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20 Industries Secretly On The Verge Of Collapsing

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By Sara Springsteen

Your Career Might Be At Risk

Some careers still look perfectly stable from the outside, even while the industry behind them is changing rapidly. Automation, artificial intelligence, shrinking demand, consolidation, outsourcing, and shifting consumer habits are putting pressure on jobs that once seemed like reliable long-term choices. That doesn’t mean every position in these fields is disappearing tomorrow, but if you’re choosing a career, it’s worth knowing which industries are facing serious disruption before you commit years of your life to them.

17889847513dbec6af2f4fcba305680fbfe451642f1f6dd5cd.jpgVitaly Gariev on Unsplash

1. Print Publishing

Print publishers have been struggling with falling physical sales, higher production costs, and evolving reading habits for decades. Competition from digital publications is taking an ever-increasing market share, while self-publishing authors and online platforms are disrupting reader discovery and purchasing habits. Jobs tied specifically to printing, physical distribution, and traditional publishing operations are particularly exposed as companies look for cheaper ways to produce and distribute content.

1788984696c0b1945db097527cbb944c16698cb83682609355.jpgCHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

2. Newspaper Journalism

Local newspapers have been haemorrhaging advertising dollars as readers and advertisers have moved online. Publications have reacted with layoffs, decreased coverage, consolidation, and trimmed print runs. Journalists have been forced to cover wider geographic areas.

178898468439e5ba8e99227da104f56acb3196498c3e9f0024.jpgRishabh Sharma on Unsplash

3. Retail Cashiering

Cashiers are being threatened by self-checkout kiosks, mobile payments, and automated retail models. Businesses have every incentive to eliminate employees from routine customer transactions, especially if labour costs increase.

Cashiers who get into retail should consider customer service and specialty positions as longer-term career alternatives.

178898467103757615ce884e0c3ef276ad9d70ee62a9ab4e31.jpgBlake Wisz on Unsplash

4. Basic Data Entry

Data entry jobs have never exactly been glamorous because they largely revolve around repetitive computer-based tasks. Data entry specifically employs some of the lowest-risk job positions for automation. A career built entirely around manually entering straightforward information doesn’t offer the same security it once did.

1788984653e39030f5cbe26d1eb3122e5c668ec85ddd4551ec.jpgCarlos Muza on Unsplash

5. Travel Agencies

Planning trips, booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages can be handled easily by anyone with internet access. Online travel sites give customers the ability to price compare and reserve travel services without stepping foot in an agency. Travel professionals who specialize in complicated itineraries, luxury travel, or unusual destinations have a stronger reason to stick around than those handling basic reservations.

1788984640b6f15c28fb4104704fd869cfca0c56efb4e0de06.jpgPietro De Grandi on Unsplash

6. Telemarketing

Nobody likes telemarketers, but the industry faces threats beyond annoyed customers. Automated dialling technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital advertising channels are reducing the need for manual outbound phone queues. Human telemarketers are increasingly being pushed toward more specialized sales work where conversation and persuasion actually require a person.

1788984625fe21ddc7faf49b6f1d96293b3e6947d6ba5f8c62.jpgMike Meyers on Unsplash

7. Traditional Photo Processing

Drop-off photo processing is already something of a novelty. Smartphones and digital cameras have popularized digital photo dumps and sharing. Online services have replaced much of the photo-processing workflow that was once done in physical retail locations.

17889846131cd7e7026642d1e47cafab301262eb1f189e15b7.jpgJakob Owens on Unsplash

8. Commercial Printing

Commercial printers have to compete with more than just the other guy down the street. They now compete with widespread consumer expectations that information should be digital, instantaneous, and cheap. More businesses are scanning, distributing, and storing documents, advertisements, forms, books, and promotional products electronically.

1788984598ae30212bf0dcabf88dbabce8fcb13353b03d2e7f.jpgBank Phrom on Unsplash

9. Bank Branch Services

Customers are making more transactions online and through mobile banking apps. Deposits, transfers, payments, loan applications, and account management all happen at an increasing rate without people stepping into a bank branch. Employees who provide financial advice or handle complex customer needs have more protection than positions centered on routine transactions.

1788984581aafef24920ebc3915e13e01e7befe322e3eb8458.jpgAdhitya Sibikumar on Unsplash

10. Basic Accounting Services

Software is now able to automate many of the most repetitive accounting functions. Programs can handle routine number crunching, account reconciliation, invoicing, payroll processing, and even bookkeeping. Accountants who develop expertise in tax strategy, auditing, financial analysis, or business advising have a much stronger position than workers whose responsibilities consist mainly of repetitive bookkeeping.

1788984566f5a625efeb81100199352298aa234d250aba9a3a.jpgScott Graham on Unsplash

11. Insurance Claims Processing

Insurance companies want to process claims quickly while minimizing overhead costs. Document processing, image recognition, fraud screening, and artificial intelligence are automating work that once required legions of staff. Claims involving unusual circumstances still require human judgment, but routine cases are increasingly attractive targets for automation.

1788984551aad0e1728907c745289015d0c4073a861af5d5bd.jpgVlad Deep on Unsplash

12. Mortgage Processing

The mortgage application process still involves mountains of paperwork, but that paper doesn’t necessarily need to be touched by a human being. Financial institutions have been implementing support systems to automate document collection, verification, underwriting guidelines, and risk assessment.

Mortgage professionals who build relationships with borrowers and understand complicated financial situations have more room to adapt than workers performing repetitive administrative tasks.

17889845375710816cbbcbd23043340298016ae2c7a14c154f.jpgMaria Ziegler on Unsplash

13. Warehouse Picking

Increasing warehouse automation is only natural as businesses compete for faster fulfilment at lower costs. Robots, automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyor systems, and inventory management software are removing jobs that used to consist of employees walking around picking products.

1788984525f8dfdda39f0afd495e2147bf7ec73e5728bd3d01.jpgRuchindra Gunasekara on Unsplash

14. Basic Customer Support

Customer support is becoming a prime battlefield for AI deployments. Chatbots and routing software are increasingly taking over mundane support tasks like password resets, order tracking, appointment management, refunds, and other common queries without ever notifying a human employee. Support jobs aren’t going away, but entry-level positions are.

1788984511967da878fa6dbcbed0048873091c8c8080a275c2.jpgCytonn Photography on Unsplash

15. Fast-Food Order Taking

Pointing at pictures and pushing buttons to order food has been replaced by ordering food while pointing at pictures on a screen. Restaurants are implementing kiosk ordering systems, mobile app payments, and even completely automated food ordering systems. Meal preparation may never be fully automated, but few jobs are safe when your primary responsibility is taking basic orders.

17889844947a981de92eae7bffff1e42f5a20a24591d0a3ed2.jpgVan Tien Le on Unsplash

16. Taxi Services

Taxi companies have seen their markets disrupted by rideshare apps, customer expectations, and new app-based transportation options. Riders can now expect to hail a vehicle from their phone, see it tracked live on a map, receive fare estimates, and pay without touching cash or a receipt.

178898448042ee6dc75e44e73426a92687156c9ad17b1943d9.jpgNick Fewings on Unsplash

17. Video Rental Services

Thankfully, you still have a few years to work at Redbox before the inevitable happens. Physical video rental shops are yet another industry that struggled to evolve with technological advances. The remaining physical rental market is largely specialized or nostalgic, which isn’t enough to support the enormous workforce the industry once employed.

178898447094214207ccd744d066ca9da217e73169b108a48c.jpgSam McGhee on Unsplash

18. Secretarial Services

Cloud-based software, scheduling programs, automated transcription services, intelligent personal assistants, and collaborative office tools are replacing old administrative workloads. Tasks that once required junior staff to assist executives or manage an office are now being done remotely or autonomously.

