Have you seen that term "Marketing Associate" pop up in your job search recently and are wondering exactly what it is? You're not alone. The role of a Marketing Associate has been increasingly popular over recent years because companies need people with different skill sets who can work together towards a common goal - increasing sales. However, just like other roles within an organization, the responsibilities of a Marketing Associate vary from company to company. This article will explore some key areas where the duties differ between organizations, so you know what you'll encounter when applying for this position.
As a Marketing Associate, you might spend most of your time working remotely (or at least using technology). Your main tasks include researching new products or services, writing press releases, creating ad copy for online ads, managing social media accounts, and handling customer service inquiries. When you're based at home, you might also have meetings scheduled with clients or colleagues via video chat software such as Skype.
A lot of times, these remote jobs require only minimal interaction with others, which makes them ideal if you need flexibility with your schedule. If you want more direct contact with coworkers, though, you may find yourself sitting down face-to-face during the week. Many companies offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, so you won't always need to take off every Friday night to sleep in.
The specific responsibilities of each individual member of a marketing department varies by industry, but there's usually a general outline of activities involved in any given department. Here are some examples of things you'd see when looking into the average corporate marketing department:
Writing press release announcements about upcoming events
Creating social media content
Drafting advertisements or posters for public displays
Managing email campaigns sent to customers
Responding to customer complaints or requests for help
These are all important functions in their own right, but they don't necessarily fall under the umbrella of "digital marketing." In fact, many of these actions would likely be part of a traditional advertising campaign before the advent of internet marketing. Digital marketing today includes everything from SEO and PPC strategies to website design and social media management. It even includes paid influencer marketing -- something we've written extensively about here.
If you're interested in learning more about a particular aspect of digital marketing, you should learn as much as possible beforehand, since you won't get very far without knowledge of certain fundamentals. For example, if someone asks you whether SEO refers to optimizing websites to rank higher in Google searches, you should be able to give a satisfactory answer. On the flip side, if they ask you why Facebook Ads aren't effective, then you should probably know enough to explain why. A good rule of thumb is to try to understand the underlying principles behind whatever question you're being asked.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while you may think of a marketer primarily as a writer, they often play multiple roles throughout the entire process. Some marketers make calls to potential clients, while others write proposals detailing the benefits of their product or service. Depending on the situation, a single person could be doing several different tasks simultaneously.
In addition to those basic responsibilities, you may also have additional ones assigned to you depending on the size and needs of your company. Maybe you handle client relations or create reports for internal use. Or maybe you manage a budget or oversee employee training programs. Whatever your role, chances are you'll end up performing similar tasks no matter the size of the business.
One of the best parts of a marketing job is having plenty of freedom to do what you please. As long as you fulfill the minimum requirements set forth by your employer, you're free to choose the projects you wish to complete. Even better, if you feel particularly inspired, you can pitch ideas directly to your boss and see if he/she approves. This kind of autonomy isn't available to everyone, however. While employees of larger firms tend to enjoy greater latitude than those at smaller businesses, most positions still require you to follow directions unless otherwise specified.
Here are a few ways in which you might expect to interact with your manager or supervisor:
Write press releases announcing upcoming events
Create social media posts and engage with followers
Analyze data collected in surveys or polls
Answer emails related to your account
Write articles for publication in newsletters or magazines
Research trends in the marketplace
Handle customer support issues
Whatever your primary responsibility, remember that it doesn't have to be limited solely to your primary function. Sometimes managers assign you extra tasks simply to ensure that you're aware of all aspects of your position. These assignments might include anything from proofreading documents to helping with administrative paperwork.
When you first start working in a marketing department, it's easy to focus exclusively on the individual tasks you perform. But once you've had a chance to observe the bigger picture, you'll realize that marketing teams across industries share many similarities. To simplify things further, let's look at how a small retail store handles its marketing efforts.
Salespeople
Your sales representatives are responsible for closing deals, negotiating prices, and collecting payment from buyers. They also serve as liaisons between customers and the rest of the marketing staff.
Account Representatives
Your Account Representatives help maintain relationships with existing clients. They provide information about promotions, collect feedback, and respond to concerns. They may also recommend new products and services.
Customer Service Reps
You'll never meet a Customer Representative until after she/he closes a sale, but they're essential nonetheless. After making initial contact with prospective clients, reps must gather background information about the buyer's financial standing, location, occupation, etc., so that the marketing team can tailor offers accordingly. Additionally, reps assist customers with return policies and credit card disputes.
Advertising Specialists
Depending on the type of business you represent, you might handle various types of advertising. In retail stores, for instance, you might arrange print ads, postcards, brochures, flyers, signage, window decorations, etc. In restaurants, you might coordinate special menus, promotional giveaways, coupons, and table decorations. And in fashion shops, you might place display racks, organize inventory, and run fashion shows.
