Digital Marketing – A Journey of 20 Years and the Truth Behind Its Success

As someone who has been in #digital #marketing for over 20 years and in training for the last 14, I’ve learned a great deal about the reality of this field. When I founded Internet Leads Training (ILT), Kerala's first digital marketing institute, I knew I wanted to dispel common myths about digital marketing, especially for those just starting out.

Digital Marketing Is Not Just a "Technical" Job

A common misconception among students is that digital marketing is solely technical and requires the skills of a software engineer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. At its core, digital marketing is a marketing role, where technology is simply the medium through which we reach our target audiences. Whether through Google, Facebook, YouTube, or mobile apps, digital marketing focuses on strategy, creativity, and market understanding, just with the help of technology.

Three Types of Digital Marketing Students

Over the years, I’ve worked with students from various backgrounds, and I've found they generally fall into three categories:

1. Non-Technical Background (e.g., BCom, BBA, BA, BSc, BSW, MBA, MCOM, MA): These students typically know a little about marketing but may find the technical aspects challenging. While many excel, some struggle unless they put in extra effort to learn the technology basics.
2. Technical Background (e.g., BCA, MCA, BTech): Students with a technical background often pick up the technical concepts of digital marketing quickly. However, without a marketing mindset, they may find it difficult to create impactful campaigns, as they can lack a clear understanding of market dynamics and consumer psychology.
3. Technical + Marketing Background (e.g., BCA/MBA, BTech/MBA): These students, with both technical and marketing knowledge, tend to understand all aspects of digital marketing more easily. Their combined skill set often allows them to reach high levels in the field, where they can leverage both technology and strategic thinking.

My Advice to Aspiring Digital Marketers

If you’re considering a career in digital marketing, be prepared for a field that requires both marketing intuition and technical awareness. If you don’t have a passion for marketing or at least a willingness to learn the technology involved, this may not be the career for you.

My Personal Journey: From Developer to Digital Marketer

I began my career as a web developer, where I spent three years mastering web development before pivoting into digital marketing. It took time and effort to understand the marketing side, and my MBA in Digital Marketing at the University of the West of Scotland , London, helped me bridge the gap. This transition taught me the importance of both technical and marketing skills and set me up for success in this field.

In conclusion, digital marketing is a dynamic, rewarding career path that offers immense growth. But it’s not an easy road—it requires dedication to both marketing concepts and technological advancements. For anyone ready to embrace both, digital marketing holds endless opportunities. If you’re passionate about learning and adapting, there’s no better time to dive into the world of digital marketing!

Let’s connect and discuss the exciting future of digital marketing. #DigitalMarketing #CareerAdvice #MarketingSkills #Technology #DigitalMarketer #CareerJourney #InternetLeadsTraining