In 2024, it seems like everywhere you turn, people are getting crazy over digital marketing as the next big thing in career choices. It’s like that popular kid at school who always seems to be at the center of attention.
Everyone’s is wondering if digital marketing is a good career choice? But before you jump on the bandwagon, let’s take a step back and really think about it. What if it’s a bubble? Just like the dotcom bubble, NFT bubble, and stock market bubble.
You never know! But I personally feel that digital marketing is going to stay. At least for a decade. Every business is going head-over-heels for digital marketing and they need people to do that. But again, it’s not all gold.
In this blog, I’ll try to answer the question – “is digital marketing a good career choice in India?” Let’s start:
Current Scenario and Trend of Digital Marketing In India
If you’re not living under a rock, you know that the digital marketing scene in India is booming. I’ll affirm this scene with some numbers:
Back in the financial year 2020, the market size for digital marketing hit a whopping 199 billion Indian Rupees. If you compare that with the year 2015, that’s a huge leap of 47 billion rupees, showing just how fast this industry is growing.
Wait, there’s more: Experts predict that by the end of the financial year 2024, the digital marketing sector could swell to a massive 539 billion rupees.
A jump of approximately 2.5x in just 4 years. I guess COVID wasn’t bad for everything, huh?
Anyway, these numbers show us that digital marketing is becoming a major player in the Indian economy. With businesses turning more and more to online platforms to reach customers, the need for digital marketing services is skyrocketing.
It’s creating tons of new opportunities and driving innovation across the board. Ask again – is digital marketing a good career choice in India?
Based on these numbers – Yes.
Pros of a Career in Digital Marketing
I know you’re already convinced that digital marketing is a solid career choice for you. Especially if you want to pursue it as a side-hustle.
But itis my responsibility to reaffirm and convince you further. Here are 5 advantages of working in digital marketing:
1. Multiple sub-career Options to Choose From:
One of the biggest advantages of stepping into the world of digital marketing is the plethora of sub-career options it offers.
From content creation and social media management to SEO optimization and data analysis, there’s a niche for every interest and skill set within the digital marketing industry.
- Email Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Search Engine Optimization
- Content Creation
- Content Strategy
- Performance Marketing
- Paid Ads
I’m sure I missed a few but you get the point. With so many options available, you are sure to find something that ignites your spark. Or better—you can offer two or more services to your clients as a package.
2. Crazy Good Earning Potential:
Let’s be honest, most of the digital marketers get into digital marketing because of the earning potential. With the global nature of the internet, digital marketers have the opportunity to earn handsomely, especially when they’re earning in dollars and spending in rupees.
Take me for example – I left my job as a developer and got into the digital marketing industry. Today, I earn in dollars, spend in rupees. And mind you—I’m earning my yearly package as a developer in a month!
This is 10% bragging and 90% to show you how crazy the earning potential is in digital marketing.
3. Flexibility and Variety:
One of the perks of being a digital marketer is the flexibility to work with multiple clients across different industries. As someone in finance works only in finance and someone in tech works only in tech, that’s not the case with digital media.
Whether you prefer the fast-paced environment of a tech startup, numbers game at a finance company, or the creative freedom of a boutique fashion brand, digital marketing offers the chance to dip your toes into each and every industry.
In my two years of career in digital marketing, I’ve worked in various niches. For example –
- Technology
- Finance
- Marketing
- SaaS
- RevOps
- Fashion
- Lifestyle
You name it, we marketers have done it!
4. High Demand, Low Supply:
Despite the growing number of individuals getting to digital marketing, there’s still a considerable gap between the demand for skilled professionals and the supply available in the market.
While you may encounter thousands of people claiming to be digital marketers, majority of them lack the expertise needed to deliver results. And majority of the majority are digital marketers only for the sake of it.
In simple terms—your competition is almost zero. This scarcity of qualified talent means that skilled digital marketers are in high demand, presenting ample opportunities for those who can demonstrate their proficiency in the field.
Businesses are willing to pay hefty amount to skilled professionals. And you can grab multiple of them, provided that you’re skilled.
5. Remote Work Opportunities:
In today’s digital age, geography is no longer a barrier to employment. There are multiple job roles where you are no longer required to commute to office. Digital marketing is one of them.
Digital marketing offers the flexibility to work remotely, allowing professionals to work with clients and teams from anywhere in the world. I have a team of three located in different parts of India and we serve clients from different continents. Across the globe, buddy!
Whether you’re sipping coffee at a cozy café or soaking up the sun on a Goan beach, the freedom to work from virtually any location is a definite perk of a career in digital marketing.
Cons of a Career in Digital Marketing
I don’t want to sound biased throughout the article. So, here’s a list of disadvantages of pursuing a career in digital marketing:
1. Always Changing:
Digital marketing is constant as a career option. But as an industry, it is always changing. Trends change fast, new tech pops up all the time, and algorithms keep evolving. While it keeps things exciting, it also means you’ve got to be on your toes all the time.
You’ve got to keep learning and adapting to stay in the game. Plus, it can be tough to plan for the long term when everything seems to shift so quickly. That means—for each client, you’ll have to shift the strategis every few months.
2. Tough Competition:
I know I said – “Your competition is almost zero.” But that is in terms of skill. No, I didn’t trick you. Hear me out:
Everyone wants a piece of the digital marketing pie these days. With so many people jumping into the field, it’s getting crowded. The masses may not be skilled, but the businesses don’t know that.
Standing out from the pack takes more than just knowing your stuff; you’ve got to be creative, savvy, and really hustle to get noticed. Breaking in the competition, setting yourself apart, and snagging those top gigs can be a real challenge, especially when you’re just starting out.
3. Loads of Work:
As a digital marketer, you’ll often find yourself juggling a bunch of projects at once, each with its own deadlines and demands. It’s like trying to keep a bunch of plates spinning at once. Hard, no?
Managing it all takes serious organizational skills and the ability to prioritize like a pro. Plus, things move fast in digital marketing, so there’s often not much wiggle room for mistakes or delays. It can be stressful, especially when clients are breathing down your neck.
And oh! Did I mention that digital marketing clients are often too impatient?
4. Tech Dependency:
Digital marketing runs on technology. From social media platforms to analytics tools, we rely on tech for pretty much everything. But that reliance can be a double-edged sword.
Changes to algorithms or platform policies can throw a wrench in your plans overnight. Trust me, I’ve felt it firsthand. Remember how Elon completely revamped Twitter algorithm after the acquisition? Yes, that took a heavy toll. Suddenly, your carefully crafted strategy is out the window, and you’ve got to scramble to adapt.
It can feel like you’re always playing catch-up.
5. Burnout Risk:
The pace of digital marketing can be relentless, and that can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Constantly chasing deadlines and staying ahead of the curve can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Things will get even worse if you run behind the $10K MRR goal just like me and everyone else. If you don’t know about it—there is a trend going on where digital marketers and other services businesses are running behind the goal of earning $10K/month.
Running behind this goal made me take in more clients than I could handle and it lead to a burnout. At the end, I had to let go of a few clients, and the other few left because of poor work quality.
Final Verdict: Why Digital Marketing is a Good Career Choice in India
Despite its disadvantages, the advantages of digital marketing are far too great. As a result, digital marketing becomes one of the best career choices in India.
Digital marketing offers a solid career choice for Indians due to its high demand and lucrative earning potential. As businesses increasingly shift their focus to online platforms, the need for skilled digital marketers has soared.
This demand creates numerous job opportunities across various industries and geographical locations, providing you with a wide array of career options. Additionally, digital marketing allows you to work remotely, offering flexibility and the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance.
The final answer to the question “is digital marketing a good career in india” is — “YES.”
How to Build a Career in Digital Marketing?
Okay now, if I answer this question here, you’ll get bored. But I have another option for you.
I’ve already written multiple blogs around digital marketing covering various topics. If you want to build a career in digital marketing, I suggest you read these blog posts in the given order:
- How to start Digital Marketing as a side hustle without Quitting your Job
- Best Courses to Master Digital Marketing in 2024
- 10 Types Of Jobs In Digital Marketing
FAQs
1. Is digital marketing high paying?
Yes, digital marketing can be high paying, especially for skilled professionals with experience. Salaries vary depending on factors such as expertise, location, and industry.
2. Is there a demand for digital marketers?
Absolutely, there is a strong demand for digital marketers across industries as businesses increasingly rely on online channels to reach customers and drive growth.
3. What is the salary of a digital marketer?
Digital marketers’ salaries vary widely based on factors like experience, skill level, and location. Generally, experienced professionals with specialized skills command higher salaries.
4. How much can a fresher earn in digital marketing?
Fresher salaries in digital marketing can range from modest to competitive, depending on factors such as educational background, certifications, and the specific role or company.
5. Does digital marketing have a future?
Yes, digital marketing is poised for continued growth and innovation. As technology evolves and consumer behavior shifts online, the need for digital marketing expertise will only increase, making it a promising field for the future.