Digital Marketer Job Description

Digital marketers utilize online platforms and social media to market products, services, businesses, etc. Their role consists of analyzing trends, creating content, and increasing audience engagement. Digital marketers plan and create digital marketing campaigns, blogs, marketing strategies, etc. They analyze trends, set goals, and assess performance of digital marketing initiatives. Overall, they increase brand awareness.

What would I do?

The routine tasks of a digital marketer include:

• Meeting with clients to determine marketing goals and learn more about the business or campaign. 
• Strategizing with other market professionals, such as content creators, digital designers, to develop material for marketing campaigns. 
• Analyze, monitor, and identify trends in marketing to optimize success of marketing campaign.
• Plan, organize and execute digital marketing campaigns to meet the different needs of clients.
• Identify and create content for target audience and to achieve desired marketing goals.
• Manage paid search advertising to increase website traffic and business. 
• Collaborate with other key players to plan and execute campaigns. 
• Develop marketing strategies that align with the need of the business and their goals. 
• Measure and report on success of marketing campaigns. Address any concerns that may be hindering the campaigns success.

Am I suited for this Job?

Individuals with the following characteristics may be ideal for this role:

• Individuals with good organizational skills.
• Individuals who can balance multiple priorities and differing client needs.
• Individuals with good computer skills. 
• Individuals with an interest in designs, marketing and understanding of these areas.
• Individuals who excel independently and in a team environment. 
• Individuals who have a strong understanding and experience with social media. 
• Individuals with excellent communications skills, both written and verbal. 
• Analytical individuals. 
• Individuals with strong team and project management skills. 

A Typical Day in the Life of a Digital Marketer

Typical Wage

Per the Government of Canada the lower hourly wage for digital marketers in Ontario is $18.00 per hour, the median is $32.69  per hour, whereas the higher end is $55.29 per hour. Per ZipRecruiter the average annual wage $50,162 in Ontario.

Per the Payscale the salary increases with experience but may plateau after 5-9 years of experience, as depicted by the graph below. 

Benefits

The benefits enjoyed by digital marketers will vary depending on their employer. For example a digital marketer that works for a large corporation may enjoy a host of benefits, whereas a self-employed digital marketer may not enjoy any.

Typically, digital marketers may enjoy the following benefits:

• Dental insurance.
• Health insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Paid sick time off.

Job Outlook

Per the Government of Canada there is a moderate outlook for jobs as a digital marketer both in Ontario and Ottawa. No dramatic growth in the number of new positions is expected, however, some growth is expected. 

How do I become a Digital Marketer

Those interested in digital marketing should pursue a higher education in marketing or related fields. Individuals may also be able to transition to a career in digital marketing through intensive bootcamp programs. 

The following are some programs that may lead to a career in digital marketing:

• Honours Bachelors of Commerce in Digital Marketing at George Brown College.
• Advertising, Digital & Marketing at Humber College.
• School of Continuing Studies Digital Marketing Boot Camp at the University of Toronto.
• Undergraduate Program in Marketing at Ontario Tech University. 
• Business – Marketing at Conestoga College.
• Bachelor of Digital Marketing at Algonquin College.
• Marketing at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management.

Note the programs listed above are a mix of intensive programs, diploma programs and degree programs. These programs tend to teach core technical skills such as search engine optimization, search engine marketing, analytics, social media marketing, social media advertising and email marketing. One may also learn how to use digital marketing tools such as google analytics, MailChimp, Salesforce, Google Ads, Canva, etc. 

During one’s studies it is ideal that they seek co-op opportunities, internships, or other opportunities to gain hands on experience in digital marketing. This will also enable them to start building a portfolio and their resume. A portfolio may aid in finding a job upon graduation. It may also be beneficial to attend networking events and reach out to professionals to build a network, this will also be beneficial down the road. 

Upon completion of their studies one can apply to jobs in the industry or start their own marketing business. It is important to note that formal education in marketing is not a requirement to become a digital marketer, rather knowledge, skills and experience are. However, formal education is highly encouraged and likely to increase job prospects. 

Where Would I Work?

Digital marketers can be employed in various institutions, such as:

• Corporations.
• Cultural Organizations. 
• Public Interest Groups.
• Associations.
• Advertising and Marketing Agencies. 
• Government. 
• Consulting firms.
• Galleries.

Digital marketers may also choose to be self-employed and take on different projects on a contractual basis. This allows them greater flexibility in the kind of work they do and their work schedule.

Per the Government of Canada about 21% of digital marketers work I the professional, scientific and technical service sector. The table below illustrates the breakdown of sectors per the Government of Canada. 

How do I find a Job?

Individuals interested in digital marketing may find jobs through:

• LinkedIn. 
• Google Job Board.
• The Government of Canada Job Bank. 
• Website for Corporations. 
• Marketing Agency Career Page 
• Canadian Marketing Association Job Board
• Indeed and other online job boards. 

Individuals may also be able to find jobs in digital marketing through networking. They may also opt to start their own business and work on a contractual basis. 

Applying for a Job

When applying for a digital marketing role you should make sure to highlight the following in your application: 

• Education and relevant certifications.
• Relevant experience.
• Digital marketing portfolio.
• Core technical skills such as search engine optimization, etc.
• Experience working with key tools such as Google Analytics, etc.

You should also highlight these in your cover letter, without being repetitive. You should use your cover letter as an opportunity to convince the reader why you are an ideal fit for the role. You should highlight past experiences in your portfolio and why that makes you an ideal individual for the role. You should also be sure to highlight any experiences that may make you stand out and any experiences working on projects similar to the role you are applying to.

Further, specialized training may boost your application and thus, be sure to highlight any education or training you have completed. 

Prior to your interview prepare a list of questions that you may be asked and have an idea of your answers. You should also be sure to research the company to ensure you have all necessary knowledge. Be sure to research the company itself and the interviewers, if possible. Demonstrate this prior research through your answers subtly. Research will also allow you to be more familiar with what the company needs or is seeking and enable you to tailor your answers. Be sure to also have some questions prepared for your interview, having questions shows interest and effort to the interviewer.

Where can this Job Lead?

A career in digital marketing can be rewarding. One may continue to gain experience and work their way up into leadership marketing roles. They may also choose to pivot into free lancing and offering their services to a wide variety of clients, rather than working for one company or agency. Individuals may also pivot into consulting roles after gaining experience through digital marketing. Individuals may also be able to pivot to general marketing roles, social media management or social media specific roles. They may also be able to transition into digital design and other roles in that industry. Digital marketing can lead to a variety of different careers depending on how one chooses to develop.