How to Be an Internet Marketer

Internet marketing is the job of creating a convincing message that attracts customers to an online product. It can consist of 1 small campaign on a social media site, or an entire Internet marketing strategy. In order to master Internet marketing, you must have a strong educational, IT and business background. Online marketing is a fast-paced and competitive environment. You must become an expert at learning new programs and platforms, because online marketing changes quickly. This article will tell you how to be an Internet marketer.

Steps:

Learning Internet Marketing

1. Seek an undergraduate degree in business or marketing. A degree in business will allow you to understand the concepts of value and branding in marketing. The degree will also give you contacts and allow you to speak with people using marketing terms.
   
   
   • You can also seek a degree in allied fields, such as information technology (IT), writing or graphic design. It is recommended that you at least get a minor degree in marketing, so that you will be able to set up a marketing portfolio and sell yourself to marketing companies.
   
   
2. Become an avid Internet user. What sets online marketers apart from regular marketers is that they enjoy and thrive on the fast-paced Internet scene. Join all up-and-coming social media sites, buy and sell domains, create your own website, write a blog, be an affiliate marketer on your website and more.
   • Hands-on experience is priceless when it comes to positioning yourself against your competition. If you are a quick learner with IT, you can go far with Internet marketing.
    
3. Read marketing newsletters and articles. Stay on top of Google's newest changes and understand who is on top of the social media pyramid. Internet marketing changes more quickly than standard marketing concepts, so you must invest time into online marketing research.
4. Create an Internet marketing portfolio. Things that should be included in your portfolio are websites you've created, content management systems (CMS) you've created, banner ads, successful social media accounts, landing pages, branded content and Internet marketing funnels that you have developed. Create a well-rounded portfolio and you can change it slightly to suit each job or contract application.
   • You will want to have an online website portfolio and possibly a print portfolio. Some companies may want to look through your portfolio when you come into the interview, and you should be able to send them a link and give them printed pages.

Becoming an Internet Marketer

1. Choose a specialty. Although it is a good idea to be a well-rounded Internet marketer, in order to have more job opportunities, it is also impossible to stay on top of everything. Choose an IT, graphic design, writing, domain or other specialty and become an expert.
2. Apply for jobs with marketing companies. Depending upon your level of expertise, you may start in an entry-level position and work up, or you may start in a mid-level position. If you like a structured environment, then working up the marketing corporate ladder is the right place to start.
   • If you have plenty of experience, you can also apply for jobs with non-marketing companies. Companies from all industries need people to create an Internet marketing strategy and execute it. For many mid and large-sized companies, this is a full-time job.
    
3. Become a marketing consultant. You should have 5 or more years of experience in Internet marketing before deciding to freelance. You can either develop your own business with employees and a brand or work by freelancing occasionally on a project-by-project basis.
   • Internet marketers often work in consultancy on the side. They may quit their day job as soon as their Internet marketing business becomes lucrative. It is a good idea to take a calculated approach into the field, because it is extremely competitive.
4. Market yourself. Make sure that your personal website, portfolio and image all reflect the message that you want to project for your Internet marketing business. Network with companies at conferences or in your town to get new projects, as well as looking for business online.
   (Source: www.wikihow.com)