Considering a career in digital marketing - but how much could I earn?

[AlwaysOneMissing]

I am considering retraining in digital / social media marketing but need to weigh up whether it is worth leaving my current stable job for.

I don't get any job satisfaction currently, which is why I am considering other avenues.

However... it is so hard to find any real information on how much I could expect to earn as a digital marketing manager.

I get that incomes can vary depending on experience, and the type of work taken on, but would anybody who works in this field be willing to share what sort of income they earn? Do you charge an hourly rate, or by the job?
How easy do you find it to get work?

I am so tempted to go for this, but I need to know a bit more before taking the risk.

[Rosehyd2]

Employed you can look at £20k from a company who doesn't value what you do to £50k where you've got 5years+ experience with numerous examples of success from working in a marketing department covering at least a national size.
Self employed - it all depends on the projects you deliver, the companies you're targeting for work etc. It could range massively.
You'll have to start low and perhaps target small businesses first as it's very competitive and real experience outweighs passes Courses/learning with no experience by a huge way. It's all about proving success, particularly as a lot of companies completely undervalue social media.

[AlwaysOneMissing]

Thanks for the info Rose.
Do you work in this area? You sound a little disenchanted with it.

My aim would be a small amount of work really - about 12-15 hours a week would suit me. And to freelance, so I could work flexibly from home.

[AlwaysOneMissing]

Although saying that; I would like the scope to grow and improve, and earn more as time goes on.

[Hoppinggreen]

No amount of retraining will get you your clients if you plan to freelance.
In order to get enough clients to earn a decent amount (or anything at all) you will need to have experience and references as well as being able to sell yourself and your services really well.
Sorry if you already know this but as a freelancer your actual skills are only a very small part of it

[Rosehyd2]

@alwaysonemissing I do, but I'm employed. I work alongside many freelancers and consultants in my area of specialism. Those who succeed are brash, skilled, with big brand names behind them, and aren't afraid to disrupt. I do actually really enjoy my area of work, I just wanted to caveat heavily digital marketing and social media is a lot tougher than people think!

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

Hello Always we have chatted (including some PMs) over the years. I think you had a side gig & an employed role? Nice to see you pop up.

I think how much will depend on the type of client you go for. SMEs will probably want to pay between £25-£35 ph but larger orgs could pay more - up to £50/£60 per hour.

Have you looked at Digital Mums or General Assembly for training? Cannot recall if you are near London.

My own work (marketing) is in a niche, but I know digital marketing ppl that charge between £300 - £500 a day. I think there is work out there.

I think the sector is key here. You will probably find it easier to sell yourself to your current sector, even though you don't currently do marketing. Are you interested in that?

I think there is definitely need for freelancers who are willing to 'do' social media. I have always outsourced it for clients as I am not desk bound enough to do it. If you "only" want to work 12 - 15 hours a couple of client's social media accounts would fit nicely.

If you aren't already on there I'd recommend this Facebook Group for freelance chat - www.facebook.com/groups/1464948493770611/

I am actually hanging up my freelance hat for the time being and going in-house. Have done it for 6.5 years, need a change.

Good luck

[AlwaysOneMissing]

Thank you for your posts hopping and Rose. Some food for thought there; it's good to hear from people who are working in the field.

Margo yes of course I remember you! You have given me some great advice in the past, I value your input on this too.
You are right; I have previously worked in an employed role and as self employed. I no longer do that line of self employed work, but am thinking of a different direction.
I am still working in my employed role, but just plodding along and not really getting much satisfaction from it.

I have looked into Digital Mums actually - what is your experience of it? Have you worked with anyone who has completed the course? Would you rate it?

The info on pay is very helpful, thank you, that is exactly what I need to know before taking the plunge.

That's a big decision, for you to go in-house after years being freelance. I'm sure you have thought it through and it will work out for you - good luck with it.

[PottyMouther]

Hi AlwaysOneMissing,

Hope you don't mind me posting in here but I work for Digital Mums and am hosting a webinar tomorrow evening at 8pm to talk about our Social Media Management Course including a Q&A. If you think it could be useful then you'd be very welcome to join me, all you need to do is click here.

I know it's a tough decision to bite the bullet and go freelance and I wish you the very best of luck in finding a career choice that works for you.

[Malfoyy]

I attended the Digital Mum's webinar last night and found it interesting. I'm very unsure about whether to take it up though. It's a lot of money to find as there doesn't seem to be a payment plan on offer

On the other hand I really like the idea. I just need to find the self belief!

[PottyMouther]

Hi Malfoyy,
Great news you were able to attend the webinar and I completely hear you regarding the cost of the course. I don't know if you are aware but can split the cost of the course into 2 payments so you pay half upfront and half in 3 months' time. I don't know it that makes it any easier but just wanted to let you know.

If you'd like to chat to me (I ran the webinar on Wednesday) or one of my colleagues just PM me and I'll happily pick up the phone.

Hope everyone here is all set for a relaxing weekend

[AlwaysOneMissing]

Hi PottyMouther, thanks for the heads up about the webinar; I did join in.
It was very informative wasn't it Malfoyy.

It's given me a lot to think about.

[Malfoyy]

Hi both.
Yes I did find it informative.
I'm more interested in the possibility of the longer course for that may be coming up soon and am on the mailing list as an interested party. I'm hopeful.
I want to do this sort of work on the side and build it up as well as learn how to promote myself as an (under pen name) author on social media as it seems that's half the battle these days.
My mind is racing with potential campaigns. It's very exciting!

[georgjensen]

Quiet a pushy sales pitch? What is the evidence of impact from past participants of this course?

[Malfoyy]

It doesn't feel pushy to me!

I used to work at Yellow Pages. That WAS pushy sales! I know the difference.

[AlwaysOneMissing]

Have you looked into the course georg?
I can't find any negative reviews at all online, only glowing reports.
They have quite a few case reports of previous graduates who are now working successfully. And there are some online bloggers who report on their experience of the course.
But of course, as a company, they are going to have a very carefully managed online presence.
I'm still open to any balanced thoughts on it though; it's a lot of money to pay if it doesn't generate work in the long run.