1788984458a25cac0fc368b70a411bb232a00a2432d87ba27d.jpgJoyce Busola on Unsplash

19. Routine Legal Support

Lawyers will always need other lawyers, but even legal support work is becoming automated. Document review software can scan huge volumes of information across multiple files, identify key terms, organize case materials, and prepare standardized documents far quicker than humans working alone.

17889844439244b33049555f4ca717bf32a4a4522ef0969e98.jpgTingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

20. Basic Graphic Design

Graphic designers are still in business, but opportunities for churned-out stock graphic work are on the decline. Design programs, template tools, AI-powered design assistants, and automated workflows are making it easier than ever to produce enticing visuals. Logo creation, ad banners, social graphics, presentations, and other rote designs are all being performed by AI.

1788984430310f2bf6460741b567c9cb7ef54bc89e21d78c93.jpgBalázs Kétyi on Unsplash

By Sara Springsteen

Sourced from Zen Parent

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Career Survival Guide For Those Who Hate Networking

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By Dr. Ruth Gotian

Networking—just the word makes people want to run for the hills. It sounds transactional and slimy, even for the most extroverted professionals. The idea of approaching strangers, engaging in small talk, and forging connections can be overwhelming and depleting, especially for those who despise networking.

It is possible to successfully navigate the tumultuous networking landscape even if you despise the traditional approach. Learn strategies and insights to help you overcome networking aversion and build meaningful connections that align with your authentic self.

In his book, Endless Referrals, Bob Burg states that each person knows 250 people. That’s the average number of people attending a funeral, and each side invites to a wedding. With each person you meet, you can create a ripple effect. Here are six strategies for your consideration.

1. Embrace Your Introversion or Shyness

Networking is not just for extroverts. Quieter individuals have unique qualities that can make them superb networkers. Quiet leaders listen deeply, observe intently, and engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations. Leverage your introspective nature and ask thoughtful questions. This will help you develop genuine connections beyond mundane interactions that you wish to run away from.

2. Seek Quality Over Quantity

Do you feel under pressure to collect a stack of business cards or increase your LinkedIn follower count? Before you start talking to random people, focus on quality connections rather than simply gathering the names of random people. Look for people who align with your values, interests, or professional goals. You’ll build a robust support system that can provide valuable insights and opportunities by nurturing a few authentic relationships.

3. Leverage Online Networking Platforms

If face-to-face networking is not your thing, consider online networking. Social media platforms, Slack channels, and virtual events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals from the comfort of your own home. Respond to posts, ask a question, share insights, and nurture relationships that suit your preferences. Take LinkedIn Learning courses and connect with the instructors. You will automatically see who is in their network. (Read my recent Forbes article on the LinkedIn Learning courses, which are unlocked and free until June 9th).

4. Leverage Existing Relationships

Networking doesn’t always require meeting strangers. It will help if you leverage your existing relationships with colleagues, friends, or mentors to expand your network. Attend events or gatherings with an outgoing buddy, and allow them to introduce you to their connections. You can be introduced to many people by simply being their wing person. This can offer a sense of familiarity and comfort while expanding your network.

5. Focus on Building Genuine Relationships

Networking should not be transactional. As shared by Adam Grant, those who succeed give more than they take. Approach networking with a mindset of building genuine relationships, not seeing what you can immediately get out of that person. Utilize your active listening skills to cultivate a genuine interest in others and their stories. Listen carefully, exhibit empathy, and seek to provide value to others without expecting anything in return. By nurturing authentic relationships, you’ll naturally create a network that supports and uplifts you when you least expect it but when you need it most.

6. Find Networking Opportunities That Align with Your Interests

If you don’t enjoy golfing or meet-ups at bars, then don’t go. There is no one way to network and build relationships. Seek out networking opportunities that align with your interests or passions. Attend conferences, workshops, or gatherings cantered around your hobbies, industry-specific topics, or causes you care about. When networking feels purposeful and aligned with your values, it becomes more enjoyable and authentic. For more, see my recent Forbes article about aligning your organizational culture with your values.

Networking doesn’t have to be something other people do, nor should you dread going to such an event. By embracing who you are, seeking quality connections, leveraging online platforms, utilizing existing relationships, building genuine relationships, and finding networking opportunities that align with your interests, you can redefine networking on your terms. Remember, networking is forging meaningful connections. For help kicking off the conversation, read my Forbes article on how to talk to strangers.

Feature Image Credit: getty

By Dr. Ruth Gotian

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

I research the secrets to success found in extreme high achievers and help those who wish to improve unlock their own potential. I was named to the Thinkers50 Radar list (the Oscars of management thinking), and in 2021 won the Thinkers50 Radar Award, naming me the #1 emerging management thinker in the world. I published in such journals as Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, Nature, Scientific American, Academic Medicine, and co-edited a book on the systems and programs in medical education. I am the author of the award-winning book, The Success Factor, on extreme high achievers, including Nobel laureates, astronauts, and Olympic champions. I earned my doctorate at Teachers College Columbia University where I studied Adult Learning and Leadership, my B.S. and M.S. in Business Management from the University at Stony Brook, and certificates in Executive Leadership and Managing for Execution from Cornell University.

Read my other Forbes pieces here.

Sourced from Forbes

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Creatives need better coping skills for failure, says agency boss David Palmer

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By Chelsey Pippin

David Palmer, the owner and ECD of Manchester-based creative agency LOVE, has spent his career learning to love failure. But then again, he hasn’t had much choice.

“Creative people face more regular rejection than just about anyone else on the planet,” he tells Creative Boom. Palmer estimates that LOVE, whose star client list includes Jim Beam, Nike, and Vogue, loses three times the pitches it wins – and he says that failure rate is pretty standard for creative businesses.

“Failing is simply part of your day-to-day when you work in the creative industries,” he says. “You can pour your heart and soul into a project and apply the best strategy, thinking and design skills, only for a senior or a client to say they don’t like it.”

For Palmer, dealing with this means you have to have the skin of a rhino and be a rubber ball: always ready to bounce back. But Palmer is adamant that having tough skin and a resilient attitude doesn’t mean ignoring your failures or rushing past them. Instead, Palmer advocates for his team of creatives – and the industry at large – to develop a healthier relationship with creative success by being willing to acknowledge and embrace creative losses.

“Handling failure is like going through the five stages of grief,” Palmer tells Creative Boom while recounting a time he got the call about a lost pitch while on holiday in Greece, effectively ruining any chance for some much-needed R&R.

The five stages of grief were originally laid out by psychologist and author Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in 1969 as a framework for navigating one’s own end of life. The use of the Kübler-Ross method has been expanded and reconceptualised in many ways over the past 50 years and has been transformed into a powerful tool for confronting loss of all kinds.

According to the trajectory laid out by Kübler-Ross, a griever moves gradually from shock and denial to pleading, bargaining, or desperation, then on to anger – an experience David Palmer of LOVE says he can relate to every time he and his team lose a pitch. “It really can feel like the world is falling down around you, and it’s totally normal to feel really angry in the beginning,” Palmer tells Creative Boom.

As a leader, Palmer thinks it’s healthy to make room for negative emotions – that by accepting the anger that comes with creative rejection or failure, you’re one step closer to accepting the failure and moving on. “It’s useful for young creatives to know that it’s just perfectly natural to feel like that,” Palmer says.

Photo Credit: LOVE
Photo Credit: LOVE

According to Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief, depression and/or anxiety often follow the stage of anger. In a creative context, Palmer likens this stage to the period of flatness, discouragement, and self-doubt that often accompany creative failure – once the rage passes, the real grief starts to set in. From this low point, someone with healthy coping mechanisms will ultimately find themselves ready to take action toward recovery and learn to accept their loss or failure. In contrast, someone with unhealthy coping mechanisms may remain stuck at rock bottom.

