What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is advertising and promoting a business through the use of digital media. This includes the Internet, cell phones, social media, and interactive television. Digital advertising is a diverse and growing field. As more consumers get access to the internet and various digital media, marketing products and services to this ready made audience is essential.

What kind of digital advertising jobs are available?

Depending on your interests and skills, you can find digital marketing opportunities with advertising and marketing agencies, large businesses that have their own web or marketing division, and smaller businesses that need technical support that can "do it all". Once you have acquired digital advertising skills you can even start your own business, and create marketing plans for businesses and individuals.

What type of training is required to become a digital marketing professional?

There are two ways to get involved with digital advertising. You can:

- Be a marketing or advertizing professional already, and learn the skills required to promote your clients or business through digital media.

- Go to school specifically to learn about computers and digital promotion

If you are interested in a career in digital marketing, you will need to complete some training. Courses are offered in a wide range of formats. If you are currently a student, you can pick up a class or two in digital marketing right on campus. If you are already employed, consider an online course or a work at home program, so you can enhance your skills, but still have time for your existing job.

You can target specific fields in digital marketing. If you enjoy creating ads, consider learning about video, flash, and CGI techniques, to build compelling ads that customers respond to. If you prefer writing, enroll in some courses designed to help you learn how to write ads to increase customer response, and in turn revenue for your business.

No matter what your area of interest, be sure that any school or program you are attending is accredited, and can provide you with the correct certification for your field. While the knowledge you gain is important, some positions and employers require certification as proof of your training, so you will need to be sure you are able to provide it when needed.

How do I find a job as a digital marketing professional?

If you are enrolled in school fulltime, start searching for a job in your last semester. Check with your university to see if they offer any paid or unpaid internships-these are often a great gateway to a fulltime, permanent position.

If you are currently employed, look for a digital marketing position in your own company. Make sure your employer is away of your skills, and let them know you are ready to apply what you have learned when an opening becomes available. You should also check with the school that you did your training with, to see if they have a placement department or program. Make sure you check the major job search sites online and your local newspaper as well, so you can be aware of what positions are available to you. Don't forget to update your resume to reflect your new skills.

If you enjoy working with computers, and learning about new technology, then a course of study to become a digital marketing professional might be for you.