What does a digital marketing manager do?

A digital marketing manager is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing long-term digital marketing campaigns as well as short-term advertising techniques. This role requires being adept at enhancing brand awareness, driving traffic to the company’s website and generating sales leads. A digital marketing manager oversees the marketing team and provides support in several areas, such as:

• Identifying and testing new digital platforms and tools
• Using web analytics tools to monitor site traffic
• Optimizing marketing campaigns, including email marketing, social media and digital advertising
• Tracking consumers’ purchase behavior

Average salary

Digital marketing managers are typically full-time employees, though some may work part-time or remotely. Salaries for digital marketing managers vary depending on their level of education and work experience as well as an employer’s industry, company size and geographical location.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $59,492 per year
• Some salaries range from $14,000 to $139,000 per year

Digital marketing manager requirements

Obtaining a position as a digital marketing manager may involve certain requirements depending on the role for which you are applying, including:

Education

Entry-level digital marketing managers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree or specialized certifications.

You can earn a degree in a range of relevant disciplines, including business administration, information technology and web design. Digital marketing managers are usually required to have studied coursework in coding languages, search engine optimization, e-commerce and web analytics tools. 

Training

Training to become a digital marketing manager typically involves serving in lower-level marketing-related roles, such as a marketing assistant or marketing intern. Performing the duties of these roles teaches specific processes and communication skills. An internship is frequently part of earning a degree, which also offers valuable training and direct experience. Training through an internship program may include job shadowing and performing certain duties under supervision. 

Digital marketing managers with previous related experience may transfer communication skills, time management and strategic thinking to work for a new employer or in a similar position. 

Certifications

Certifications enable professionals to improve their skills and demonstrate their qualifications to prospective employers. Digital marketing managers can earn certifications to gain more technical knowledge of their responsibilities, test their skills and advance their careers.

Skills

Digital marketing managers require an assortment of hard and soft skills to succeed in this role. Some skills include:

• Strategic thinking: This skill involves understanding how people think to interpret the reasoning behind their purchases. A digital marketing manager uses strategic thinking to target advertising and optimize campaigns to bring the largest return possible.  

• Time management: Digital marketing managers use their time wisely, delegating certain tasks and dedicating a pre-set period to each remaining task. This creates a system of completing tasks promptly. This skill is also used to manage schedules to meet deadlines, attend meetings and perform or delegate other time-sensitive tasks throughout the day.

• Communication: Digital marketing managers must possess strong, clear and concise communication skills to succeed in their field. A skilled communicator utilizes traits such as active listening, positivity and patience as well as verbal and written communication skills. Generating reports to share with upper management and writing persuasive product copy are a few of the tasks requiring excellent communication skills.

• Interpersonal skills: These skills are often a combination of written and verbal communication meant to facilitate clear, respectful communication with media outlets, sales leads, colleagues and clients. Qualities like empathy and intuition enable team members to work together to meet goals, and social skills help marketers understand how individuals communicate, allowing for the most impactful, engaging content for a campaign.

• Technical skills: Digital marketing managers are required to be familiar and comfortable with the forms of technology they use in their daily set of tasks. They must gain technical proficiencies to use the equipment, software and online platforms needed to conduct their work effectively. Some technical skills include budgeting, analyzing the return on investment of marketing campaigns, word and data processing and web analytics.

Digital marketing manager work environment

These specialists work in office settings with the following characteristics:

• Sitting at a desk for extended periods
• Using computers, printers and other common office equipment
• Using proprietary or copyrighted digital tools such as logos or applications
• Regular interdepartmental communication via email, video meetings or electronic messaging
• Occasional or frequent domestic traveling

Digital marketing managers can use their knowledge and skills in industries with similar work environments, such as: 

• Public relations
• Advertising sales
• Accounting 
• Business management

How to become a digital marketing manager

The typical path to becoming a digital marketing manager includes the following steps:

1. Pursue education. Most companies require digital marketing managers to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and some prefer a master’s degree as well. Research requirements in your area, and earn the appropriate level of education for your desired role. You can pursue specific disciplines if your intended industry prefers it.

2. Gain work experience. You can earn relevant work experience through temporary or part-time marketing support positions or internships. Gaining experience through lower-level marketing support roles can supplement your education and advance your career.

3. Earn technical certifications. Depending on your education and work history, you may want to consider earning certifications in content marketing, social media or inbound marketing to prepare you for the responsibilities of a digital marketing manager.

4. Prepare your resume. You should include your highest level of education, relevant certifications and your related work history on a resume. Your work experience segment should include the company name, beginning and ending dates of employment and a summary of your responsibilities, contributions and achievements. Highlighting your progressive growth of skills can also help you find a position as a digital marketing manager.

5. Apply to open positions. Once you’ve earned your degree, certifications and related work experience, search for positions in your desired industry and geographic area. Apply for the jobs you are qualified for based on education and experience. Knowing your qualifications and curating prospective employers can optimize your search and increase the chances of employers contacting you for an interview. Use the resume you created along with a cover letter that outlines the reasons you are the best candidate for that specific role and company. 

Digital marketing manager job description example

Advanced Retail Analytics is seeking an experienced digital marketing manager to join our growing team. This role is responsible for identifying new marketing opportunities as well as increasing awareness around our brand, managing all digital marketing and SEO-related activities like link building, content strategy and keyword usage. The ideal candidate will effectively use digital assets (company website, social media and email) to create marketing strategies that will boost conversion rates and ultimately increase our company’s ROI. Innovative thinking, a focus on positive customer experience and a proactive mindset are essential in this role.

Related careers

Similar roles that a digital marketing manager can use their skills to transition into include:  

• Marketing director
• Brand manager
• Chief marketing officer
• Product marketing manager

 

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