Today, businesses are increasingly relying on online platforms to reach their audiences, leading to a surge in demand for skilled digital marketing professionals. Whether you’re contemplating a career in digital marketing or seeking to advance within the field, understanding the various roles, required skills, and potential career paths is essential.
In this blog, we will look at what a digital marketeer does, the skills needed to do well, salary insights, and how to get started.
What Does a Digital Marketer Do?
A digital marketer leverages online channels to promote products, services, or brands. Their primary objective is to connect with target audiences, drive engagement, and achieve business goals through digital means. Digital marketing expertise is explicitly cited as the top skill marketers list on LinkedIn profiles globally, surpassing marketing strategy and advertising. With this in mind, here is a list of activities marketing jobs normally include:
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Content Creation: Developing engaging content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms.
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Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Optimizing website content to rank higher in search engine results.
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Social Media Marketing (Management): Overseeing and strategising content across social media channels to enhance brand presence.
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Email Marketing: Crafting and sending targeted email campaigns to nurture leads and retain customers.
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Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Managing online advertising campaigns to drive traffic and conversions.
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Data Analysis: Monitoring and analysing metrics to assess campaign performance and inform future strategies.
The role requires a blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and technical proficiency to effectively engage audiences and drive results.
Essential Skills for Digital Marketing Professionals
To do well in digital marketing, it’s important to build a mix of skills that go beyond just knowing the basics. The industry moves fast, so being able to adapt, think strategically, and use both creativity and data is key. Whether it’s getting to grips with SEO, creating strong content, or understanding what makes people click, the best digital marketers know how to bring it all together. Here are the core skills you’ll need to stand out and succeed.
Analytical Skills
Understanding data is at the heart of digital marketing. It is great if you can track the numbers, but it’s more understanding what they mean. Great marketers can look at performance metrics, user behaviour, and campaign results to spot trends, uncover insights, and figure out what’s driving success or holding things back.
Being confident with tools like Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, and custom dashboards makes it easier to turn raw data into smart, actionable strategies that boost ROI and keep campaigns performing at their best.
Creativity
Creativity fuels standout campaigns. From writing compelling copy and designing eye-catching visuals to crafting engaging social media content, marketers must create experiences that capture attention and drive action. Creative thinking is also key when developing new approaches to reach audiences, especially in a saturated digital space.
Technical Proficiency
A solid grasp of digital tools is non-negotiable. Digital marketers should be comfortable navigating platforms like SEO tools (SEMrush, Ahrefs), CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce), paid media platforms (Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads), and content management systems (WordPress, Webflow). Understanding basic HTML/CSS and marketing automation can also be highly advantageous.
Familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms, such as Google Analytics, SEO tools, and content management systems.
Communication Skills
Digital marketers often serve as the link between creative, technical, and strategic teams. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for bringing ideas to life, aligning team efforts, presenting strategies with clarity, and connecting with audiences across a range of platforms.
Adaptability
With new algorithms, emerging platforms, changing consumer habits, and evolving technology, marketers need to stay curious and adaptable. Keeping up means continuously learning and being ready to adjust strategies based on fresh insights or shifting market trends, which is crucial for staying ahead of the curve.
Developing these skills enables digital marketers to navigate the dynamic digital environment successfully.
Career Progression in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing offers a structured career path with opportunities for growth. A typical progression might look like:
- Digital Marketing Intern/Apprentice/Assistant: Gaining foundational experience by supporting marketing campaigns and managing basic tasks at an entry-level.
- Digital Marketing Executive/Specialist: Taking on more responsibility by managing specific channels or campaigns, such as social media or email marketing.
- Digital Marketing Manager: Oversee a team and develop comprehensive marketing strategies across multiple channels.
- Digital Marketing Director/Head of Digital: Leading the digital marketing department, setting overarching strategies, and aligning digital initiatives with business objectives.
This progression allows professionals to deepen their expertise and take on leadership roles within the industry.
Exploring Roles in Digital Marketing
The digital marketing field encompasses various specialised roles, including:
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SEO Specialist: Focuses on optimising website content to improve search engine rankings and drive organic traffic.
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Content Marketing: Creates and distributes valuable content to attract and engage a target audience.
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Social Media Manager: Manages an organization’s presence on social media platforms, engaging with followers and promoting content.
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PPC Specialist: Manages paid advertising campaigns to drive traffic and conversions through platforms like Google Ads.
