Digital Marketing—it’s one of the more recent industries around the block. Yet, people are already asking:
Have I missed the bus? Is it too saturated already? (No, it isn’t!)
Is it still viable in 2024? (Absolutely!)
While seemingly saturated due to the high amount of people wanting to work in this dynamic space, the truth is that demand remains incredibly high—and that it’ll only increase as even more and more businesses adopt digital marketing as an integral part of their strategy.
But that’s not the only reason why it’s a viable career choice. Here are four big reasons why digital marketing remains a more-than-viable career path in 2024.
1. Continued Growth of the Digital Economy
Did you know that some even argue that digital marketing will become more important than traditional marketing?
After all, traditional marketing channels like newspapers, television, and magazines have been said to be dying out.
Indeed, the digital landscape is still expanding at an unprecedented pace. And so it’s also becoming an increasingly larger part of the global economy.
E-commerce, mobile devices, social media—these aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’ll continue to expand and evolve.
In fact, consider this: according to the World Economic Forum, only 35% of people in developing nations have consistent access to the internet—but this number continues to rise.
So there is still a lot of room for the digital world—and the digital marketing industry—to grow.
2. Diverse Career Paths
The digital marketing industry is a large one and actually offers a diverse array of career paths:
- Search Engine Optimization
Optimizing websites to rank higher (and thus show up first) on search engines like Google.
- Social Media Management
Managing businesses’ social media accounts by creating engaging content and building online communities on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Discord.
- Content Marketer
Creating content such as blog articles and videos for marketing, advertising, and community-building purposes.
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Management
Managing PPC advertising campaigns to serve as a cost-efficient way to drive sales.
- Email Marketing
Engaging customers individually through targeted email newsletters and other campaigns.
The breadth of available roles means that people can pursue different jobs that align with their interests and skills. However, these roles are also interrelated enough for people to comfortably switch jobs with enough learning and experience.
3. Industry Evolution
The digital marketing industry is constantly evolving.
New technologies, such as AI, are constantly being developed and employed in the industry. New marketing strategies (for example, influencer marketing) are also constantly being developed.
And marketing—in general—will simply always remain a dynamic sphere. After all, consumer behaviors are always changing because the world is always changing.
And so the old guards can’t gatekeep the industry. Newcomers with disruptive, fresh ideas are always welcome!
4. Global Freelancing and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Technically, all you need to be in digital marketing is a laptop. You don’t need a degree, certifications (though many definitely help), or hard technical skills.
This accessibility has made digital marketing an industry where remote work, freelancing, and entrepreneurship are the norm. You can work for clients and agencies all over the world, no matter where you live.
Many digital marketers are also starting their agencies and hiring remote workers as well.
Truly, anyone can get into—and succeed in—digital advertising.
Skills That Can Get You Into Digital Marketing
If you possess one or several of these skills, you’ve already got one foot in the industry. These skills are in high demand in the digital marketing space.
1. Content writing and copywriting
Text-based advertising remains a key component of many businesses’ online strategy.
2. Data Analytics
Digital marketing is both a creative and data-driven scientific field. Many agencies need people who are adept at interpreting and leveraging data.
3. Social media presence
Have a lot of followers on social media? Well, you can actually leverage that to get into influencer marketing!
4. Cybersecurity
Since digital marketing is conducted over the Internet, cybersecurity is a top priority. While any smart agency will employ data protection practices like using VPNs from Surfshark’s official website and encrypting their files, many also look for dedicated cybersecurity experts.
5. Graphic design
Advertisements will need graphic artists to create their visual materials. If you have artistic flair, you can land a job as a graphic designer.
6. Video production and editing
Millions of people consume millions of videos a day. Many businesses are now looking to use videos to market themselves.
The Bottom Line
A career in digital marketing in 2024 is not only viable—it’s highly attractive.
Accessible with a low barrier for entry? Check.
High potential for career advancement? Check.
A plethora of job choices? Check.
Highly transferable skills to and from other industries? Check.
Guaranteed demand that will likely increase into the future? Check.
So while maybe the best time to get into digital marketing was yesterday, the next best day is still today!