for Becoming a Leader in Digital Marketing
Digitization is an overwhelmingly important part of our daily lives, with approximately 60.1% of the world’s population now online. That is 4.72 billion people, with over 900,000 more people gaining access every single day. With so much of our work, shopping, entertainment, and socializing taking place online, it’s no wonder professionals everywhere are devoting more resources to digital marketing than other conventional forms.
Digital marketing is a dynamic field that is constantly changing and evolving. To be a key player in the industry, it’s essential for marketers to not only keep up with these changes but to actively drive innovation. Marketing leadership requires a specific set of skills, and the following tips will help you maximize your potential and stay relevant in a constantly evolving world. Read on to find out how you can become a leader in digital marketing.
1. Define and Set Goals
It may be obvious, but this top is still an important one. In order to achieve your objectives, you first have to define and set goals. The best way to do this is to set SMART goals, i.e., goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
Specific
Your marketing goals must be specific and clearly defined so you’re able to achieve them.
Measurable
Any and all goals should be measurable so you can assign definitive metrics to measure and thus, keep track of your success.
Achievable
In order for you to be able to meet your goals, they have to be achievable. Your goals should allow for adequate time, money, and resources so that they can be idealized.
Realistic
Unless goals are attainable and realistic, they cannot be reached.
Time-Bound
It’s essential to set a general time-bound goal in which to achieve your goals so that you can work with a deadline in mind. This is also important because it sets a date for you to evaluate your goals. If you were successful, you can see how you came to achieve your goals. If you weren’t, you can evaluate your progress and determine whether you should continue to pursue the specific goal.
2. Have a Digital Marketing Strategy
According to SmartInsights, 44% of companies use digital marketing but don’t have a defined digital marketing strategy. Having a comprehensive strategy is essential to get ahead of the competition and establish yourself as a leader in digital marketing. This includes having a clear vision for the future and working towards that future by investing time and resources and implementing new changes.
3. Stay Ahead of the Trends
In order to be a leader in digital marketing, you must stay ahead of the curve. You have to be informed on industry trends and new technology to stay relevant. This also allows you to become more familiar with trends before they become popular, which you can capitalize on later. Google, Facebook, and other platforms make updates and add new features throughout the year. The digital marketing industry is constantly evolving. It’s essential for leaders to stay up to date with not only emerging technology and features but also new approaches.
4. Innovate and Take Risks
Innovation is a necessity in digital marketing. In order to become a leader in digital marketing, you need to embrace innovation and be willing to accept new and exciting technology. While this may be risky, it can also result in great rewards. In a world that is constantly changing, taking risks by participating in and embracing innovation is necessary to keep up with the competition.
5. Focus On Research
Research is one of the most important aspects of digital marketing leadership and should focus on everything from audience and market needs to your competition. Understanding your audience and their needs and combining this with market expectations will show you what your customers want, what is available, and what gaps you can fill. Competitor analysis is of the utmost importance because you can not only learn from their approach but can also capitalize on their pain points.
6. Communicate Effectively
Marketing leadership requires effective communication so that your thoughts and ideas can inspire and encourage people. Marketing affects all aspects of a business, from product development to sales. Effective communication with others on the team and those in different departments are integral. It keeps everyone is on the same page, ensuring they can work together to solve any problems that arise.
One of the main examples of this is when it comes to a company’s messaging. Effective communication is required for consistent messaging. In addition to communicating the same message, this is helpful when a company is trying to align its messaging and values.
7. Build Team Management Skills
All digital marketing professionals need to have good team management skills, but this is especially important if you want to be a leader in the industry. A digital marketing team is made up of different specialists. Being able to manage a team and delegate is an important part of the job. In addition to project management skills, this includes training, setting goals and meeting targets, and more. Even when working with smaller teams, management is a key skill that will help throughout your digital marketing career.
8. Maintain a Presence on Multiple Channels
Because digital marketing is so varied, it’s important to maintain a presence on different platforms and channels. Different platforms reach different audiences, which increases the likelihood of reaching the right kinds of customers. Additionally, being familiar with the different platforms allows you to make the necessary changes when campaigns require adjustments. Content can be tailored to each specific platform while still remaining consistent as a whole.
9. Prioritize Customer Experience
Marketing doesn’t stop at purchases but extends to the after-sale experience as well. In fact, this is often how buyers become repeat customers. Prioritizing customer experience can help you retain customers, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and can even help in upselling.
A Little About Digital Marketer Traits
These tips will prove practical in setting you off in the right direction of leadership within the evolving work of digital marketing. When you begin checking off the tips we’ve discussed above, you will notice certain skills emerging and strengthening with time.
If you haven’t observed these skills in yourself yet, the following are quite common among individuals leading charge in the world of digital marketing.
Strong Business & Digital Marketing Channel Acumen
Every aspect of business requires some knowledge of the others to functions seamlessly. Digital marketing leaders must also possess business acumen, including rudimentary information in finance, sales, operations, and supply chain. Each element plays a role in how marketers create, advertise, and sustain the business’s brand image and market value.
But what they really need to master are the basics, nuances, and logistics of digital marketing channels. This refers to an in-depth understanding of email marketing, AdWords, search engine page results, search engine optimization, etc. In addition, you must utilize this knowledge to create, execute, and follow-up on multi- and omnichannel digital marketing strategies.
Understanding of Technology
This trait goes without saying for leaders in a field that was birthed and continues to thrive on technological evolution. Internet of Technology, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and systems such as CRMs should be an important part of your skillset if you want to become a leader in digital marketing.
People Skills
While we’ve covered communication, this particular skill pertains to digital marketer leaders’ ability to explain relevant subjects to those unfamiliar with digital marketing. Being leaders, they are often the point where information trickles down from within and outside of digital marketing teams.
Wrapping Up
These traits are only some of the skills digital marketing leaders utilize to create value for organizations. There is a lot more that goes into doing justice to the role of a leader.
If you’re interested in more about digital marketing, check out my book on psychology in marketing here, or contact me directly here. I’m well-versed in all aspects of digital marketing, from strategizing to social media marketing and management.