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Email Marketing Specialist: Designs and executes email campaigns to nurture leads and maintain customer relationships.
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Digital Marketing Analyst: Analyses data from various digital marketing channels to assess performance and inform strategy.
Each role requires specific skills and offers unique challenges and rewards.
Marketing Salary Insights
Salaries within marketing and digital marketing continue to evolve, influenced by experience level, niche skill sets, location, and the ever-changing digital landscape. At Mexa Solutions, our 2025 Digital Agency Salary Guide reveals how demand for marketing talent is.
Over the past six months, we’ve seen salaries rise across the board, reflecting the increasing value placed on performance marketing, content strategy, data-driven campaigns, and MarTech expertise.
Our research shows that Digital Marketing Executives typically earn between £24,000 and £30,000, depending on their channel specialisation and platform experience.
Marketing Managers command salaries ranging from £28,000 to £40,000, while Digital Marketing Managers, especially those skilled in SEO, PPC, and CRM, can expect to earn between £50,000 and £70,000.
Performance Marketing Specialists and Growth Marketers often earn £55,000 to £80,000, reflecting their direct impact on ROI. At the senior level, Head of Marketing or Marketing Directors see salaries ranging from £60,000 to to £90,000, depending on company size and strategic remit.
With digital channels continuing to dominate brand strategies, companies are adapting their hiring and retention practices. They’re offering competitive packages, investing in upskilling, and placing a premium on marketers who can blend creativity with data insight to drive measurable growth.
Job Outlook for Marketers in 2025
The job outlook for marketers remains strong, especially in digital-focused roles. As businesses shift toward data-driven strategies and personalised customer experiences, there’s an increasing demand for marketers who combine creativity with technical skills.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer in marketing. From content creation and customer targeting to campaign optimisation, AI is making marketing more efficient and effective. As AI tools evolve, marketers who understand how to use them are becoming essential and in particular in roles like Marketing Automation Specialists and Data Analysts.
Digital transformation is pushing industries like tech, e-commerce, healthcare, and finance to seek out skilled marketers in SEO, paid media, content strategy, and analytics. Alongside these traditional roles, new opportunities are opening up in AI-powered areas such as predictive analytics and customer experience management.
With hybrid and remote work on the rise, marketers now have greater flexibility in where and how they work. Those who stay ahead of emerging trends, continuously update their skill sets, and learn to leverage AI will be well-positioned for success in the evolving marketing landscape.
How to Start a Successful Career in Digital Marketing
Embarking on a digital marketing career involves several steps, even if you have no digital marketing experience.
- Education: Pursue relevant courses or certifications in digital marketing to build foundational knowledge.
- Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience through internships, work experience opportunities, freelance projects, or managing your own digital initiatives.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals through events, online forums, and social media platforms.
- Stay Updated: Keep in the loop of the latest digital marketing trends, tools, and best practices.
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work and achievements to potential employers or clients.
By following these steps, aspiring digital marketers can establish a strong foundation for a successful career.
How Mexa Solutions Can Help You
Mexa Solutions specialises in digital marketing recruitment, connecting businesses with top talent in SEO, paid media, content strategy, social media, and more. With a deep understanding of the fast-changing digital landscape, Mexa simplifies the hiring process by identifying candidates with expertise in the latest digital marketing tools and strategies.
Whether you’re a company building a marketing team or a job seeker looking to advance your career, Mexa offers customised recruitment solutions that cater to your needs. We help businesses stay ahead of the competition and empower professionals by offering exciting opportunities for growth. Explore our latest digital marketing roles or get in touch with us today to learn more.
Get Into Digital Marketing Today!
Digital marketing is full of opportunities for those with the right skills. As businesses focus more on their online presence, the demand for digital talent keeps growing. With the right knowledge and a flexible mindset, you can build a rewarding career.
Marketing FAQ’s
Do I need a degree to work in digital marketing?
Not necessarily. While a degree can help, many employers value hands-on experience, certifications (like Google Ads or HubSpot), and a strong portfolio over formal education.
Can I work remotely as a digital marketer?
Yes! Many digital marketing roles are remote-friendly, especially in content creation, PPC, social media, and SEO.
What’s the best way to showcase my digital marketing skills on a CV?
Include measurable results (e.g., “Increased traffic by 40% in 3 months”), link to your portfolio or campaigns, and mention tools you’ve used (like Google Analytics, SEMrush, Canva, etc.).