The Importance of Continuing Education for Digital Marketers
Digital marketers have to work with two continuously shifting resources: audience trends and digital technology. The same marketing tactics that worked 10 years ago would be worthless today, not only because the internet is a remarkably different place than it was in 2011 but also because the people who navigate the web do so with different habits and different tastes.
As a result, digital marketers need to constantly learn and adapt, seeking out knowledge and skill that will benefit them and their clients in the coming years. While it is possible to utilize experience to change with the times, most digital marketers benefit by being more proactive in their continued education. Here are a few ways digital marketers can shore up their skills and knowledge now and into the future:
Networking Events
Easily the best way to learn the latest tricks, tips and trends for digital marketing is to talk to other digital marketers. Networking events and conferences bring together large numbers of digital marketers, including global industry leaders, who are eager to discuss emerging strategies for attracting and engaging audiences online. Even better, many of these events are held digitally, so marketers don’t need to take time off work or spare the airfare to interact with best-in-class marketing professionals.
Attending talks at conferences is a good way to actively absorb new information about digital marketing, but it is just as important to make connections with fellow digital marketers. By building a network of peers, marketers have contacts to communicate with regarding any changes to the digital marketing sphere, from new technology to shifting audience tastes. Learning from those we know and trust tends to be easy and enjoyable, which is why networking can be so valuable in continued marketing education.
Online Courses
These days, formal education is as easy as navigating to the right webpage. Marketers can find all manner of online classes related to their field, from a digital marketing course focused on analytics to content generation for social media marketing and more. Many of these courses are available on their own, and marketers can find broader programs that provide certifications or even degrees to boost their credentials alongside their knowledge and skills.
Online education is much more convenient than a traditional school, allowing marketers more flexibility in how they consume course materials to ensure the right lessons are properly digested. Additionally, online courses often provide opportunities for marketers to network with fellow students and professors, which allows them to continue their learning outside the classroom. Sometimes, learning in a classroom is the best way to absorb information, and digital classrooms are perhaps the best options for busy digital marketers looking for a leg up.
Podcasts, Books, Journals
In between networking events and online courses, most marketers need opportunities for self-guided education. Fortunately, there are plenty of free and affordable options for gaining knowledge and skill incrementally. Some of the best options include:
Podcasts. Audio content is convenient for marketers to absorb when involved in hands-on tasks that don’t involve much mental load. Some highly rated podcasts for digital marketers include: The Digital Marketing Podcast, Copyblogger.FM and Marketing School.
Books. An old-school method of gaining new insights and information, books continue to be valuable tools in learning from top industry professionals. In digital marketing, it is crucial to pay attention to the book’s year of publication; books from a decade ago hardly have much to say about current digital marketing strategies. Some of the best marketing books on shelves in 2021 include: What Customers Crave, Hit Makers and The Road to Recognition.
Journals. Magazines and journals offer some of the best bang-for-buck for digital marketers looking for up-to-date information related to their field. Marketers can subscribe to receive recurrent doses of industry news, or they can buy individual issues related to their interests. Some top magazines for digital marketers include: The Drum Magazine, Digiday Magazine and Campaign Magazine.
Oftentimes, working in digital marketing feels like navigating a sailboat on choppy seas with capricious winds. Fortunately, by participating in continued education, marketers can learn to read the signs of the wind and waves, allowing for smoother sailing into the future.
