In 2024, the digital marketing landscape is changing rapidly, and the Digital Marketing Trends Report from Kraftshala has brought forward some key insights that could shape the careers of future marketers. With more opportunities emerging for skilled digital marketers, especially at the entry level, this report reveals vital trends that both job seekers and employers need to understand.
Let’s dive into the latest findings from the Kraftshala report, focusing on digital marketing jobs, where the demand is, the shift towards hybrid and in-office roles, and how young professionals can stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Digital Marketing Jobs: A Rising Demand for Skills, Not Just Degrees
The digital marketing industry continues to grow rapidly, especially in countries like India, where a significant portion of opportunities is emerging. The Kraftshala Digital Marketing Trends Report 2024 reveals that there is a strong demand for entry-level digital marketers, even amidst slowdowns in other sectors. Agencies and large brands are actively hiring fresh talent to keep up with the booming market.
Key Findings from Kraftshala’s 2024 Report
- 67% of digital marketing roles are concentrated in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, with Bangalore leading at 28% of high-paying roles.
- 93% of roles are either in-office or hybrid, highlighting the importance of in-person collaboration and problem-solving.
- Entry-level positions in digital marketing are thriving, driven largely by agencies who account for 60% of the roles.
- Employers are focusing on practical skills over degrees, with a rising preference for non-linear career trajectories.
As the report suggests, the rise of digital marketing roles shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, it’s increasingly clear that companies are willing to pay premium salaries for skilled candidates, even at the entry level. This shift marks a departure from traditional hiring practices, where certificates and degrees were once the gold standard.
Digital Marketing Hubs: Where Are the Jobs?
While the digital marketing landscape is growing globally, India is leading the charge with major hubs in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR. These cities are home to a majority of high-CTC (Cost-to-Company) opportunities, with Bangalore topping the list. It’s clear that some regions are becoming focal points for digital marketing talent.
- Bangalore: 28% of roles in this city offer high-paying salaries. This city is fast becoming the heart of digital marketing in India, with numerous opportunities in both established companies and emerging startups.
- Mumbai and Delhi-NCR: These regions are also strong contenders for digital marketing jobs, contributing to over 67% of roles in the country.
- Other cities like Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata are emerging as important players in the market, offering promising opportunities for young marketers looking to break into the industry.
While these cities dominate the job market in India, it’s important to note that global digital marketing hubs like New York, London, and Toronto are seeing similar trends in hiring. The world is increasingly interconnected, and as the demand for skilled digital marketers continues to rise, these regions will continue to attract global talent.
Hybrid and In-Office Roles: A Return to Collaboration
The workplace trends revealed by the report are equally telling. A staggering 93% of digital marketing roles in 2024 are either in-office or hybrid. This marks a significant departure from the remote-first mentality that gained popularity during the pandemic.
- Why the shift? Employers are emphasising the need for collaboration and on-the-ground problem-solving. Many businesses believe that being physically present in the office or a hybrid model fosters better communication, quicker decision-making, and a stronger team dynamic.
For candidates looking to thrive in this evolving work culture, it’s essential to demonstrate flexibility. Whether you’re applying for a hybrid role in a major city like Bangalore or an in-office role in Delhi-NCR, adapting to this shift is crucial to securing a job.
The Skillset That Digital Marketers Need
Fluency in English remains a critical factor for success in digital marketing. The report highlights that over 80% of digital marketing roles require a certain level of proficiency in English. While this doesn’t rule out candidates with less fluency, strong communication skills can significantly boost your chances during the hiring process.
Key skills to focus on in 2024 include:
- Content creation and social media marketing: As digital platforms become more visual and interactive, companies are looking for marketers who can create engaging content that resonates with audiences.
- SEO and SEM expertise: These skills continue to be fundamental in driving online visibility for brands.
- E-commerce and programmatic advertising: With the increasing reliance on automation, marketers with expertise in programmatic advertising and e-commerce are in high demand.
- Data analytics: The ability to interpret and leverage data for marketing decision-making is becoming a must-have skill.
Non-degree candidates with these hands-on skills are making waves in the industry. Whether you’ve gained experience through internships, freelance projects, or self-driven learning, showcasing your practical knowledge is more important than ever.
The Changing Face of Hiring
Traditional hiring practices are being thrown out the window. Recruiters are now more focused on evaluating candidates based on problem-solving abilities and hands-on expertise rather than relying on traditional metrics like degrees or aptitude tests.
- Example: One company received 7,000 applications over five months to fill a single digital marketing role. This shows how selective the industry has become. Skills and experience are what truly matter, not just certificates.
Recruiters are increasingly willing to pay higher salaries for entry-level candidates who can demonstrate their ability to think critically, adapt to new technologies, and contribute to the company’s growth.
The Growing Importance of Regional Hubs
Cities like Chennai and Noida are surprising the market by offering premium salaries for niche skills. Despite being smaller markets than the likes of Bangalore or Delhi, these regions are carving out their own space in the digital marketing ecosystem, showing that talent can thrive anywhere, not just in the major metros.
This shift indicates that companies are looking beyond traditional hubs and expanding their hiring practices to include regional talent. As a result, aspiring digital marketers should not limit their job search to a few big cities but explore opportunities in emerging hubs as well.
Conclusion: The Future of Digital Marketing Jobs
The 2024 Digital Marketing Trends Report highlights a booming industry that values practical skills over degrees. Entry-level professionals are in high demand, especially those with skills in content creation, SEO, programmatic advertising, and e-commerce.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone looking to make a career change, the digital marketing field offers a wealth of opportunities. However, to stand out in today’s competitive landscape, it’s essential to focus on building hands-on skills and adapting to the evolving nature of the workplace.
To succeed in 2024 and beyond, it’s crucial to upskill, stay ahead of trends, and be open to both in-office and hybrid roles. Digital marketing jobs are not just about finding a position—they’re about continuously growing, adapting, and thriving in an ever-changing industry.
Photo credit: Asset Digital Com
