I am regularly scrolling endlessly through TikTok and seeing the term "Digital Nomads" whilst watching people moving abroad and setting up shop in countries such Thailand, Indonesia, and the Caribbean to further their careers. When looking through their content I notice quite a few of them are Digital Marketers so I thought this would be an interesting career path to delve into. I have seen "Digital Marketer" float about on social media without specifically knowing what this role entails apart from driving valuable traffic to your online platform. So what is a Digital Marketing Consultant? A digital marketing consultant is a professional who helps businesses create and implement marketing strategies to promote their products or services online. They analyse a company’s digital presence, including websites, social media, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), and paid advertising campaigns. They identify areas of improvement and develop strategies that will increase online visibility, engage with the target audience, and drive sales or conversions. Digital marketing consultants stay up-to-date with the latest digital trends and technologies to offer tailored advice and solutions.
I have been approached in the past regarding AKERS WORLD by both digital marketing companies with a team, and an individual digital marketing consultant. So it begs to ask the question, what qualifications are needed to be competent in this field? Qualifications & Certifications to become a digital marketing consultant have a blend of education, experience, and certifications that can significantly enhance your credibility. While a degree in marketing, communications or a related field is beneficial, certifications can provide specialised knowledge and skills. Notable certifications to name a few include sources such as: • Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate - Learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and e-commerce to gain the skills needed to land an entry-level job • Google Analytics Individual Qualification: Focuses on Google Analytics, teaching you how to analyse web traffic and understand audience behaviour. • HubSpot Content Marketing Certification: Offers insights into content creation, strategy, and marketing to attract and retain customers. Other certifications from platforms like Facebook Blueprint, SEMrush, and Hootsuite can also be valuable. I have also included other online courses below which you can view by clicking on the images below.
As I mentioned earlier, the flexible lifestyle is one of the most appealing aspects of being a digital marketing consultant. Their office could range from a beachfront café in Bali, a bustling co-working space in Berlin, to a quiet lodge in the mountains of Patagonia, depending on where their wanderlust leads them. This flexibility is not just about the change of scenery; it's about finding inspiration in the diversity of cultures and environments which often reflects in their creative marketing strategies. Consultants can often set their own schedules, choose their clients, and decide whether to work remotely or in an office setting. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance, the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world, and the ability to select projects that align with one’s interests and expertise.
A typical day for such a digital marketer begins with checking the latest analytics and performance metrics of their campaigns, followed by client communication, which is impeccably managed through a variety of digital tools and platforms to ensure timely updates and feedback. Despite the time zone differences, they master the art of scheduling meetings and deliverables in a way that aligns with their clients' schedules as well as their own desire to explore their current destination.
Learning and adaptability are at the core of their lifestyle. They are always on the lookout for the latest digital marketing trends and technologies, integrating them into their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. This continuous pursuit of knowledge often leads them to attend local workshops, webinars, and conferences, regardless of their geographic location.
Networking plays a crucial role in their life, facilitated by social media and professional platforms, as well as local meetups with fellow digital nomads and professionals. These connections not only serve as business opportunities but also as a support system, offering advice, collaboration, and companionship in what can sometimes be a solitary lifestyle. Yet, the digital nomad lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges such as finding reliable internet connectivity, managing work-life balance, and the constant need to adapt to new cultures and environments. Despite these hurdles, the freedom to explore the world coupled with the passion for their work makes it a rewarding experience for digital marketers who choose this path.
With so many digital marketers in order to be successful you need to stand out to distinguish yourself from other digital marketing consultants: • Specialise: Choose a niche within digital marketing, such as SEO, content marketing, or social media, and become an expert in that area. • Stay Updated: Continuously learn about the latest digital marketing trends and technologies. • Build a Portfolio: Showcase successful projects and campaigns that demonstrate your skills and results. • Network: Attend industry conferences, join digital marketing groups, and connect with professionals online to build your network. For example a digital marketing summit DMWF - "The DMWF Conference & Expo World Series provides top-level strategic content and digital marketing insight around how to engage customers, manage brand perceptions and open untapped audiences through diverse media channels. The themes covered at each event include; digital strategy, brand recognition, ecommerce, influencer marketing, content marketing, data analytics, personalization, automation, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and mobile marketing".
• Personal Branding: Establish a strong personal brand by blogging, speaking at events, or engaging on social media platforms. For example if you click on the image below it will take you to digital marketing expert Neil Patel's blog. Not only does Neil offer his digital marketing services, he also provides and insightful blog that offers hints & tips.
For those looking to deepen their knowledge, consider the following books:
• “Digital Marketing For Dummies” by Ryan Deiss and Russ Henneberry: A comprehensive guide to digital marketing basics.
• “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger: Insights into why things go viral and how to use this knowledge in marketing strategies.
• “This Is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn to See” by Seth Godin: A modern marketing philosophy book that focuses on the importance of empathy and service in marketing.
Click on the images below to have a look at each book in more detail.
Becoming a digital marketing consultant opens up a world of opportunities to work with diverse clients, enjoy a flexible lifestyle, and constantly learn and adapt in a fast-evolving field. By acquiring the right mix of education, certifications, and experience, you can build a successful career. Specialising in a niche, staying updated on industry trends, and building a strong network and personal brand are key strategies to stand out. Remember, the goal is not just to understand digital marketing, but to leverage its power to create meaningful connections between businesses and their audiences. With dedication and continuous learning, you can make a significant impact in the digital world.