While there are many internet marketing jobs available, it can be difficult to get hired at a good company. What follows is an overview of how to improve your chances of finding a great job as an internet marketer.
What is Internet Marketing?
Online marketing involves the advertising and marketing of systems that companies use to drive e-commerce sales.
Although it is very innovative, online marketing and advertising still work in conjunction with traditional marketing mediums. Online marketing includes three areas of specialization. First, web marketing involves web-based e-commerce, search engine advertising and search engine optimization (SEO). Second, email marketing utilizes various advertising and promotional techniques through email to reach existing and prospective customers. Third, social media marketing and advertising use popular social networking platforms such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
Job Hunting Tips
Online marketing is such a new field that any books written about it will be outdated and irrelevant. Therefore, students should focus on using the plethora of Internet resources to learn more about online marketing directly from the sources. For example, consider exploring major search engines such as Google to read their technical documentation regarding search algorithms. Bear in mind that any marketing student who is unfamiliar with Google Panda, Pigeon and Penguin will most likely not pass the interview.
Besides reading, students should also improve their writing skills. Don’t forget that online marketing is all about strategic keyword creation and content design. Therefore, students should consider taking creative, business and technical writing classes. Next, students should observe and evaluate the company’s website and also their competitors. During the interview, students should be prepared to share their insights on the company’s website layout, purchasing process and email and social media strategies. Students should use popular SEO tools, such as Google Analytics, to analyze the website in order to have analytical data to share.
Sample Entry-Level Job Description
An entry-level online marketing specialist may work in sales, marketing or customer service. The candidate should have experience with online postings, sales and website maintenance. The candidate must have strong verbal and writing skills to not only create engaging and appealing online product postings, but also market and sell through analysis reports. Candidates will assist with developing technical strategies and effective communications to increase online leads and conversions. The ideal candidate will have experience with major mobile systems, such as Apple and Android. They should also be familiar with Microsoft Office and Abobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Candidates will be expected to have an established, active presence on social media and other popular Internet sites. Candidates should thoroughly understand content, keyword and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) marketing. They should also have the necessary analytical skills to review competitive websites to identify current trends, sales ideas and internal improvement opportunities. Candidates should possess the ability to compose compelling, yet well optimized page content. They must be able to prioritize and manage multiple projects. They should thrive in multi-tasking, intense environment while maintaining attention to detail and performance.
Any student wishing to explore a career in online marketing should pursue a degree in marketing. As an alternative, they can get a degree in business or technology. The field of internet marketing offers excellent opportunities for career growth and cross training.