And that’s where Palmer gets concerned because he’s not convinced that creatives today have the coping skills they need to sustain a career path that’s inevitably studded with failure and rejection.

“In sports and school, kids are taught that failure is a bad thing, that it has to be avoided or ignored,” he tells Creative Boom. “But failure is unavoidable. Especially in this industry, because it’s so subjective, you need to be aware of it. And you need to find healthy ways to deal with it.”

Because, at the end of the day, failure isn’t a bad thing. “Rejection can be a catalyst for really positive things,” Palmer says. “The sting of failure propels you forward in a way that gives you more energy and momentum than if you didn’t have it at the beginning.”

To prove his point, Palmer recounts an experience from his first job out of design school, working for a boss who seemed deadset on keeping him down. “I couldn’t win,” Palmer says, recalling a particularly discouraging event in which he watched his work be crumpled up and tossed in a skip. At that moment, it was as if he went through all five stages of grief at warp speed. “I’d been working for two years, but I had nothing to show in my portfolio, and I was at a point where I realised: every which way, I’m going to fail. And from there, I went: you know, you’re a problem solver. So what are you going to do?”

Once he’d gotten through the shock, anger, and blow to his self-esteem, Palmer accepted that the way he was working wasn’t working. So he decided to change his approach. Instead of offering the big, original ideas that appeared to make his boss feel threatened, he found ways of prioritising his boss’s approach while still managing to leave his own mark… it was a lesson in compromise that’s served him well in a long-term client-facing career. He’s living proof that approaching failure and rejection with curiosity and determination are the building blocks of a sustainable creative career.

Photo Credit: LOVE
Photo Credit: LOVE

While it’s important for creatives to learn to take individual responsibility for themselves and develop healthy coping mechanisms for acknowledging and dealing with their failures and rejections, Palmer thinks that agency leaders and even clients should also be taking responsibility for the part they play in creating a more positive culture in the creative industries.

He’s aware that the way feedback is delivered can have a lot to do with the way it’s received and that creative leaders and clients alike may lean toward unnecessarily brutal feedback without giving much thought to the effect their response will have on the creative behind the work.

At LOVE, feedback is mitigated first through the accounts team, who can help separate the helpful feedback from the not-so-helpful feedback before sharing it with the creative team. “That way, we can ensure feedback is framed constructively, giving our team a more positive place to start that journey toward accepting rejection.”

Ultimately, Palmer questions whether the industry as a whole needs to reevaluate its relationship with and vocabulary around failure. A working understanding of the five stages of grief and how those stages manifest in experiences of creative failure is a good start – but he’s open to ideas and conversation, telling Creative Boom: “As an industry, I wonder all the time how everyone else is doing it, and what could be improved.”

Feature Image Credit: LOVE

By Chelsey Pippin

Sourced from CREATIVE BOOM

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The Top 10 Must-Read Newsletters for Digital Marketers

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If you’re looking to stay on top of the latest trends in digital marketing, these newsletters will help you do that. Here are some of the best ones.

As a digital marketer, you face the dilemma of needing to stay on top of the latest industry trends and innovations, but also not having the time to dive into rabbit holes researching every trend.

Marketing newsletters are a handy solution to this problem. They bring marketing information straight to your inbox in an easily digestible format, saving you time and energy. However, since several such newsletters are in circulation, how do you know which one to choose? To help you pick, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best digital marketing newsletters you should subscribe to immediately.

1. Convince and Convert ON

Screen of webpage from Convince&Convert

Convince and Convert describes its newsletter as “marketing’s most relevant email.” Its 90,000-plus subscribers are proof enough to back up this claim. New issues are released every two weeks, each containing trends and insights hand-selected by the Convince & Convert team to help you stay on top of the marketing industry.

The newsletter primarily focuses on content marketing, social media, email, amplification, word-of-mouth marketing, customer service/experience, and analytics. It also contains advice from a Convince and Convert expert on what trends to watch, as well as fun surprises in each issue.

2. The Daily Carnage

Screenshot of webpage of Daily Carnage

Don’t be thrown off by its questionable name. The Daily Carnage is one of the industry’s most relevant and beloved marketing newsletters. It is the brainchild of the folks at Carney—a digital marketing, design, and development agency. Subscribing will ensure that you are always the sharpest marketer in the room.

Every day, you’ll receive a hand-picked list of content useful for all the best digital marketing careers that will help you learn about your field in a fun and relevant way. You can also rely on the Daily Carnage for motivation, affirmation, and inspiration to start your day strong.

3. Buffer–Social Media for Business Newsletter

Screenshot of Buffer webpage

Buffer is a popular social media management app that helps marketers build their brands and grow their businesses on social media. They also have a newsletter with more than 45,000 subscribers, which is still growing.

Through this newsletter, the Buffer team shares blog posts, tips, trends, experiments, and news that will help you succeed in social media marketing. You can also get inspiration for your next idea from stories of businesses that are leveraging social media to grow their presence.

4. Marketing Dive

Screen of Marketing Dive webpage

Marketing Dive covers various topics, including marketing technology, advertising, social media, video marketing, and analytics. It also takes things a step further by providing in-depth journalistic insight into the day’s marketing headlines, news, and trends.

By devoting just 10 minutes in the morning and evening to Marketing Dive, you can stay on top of all the developments in the marketing industry. There are three subscription options for marketing dive: Daily Dive, which publishes daily; Mobile Weekly, which publishes every Thursday; and Agencies Weekly, which releases on Mondays.

5. Sketchalytics

Screenshot of Sketchalytics webpage

If you’re more of a visual rather than verbal learner, then Sketchalytics is the perfect marketing newsletter for you. Instead of reading lengthy articles, you’ll receive a marketing micro-lesson in the form of a sketch each week. By pairing the sketch with the brief explanation accompanying it, you can learn and be entertained simultaneously.

There is no sales pitch, fluff, or unnecessary content. Each issue is just pure marketing lessons on new topics presented in a fun and easy-to-understand format.

6. Search Engine Land Daily Brief

Screenshot of Search Engine Land webpage

In the ever-changing landscape of search marketing, there’s no better newsletter than Search Engine Land’s Daily Brief. The newsletter is published every weekday and gives you daily recaps of the latest news, analysis, and insights on search marketing topics.

Its conversational format and up-to-date content have already captured the interest of thousands of marketers, and many testify that it has helped them grow as digital marketers and gain confidence in their skills.

7. Think With Google

Screenshot of Think with google webpage

Digital innovation is changing how we do marketing, transforming it into a data-based industry. Think With Google helps you adapt by putting Google research and data behind your thinking.

This fortnightly newsletter is your free resource for consumer insights, marketing strategies, and useful tools. You’ll find within it data and trends, forward-looking perspectives, and behind-the-scenes looks at successful marketing campaigns to guide your own marketing efforts.

8. Neil Patel

Screenshot Neil Patel and a bio of him

Neil Patel is one of the most recognizable names in digital marketing. He’s founded multimillion-dollar companies such as CrazyEgg and Kissmetrics, runs his own agency (NP Digital), and has been featured in top magazines like Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur.

In his many years exploring digital marketing, he’s developed unique insights and proven marketing tactics unknown to your competition. He shares this as well as tips for becoming a successful content writer, creating better-paid campaigns, SEO, and social media, in his newsletter.

9. Product Hunt Daily Digest

Screenshot of Product Hunt webpage

Sometimes, marketing success boils down to finding the right tool, and Product Hunt can help with that. It is a curation of the best new products across several industries, including email, social media, and influencer marketing. You can use it to find the best chrome extensions for digital marketing or unreleased apps with promising new features.

Additionally, by following your favourite topics and subscribing to its newsletter, you can receive mail alerts on all the newest and best digital marketing product arrivals before anyone else.

