8 Key Digital Marketing Skills (Based on 15 Years in the Industry)

For the past 15 years, I’ve been in various digital marketing roles, from specialist to management, working both on software and hardware products. And I’ve learned that this career favors people who can do eight things exceptionally well.

If you’re thinking about a career in digital marketing or want to take your career to the next level, this article mayhelp.

Depending on the company, a digital marketer can be a role on its own. But in general, digital marketing is multidisciplinary, encompassing a variety of marketing channels, skills, and tactics.

As a digital marketer, you will need to wear manyhats.

This is especially evident in startups. I remember being the first marketing hire and a team of one in a SaaS startup. I was in charge of all channels and responsible for all marketing/sales metrics. Tough job. But later on as a manager, that helped me operate in strategy and hire good specialists.

Here’s the twist: Despite the breadth of digital marketing, you will need to specialize in something. Reasons:

• Job market structure. Small businesses look for generalists; mature companies look for experts in a givenfield.
• Specialization is the best way to become great at something and be valued forit.

How to get better atit

Should you choose one specialization or a few? There are five popular models in the industry:

• I-shaped marketer – Expert in one area of marketing; no or very shallow knowledge of otherareas.
• V-shaped marketer – Deep expertise in one area supported...