By Martha Mae for Girls In Marketing
The essence of great marketing is great storytelling. We want to be able to create a plotted, functioning story so we can find practical ways to spread and share an important message. As budding marketeers, there are certain things we can do to inspire ourselves and boost our marketing skills to the next level.
Online Courses Are the New Netflix
Dear Netflix, it’s not you. It’s me. I’m just looking for something a little more serious, right now.
There are loads of fabulous courses in digital marketing covering everything from SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and email marketing to social media campaigns and content creation. It can be overwhelming to find the right course for you, and pick the best of the bunch. That’s why Girls in Marketing have put together a condensed list of the top, affordable online courses; to make your search easier.
As well as this specially curated list, Girls in Marketing offers its own eCourse called ‘Your Journey to Successful Freelance Marketing’. This self-paced, credible and eCourse contains six modules including finding your freelance niche, acquiring your first client and keeping track of your finances. It’s got the perfect formula for people who know nothing about freelance, or experienced freelancers who simply want to up their game. Plus, you get a super fancy certificate at the end. What more could you ask for?
Get Crafty With Content
We know marketing is all about storytelling so why not start practicing how to communicate your message? Set yourself a short brief and try your hand at writing some content in an old notebook! It could be anything: press releases, blog posts, articles or even a short story. The world is your oyster. You can even get started with a user story example that will help you come up with a formula you can repeat throughout your platforms when creating ongoing content.
Try writing little and often, then coming back to edit your work later. Observe online what brands are chatting about, and always have a target audience in mind.
Here’s some hypothetical writing prompts to get you started:
- McDonalds is releasing a new burger called the ‘Big Hero’ on the 1st September. As part of a campaign, it will be giving out free burgers to all NHS and frontline workers throughout the month. Can you write a press release to give to media outlets?
- A new skincare brand called Smoothskin has just launched and it’s designed to help those with problematic, acne-prone skin. Can you write a blog post for their website aimed at their target demographic?
- Oatly, the alternative milk brand, are releasing a new line of flavored milkshakes in supermarkets. Can you write a series of engaging tweets about the upcoming launch?
You Are The Platform
Once you’ve got all this knowledge under your belt, it’s natural to want to show it off. And hun, you absolutely should.
So why not create your own platform? BE the platform. Setting up your own blog (it can be anything you’re passionate about!) or even starting up your own marketing-inspired Instagram page can be a great way to put all those skills into action and network with other users. It will prove to any future employers that not only are you willing to learn in your spare time, but you want to showcase your skill set too. It’s another thing to add to your ever-growing CV. Check, check, check!
Understand SEO and Stay Fresh
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is kind of every marketeer’s bread and butter, and it is delicious. According to statistics, around 67,000 searches take place on Google. Every. Single. Second. Nearly 80% of users ignore paid ads in search results so understand SEO is really the winning golden-ticket.
It is just as important to keep up-to-date with industry trends, too. Gathering information on social media trends and SEO strategies are perfect ways to level up your marketing skills and keep them feelin’ fresh.
Fill Your Feeds
Ever heard of a social media detox? As dreamy as it sounds to turn off your phone and throw it into a water fountain (remember that scene from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’?), it’s not always possible.
There is a simple solution: start following people that produce educational content and make you feel inspired. It’s surprising how much you can recall from a little Instagram infographic. Try diversifying your feed with accounts that offer marketing tips and tricks or welcome any questions you might have.
Feed fear is real. And it’s not a cute look. You deserve better.
(Pssst! You should totally follow us on Instagram @girlsinmarketing)
Think of each taught marketing skill like buying a new pair of shoes. If ever the ones you’re wearing become a bit battered and worn, it’s time to revamp your wardrobe. Strap on a pair of sparkling thigh-high boots and strut your way to success. Keep learning, keep growing and own those shoes, girl! We believe in you.
Martha Mae is a creative junkie on a mission to chat all things feminist, food and mental health. She likes meditation, good books and creating delicious recipes for @thegutsyvegan, her Instagram food blog.
