The digital world is in a state of rapid evolution. For those with a career in technology, this not only means that new opportunities are emerging in the landscape, but also that some professionals may need to consider learning new skills to expand their roles.
Since code is the key that lies behind so many incredible marketing campaigns, it makes sense that modern digital marketers might benefit from translating this new technical language. However, there’s an ongoing debate in the marketplace today, over whether learning how to code is an essential task for marketers, or simply an enticing option.
The Case for Learning How to Code
The “digital marketing” profession is still quite new, but it’s an area that has seen phenomenal growth and change in recent years. Today’s digital experts could shape the careers of the future, defining what it means to sell in an online space.
For now, the roles of a digital marketer aren’t always set in stone. Depending on whether you apply for a job at an agency, in-house or act as a freelancer, you might find that the expectations around your position change from one client to the next. The versatility of the position is one of the reasons why many digital marketers have begun to consider learning code to expand their skill sets, and improve their employability.
The Benefits of Learning Coding
To some extent, embracing code as a part of marketing makes sense. Today’s companies are adopting more digital channels and solutions than ever before to connect with their audience on a deeper level. There are probably some advantages to learning the language of the virtual world if you want to get ahead as a digital marketer. For instance:
1. Coding Could Make You a Better Problem Solver
Many designers believe that being an active coder is less about knowing how to read the language and more about how to respond creatively to problems. For digital marketers, this could mean that learning how to code will give you a new perspective on the concerns your clients face, by helping you to break their challenges down, piece by piece.
2. Coding Expands Your Expertise
While there’s a lot to be said for understanding the “traditional” side of marketing, many clients today expect their digital professionals to be able to offer guidance on the complicated, technical side of things too. Learning how to code could mean that you can give your clients “expert insight” into their concerns, therefore increasing your value.
3. Know What’s Possible
Getting to grips with even the most basic elements of coding could help you to understand what your customers can realistically achieve with their marketing campaigns. This can help to give you the guidelines and inspiration you need to make incredible things happen for your clients because you don’t have to build your suggestions on guesswork.
Is Coding Essential for Digital Marketers?
Though the argument can be made that coding is a useful skill for digital marketers to have, it’s also worth noting that it’s not necessarily an essential part of the job description. In a world where technology is changing at such a rapid pace, it’s safe to say that marketers would need to invest a great deal of time and focus into keeping both their marketing knowledge and coding abilities up to date.
While it’s always helpful for marketers to continue learning and improving wherever possible, it’s important to take the time to think about where you want to go in your career. If you can see yourself heading towards a position where you can offer both marketing and coding advice at the same time, then it’s crucial to grow your coding knowledge.
On the other hand, if you want to specialise entirely in marketing strategy, then focus your development in these areas.
For most experts in the digital marketing space, the key to maintaining a competitive edge is in cultivating a culture of learning, where your curiosity allows you to stay up to date with the latest evolutions in the marketplace.
However, if you decide that you do want to branch into coding, the good news is that there are dozens of learning opportunities available. From articles and eBooks to intensive online courses, you’re sure to find plenty of engaging ways to learn the basics of code from CSS, to HTML.
Resource On Demand is Europe’s first specialist Salesforce Recruitment Company. We assist the world’s leading organisations to grow their technology teams. Supporting companies to fill roles that span across digital marketing, marketing automation, Human Capital Management, CRM system management, software testing and Salesforce.
The team at Resource On Demand have access to an extensive database of key talent, registering over 8000 professionals each year. To find out how we can support you call us on +44 20 8123 7769 or rod@resourceondemand.com.