How to Get into Digital Marketing in 2025 – Full Guide from Marketers

January 18
How to Get into Digital Marketing

So, you’ve decided to dive into the exciting world of digital marketing – welcome aboard!

Whether you dream of creating viral TikToks, crafting clever ad campaigns, or analyzing data like a pro, digital marketing has something for everyone.

And no, this isn’t just another “Emily in Paris” fantasy where you magically become a marketing genius overnight (although I’d all love her wardrobe). 

In real life, digital marketing takes creativity, strategy, and a willingness to learn.

The good news? 

You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to get started – just a plan, some passion, and a bit of patience.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to kick-start your career in digital marketing in 2025, from learning the basics to landing your dream job. Let’s get started!

TL;DR: Checklist for Getting Into Digital Marketing in 2025

1. Understand digital marketing basics

  • Learn key components: SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media, and email marketing.
  • Explore the latest trends like AI tools, video marketing, and analytics.

2. Build required skills

  • Hard skills: SEO, data analysis, social media tools, content creation, and email marketing.
  • Soft skills: Creativity, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and time management.
  • Bonus skills: AI proficiency, video editing, coding basics, or UX/UI knowledge.

3. Get the right education

  • Explore formal degrees in marketing or business.
  • Enroll in online certifications like Google Ads, HubSpot, or Coursera’s digital marketing courses.
  • Start learning through personal projects or volunteer work.

4. Gain practical experience

  • Create your own blog, social media pages, or campaigns.
  • Look for internships, freelance gigs, or part-time roles.
  • Volunteer for local businesses or nonprofits to build your portfolio.

5. Build a strong portfolio

  • Include 3–5 projects with clear results and visuals.
  • Showcase a variety of skills like content creation, SEO, or ad campaigns.
  • Keep it organized and up-to-date.

6. Network like a pro

  • Join LinkedIn groups, attend events, and connect with professionals.
  • Seek a mentor who can guide you in the field.
  • Stay active by sharing insights and engaging with your connections.

7. Explore job market

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter for each role.
  • Apply to jobs on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and company websites.
  • Prepare for interviews by showcasing your portfolio and sharing campaign ideas.

8. Never stop learning

  • Stay updated on new trends, tools, and platforms.
  • Take advanced courses or certifications to sharpen your skills.
  • Experiment with new strategies and keep improving.

Use this checklist as your roadmap to break into digital marketing, step by step! 🚀

What is Digital Marketing in 2025

Digital marketing is all about promoting products and services online. 

It uses things like websites, social media, search engines, and email to connect businesses with people. 

Unlike old-school marketing, digital marketing lets you see real-time results and adjust your strategy to get the best outcome.

In 2025, digital marketing is more exciting than ever, thanks to new tech like artificial intelligence and advanced data tools. 

These make it easier to understand what people want and how they behave online. 

Plus, digital marketing works for every kind of business – whether it’s a small shop or a global company.

The Key Parts of Digital Marketing

The Key Parts of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing includes many different areas, and here are some of the most important:

– SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

This is about making websites appear higher on Google and other search engines so people can find them more easily. 

In 2025, SEO has grown to include voice searches and AI-driven results.

– PPC (Pay-Per-Click Ads)

These are paid ads on platforms like Google or Instagram, designed to get quick results. 

PPC now uses smarter tools to show ads only to the right audience.

– Content marketing

This means creating useful or interesting content (like blog posts, videos, or infographics) that attracts people to your brand.

In 2025, cool stuff like virtual reality (VR) and interactive content are gaining popularity.

Social media marketing

Using social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn to connect with people, build trust, and promote products.

Social media shopping, where people can buy directly on these apps, is growing fast.

– Email marketing

Sending personalized emails to keep in touch with customers or share news. 

With automation tools, it’s easier than ever to make email campaigns work well.

– Analyzing data

Tracking how campaigns are doing and using numbers to improve results. 

Tools in 2025 make this process faster and smarter.

Why Are More People Choosing Digital Marketing in 2025?

Many people are getting into digital marketing now, and here’s why:

  • Jobs everywhere. Every business needs digital marketers, so there are lots of job options and chances to grow.
  • Work from anywhere. Many jobs let you work remotely or set your schedule, giving you freedom and flexibility.
  • Fun mix of creativity and tech. Whether you love writing, designing, or working with numbers, there’s something for everyone.
  • Always something new. The digital world changes quickly, so you’re always learning and trying fresh ideas.
  • Easy to get started. You don’t need a fancy degree. Online courses and certifications can help you start even if you have no experience.
  • Make a big impact. As a digital marketer, you can help brands grow, connect with people, and see the results of your hard work.