10. Really Good Emails

Screenshot of Really Good emails webpage

Email marketing is still one of the most potent advertising channels, and Really Good Emails ensures you do it right. It is a showcase of over 10,000 hand-picked email designs and resources to help you understand the ins and outs of product email and customer email cycles.

You can browse its categories, designs, and resources when you need tips for making beautiful email newsletters. When you subscribe to its newsletter, you can get all of this inspiration straight to your inbox every week.

Which Marketing Newsletter Is Best for You?

There is no one-size-fits-all marketing newsletter. Each one has a unique selling point and caters to a specific need. Instead, try out several newsletters and stick with the ones that are most useful to you. You’ll discover, as you cycle through these newsletters, that you are always in the loop on industry happenings without needing to sacrifice too much of your time.

Who knows, eventually, you may become a marketing expert and start publishing your newsletters. If that’s the case, look for tips to ensure your newsletter succeeds and makes the list of must-read newsletters.

By Joshua Adegoke

Joshua Adegoke is a talented writer with a year of professional writing, editing, and optimizing internet content experience. As a tech enthusiast, Joshua is passionate about the dynamism technology is bringing to the future of work.

Sourced from MUO

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The 8 Best Careers for Extroverts

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If you’re an extrovert, you probably love being around people and interacting with others. Here are some careers which are best suited for extroverts.

Your personality trait plays a significant role in your career choice. Being extroverted or introverted determines, to a large extent, the job that suits you and how well you will thrive in it. If you are often described as energetic, charismatic, outgoing, and a social butterfly, you are most likely an extrovert.

Extroverts have amazing qualities that, if channelled in the right direction, can help them attain excellence. However, the issue lies in identifying a career that suits you in the job industry. We have put together eight high-paying careers that are great fits for extroverts. Let’s discuss them below.

1. Social Media Influencer

Social media apps on a smartphone

Social media influencer is one of the next big careers in the entertainment industry. As a social butterfly and one who loves being in the spotlight, you can build large, organic followership. This could consist of different audiences on several social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can also use your natural charisma to influence your audiences’ buying power and build trust. Of course, this attracts brands to utilize your social engagements and promote their products and services that appeal to your audience. Furthermore, the average annual pay for a social media influencer is $41,047 per year, according to ZipRecruiter.

Nonetheless, you can still set your own fees and terms of engagement by yourself. In addition, you can simultaneously leverage more than one niche, such as fashion, travel, education, and lifestyle. However, if you are diving into the lifestyle industry, which requires you to use your life as content, take note of things you should never share on social media for content’s sake.

2. Customer Support Specialist

A person in black blazers with a microphone headset.

A customer support specialist is a direct link between a company and its customers. This position requires social and people skills, which makes it suitable for extroverts. In the face of conflict, you can use your interpersonal skills, like quick decision-making and problem-solving, to resolve issues before they escalate.

You can work as front desk personnel, call centre agent, or concierge. Meanwhile, the average salary for a customer support specialist is $47,400 per year, according to Payscale.

3. Public Relations Manager

A man in a gray suit holding a microphone

Extroverts are naturally more given to public relations than their introverted counterparts. They can steer discussions physically and virtually. And being a PR personnel might be the best choice for you. A public relations manager is responsible for internal and external communications, public affairs, and all forms of media coverage in a company.

In other words, your primary responsibility is to improve a brand’s image and oversee campaigns for products/services. You can be part of an organization’s workforce (profit or non-profit) or an independent PR specialist. According to Payscale, public relations managers earn an average of $72,604 annually.

4. Sales or Marketing Manager

Being a sales or marketing manager is one of the best careers for extroverts because it involves a lot of socializing and networking. As a sales manager, your major role is to oversee the sales team in a company, organize training, and ensure your team meets the sales quota for a period.

You will also continuously have to engage in small talk and use your natural enthusiastic charm to propel people to purchase a product or service. Meanwhile, you can major in business-to-business sales (B2B), business-to-consumer sales (B2C), direct, SaaS, or affiliate sales. Besides, you can expect to earn up to $63,359 annually, according to Payscale.

5. Counsellor or Coach

A person talking to a counselor.

Typically, an extrovert is compassionate, a great communicator, and loves being involved in other people’s lives. This makes counselling a suitable career path for one. Counsellors help people achieve positive changes in different aspects of their life, such as careers, relationships, and academics.

While you still need to acquire specific counselling techniques and certifications, your natural extrovert traits already give you solid grounds to flourish in the industry. You can render your services independently or work with a psychotherapy company. Meanwhile, the average annual salary for a licensed professional counsellor is $50,298—according to Payscale.

6. Human Resource Manager

Human resource managers act as a liaison between employees and employers. They often oversee the hiring of new employees, alongside staff training and management. In addition, they help organizations develop their work culture and benefits, payroll, and handle workplace disputes.

These responsibilities and more require high-level people skills to enable you to connect with diverse personalities on different levels, making it a great fit for extroverts. According to Payscale, human resource managers earn up to $74,000 annually.

However, your pay can be above or below, depending on your skills and certifications. You can work as a freelance human resource consultant or limit your services to one company.

7. Event Planner

A woman in a brown suit jacket standing and looking at a laptop on a table.

Event planning involves creating and developing small and large-scale personal or corporate events, such as weddings, conferences, concerts, and festivals. Having the innate ability to manage interactions with a variety of people—including clients, vendors, and the event workforce—gives you an edge in pulling off successful events.

You can also leverage different mobile apps for event management to streamline your responsibilities. Moreover, you can be a contractor and set your own rates or work for an interior decoration firm. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for event planners is $51,596. The demand for event planners is on the rise. So whichever path you choose, you can be confident of earning well.

8. UX Designer

A man scribbling on white paper.

UX designing is a people-oriented career that involves developing and managing a digital product’s user experience. Most times, the role requires you to work directly with the marketing team in an organization to understand customer needs and demands and integrate the brand message into the product.

Besides, it’s a versatile profession, not limited to one industry. In other words, you can work in the health, finance, education, or blockchain industry. You can also work as a freelancer or a full-time on-site employee. According to Payscale, the average salary for a UX designer is $76,341 per year.

Know Your Personality Type Before Choosing Your Career

Choosing your target industry and career path can be challenging. Therefore, we suggest you first analyze your personality and identify your interests, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make rational decisions about your career. You can see a psychologist or use apps to learn about your personality type to erase every iota of uncertainty.

By Joshua Adegoke

Sourced from MUO

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11 Steps to Help You Start Your Blogging Career

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Are you interested in starting a blogging career and making money from it? Here are the steps you need to take.

Have you wanted to build a profitable blog, but don’t have a clue where to start? There’s no need to search tirelessly for tutorials.

With the right steps in mind, you can be on your way to having a blog that will showcase not only your online presence, but work effectively as an additional income stream.

1. Choose a Niche

This can feel like the most difficult part of the blogging process, but it’s important to establish a niche. It’s common to think that specializing in many things can be more appealing to others, but that’s not always the case. Focusing on a smaller space will draw in audiences who seek specific services.

Do you know everything about building computers? Use that as your niche. For example, an e-commerce copywriter writes for online stores, so this makes them experts in their field. You could have a technology niche such as reviewing computer graphics cards, Chromebooks, or Apple iPhones.

Think carefully about your primary focus; it can determine how many people want to find you, what brands will reach out to you, and how much you can make overall.

2. Research a Reliable Platform

What platforms are best for blogging? When publishing your blog, you want to use a reliable platform with a system that is easy to use, works well with the type of blog you want, and is in line with your budget. If you’re looking for great levels of customization, WordPress is perfect for your needs. There are hundreds of website templates you can play around with.

