How to Start a Career in Digital Marketing as a Fresher (2025)

No experience? No problem! Learn how to launch your career in digital marketing step by step.

Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing industries, and freshers from any background — BBA, B.Com, B.A, B.Tech, etc. — can enter this field with the right skills, certifications, and portfolio.

Here’s how to get started

What Is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is promoting products or services online through platforms like Google, YouTube, Instagram, websites, and emails.

Major Areas:

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• SEM (Search Engine Marketing / Google Ads)
• Social Media Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Email Marketing
• Analytics
• Influencer & Affiliate Marketing

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Career

1. Understand the Basics

Start with a clear understanding of how online marketing works.

Learn:

• What is SEO & SEM
• How social media algorithms work
• What are Google Ads, Facebook Ads
• What is content marketing
• How email marketing works

Free Resource:
Google Digital Marketing Course (Free Certificate)

2. Take Free or Paid Online Courses

Get certified to build your resume and confidence.

Recommended Platforms:

• Google Digital Garage (Free)
• HubSpot Academy (Free)
• Coursera (Meta, Google, or University-backed courses)
• Udemy (affordable, ₹499 deals)

Key Certifications:

• Google Ads Certification
• HubSpot Content Marketing
• Meta Social Media Marketing
• SEMrush SEO Toolkit Course

3. Practice Your Skills with Small Projects

Start applying what you learn.

Ideas:

• Create your own blog or website
• Start a small Instagram page and grow it
• Try running a Google or Facebook Ad with a small budget
• Help a friend’s business with marketing

This becomes your practical portfolio (very useful during interviews).

4. Build a Strong Resume & LinkedIn Profile

Your resume should highlight:

• Certifications
• Tools you know (e.g., Canva, Google Ads, SEMrush, Mailchimp)
• Personal projects
• Soft skills like communication & creativity

🔗 On LinkedIn:

• Use keywords like “Aspiring Digital Marketer | SEO | Google Certified”
• Connect with professionals in the industry
• Share your learnings or project updates

5. Apply for Internships (Even Unpaid)

Internships give you real-world exposure and can lead to job offers.

Where to Apply:

• Internshala
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Naukri / Indeed
• AngelList (for startups)
• Company career pages directly

Apply for roles like:

• Digital Marketing Intern
• Social Media Intern
• Content Marketing Intern
• SEO Trainee

6. Create a Mini Portfolio

A mini website or Google Doc with:

• Details of your internship or project
• Screenshots of campaigns or posts
• Results (followers gained, traffic increased, etc.)
• Tools used

This shows you’re serious and skilled — even as a fresher.

7. Learn to Communicate and Report

Digital marketers don’t just run campaigns — they report results too.

Learn Basics of:

• Google Analytics
• Google Search Console
• UTM Parameters
• Excel reporting or Google Sheets

Expected Salary for Freshers (India – 2025)

Salary grows quickly based on skills + results.

Top Companies Hiring Digital Marketing Freshers

• WATConsult
• Webchutney
• Dentsu
• Schbang
• Social Beat
• Tech Mahindra (Digital Roles)
• Startups like Lenskart, Zomato, Urban Company
• Freelance via Fiverr, Upwork

Final Tips

• Pick 1 or 2 focus areas (e.g., SEO + Content, or Social Media + Ads)
• Stay updated with blogs like Neil Patel, Moz, Backlinko
• Keep learning and experimenting
• Build your brand online — share content, ideas, or tips