‍What is the career?

A Digital Marketing Strategist designs and implements online marketing strategies to promote brands, products, or services across various digital channels like social media, search engines, and email. They analyze market trends, track campaign performance, and optimize content to reach target audiences effectively. This role requires creativity, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of digital marketing tools and trends.

Why do people choose this career path?

Digital Marketing is a versatile and ever-evolving field with high demand across industries. People choose this career path for the opportunity to work on creative campaigns, use data to drive decisions, and help businesses grow their online presence. It also offers flexible work arrangements and the chance to work across various industries, from fashion to tech.

Salary Projections in USD

• Entry-level: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
• Mid-career: $80,000 - $100,000 per year
• Senior Strategist: $110,000+ per year

Major Skills Required to be Successful

• SEO/SEM: Expertise in search engine optimization and search engine marketing.
• Content Strategy: Ability to create and execute effective content plans.
• Data Analytics: Proficiency in using tools like Google Analytics to track performance.
• Social Media Marketing: Experience managing campaigns on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Email Marketing: Skills in building and optimizing email campaigns for customer engagement.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Digital Marketing Strategist?

A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or Communications takes about 4 years. Additionally, professionals can gain certifications or take specialized digital marketing courses online, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

Traditional Path

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or Communications.
• Certifications: Certifications in Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or digital marketing platforms.
• Experience: Starting in roles like Social Media Manager, Content Strategist, or Marketing Assistant.

Non-Traditional Path

• Online Courses: Learning digital marketing through platforms like Udemy or HubSpot Academy.
• Freelancing: Gaining experience by offering digital marketing services to small businesses or startups.
• Bootcamps: Digital marketing bootcamps that provide hands-on experience.

Top African Companies for Digital Marketing Strategists

• Jumia (Pan-African)
• Konga (Nigeria)
• SweepSouth (South Africa)

Top Global Companies for Digital Marketing Strategists

• HubSpot (USA)
• Adobe (USA)
• Shopify (Canada)

Subjects to Pay Attention to in Secondary School and University

• English/Communications: Important for writing and content creation.
• Business Studies: Useful for understanding marketing principles.
• Computer Science: Helpful for learning digital tools and platforms.

Prominent Africans in Digital Marketing

• Samuel Ajiboye – Nigerian digital marketing expert and co-founder of Gidi Market.
• Wale Lawal – South African marketing strategist and founder of The Republic.

3-5 Cool Things You Get to Work on in This Career

• Social Media Campaigns: Creating viral content and campaigns on Instagram or TikTok.
• SEO Strategies: Improving website ranking on Google and other search engines.
• Brand Building: Developing brand identities through digital storytelling.
• Data-Driven Campaigns: Using analytics to optimize marketing performance.
• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers to promote products or services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Digital Marketing Strategist

1. Secondary School: Focus on English, Business Studies, and Computer Science.
2. University: Study Marketing, Business, or Communications.
3. Certifications: Earn certifications in SEO, Google Ads, or social media marketing.
4. Experience: Gain experience through internships, freelancing, or working at marketing agencies.

Career Entry: Start as a Social Media Manager, Marketing Assistant, or SEO Specialis