As millennial marketers , we have consistently broken ground . We understand that what works today may not work tomorrow . For that reason , we embrace new technologies , try new strategies and are able to pivot with ease when it is necessary . We are curious and able to thrive in any dynamic environment .
MILLENNIAL MARKETER
Are You A Millennial Digital Marketer ? Here ’ s Why Your Skills Are ‘ Giving ’
By Valerie Ambetsa
Millennial ! The emotion you experience when you read this word depends on when you were born , and what you have been through . I am a proud millennial , born in the 80 ’ s with the privilege of witnessing the world before and after the internet .
My first experience with the internet was a dial-up connection with incredibly slow speed and the revolutionary Windows 95 . I remember when pagers were cool , and the advent of smart phones . In fact , for a few years , I was uncertain about these things called ‘ apps ’ and would argue that a smartphone is unnecessary . Fast forward to 2023 , and here I am , a millennial marketer exploring ( and conquering ) the world of digital marketing .
Facebook is my platform of choice , having been the second ( after Hi5 ) social media platform that I explored . It has taken me over 10 years to fully understand and embrace all that Facebook has to offer . When coming up with social media campaigns , I ’ ll inevitably revert to default and propose a Facebook Campaign strategy . In a room full of Gen Z ’ s , I quickly fall into the category of ‘ old ’ ( in my thirties !) and out of touch .
This is why for the past five years ; I ’ ve chosen to explore as many digital and social media platforms as possible to bring myself up to date and maintain a competitive edge in the current market . My learning ’ s have helped me appreciate the complexities of these platforms , and how to use them to deliver value to specific targets , fulfilling the needs of an array of hopeful clients . The way of the future is digital , and to stay ahead in my career , I embrace it fully . Even so , I sometimes find it as difficult as deciphering ancient hieroglyphics , and by this , I mean figuring out Tik Tok . Here are some tips that have helped me evolve in this space .
Finding Potential Clients
At the beginning of my career , my focus was on finding clients , cold calls and hoping for results . Digital marketing today focuses more on clients being able to find you . It is important that you understand the tools used to find you including SEO , Google Ads and Social Media Algorithms . That is why your social presence and the content you share digitally is important .
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As millennial marketers , we have consistently broken ground . We understand that what works today may not work tomorrow . For that reason , we embrace new technologies , try new strategies and are able to pivot with ease when it is necessary . We are curious and able to thrive in any dynamic environment .
However , one cannot discount the power of what is now ‘ old school ’ digital marketing like email campaigns . What must be understood is that email campaigns alone are not enough , as the ever-curious readers will seek to confirm that your messaging is credible . The email campaigns instead act as a trigger for your potential clients to learn more about you online .
Become a Marketing Meteorologist
Changes in marketing are as swift as changes in the weather , so as a millennial digital marketer you are like a meteorologist in the digital world . You analyse data to predict trends , forecast conditions and predict how people will behave . With the information you get , you can give advice and plan an effective campaign .
As a marketing ‘ meteorologist ’ you should base your thinking in strategy to master the art of adaptability and learning . Have you experienced the frustration of a new algorithm update that means your digital content is no longer visible ? Or a change in consumer behaviour such as people watching video more than reading text ? Or even new platform features that affect how people interact with your content ?
Millennial digital marketers need to face the challenge of staying current head on and adopt a mindset of continuous learning .
School is not in Recess
A bachelor ’ s degree , master ’ s degree and even a doctorate degree are not enough to stay relevant and effective in the digital marketing space . In case you thought that you would be done with school after
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