Digital marketing in 2025 is an exciting and rewarding career for anyone ready to dive in, keep learning, and try new things. 

It’s a field where creativity meets opportunity!

Essential Digital Marketing Skills and Qualifications

Digital marketing requires a mix of hard skills and soft skills to succeed. 

Hard skills are the technical abilities you’ll use to create campaigns and analyze data, while soft skills are your personal qualities that help you communicate, adapt, and thrive in a team environment. 

Let’s dive into the essentials – and some bonus skills that can set you apart.

🛠 Hard Skills (Technical Abilities)

SkillWhat It Means
SEO and SEMOptimizing websites and running search engine ads to drive traffic and visibility.
Data AnalysisUsing tools like Google Analytics to measure campaign performance and ROI.
Social Media ToolsManaging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to grow brands online.
Content CreationWriting blogs, creating videos, or designing visuals that engage audiences.
Email MarketingCrafting newsletters and automated emails to nurture and convert leads.
Ad PlatformsRunning campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or similar platforms.

🧘‍♂️ Soft Skills (Personal Qualities)

SkillWhat It Means
CreativityThinking outside the box to create fresh, innovative campaigns.
CommunicationExplaining ideas clearly to teammates, clients, or stakeholders.
Problem-SolvingFinding quick and effective solutions to unexpected challenges.
AdaptabilityStaying flexible and learning as new tools and trends emerge.
Time ManagementBalancing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
CollaborationWorking well with others to achieve shared goals.

🎊 Extra Skills That Are a Huge Plus for Digital Marketing

These skills aren’t required but can make you stand out from the crowd:

  • Proficiency with AI tools: Understanding tools like ChatGPT or Jasper AI for content creation, customer service, or automating marketing tasks.
  • Video editing skills: Knowing how to create and edit videos for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.
  • Coding basics: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript can help you tweak websites or emails.
  • UX/UI design knowledge: A grasp of user experience and design principles to improve website or app functionality.
  • Multilingual abilities: Speaking more than one language can open doors to global marketing campaigns.
  • Experience with emerging tech: Exploring VR/AR marketing or blockchain tools can show you’re ahead of the curve.


Balancing hard and soft skills is the foundation of success in digital marketing.

But if you can add some bonus skills like AI proficiency or video editing, you’ll set yourself apart in a competitive job market. 

Up next, we’ll explore how to build these skills through education and hands-on experience.

Digital Marketing Degrees, Certifications, and Experience

Getting into digital marketing doesn’t require just one way to learn – you can choose the path that works best for you. 

Digital Marketing Degrees, Certifications, and Experience

Source

Whether you prefer a degree, online courses, or just diving in and learning by doing, there are plenty of options to get started.

1. Formal education

If you like the idea of a structured learning experience, getting a degree in marketing, business, or communications can be a great choice. 

Some top schools and universities with strong marketing programs include:

  • HEC Paris (France): Offers programs that mix classroom learning with real-world projects.
  • University of Pennsylvania (USA): Known for its marketing courses that balance creativity and data.
  • Columbia University (USA): Provides advanced marketing programs with a focus on data-driven strategies.
  • University of Toronto (Canada): Features a digital marketing management program that focuses on social media, content strategy, and digital analytics.
  • ESSEC Business School (France and Singapore): Offers a global perspective on digital marketing with programs available on multiple campuses.
  • University of Leeds (UK): Provides a strong emphasis on digital marketing communications and strategies within its marketing degree program.
  • University of Melbourne (Australia): Known for its cutting-edge marketing programs with a focus on digital transformation and online consumer engagement.
  • Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (Netherlands): Features a master’s program in marketing management with digital marketing courses.

These programs can teach you about consumer behavior, branding, advertising, and more – helpful knowledge for your digital marketing career.

2. Certifications and online courses

If you don’t want to spend years in school, online certifications and courses are a quicker way to get started. 

Some of the best options include:

These courses are often affordable and flexible, letting you learn at your own pace.

3. Learn by doing

Some of the best lessons come from hands-on experience. 

Start a blog, create a social media page, or run a small ad campaign. 

Even volunteering to help a local business with its digital marketing can teach you a lot and give you projects to showcase on your portfolio.

4. Stay curious and keep learning

Digital marketing is always changing, so it’s important to keep up with the latest trends. 

Follow blogs, watch YouTube tutorials, and join online groups to stay in the loop. 

The more you explore and experiment, the more confident you’ll become.

There’s no “right” way to learn digital marketing. 

Whether you go for a degree, take online courses, or jump straight into real-world projects, the key is to keep building your skills and trying new things!

5 Proven Ways to Gain Practical Experience

Learning about digital marketing is great, but putting it into practice is where the real magic happens. 

Employers love seeing that you’ve actually worked on projects, even if they’re small. 

Here are some friendly tips to help you gain hands-on experience:

Start Small with Personal Projects

One of the easiest ways to get practical experience is to create your own projects. 

Start a blog about something you’re passionate about, manage a social media page for a hobby, or even run a small ad campaign to test the waters. 

marketing project example

These projects don’t just teach you the skills – you can also use them to show off your work to potential employers.

Internships and Entry-Level Jobs

LinkedIn entry-Level marketing Jobs

An internship is a fantastic way to learn the ropes and see how digital marketing works in the real world. 

Many companies, big and small, offer internships where you can work on real campaigns.

Entry-level jobs like a social media assistant or marketing coordinator can also help you get your foot in the door while building valuable experience.

Help Local Businesses or Nonprofits

Nonprofit marketing job post

Local businesses and nonprofits often need help with their digital marketing but don’t have big budgets. 

Offer to manage their social media, design some ads, or improve their website’s SEO.

If they have a bad blog or no blog at all, ask whether they want to boost their nonprofit content marketing efforts to better engage their audience.

Not only will you gain experience, but you’ll also build connections and make a difference in your community.

Freelancing and Gig Work

If you’re feeling confident, freelancing can be a great way to work on small projects for different clients. 

You can start on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even by offering your services to friends and family.

Freelancing lets you work on a variety of projects while setting your own schedule.

Practice with Free Tools

Get familiar with popular marketing tools like Google Analytics, Canva, Meta Ad Library, or Mailchimp. 

Many of these tools offer free versions or trials, so you can practice using them on your own projects.

The more comfortable you are with these tools, the more prepared you’ll feel when you land a job.

Remember, experience doesn’t have to mean working for a big company right away. 

Start small, keep learning, and use every opportunity to practice your skills. Each project, no matter how small, brings you one step closer to becoming a confident digital marketer!

How to Build a Professional Network

Right people can open doors to new opportunities, fresh ideas, and industry insights. 

Here’s how you can start building your network:

1. Join online communities

online communities for digital marketers
  • Look for groups on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Reddit where digital marketers gather.
  • Participate by asking questions, sharing your knowledge, and staying active.
  • These communities often share job openings and industry updates.

2. Attend events and webinars

  • Sign up for marketing events, conferences, or webinars – many are free or low-cost.
  • Use networking sessions to introduce yourself and exchange contact details.
  • In-person or virtual, these events are great for learning and meeting people.

3. Leverage LinkedIn

  • Create a professional profile that showcases your skills and projects.
  • Connect with friends, colleagues, and professionals you admire.
  • Send personalized messages when reaching out to make a great impression.

4. Seek out a mentor

  • Identify experienced marketers who inspire you.
  • Reach out with a kind and thoughtful message asking for advice or guidance.
  • A good mentor can offer tips, share resources, and guide your career growth.

5. Engage and stay active

  • Comment on posts, share valuable content, or congratulate people on their achievements.
  • Small actions like these keep your relationships alive and meaningful.
  • Regular engagement shows you’re genuinely interested and connected.

Building a network isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality. 

Focus on forming genuine, meaningful relationships, and your professional connections will grow naturally over time. 

With every step, you’ll gain more support and opportunities in your digital marketing career!

📚 Our team highly recommends a book on networking called “Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time” by Keith Ferrazzi.

This book is packed with practical advice on how to build meaningful relationships, approach networking with generosity, and connect with people authentically. 

Ferrazzi explains how networking is not about collecting contacts but about fostering genuine, mutually beneficial connections.

It’s an easy and engaging read, making it perfect for anyone looking to improve their networking skills, whether you’re just starting out or already established in your career.

Craft a Strong Digital Marketing Portfolio

A portfolio is like your personal showcase – it tells potential employers or clients, “Here’s what I can do!” 

A strong portfolio doesn’t just highlight your skills; it proves that you’ve got the experience to back them up.

Let’s break it down:

– Show off your best work

Include projects that you’re proud of and that show your range of skills. 

This could be a blog you wrote, a social media campaign you ran, or an ad you designed.

If you’re just starting out, personal projects or volunteer work are great ways to fill your portfolio.

– Focus on results

Employers love to see numbers, so try to include measurable results. 

For example, mention if your campaign increased website traffic by 20% or boosted social media followers by 1,000. 

Results show the impact of your work and make your portfolio stand out.

– Make It easy to navigate

Keep your portfolio simple and organized. 

Use clear headings for each project and explain what you did in a few sentences. 

If it’s online, make sure it’s easy to click through and visually appealing. 

Tools like Canva, Wix, or Behance can help you create a professional-looking portfolio.

– Show variety

Try to include examples that show you’re versatile. 

If you’ve worked on social media, email campaigns, and SEO, highlight all of them. 

Showing you can do different things makes you a more attractive candidate.

– Keep it updated

Your portfolio should grow with you. 

As you work on new projects, add them to your portfolio and remove older ones that no longer reflect your best work. 

This keeps your portfolio fresh and relevant.

Also, I’ve prepared a template that you can steal:

Portfolio Template for Digital Marketing

1. About Me / Introduction
Start with a short section that introduces who you are and your experience.

  • Example:
    “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a digital marketer passionate about creating impactful campaigns. I specialize in [skills like social media, SEO, content marketing, etc.]. My goal is to help brands connect with their audience and drive measurable results.”

2. Highlighted Projects
Showcase 3–5 of your best projects. For each project, include:

  • Project Name/Title
  • Brief Description: A short summary of the project.
    Example: “Designed and managed a social media campaign for a local business, focusing on increasing brand awareness.”
  • Your Role: Clearly explain what you did.
    Example: “Developed a viral content strategy for SaaS business, scheduled posts, and analyzed performance metrics.”
  • Results (if applicable): Share measurable outcomes.
    Example: “Increased Instagram followers by 30% in three months.”
  • Visuals: Include screenshots, links, or before-and-after images.

3. Skills in Action
Dedicate a section to highlighting your skills with examples. For instance:

  • SEO: “Optimized blog content for a startup, leading to a 50% increase in organic traffic within two months.”
  • Social Media: “Created engaging content for TikTok, resulting in 10 viral posts with over 100K views.”
  • Email Marketing: “Built email campaigns with an average open rate of 40%.

4. Testimonials or Feedback (Optional)
If you’ve worked with clients or teams, include any positive feedback they’ve shared.

  • Example:
    “Working with [Your Name] was a fantastic experience. Their creativity and dedication made a big difference to our online presence.”

5. Contact Information
End with an easy way for people to reach you. Include your:

  • Email
  • LinkedIn profile
  • Portfolio link (if it’s online)

A strong portfolio is your ticket to standing out in the digital marketing world. Whether it’s a simple PDF or an interactive website, make it personal, professional, and a true reflection of your skills! 

Where to Create Your Portfolio

  • Canva (for PDF portfolios with visuals)
  • Wix or WordPress (for online portfolios)
  • Behance (great for design-heavy work)
  • Google Sites (simple and free option)

Job Hunting Tips for Aspiring Digital Marketers

Finding a job in digital marketing can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it gets easier. 

Here’s how to approach the job market and land your first role:

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

digital marketing Resume example

Your resume should focus on your digital marketing skills and any relevant experience. 

Highlight specific projects, tools you’ve used, and measurable results (like “increased website traffic by 20%”). 

For your cover letter, make it personal. 

Explain why you’re excited about the role and how you can add value to the company.

Example for a resume entry:

Social Media Intern, Local Bakery

Created and managed Instagram and Facebook content, increasing follower count by 30% over three months.

Developed a campaign that led to a 15% boost in online sales during a promotion.

Example for a cover letter line:

“I’m excited to apply for this role because I love creating content that resonates with audiences. For example, I recently ran a social media campaign for a local business that increased engagement by 50% and brought in new customers.”

Look in the Right Places

Start by checking job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor for digital marketing roles.

Search for positions like “Social Media Manager,” “SEO Specialist,” or “Marketing Coordinator.” 

Many companies also post job openings on their websites or social media pages, so keep an eye out.

Examples of job postings to look for:

  • LinkedIn: “Junior SEO Specialist for E-commerce Startup”
  • Glassdoor: “Digital Marketing Assistant for Tech Company”
  • Company Careers Page: HubSpot’s “Content Marketing Internship”

Network Your Way In

Sometimes, jobs aren’t posted publicly, but networking can help you hear about them. 

Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend marketing events, or join online groups for digital marketers. 

A friendly conversation or referral can often open doors to opportunities.

Example of networking:

  • Join a LinkedIn group for digital marketing and ask questions like, “I’m just starting out – does anyone have advice for building a strong portfolio?”
  • Attend a local marketing meetup, introduce yourself, and follow up with a LinkedIn message like, “It was great meeting you at the [event name]. I’d love to stay in touch and learn more about your work.”