Squarespace is useful for visual blogs, such as photography, art, or design niches. LinkedIn is another alternative if you want to go the professional route and connect with people in your desired industry. However, if you’re a complete beginner when it comes to blogging or general website building, Wix may be a better choice. Here’s how to build a unique website without coding using Wix.

3. Customize Your Website

Although basic coding knowledge is really helpful, it’s not necessary for building a blog. After signing up for a website builder, choose a template you feel comfortable starting with. You can use a variety of pre-made templates to change existing features and make them your own.

Customize your blog by adding a homepage or an “About You” page with a photo of yourself, a contact page, so people can reach out to you, and of course, a homepage to start blogging. It doesn’t need to be perfect! What matters is that you’ve started piecing it together. However, if you’re struggling with this process, feel free to reach out to a website designer.

4. Publish Your First Post

Writing a blog post for the first time may seem intimidating, but the most important thing is to just get started. Think about what kind of blog topics would work well for your blog; would you like to write guides, written tutorials, recipes, lists, reviews, industry news, current events related to your niche, or just anything you find interesting?

How do you write your blog once you’ve come up with an awesome idea? First, consider what kind of heading will entice someone to read your blog; will it be witty, serious, or state a useful statistic? Secondly, write the way you would talk. Putting your voice and personality into a blog post will not only make it more genuine to readers, but will feel more natural to you.

Thirdly, keep in mind the way you’re laying out your piece; what kind of fonts do you want to use, and are you sticking to the standard US spelling style? Depending on your audience, the formatting will be very different.

5. Create High-Quality Images

Do you click on a YouTube video simply due to the colorful image alone? With blogs, visuals are very important to catching interest. A good quality image can decide whether somebody wants to read through a piece, so you want to make sure it’s high quality.

Think about the standard sizing for your feature images, as well as the photos you’ll use in a blog post. These should be clear, stretched to a pleasing size, and not blurry. Canva is always a great option here. If you’re feeling creative, you can use GIFs too.

6. Maintain Your Website

Have you ever clicked away from a website due to an unexpected page error? Keeping tabs on how your blog is running will determine how many people are viewing or staying on your site. Your site should be running effectively, have no broken links, be updated accordingly, and always be user-friendly.

If you aren’t very tech-savvy, make sure you hire someone who can do the technical work for you. An optimized website is something that always needs to be checked.

7. Take Advantage of SEO

Blog posts may be the main attraction of your website, but incorporating SEO is the main reason behind how you gain clicks, readers, and potential followers. Research the most-used keywords on Google with an SEO tool such as SurferSEO, the latest and popular trends related to your topic, and compare your posts to other blogs that rank higher on Google.

These SEO strategies, over time, can place you higher in search engines. Still confused? Check out some tools that will help you write the best blog titles.

8. Always Network

Networking with professionals within your niche is another useful resource as it can be the main driving force for your blog. Grow your online presence by joining relevant Facebook groups or blogging networks, attending courses to expand on your skills, and connecting with people on LinkedIn who share similar values.

Take note of how to network like a pro. This can be the key to you finding the next follower, or having people refer their audience to your site. It’s a win-win scenario, and it works.

9. Build an Email List

Using an email marketing platform such as MailerLite can do a lot for your blog. An email list is a collection of contact information from people who have signed up and opted to receive emails from you. However, building a reliable email list of clients and followers can take time. It isn’t about the quantity of data added to your list, but the amount of loyalty you have. You don’t want to spam inboxes!

How often are your emails being opened? Are people scanning, or clicking links to your blog pages? Are people sharing your blogs? By tracking these analytics, researching, and being a bit more creative, your email list will be one to rely on. If you’re new to email marketing, have a look at the ways HubSpot can benefit your marketing career. Using this program is a great way to get started.

10. Learn Affiliate Marketing

With affiliate marketing, businesses pay you if your blog refers people to their website or products, so having ads on the sides of your blog isn’t always a bad thing if it benefits both parties.

Not only is affiliate marketing helpful in getting brands and companies to notice you, but you can easily make a few cents per click. If you’re not really sure where to begin this process, there are a range of online resources.

11. Keep Track of Analytics Data

With any blog or website, keeping track of your analytics data is incredibly important to help you become profitable over time. Checking analytics daily will help you figure out where your viewers are coming from geographically, whether you’re being found organically or through social media, information on what keywords are being used on Google in relevance to your blog, and more. This will ultimately boost your traffic.

Start Your Blogging Journey Today

If you’ve been considering starting up a blog, now is the best time to start. Online spaces such as blogging are only growing more and more, and experts in their niche of choice are always appreciated. Creating a successful site definitely takes patience and dedication, but always trust the blogging process. Now you can start your first draft!

By Saffrom Clacy

Sourced from MUO

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9 Ways HubSpot Can Benefit Your Marketing Career

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By Saffron Clacy

HubSpot is one of the best CRM software on the market. Here are some ways you can use it in your marketing career.

HubSpot has been known for being the best customer relationship management platform on the market for businesses of all sizes, but what specifically can the company offer your marketing career?

If you aspire to work in the marketing field or want to start your projects, you’ll want to invest time into a good program to manage customer databases for companies you work for, as well as for your use. Here are some HubSpot features that will help your career get off to a great start.

1. Customer Relationship Management

HubSpot has one of the top CRM platforms above all others, so whether you end up growing a team during your career or choose to work solo, you can guarantee all of your important records will be managed effectively!

Add members of your team to the platform to boost productivity —such as calls or meetings— important information on contacts, companies, deals, and more. Know more about your audience by tracking their patterns, which will overall transform into a collaborative and supportive online workspace!

2. Social Media Management

Not only can you use HubSpot to craft amazing emails, but their social media marketing tools as well. HubSpot can be especially useful to you if you intend on managing your own social media brand! Increase your brand awareness to the public, obtain leads —and hopefully conversions—build relationships with your social media audience, and delve into competitor research.

Instead of spending a fortune on independent programs, you can use the HubSpot social media software to connect your accounts, schedule a bulk collection of posts ahead of time, design images with Canva build into HubSpot, customize the publishing schedule, build social media campaigns with their premium templates, publishing platform, analytics, and more.

3. WordPress Integration

If you’re at that point in your career where you’d like to build a solid website but have no idea how to optimize it, HubSpot has a great tool for it. Integrate WordPress into your HubSpot account, then you can have access to all of their amazing features.

After setting everything up, you can add call-to-action buttons to your site to encourage clicks, create custom forms for potential clients to fill out, set up an email automation feature when people agree to subscribe to emails, and effectively manage your website analytics! Know exactly how many people are accessing your page, and all the nitty-gritty details along with it.

4. Search Engine Optimization

Learning the basics of SEO usually becomes a normality at some point in your marketing career, but with the HubSpot SEO Marketing Software, this can make the process way more simple. It offers advice on what you can do to rank your content higher, assistance with content strategy, accurate reports on your Google ranking, and support at every corner with your blogs, landing pages, emails, and more.

If you’re looking for a system that has the entire package, you need to implement this into your marketing strategy. Furthermore, if you’re still worried due to being an SEO novice, check out the best websites to learn SEO!

5. Sales Tool

Are you working on building a business alongside your career, but do not know sales? HubSpot can show you how. Marketing is important, but so is managing your sales with a platform that can manage them.

The HubSpot Sales Hub Enterprise allows you to take part in sales engagement tools, monitor internal business permissions, manage payments, have access to sales data, analytics, and the overall activity and progress of a business. With these tools at hand, all of your sales information can be stored and managed with ease.

6. Email Marketing Tools

HubSpot has a range of tools in their Marketing Hub. These can be used to build an email list, store and manage contact data such as location or phone numbers, create innovative email campaigns, design forms people can use to sign up to emails, and so much more.

