Can Digital Marketing Provide Jobs for Those Displaced by COVID-19?

Introduction

The global pandemic has had a profound impact on the job market, with many people losing their jobs due to the onset of COVID-19. While the potential for digital marketing to create new job opportunities is significant, the reality is more complex. This article explores the feasibility of digital marketing providing jobs to those affected by the pandemic, discussing its potential and the challenges involved.

What is possible vs what is probable is very different. Digital marketing does have the potential to provide jobs to all people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19, but the extent and feasibility of this outcome remain uncertain. This article will unpack these complexities, providing a comprehensive view of the potential of digital marketing in job creation.

Understanding the Potential

Marketing is an acquired skill, and not everyone possesses the necessary expertise. However, the demand for digital marketing services has surged in the wake of lockdowns and remote work models. This surge has been driven by businesses adapting to the new normal and consumers increasing their digital engagement.

Digital marketing is a broad field with many specialized areas, such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, paid advertising, mobile marketing, podcasting, and video marketing. Each of these areas represents a distinct opportunity for employment.

The key to being a successful digital marketer is specialization and outsourcing the parts that you don’t know. Why? Because each of these areas is time-consuming and requires consistent effort. Specialization allows individuals to focus on what they are best at, thereby improving their efficiency and effectiveness.

The Probabilities of Job Creation

Maury aptly points out that 'You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink.' This statement reflects a fundamental truth in digital marketing job creation: while the potential is there, the actual outcome depends on the willingness and ability of individuals to learn and adapt.

The demand for digital marketing services has increased due to the lockdowns caused by COVID-19. Businesses have realized the importance of digital presence and online engagement, leading to a greater demand for professionals in this field. However, not everyone has the necessary skills or the ability to develop them.

User Skills and Adaptability

One of the primary challenges in leveraging digital marketing to create jobs is the skill gap. Many people may not possess the necessary technical or creative skills required for digital marketing. Providing training and support to upskill individuals can help bridge this gap, but it requires investment and collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and governments.

Types of Digital Marketing Jobs

Digital marketing offers a range of job opportunities, each with its own set of skills and requirements. Here are some examples:

SEO Specialists: Focus on improving a website’s visibility in search engine results. Social Media Managers: Handle social media platforms to increase brand visibility and engagement. Content Writers and Creators: Produce quality content that resonates with target audiences. Email Marketers: Design and send email campaigns to promote products or services. Paid Advertising Specialists: Manage PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns on platforms like Google and Facebook. Mobile Marketing Experts: Develop strategies for marketing to mobile devices. Podcast Strategists: Plan and produce engaging podcast content. Video Marketers: Create and distribute videos to enhance brand reputation and product promotion.

Each of these roles requires specific skills, and acquiring these skills can take time and effort. Providing resources and support for individuals to develop these skills is crucial for maximizing the potential of digital marketing in job creation.

Conclusion

While digital marketing does have the potential to create job opportunities for those who lost their jobs due to COVID-19, the reality is more complex. The demand for digital marketing services is growing, but the actual number of jobs created depends on the willingness and ability of individuals to learn and adapt. Providing training and support to upskill individuals can help bridge the skill gap, making digital marketing a viable pathway to job creation in the post-COVID world.