Prepare for Interviews

Digital marketing interviews often include questions about your skills and past projects. 

Be ready to talk about specific examples from your portfolio, like how you ran a social media campaign or improved a website’s SEO.

It’s also a good idea to research the company and come prepared with ideas for how you could help them.

Example of an interview answer:

“I managed the Instagram page for a small coffee shop. I created a weekly posting schedule, designed engaging content, and ran a small giveaway campaign, which increased follower engagement by 40% in a month.”

Example of a prepared suggestion:

“I noticed your company has a great blog, but there’s an opportunity to add a monthly newsletter to drive more traffic. I’d love to help create one that highlights your latest articles and offers.”

Start Small if You Need To

If you’re having trouble finding a full-time job right away, don’t worry. 

Consider internships, freelance gigs, or part-time roles to gain experience and build your portfolio. 

These smaller steps can often lead to bigger opportunities.

Example of starting small:

“I volunteered to manage the social media for a local charity event. I posted updates, created event graphics, and engaged with attendees online, which helped increase ticket sales by 20%.”

Or: “I found a freelance gig on Fiverr where I wrote SEO-friendly blog posts for a travel website. This helped me gain real-world experience and build my writing portfolio.”

Be proactive, patient, and confident in your abilities.

With a little persistence and effort, you’ll find the role that’s perfect for you and kick-start your digital marketing career!

Importance of Continuous Professional Development

Digital marketing is always changing – new tools, trends, and technologies pop up all the time. 

To stay on top of your game, you need to keep learning and growing. Don’t worry; it’s easier (and more fun!) than it sounds.

1. Keep up with trends

Follow digital marketing blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels to stay updated. 

Websites like HubSpot, Neil Patel’s blog, or Social Media Examiner share tips, case studies, and news about what’s working in the marketing world. 

Staying informed helps you stay ahead of the competition.

2. Learn new skills regularly

Take time to explore new areas of digital marketing. For example:

  • Learn video editing to create content for TikTok or Instagram Reels.
  • Dive into Google Analytics to track website performance.
  • Experiment with email marketing trends and automation tools like Mailchimp.
    Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses that are affordable and easy to follow.

3. Get certified

Certifications can show employers you’re serious about your skills. 

Programs like Google Ads Certification, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, or Facebook Blueprint are great ways to prove your expertise and boost your resume.

4. Join communities and events

Connect with other marketers by joining webinars, attending workshops, or participating in online forums. 

Sharing ideas and learning from others is a great way to grow your knowledge and make valuable connections.

5. Practice makes perfect

The best way to keep developing is to try new things. 

Run a small ad campaign, test a new social media tool, or write an email series. 

Even if it’s just for practice, experimenting helps you understand what works – and what doesn’t.

Continuous learning isn’t just about staying relevant; it’s about keeping your career exciting. 

The more you grow, the more confident you’ll feel as a digital marketer. So stay curious, keep experimenting, and enjoy the journey!

Your Future in Digital Marketing Awaits

Digital marketing in 2025 is an exciting, ever-changing field filled with opportunities. 

Whether you’re drawn to creative campaigns, data-driven strategies, or connecting with people through social media, there’s a place for you in this dynamic industry.

Getting started might feel a bit overwhelming, but remember – you don’t need to know everything at once. 

Focus on learning the basics, building practical experience, and connecting with others in the field. 

Keep your portfolio updated, stay curious, and never stop exploring new trends and tools.

And most importantly, enjoy the journey! 

Digital marketing is all about experimenting, growing, and finding what works for you. 

With a mix of hard work, creativity, and persistence, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling and successful career in no time.

Here’s to your digital marketing adventure – go make your mark online!

📚 Learn more about digital marketing:
– Ultimate Guide to Digital Marketing
– Healthcare Digital Marketing
– Fashion Digital Marketing
– Guide to Partnership Marketing
– Top Digital Marketing Strategies
– AI in Digital Marketing
– Top Digital Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
– What is Content Experience?

Anastasia Krivosheeva

Anastasia Krivosheeva brings her extensive expertise in strategic partnerships and co-marketing to Growth Folks as their dedicated Partnership Manager. With a sharp focus on fostering content partnerships, she orchestrates link building collaborations and other co-marketing activities to drive the company's growth forward. Her ability to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships has made her an invaluable asset to the team. Anastasia's innovative approach and dedication to excellence continue to contribute significantly to the success and expansion of Growth Folks.

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