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The marketing industry is very competitive and marketers are always looking to evolve with new skills they can add to their repertoire. Formstack has created the valuable infographic below that highlights the seven skills marketers need to be successful in their position. Don't get left in the dust - a marketer with a diversified skill set is in high demand, especially in today's digital marketing age.
The Skills Marketers Need for Success
Digital marketers are becoming jacks-of-all-trades. The industry needs people who can do everything from crunching data to creating media. If you want to take your marketing to the next level, hone these essential skills:
1. Analytics
Analytical marketers leverage web behaviour, purchase history, device engagement and more, all in an effort to grow traffic and leads. If you are data-minded, you'll be a hot commodity. Research predicts a shortfall of up to 1.5 million data-savvy managers by 2018.
2. Social Media
One way marketers plan to improve their social strategies is to add new networks. Marketers plan to include Google+, SlideShare, and Pinterest in their social media strategies. Staying on the cutting edge of social media helps you create the trend, not follow it. Thankfully, 92% of marketers believe social media is important for their business and aren't missing out on its vast potential.
3. Data Visualization
Bite-sized visual media is on the rise. Images are easier to share and will continue to increase in popularity. Great digital marketers create images people are excited to share. Infographics are a perfect example of popular visual content that works. It has been found that 12% of websites see an increase in traffic after they post an infographic to their blog.
4. Technical Skills
Learn technical skills like basic coding or video production. Marketers who are competent in different areas can communicate better with tech teams and cast a clear vision so developers can build things customers want. Half of all new marketing hires will require technical skills, so you should start learning if you want to have a competitive edge.
5. Teamwork
Social media teams will continue to increase, so your ability to work with others is paramount. As more marketers attribute ROI to social media, they can justify to higher-ups that they're not simply playing around online. Currently, 57% of marketers have a dedicated social team.
6. Newsjacking
Readiness in the digital age is awareness of breaking news and pop culture. Being present allows your team to deal with any public relations crises immediately. You can also take advantage of fleeting marketing opportunities that only work in the environment. Oreo is a very aware company and used the blackout during Super Bowl XLVII to write a "Dunk in the Dark" tweet that was retweeted 14,000+ times.
Power out? No problem. pic.twitter.com/dnQ7pOgC
— Oreo Cookie (@Oreo) February 4, 2013
7. Soft Skills
Being a great marketer isn't just what you know. Pay attention to the soft skills that matter in your work relationships. Communication skills, friendliness, and flexibility make you a great coworker. Nine times out of ten, individuals reported job failure due to poor attitude or behaviour.
