The digital world is like a huge playground, and for newbies or marketers trying to figure out their place, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether it’s understanding the important numbers in digital marketing or becoming a pro at SEO and content tricks, it’s easy to get lost in the jungle of information.

Here’s the good news: companies all over the world are on the lookout for smart marketers who know their digital stuff. But, here’s the tricky part – there aren’t enough of these experts to go around. Our research, titled ‘The Marketing Evolution: Leadership, Transformation, Skills, Challenges & the Future,’ found that bosses in marketing are struggling to find people with the right skills.

The top three skills they’re desperately searching for are data analysts (47%), all-around digital marketing skills (37%), and UX designers (34%). It’s like there’s a worldwide talent hunt for these digital wizards

1. Video Marketing

Videos are like the cool kids of the internet – everyone loves them, especially on social media. Did you know, 8 out of 10 folks buy stuff after watching a video from a brand? For marketers, using videos is like having a secret weapon. According to The State of Video Marketing research, 93% of smart marketers use videos because it’s crucial, and 87% say it brings them good vibes in the form of positive Return on Investment (ROI).

Now, these stats might wiggle a bit depending on who you ask, but here’s the bottom line – videos do wonders for getting people interested, involved, and boosting your spot on the internet search list.

Why are videos such attention-grabbers? Because they’re personal and spot-on. When people can see your face (or the face of the person talking about the brand), they trust your business more. Plus, you can use videos everywhere – just look at how Instagram and TikTok exploded!

You don’t need to be a video pro, but knowing how to make videos without calling in the experts is a smart move. There are cool tools like Camtasia or the magic of AI with CapCut to help you out. And if you enjoy making videos and have a bit of know-how, your skills will always be a hit because videos are here to stay!

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Imagine SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as the secret sauce for digital marketing success. If you’re diving into the digital world, you gotta know the basics of SEO – it’s like the compass guiding your online journey.

Don’t worry about the super techy, behind-the-scenes stuff – let the tech wizards handle that. But, understanding how SEO plays its magic and grabbing the tricks for the best practices and sprucing up your content – that’s your ticket to a digital marketing victory dance.

And here’s the scoop – it’s even more crucial now with fancy AI tech like Google’s Search Generative Experience shaking things up. So, think of SEO as your digital superhero cape, helping you soar through the ever-changing online world.

3. Content Marketing

Think of content as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) in the digital marketing game. Content marketing is like the secret sauce that keeps the show running, no matter what craziness is going on.

But, hold your horses, because being a content guru is no small feat. You’ve got to whip up top-notch, SEO-friendly content for a bunch of places and be a strategy whiz to hook and convert your audience. Plus, you’ve got to cozy up to AI pals like ChatGPT to really amp up your content game.

Now, here’s the twist – content isn’t just words on a screen. It’s a whole party with videos, social media posts, emails, web goodies, blogs, e-books, and even whitepapers. And get this, you’ve got to be a social media maestro too, ’cause content rules the roost on those platforms.

So, in the wild world of digital marketing, being the content king or queen is like holding the golden key to success. Ready to unlock the magic

4. Data & Analytics

In the digital marketing world, analytics is your superpower. Tools like Google Analytics are your sidekicks for tracking, but the real magic is in understanding customer behavior. Small businesses have loads of data, and as a digital wizard, you turn it into gold for future strategies. Companies love folks who can speak the language of data and uncover insights for campaign success. Pro tip: Explore alternatives to Google Analytics for hidden gems. Ready for the data adventure

Also Read: How to Use Instagram Analytics, Unleashing the Power of Instagram Analytics

5. Understand Design Thinking & Planning

Imagine problem-solving with a superhero mindset – that’s what design thinking is all about. It’s like putting on glasses that see everything from the user’s point of view, especially when tackling those big, tricky problems.

Picture it like a cool five-step dance: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Why does it groove so well? Because it’s all about making the user experience the star of the show, and that’s the key to digital marketing success.

Here’s the fun twist – you can do this dance in a zigzag way. You might hit the testing phase, then shimmy back to the middle to rethink ideas. It’s a creative rollercoaster!