Choose from custom templates, build categorized lists, upload your current clients, and more. In using this feature, you can slowly build up a list of loyal customers that you can manage with a few clicks of the button! If you’re looking to learn the basics of email campaigns, here’s how to leverage email marketing with this boot camp course.

7. Reliable Analytics

With numbers, they need to be accurate, and HubSpot offers precise analytics that can be a big help in your marketing journey. If you decide to send out an email, there are statistics you can always refer back to tweak your strategy.

Check out the number of clicks, the percentage of people who opened your email, the number of emails that didn’t send, and even whether your customers opened your email on Firefox. With solid statistics to keep track of, HubSpot will be your best asset when it comes to those digits.

8. Customized Database

Two Men Using Computer at Work

How good are your organizational skills? This is one of the most important things when climbing up the marketing ladder, and HubSpot has everything you need if you struggle to keep track.

With the database system, you can add in contacts manually or using an Excel spreadsheet, create numerous records, email or call contacts, see communication history, and even integrate Gmail or Outlook to make sure you’re sending to the right people! Don’t stress about that one company that hasn’t received a newsletter yet, you can easily filter their details at the click of a button,

9. High-Quality Customer Service

Employees on Phone Workplace

When starting your marketing career, you need a trustworthy support network! Not only does HubSpot have proven marketing features that work, but their customer service is one you can always rely on.

Easily contact the support team by clicking the chat box via their website, type in your problem, and you’ll receive a friendly support specialist in a matter of minutes. HubSpot is fast, reliable, and goes as far as recording videos on Loom to give you a hands-on demonstration to help you. The effort put into customer satisfaction is phenomenal, and knowing you have a support network will decrease your career anxiety.

Exceed in Your Marketing Career

Working in the field as a solo marketing entrepreneur or employee means you need the right programs to push you forward. HubSpot is professional, easy to use, and will ultimately be the key to your success in the world of business.

All aspects of marketing will benefit from the program, whether it’s content marketing, mobile marketing, direct to consumer, social media marketing, or email marketing. Your stakes are higher with a reputable platform on your side every step of the way.

By Saffron Clacy

Saffron has been freelancing for over five years, specializing in the copywriting and creative writing industry. She is based in Melbourne, Australia. More From Saffron Clacy

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The Secret to Becoming a Great Social Media Manager? Marketing Essentials

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Sourced from edX

Social media management isn’t just about great photos and videos or learning today’s hottest platform; it’s about translating marketing fundamentals and core skills across all platforms, to inform a data-driven approach that fits into a broader marketing strategy.

So what does that look like in practice? We asked resident edX social media expert Livia Halltari for her insights.

What Makes a Good Social Media Manager?

Whatever your age and level of personal experience, transitioning into a social media career will take some learning. Running your own social media account is very different from managing one for an employer or client. A successful social media manager stays on top of trends, platforms, and social media management tools to schedule posts, monitor analytics, and more.

In other words, you must embrace lifelong learning, whether you plan to stay in social media long-term or hope to advance to other marketing roles in the future, and whether your aspirations are full-time or freelance. Working in social media provides great insight into a wide range of marketing roles and makes an ideal launch pad into the industry.

“Social is one of the most generalist marketing roles you can get,” said Halltari. “You really gain exposure into how email does their work, how content marketing does their work, and how PR, design, and copywriters do their work because you’re working with all these different teams so closely. And you gain experience advocating for yourself, reporting, and the analytical part of marketing, as well as the creative, interactive, brand-focused part. It’s the kind of role where you gain a really foundational knowledge of marketing.”

layer “It’s the kind of role where you gain a really foundational knowledge of marketing.”

Forbes, she added, is calling today’s social media managers “the next generation of CMOs,” and with this holistic background, they are certainly on track to be.

Building A Social Media Skillset on Marketing Foundations

There are many different marketing skills and backgrounds that can usefully inform a social media career, and many of them have their basis in general marketing. Here, we picked just a few of the most important to unpack.

  • Brand marketing: To build lasting connections with customers, companies must establish a strong brand perception, and few avenues facilitate this as well as social media. Storytelling and visuals are the mechanics by which this perception and relationship are built, so these are key areas to upskill when breaking into the field.
  • Analytics: The data is out there. You, as a social media manager, must know where to retrieve it and what to do with it. You must be able to draw conclusions from metrics like followers, page views, clicks, likes, shares, comments, and impressions and form a plan of action in response.
  • Reporting: This skill isn’t just about collecting and sharing data with leadership; it’s about curating data. Halltari says you can set yourself up for success by working with leadership early on to determine goals and the metrics by which you’ll measure success. Only then can you create useful goals, forecasts, and benchmarks.
  • Communication: Not only are you the public voice of the organization—you also need to effectively work with internal stakeholders to develop and adapt strategies, as well as collaborate across the marketing department and beyond.
  • Writing: Nothing can take the place of good storytelling and content. Your copywriting should be concise, evocative, and tailored for the appropriate audience or platform. A background in creative writing, English, or literature can be invaluable.
  • Project management: Organizational and time management skills are key. You need to be able to plan ahead and post content consistently, juggle simultaneous projects, align calendars, and communicate, collaborate, and delegate to members of the marketing team.
  • Design: While it’s not necessary to be a master of graphic design, it helps to know the basics. Social is ultimately a visual channel, and a heavily saturated one—it takes unique images to stand out against the competition. Especially in smaller companies where social media marketers often wear many hats, an understanding of design practices and tools is a valuable skill to have.
  • Strategy: How does your social media strategy fit into the bigger picture? Understanding context, target audience, and analytics can help shape social media into a powerful piece of a company’s overall business strategy.
  • Customer Service: A background in sales or customer service can be valuable, as these roles overlap with some key components of marketing such as conversion, awareness, and customer acquisition. If you’ve worked in retail, then you understand the importance of addressing customer complaints promptly, and social media is no different: You must be prepared to pivot at any time to respond to customers or developing trends.

If you are just breaking into the field, start by learning the fundamentals of digital marketing, especially if you are using social media as a launchpad for greater marketing career aspirations. An entry-level job in social media can be even more powerful than a classroom for honing skills and picking up new ones, so it’s a great way to learn about a variety of marketing roles and decide which one is right for you.

How to Become a Social Media Marketing Manager: 5 Steps

Some useful backgrounds for social media specialists include business, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, psychology, writing, public speaking, and photo or video skills. But you may be surprised that social media mavens can also come from backgrounds as diverse as political science, fashion design, or retail. In this field, you can start from anywhere, with little to no experience. Here’s how:

1. Close skill gaps

Developing a few key marketing skills will serve you well, and you don’t have to get a college degree to learn them. According to Halltari, hiring managers are more interested in examples of project management, organization, good communication, strong copywriting, adaptability, eagerness to learn, and the ability to work independently as well as with a larger marketing team. A bachelor’s degree is just icing on the cake.

2. Learn Social Media Platforms and Marketing Analytics

Get to know the strengths and weaknesses of major social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. Study how your competitors are using these social networks. Familiarize yourself with tools for scheduling and publishing content, social media listening, analytics, and more. But remember that basic familiarity is just the first step. You must continue to build your skill set.

“Employers don’t want to know if you use those platforms to develop and manage your personal social media accounts,” said Ewelina Lacka, lecturer in digital marketing and analytics at the University of Edinburgh Business School and instructor for the Digital Marketing Fundamentals Professional Certificate program on edX. “They want to know if you understand how to use social media to achieve marketing goals.”

Online courses can help you learn about tools like Google Adwords, WordPress, and Facebook Ads, as well as teaching evergreen skills like graphic design and SEO, which remain relevant even when the platform of the day inevitably changes.