Public Relations Officers
PR officers work closely with salespeople, account reps, and customer service agents to build brand awareness among consumers. Their primary task involves establishing positive coverage in local newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts, television news, trade publications, and blogs. PR officers typically conduct interviews with reporters and occasionally participate in live broadcasts themselves.
Content Creators
Creative departments are responsible for developing graphics, videos, infographics, and other forms of visual material intended to increase consumer interest and drive purchases. Content creators may produce original designs or collaborate with outside designers.
Data Analysts
Digital analysts are responsible for compiling statistics regarding traffic patterns, conversion rates, demographics, purchasing behaviors, and more. Data analysts prepare spreadsheets and present findings to upper management, and sometimes act as liaison between the marketing team and IT specialists.
Each sector of business has its unique characteristics, and although some overlap exists, your experience will depend largely upon the type of company you work for. That said, many of the same things happen across sectors, regardless of the nature of the business itself. So if you're thinking about becoming a marketing professional, you shouldn't worry too much about specifics. Just read through our list above and figure out which elements apply to your chosen field. Then, check out the next page for tips on preparing for a career in marketing.
How to Become a Marketer
So now that you've learned a bit more about the ins-and-outs of a marketing job, you may wonder what steps you can take to advance toward your dream career. There are lots of great resources out there to help you achieve your goals, but one of the easiest places to begin is the Internet. With a little research, you can discover all sorts of useful tools that streamline the hiring process, improve communication channels, and boost productivity.
For starters, consider signing up for a newsletter from a reputable source. Most major employers regularly publish informative ezines containing detailed descriptions of open positions, advice from seasoned professionals, and helpful hints for landing that perfect gig. By subscribing to one of these newsletters, you'll receive relevant updates on current openings and insider tips from experienced recruiters. Plus, you'll stay informed about changes in the workplace and industry standards, both of which can benefit you later on in your career.
Next, sign up for LinkedIn. This networking site allows users to connect with friends, former co-workers, and other professionals whom they may know personally or professionally. Through networking, you can gain access to exclusive opportunities and connections with people in similar fields.
The world of work continues to change at an incredible pace. Whether that's due to technological advancement or new demands on human labor, we're seeing more and more people going into careers they never thought possible. And while some jobs have always been niche fields (think doctors and lawyers), other positions are becoming increasingly popular as well. One such position is that of a marketing associate.
A marketing associate works alongside business professionals who oversee various aspects of their company's marketing efforts. This could include writing articles, creating social media posts, managing email campaigns, advertising online platforms like Google AdWords, and much more. Depending on where you look, there may even be opportunities to market products directly through sales calls with customers. Marketing associates typically hold degrees from accredited colleges, though many employers will hire someone without experience if they believe they can bring value to the team. For example, Amazon hires several hundred account managers each year who don't necessarily have any prior retail experience. As long as they demonstrate strong communication and analytical skills, these employees often end up working closely with management teams to help them achieve specific goals.
Below, learn about this career path and what exactly a marketing associate does day-to-day. We'll also discuss whether a college education is necessary before entering the field and offer tips for improving your chances during interviews.
Marketing associates generally begin their roles by helping businesses create content. They might review existing blog post ideas, write original pieces, edit others' work, or all three. In addition to blogging, marketing associates may also focus on social media strategies, content creation, website development, SEO, and paid ads. Essentially, they're responsible for making things happen within their companies' marketing departments. Many marketing associates are expected to attend monthly meetings to keep abreast of industry trends, which can make networking quite valuable when trying to land a full-time position.
Junior marketing associates typically start off by reviewing existing material, including blogs and newsletters, then pitching ideas to clients. If accepted, they'll usually provide assistance with editing copy, designing graphics, proofreading, and adding relevant keywords and tags. Some positions require more hands-on involvement than others, however, so pay attention to what responsibilities your potential employer lists on its official job descriptions page. If possible, ask to speak with current marketing associates who've worked previously for the company. You should find out as much information as possible about both the general duties required and specific tasks performed by those individuals. That way, you know exactly what to expect from your first few months on the job.
Some junior marketers may help with client outreach via phone calls and emails. Others may simply perform research and report back to senior staff members. Whatever the case may be, marketing associates must ensure that their projects meet deadlines and stay consistent with their organization's branding guidelines.
While most marketing associates do indeed need a bachelor's degree to get started, there are plenty of exceptions. A person who has no formal training in journalism, public relations, or creative writing, for instance, may still qualify as a marketing associate depending on his or her previous experiences. For example, if you have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, and similar software programs, you likely already possess enough skill set to handle basic web design and video production. Likewise, if you were hired as a marketing assistant because of your ability to organize data, you'd certainly fit the bill as a marketing associate.
