A Common Question:

Becoming a SELF-MADE

Digital Marketing Expert

How do I  become a Digital Marketing Expert?

I often have people ask me "How to become a self made digital marketing expert". 

My first response is always "How Much Time Do you Have?".  And my second question is always "What is your WHY?".

I had started a Digital Marketing Consulting Business and was doing Sales Funnel Development. Most of my business in those days came from referrals from the Fletcher Method. So it was a solid year before I had to worry about generating organic or paid traffic. But it was in the process of working with clients and doing their Sales Funnel builds that I was forced to learn the basics of digital marketing. 

What is the The Fletcher Method ?

What Else did I do to learn?

I did dozens of trials, free learning, the free Hubspot Certification, became an InfustionSoft Partner (now Keap), ClickFunnels ... you name it.

I am not sure there was a plan as much as a fluid process of figuring out what I had to learn that was right in front of me.

I had a habit of never saying no (I have learned to say NO today), and then learning what I needed to get the job done. It served me and my clients well in those days, but I would recommend a more planned out effort today. With all of the digital marketing training that is available, there is no need to wing it.

How long did it take me to become a Digital Marketing Expert?

That is a tough question as it seems like I am always learning. So it is somewhat of a never ending process. However, I think my first immersion it was a solid 18 to 24 months of daily learning before I felt like I was proficient at all aspects. But honestly, it has been in the last year that I really feel like my digital marketing knowledge has been turbo-charged. Some of it is simply repetition and results. But it is more of a Magic Point, where you feel like ... "I have got this".

But the real answer is that it takes years. Even in niche areas like Social Media, it can take a couple of years to really become proficient and label yourself an "Expert". And it is more than 100 Steps  ... the Title :) 

Once I really started marketing myself as a Digital Marketing Expert, I had to figure out who my competitors were. Was there local competition, who were the other "Top Marketing Experts" that would show up in search. How were potential clients searching for digital marketing consultants like myself. 

That was what led me to begin studying S.E.O..

"Search Engine Optimization"

But over time I had to become all of these:

• Growth Marketer
• Fractional CMO
• Marketing Technology Expert
• Web Design Expert
• Website Conversion Optimization Expert
• Search Engine Optimization Expert
• Social Media Marketing Specialist
• Content Marketing Consultant
• Email Marketing Expert
• Sales Funnel Developer
• Pay-Per-Click Expert

Ok, you get the point! I had to master every aspect of online marketing.

Sure, I have virtual assistants help me. But some of what I do is simply too important to put in someone else's hands.

Unless of course I know beyond a shadow of a doubt they are better at it than I am.

But learning every aspect allows you to choose better help, internally and externally.

So I hope that gives you some insight into becoming a self-made digital marketing expert!

Resources:

Finding Digital Marketing Experts to Follow and Learn from. Here is a great start.

Summary: