However, due to it being something new, there is still a lot of ignorance on the subject. Knowing how to publish on social networks is not enough to be able to correctly execute an entire digital marketing strategy.
Recruiting digital marketing professionals is not a simple matter. I have seen how difficult it has been for different clients to find qualified personnel to carry out tasks in this area. And it is probably not because of the lack of talent that exists in the market, but because it is such a new profile, directors and managers of both marketing and human resources are unaware of the qualities and skills they should look for in candidates.
In order to delve deeper into the topic, I would first like to explain what “soft skills” and “hard skills” are.
“Hard skills” refer to all those technical skills. In the case of digital marketing, they could be knowledge of social networks, SEO, SEM, web design, email marketing, etc.
On the other hand, “soft skills” are those related to the nature of the person. They are a combination of social skills, emotional intelligence, personality traits, attitude, etc.
Having explained both terms, I continue with those skills that such professionals must possess.
Although technical skills are very important, especially in areas such as digital marketing, the reality is that “soft skills” are just as important, if not more so. In fact, a study by Econsultancy states that the evolution of marketing in the digital age requires attributing equal value to so-called “soft skills.”
In this article I would like to share with you the “soft skills” that I consider -after having started to form my work team- fundamental and that your “ideal candidate” should possess. In this other article , I talk specifically about technical skills.
Eager to learn or eagerness to learn
New trends and tools in this sector emerge every day, and the only way to stay up to date is to have a genuine passion for marketing and a constant need to soak up knowledge to learn and specialize.
Communication skills
Marketing is based on communication (oral and written), so a digital marketing professional must have the ability to convey a message in a clear, concise and sufficiently attractive way so that it is relevant to the target audience.
Although these are technical skills, I would like to emphasize at this point that excellent spelling and writing skills are essential .
Analytical capacity
A stereotype that people have about marketers is that they must be creative. Although many have this ability, and specifically for the development of campaigns it is very important, in the case of digital marketing I believe that an analytical profile is more necessary.
The professional must have the ability to think strategically to select the precise data that allows them to design and predict the success of their marketing campaigns and, subsequently, choose relevant metrics that help them evaluate their performance.
Independent, but with the ability to work in a team
A digital marketing professional must be able to manage their time independently and be their own quality control on each deliverable. But they must also have the ability to work within a group.
Adaptable to changes
In the digital age, where new technologies constantly modify consumer behavior, consumers must be able to familiarize themselves with and adapt to change.
He is patient
This skill is one of the most important. Results in digital marketing strategies such as SEO, inbound marketing and content marketing take time. Qualities such as perseverance, willpower and patience must be part of your personality.
Although educational level and professional experience are important, don't forget to take all these skills into account when interviewing and selecting your next digital marketing specialist. A person who possesses these skills will guarantee excellent performance in their professional practice and in the implementation of effective strategies for the company, which translate into good results.
In a second article, I talk about the technical skills that a digital marketing professional should have. Check it out by clicking here .