Pro Tip:

edX_Icon_LearningNeuroscience “I am a big believer in the fundamentals of marketing. A real grasp of what is a positioning, and the related branding strategy, along with the 4 Ps [product, price, place, and promotion] is vital. An appreciation for what motivates or is important to a given target market is critical. Being able to put yourself in the shoes of the customer is a great skill. Writing and general communication skills are extremely important. Finally, any experience that puts you in front of customers is valuable, so seeing transactions of any kind is important because ultimately everything is marketed… or at least, it should be!”

Jeffrey Frohwein, instructor for the Marketing Foundations course from DoaneX

3. Gain Relevant Work Experience

The best way to master social media management is to do it. An internship is one avenue. Another option is to connect with small businesses or non-profits that need someone to manage their social media presence. Don’t be afraid to do free work while you’re learning, but also be sure to draw a line after which you will stop working for free and start charging clients as a freelancer or start looking for that salaried role.

If you’re pivoting to a new career and can’t currently accept unpaid work, then online certifications are another good option for upskilling. Or, simply create a social media account of your own and start building your online presence! After a few months, you should be able to demonstrate your ability to post consistently and grow your following.

4. Develop a Portfolio

Your portfolio is your key to social media success, whether you are working in-house or on a freelance basis. A portfolio demonstrates your work and its impact. Remember that experience does not have to be professional: Passion projects and side hustles can be a fun way to learn your way around platforms and discover the best strategies for each. Consider building a website to showcase your most successful social media posts.

5. Market Yourself to Potential Clients

Whether your goal is to land a salaried position working in social media or to go into business for yourself as a freelancer, you are a brand, and your ability to market yourself as such will show employers or clients that you can also successfully market their products or services.

Be aware, however, that social media is a highly competitive field. Instead of applying to jobs online, try attending conferences and small business events. Introduce yourself in person. Give people your card. Let them meet your brand face-to-face.

Pro Tip:

edX_Icon_LearningNeuroscience “The most important thing is the enthusiasm and willingness to learn and contribute.  Let’s face it, someone with all the certifications in the world is going to be a net loss if they have a poor attitude and are not willing to work with others and really see their role as a problem solver.  Technical skills are teachable, attitude is another matter,” said Frohwein, instructor for the Marketing Foundations course from DoaneX.

Start Learning Foundational Marketing Skills

Social media is constantly changing. Platforms and trends come and go. Algorithms evolve. Current events spark new conversations. Staying up to date on new channels is important, but it’s even more important to lay a good foundation. There are plenty of reputable resources online to help you upskill in marketing. Explore edX marketing courses to get started.

Sourced from edX

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How To Become A Digital Marketer: What Is the Best Digital Marketing Career Path?

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By Shalom Kamau

The increase in social media and digital technologies has led digital marketing to become the most in-demand form of advertising. It is easier to reach a larger audience and have a higher return on investment (ROI) within a short period in the digital marketing field.

For this reason, more people are interested in becoming digital marketers. This guide covers all the necessary steps you need to launch a career in digital marketing as well as similar jobs you can pursue. Read on to discover more and learn how to become a digital marketer in 2021.

What Is a Digital Marketer?

A digital marketer is a marketing expert in charge of using digital technologies to reach customers online. Their primary role is to ensure clients receive widespread recognition on digital channels, which in turn generates higher sales. Digital marketers must be conversant with most, if not all, of the digital marketing tools currently available.

Some of these tools include social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and mobile marketing. It is essential to understand these powerful tools as you begin your career path to becoming a digital marketer.

Digital Marketer Job Description

In short, your primary role is to act as a bridge between a company and its customers. Digital marketers perform several duties, from creating and uploading content to strategizing ways of enhancing search engine rankings. You will be in charge of the client’s online platforms, such as the company website, Instagram page, or blog content.

You will plan and strategize ways to engage with customers and keep them interested in your client’s brand or product. You will also likely manage Google Analytics and other SEO tools, enhancing the company’s online presence through posting images, videos, and written content.

Digital Marketer Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) indicates a six percent job growth for advertising and marketing jobs between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average. The fast job growth can also be attributed to the lucrative annual salary. The BLS also reports that marketing management professionals earn $141,490 per year.

PayScale offers a more specific salary outlook. According to its official report, digital marketing specialists earn an average salary of $50,380. However, this can go up to $62,767 for experienced digital marketers. If you enter a digital marketing management position, your salary can double. This means you should enter the field as soon as possible.

Top Reasons to Become a Digital Marketer in 2021

Besides the job security and high salaries, there are many different reasons to become a digital marketer. This field is both fulfilling and full of variety. Below are more reasons why pursuing a digital marketing career in 2021 is worth it.

  • Job outlook. Digital marketers have a great projected job outlook for the rest of the decade. The six percent growth rate projected by BLS emphasizes job security in the industry for an extended period.
  • Flexibility. Apart from extensive job opportunities, you also have the freedom to work in any industry. Digital marketing professionals can work in retail, fashion, entertainment, education, technology, or sports.
  •  Lucrative salaries. The digital marketing industry pays its workers well. You can receive a median salary of $50,000 and above, depending on your skill level. In addition, most digital marketers have the freedom to work as freelancers, which is a great way to make extra income.
  • Creative outlet. If you’re a creative person, working as a digital marketer is a dream come true. There are always opportunities for you to think outside the box and develop ways to make a marketing campaign stand out.

Digital Marketer Job Requirements

Although penetrating the digital marketing industry isn’t as challenging, you still need to meet specific criteria as a digital marketer. Employers are open to employing individuals who meet the following requirements.

  • A bachelor’s degree. Employers look for candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or a related field. However, an Associate Degree in Marketing is still enough to get you a job as a digital marketer.
  • Digital marketing tools. You must be familiar with several digital marketing tools. Tools like social media, email marketing, and search engines play a significant role in the success of digital marketing campaigns. In addition, you need to understand how Google Ads works, perform numbers analysis, and keep up with the current trends.
  • Experience. On average, employers look for candidates who have worked for two or more years in the digital marketing industry. However, this doesn’t mean beginners are out of luck. You can launch your career by applying for entry-level digital marketing jobs to gain more experience.
  • Problem-solving skills. Like every other industry, problems and emergencies occur in digital marketing. Therefore, you need to be a fast thinker and always come up with suitable solutions for any problem.

Types of Digital Marketing Careers

As mentioned above, digital marketers can work in any industry. You can also branch into different career paths under digital marketing. Whether you want to become an SEO expert or a digital marketing manager, your roles contribute to the business’s success. Below are some of the most popular digital marketing careers.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

An SEO specialist ensures a website ranks highly on several search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. You will delve into keyword research to ensure each article aligns with current common search terms. Your primary role is to increase website traffic by making sure your website activity generates leads.

Social Media Manager

A social media manager oversees a client’s social media platforms. You will be responsible for creating and posting content, responding to customer comments and queries, and monitoring engagement data. Moreover, you need to be up-to-date with current trends to ensure your client’s products align with contemporary markets.

Marketing Coordinator

A marketing coordinator is in charge of content marketing strategy for all marketing channels. You will also lead the marketing team in the day-to-day activities of the marketing department. These activities include tracking product performance, monitoring customer engagement, or drafting performance reports for clients.

Digital Marketer Meaning: What Does a Digital Marketer Do?

As mentioned earlier, a digital marketer acts as a bridge between the company and its customers on all digital platforms. Digital marketers wear many hats and therefore need to have many different skills. Read below to learn more about the responsibilities that digital marketers have.

Conducts Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing is one of the best ways to enhance a company’s website traffic. It involves marketing strategies that redirect user attention to your site. You will create and distribute content through link building, content marketing, and search engine optimization.

Tracks Social Media

As a digital marketer, you will manage one or more social media pages. Your role is to enhance the client’s social media presence by posting regular content and engaging with the customers. You will also gather analytics, conduct pay-per-click (PPC) marketing, and write performance reports.

Communicates with Customers

Digital marketers are in charge of developing and maintaining relationships between the company and customers while increasing brand awareness. Digital marketers need to ensure that all content being produced and published online is in line with the brand’s image.

Essential Digital Marketer Skills

Digital marketing can be applied to any industry, meaning professionals need a variety of unique skills. Almost all businesses in 2021 have a digital marketing presence, and there are many jobs out there that require different skills and tools. Most employers look for the following skills in all potential employees.

SEO and SEM

Search engine optimization and management skills help you bring traffic to your client’s website. Therefore, you must know how to research keywords, analyze performances, and keep up with the analytics. This is arguably the most important part of digital marketing because it helps clients or customers find your business or organization.

Pay-Per-Click (PPC) and Social Media marketing

You should learn how pay-per-click marketing works and use marketing channels like Google Ads and sponsored posts. Understanding trends will help a brand’s social media stay relevant. You should be familiar with Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and any other relevant platforms to the industry.

Storytelling

Whether visual or written, your posts, blogs, and images must tell a story. You should have the ability to make ideas flow in a way that any reader can understand and that adheres to your company’s brand. Communication is a vital part of digital marketing.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Digital Marketer?

It takes anywhere between six months to four years to become a digital marketer. You have the freedom to pursue various learning paths, including community college, bootcamp, university, or online courses. Therefore, depending on your learning path, the time frame will differ.

Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Become a Digital Marketer?

Yes, coding bootcamps offer short-term digital marketing courses for beginners and experienced professionals. You can learn various digital marketing fundamentals, such as advertising, PPC marketing, content strategies, email marketing, SEO, and marketing budgets at one of the best digital marketing bootcamps in 2021.

Can I Become a Digital Marketer from Home?

Yes, thanks to modern technology, it is possible to become a digital marketer from home. You can register for an online course, pursue an online degree, or join an online coding bootcamp remotely. All you need is a reliable Internet connection and a working computer.

How to Become a Digital Marketer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a digital marketer involves a straightforward process of getting an education, gaining experience, and finding a job in the industry. Below is an overview of how to become a digital marketer in 2021.

Step 1: Get an Education

Like all other careers, it is essential to get an education before launching your career. You can join a digital marketing bootcamp or any other educational institution. If you can, take this time to find a specialty within the industry.

Step 2: Gain Experience

You can gain experience by finding an internship or an entry-level job. You will gain hands-on experience in the field and develop the skills to flourish as a digital marketer. You can also take the initiative to create a personal portfolio of mock marketing or social media campaigns.

Step 3: Find a Job

After you gain enough work experience, find a career in the industry. For example, you can work as an SEO specialist, digital marketing manager, or email marketing manager. There are many different specialties within this field, so find one that works for you and your career goals.

Best Schools and Education for a Digital Marketer Career

There are several learning paths for a digital marketer. Some are long-term, while others only take a few months to complete. Below are the best schools for anyone pursuing a digital marketing career.

Digital Marketing Bootcamps

Digital marketing boot camps are short-term programs with a curriculum that focuses on the fundamentals of the industry. Most boot camps provide career services like resume reviews and mock interviews, and many boot camps partner with companies to ensure you receive job placement upon graduation.

Vocational Schools

Vocational schools focus on the technical aspects of digital marketing. You will receive hands-on training on using analytics tools like Google Adwords, social media networks, affiliate marketing, and other digital marketing concepts.

Community College

You can pursue a two-year associate degree at a community college. The education path is not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, but most associate degree holders are eligible for entry-level positions. You can also transfer your credits over to a bachelor’s degree if you want.

Digital Marketing Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is enough for you to launch a lucrative career in the industry. However, after the four-year degree program, you have the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree or even a PhD. You should research the best online degrees before you decide which one to pursue.

The Most Important Digital Marketing Certifications

Certifications are essential for any career path. You solidify your authenticity as a digital marketer and gain the upper hand when it comes to attracting clients. Below are three of the best professional certifications for digital marketers.

Google Ads Certification

This is a free certification program that tests your knowledge of Google Ads. You will explore basic and advanced knowledge before completing a Google Ads Fundamentals assessment. You can choose from a few different Google Ads certifications depending on your career goals and where you are in your journey.

Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification

This program focuses on the fundamentals of inbound marketing. It is a free four-hour Hubspot Academy course that teaches you everything you need to know to become a digital marketer. If you want to learn inbound marketing techniques, this certification program is the perfect choice for you.

Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer

The Copyblogger program is one of the best content marketing certifications courses. It is self-paced coursework that costs $495 on Copyblogger. Once done, you become listed in the Certified Content Marketer directory and have a certification for your resume and LinkedIn profile.

How to Prepare for Your Digital Marketer Job Interview

A job interview is a significant part of the job search process. You should research the company, find out about their products, prepare your cover letter, and practice mock interviews more than once. Remember to stay positive and always exude confidence when responding to questions. Practicing questions is the best way to prepare for your job interview.

Digital Marketer Job Interview Practice Questions

  • Why do you want to pursue a digital marketing career?
  • Which digital marketing tools do you use?
  • How will you enhance our company’s online presence?
  • What strategies would you implement to raise awareness for our company?

Should I Become a Digital Marketer in 2021?

Yes, digital marketing is a fast-growing industry with many opportunities. You get to explore your creativity, work in a fun environment, and network with a diverse team. Furthermore, you can earn a lucrative salary with many opportunities to move up in the field. If you want to work with digital content, social media, and SEO, you should become a digital marketer.

Digital Marketer FAQ

Can You Become a Digital Marketer Without a Degree?

Yes, you can enrol in a digital marketing boot camp or pursue any digital marketing online course on massive open online course (MOOC) platforms.

Is It Hard to Become a Digital Marketer?

No. Digital marketing is a flexible field and accommodates people with little to no experience. However, you need to be motivated and ready to work hard.

Is Digital Marketing Worth It?

Yes, digital marketing is worth it. The industry has an impressive job growth rate of six percent, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, which guarantees job security. Even better, it can be an exciting career where no day is the same.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Digital Marketer?

A digital marketing career takes a few months to four years to start, depending on your learning path. You can attend a digital marketing boot camp for two to six months, a community college program for two years, or a university degree program for four years.

By Shalom Kamau

Sourced from Career Karma

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Google certificate program seeks to boost non-college grads, provide ‘opportunity for everyone’

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By Catie Perry

Could this become an alternative to a 4-year degree?

 

Google offers career certificates that can lead to jobs in growing fields

‘Grow with Google’ Vice President Lisa Gevelber explains Google’s professional certification training program which could lead to opportunities in high-growth fields.

Google’s online job training program is hoping to “create real economic opportunity for everyone,” according to Grow with Google Vice President Lisa Gevelber.

“Eighty million Americans do not have a college degree and we feel like that is a barrier to getting a good job,” she told FOX Business’ “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” Monday.

According to Gevelber, Google career certificates enable people to get the right skills and connect with the right employers for them.

The certificate courses are designed to be taken online at the participant’s own pace, which allows working people to take advantage of the program, according to Grow with Google’s website.

The average course can be completed in fewer than six months and costs roughly $240.

The job fields covered by the program include I.T. support, data analytics, user experience design and project management, all of which are “in demand” and “high-paying” fields, according to Gevelber.

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The program’s site states the average salary for entry-level roles across certificate fields is $63,600.

Google is working with the online learning platform Coursera to offer the certificates and the courses are taught by “experts at Google who have decades of experience,” Gevelber said.

Gevelber believes the most important aspect of the program is Google’s partnerships with employers like Home Depot, Smucker’s, Walmart, Infosys and Better.com.

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By Catie Perry

Sourced from Fox Business

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