Now, designers and developers are usually the stars of this show, but having a solid grip on design thinking is like adding a power-up to your marketing skills. It’s like having a cool move to bust out when the time is right. Ready to bring some superhero vibes to your marketing game

6. Social Media

Being a savvy marketer means diving into the social media jungle, but it’s not just about throwing posts out there. Imagine it like a cooking recipe – your content needs to be just right, grabbing attention in a sea of scrolling thumbs.

Each social media platform is like a different flavor, and you’ve got to pick the right one for your audience. Like, if you’re a fitness brand with cool 20-30 year olds as fans, TikTok might be your jam. Post fun workout videos or promos, and voila – brand buzz!

But, if you’re in the business of selling computers to other businesses, LinkedIn is your golden ticket. It’s like a fancy networking event where you can make connections and chat with the nerdy tech crowd.

So, here’s the magic formula: Know your audience, whip up content that hits them in the feels, and pick the social playground where they hang out. It’s like being a social media chef, cooking up success one post at a time. Hungry for marketing wins? Let’s get cooking

7. Email marketing

Imagine email as your trusty sidekick in the marketing world, especially now that first-party data is the superhero of the show – say goodbye to those cookie days.

It’s like having a direct line to your audience, a chance to chat and sway them with personalized messages. Think of it as crafting a series of secret handshakes with tools like MailChimp or Marketo – you want to be best buds with them.

Now, here’s the cool trick: Lists are like your backstage passes. If you run a snazzy social media campaign, gather your contacts into a list. Why? So you can hit them up with similar vibes and messages, like throwing a party just for them.

And don’t forget the magic wand of triggered workflows. It’s like setting up automatic messages that dance into your audience’s inbox at just the right time. It’s the secret sauce to re-engage those awesome prospects or customers.

Here’s the mind-blowing stat from Litmus – for every $1 you toss into email marketing, you can expect a cool $36 in return. So, investing time and love into your email strategy is like planting seeds for a garden of marketing success. Ready to make your audience’s inbox your new hangout? Let’s do this

8. Be Tech Savvy

In the digital marketing world, tech is the star, and you’ve got to be its best friend. If you’re a tech whiz from the digital-native squad, it’s like breathing for you. But, if you’re from the seasoned crew, don’t worry – you can totally rock this tech dance.

Start by getting cozy with Martech – it’s like the cool tech playground for marketers. Whether you’re using audience listening tools or diving into the world of SEM (Search Engine Marketing), it’s about making tech your buddy.

Now, here’s the fun part: Think of web coding, CMS (Content Management Systems), AI tools, and data privacy as your secret weapons. You don’t need to be a coding genius, but understanding the basics is like having a superhero toolkit.

So, whether you’re a digital native or just getting into the tech groove, the key is to make friends with the digital tools. It’s like learning a new language, and once you speak tech, you’ll be the hero of the digital marketing story. Ready to tech-savvy your way to success? Let’s do it!

Also Read: What are the Best AI and Marketing Automation Tools?

9. Be Persuasive

Being a top-notch digital marketing leader isn’t just about being a people person – it’s like being a superhero with a mix of brainpower and creative flair. Imagine juggling numbers like a math whiz while cooking up genius marketing ideas.

Here’s the secret sauce: You’ve got to be a master persuader and influencer. Can you make someone feel like they absolutely need that cool product? Great leaders can not only sell ideas to their teams but also convince other leaders that their plan is the bomb.

But hold up, it’s not about arguing. It’s more like having this quiet confidence that screams, “I know my stuff, and here’s why.” It’s like being the captain of a ship, steering it with confidence and showing everyone that you’ve got the map to success. Ready to be the superhero leader of the marketing squad

10. Highlight Your Unusual Skills

Being a top-notch digital marketer is like being a superhero with a unique superpower – and that superpower is your personality. Picture it like a team of Avengers, each bringing something special to the table.

So, soft skills are like your secret weapons. Imagine being naturally curious, loving a bit of variety, having a futuristic mindset, and being all about the business and strategy game – that’s the winning combo.

But here’s the cool part – there’s room for all kinds of heroes in this digital world. Maybe you’re a wizard at SEO strategy but also have a knack for management, or perhaps you’re the computer whiz who surprisingly loves rocking it on social media.

Here’s the golden rule: Embrace your quirks and strengths. It’s not about fitting a mold; it’s about using your unique powers to stand out. Don’t be afraid to be the superhero you are – that’s what makes you unstoppable in the digital marketing universe! Ready to show off your superpowers? Let’s do this!