Additionally, it doesn't hurt to ask prospective employers specifically what qualifications they consider important. While a four-year degree is definitely preferable, certain industries -- such as banking, law, medicine, and finance -- favor candidates who lack higher education altogether.
As mentioned above, there are numerous paths available to aspiring marketing associates. The best bet is to seek advice from former colleagues, friends, family members, and mentors. Those who successfully navigate the process tend to enjoy steady employment throughout their entire careers.
When looking for future prospects, remember that there's nothing wrong with asking for references. Just be aware that doing so too early may put applicants at risk of losing out on good opportunities later. It's also crucial to follow up promptly once you receive responses, especially if the reference isn't able to supply concrete details regarding past performance. Otherwise, you run the risk of being perceived as dishonest or incompetent.
If you decide to pursue a graduate program, bear in mind that courses taught by professors who specialize in areas related to marketing and communications can prove useful down the line. These classes can teach students everything from traditional topics such as customer service to emerging ones like brand strategy and user interface optimization.
Finally, if you want to advance beyond the marketing associate stage, here are five common ways to move up the ladder:
1) Become a marketing manager - Managers are tasked with overseeing multiple marketing initiatives across different departments. They also play a key role in recruiting top talent, ensuring project budgets remain under control, and developing effective employee schedules.
2) Work as an analyst - Analysts conduct deep dives into problems faced by organizations and use statistical methods to arrive at solutions. They evaluate financial reports and recommend changes to policies and procedures.
3) Conduct market research - Researchers study consumer behavior and demographics to determine product demand and develop marketing plans based on results. Their findings inform decisions made by marketing executives.
4) Develop new features - Programmers use computer code to create innovative applications and add functionality to existing systems. Sometimes referred to as application developers, engineers, or architects, they're frequently employed by consulting firms, technology companies, or large corporations.
5) Create content - Content producers produce written materials designed to educate consumers and promote brands. Writers, editors, graphic designers, videographers, photographers, illustrators, animators, and journalists are among the many types of experts involved in this type of work.
The term “Marketing Associate” is thrown around by many different companies. Some seem to use the word interchangeably with other titles such as Digital Marketing Manager or Online Director while others have their own unique definition (and pay scale).
If you're looking into getting involved in marketing as a career path, there's no doubt that this field will require some degree of technical knowledge - however, the role of an Associate differs from company to company depending on whether they focus more on product development or customer acquisition strategies.
There are also various levels within each position - so if you want to know exactly what the difference between an Associate and Senior Associate entails, keep reading below! But first, here’s everything else you should know about becoming a marketer at all.
A marketing associate can work directly on a campaign or project alongside a senior member of staff. They may even provide assistance to those who oversee campaigns – either internally or externally. This could include liaising with clients, gathering information from them, making recommendations based on data, developing new ideas, creating copy, designing ads etc.
Depending on which department you go into, you might find yourself working across a number of teams including Product Development, Sales and Customer Service. You might even end up writing adverts or doing content creation like blogs or social media posts.
In addition to these tasks, Associates often take part in training programs designed to help improve skill sets, especially when there isn't someone already available to teach them.
So far we've talked about the general duties of an Associate, now let's look at specific attributes needed. These vary somewhat according to type of industry you choose to enter but generally speaking, you'll need communication skills, good time management, attention to detail, ability to multitask, analytical thinking and creativity.
These aren't hard-and-fast rules though, and every business has its own particular requirements. For example, some businesses prefer candidates who understand technology well enough to build websites themselves whereas others would rather see people who excel at using Adobe Creative Suite software.
That said, most employers expect that anyone applying for a marketing position will have at least a basic understanding of HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JavaScript, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign amongst other design tools. If you don't currently possess any of these skills, then you'd probably better brush up before going ahead with your application!
As mentioned above, another major attribute is being able to think outside the box. Whether you're working on a website redesign or building an app, you must be able to generate fresh concepts and solutions without having seen similar projects before. It helps if you've got creative flair too.
It's important to remember that whilst you won't necessarily be expected to be an expert in all areas, you should always try to demonstrate that you're willing to learn new things. The best way to show off this aspect of your character is through your personal portfolio, demonstrating both past experience and future potential.
You might be asked to create graphics, videos, infographics, presentations, reports, articles and white papers. Depending on where you apply, you might be required to produce material for internal newsletters, brochures, blog posts and emails. Or perhaps you'll get given the opportunity to write original press releases and pitch stories to local news outlets.
Whatever your chosen area of expertise, you should aim to make sure that whatever you put together looks professional. A lack of polish will reflect poorly upon you during interviews, meaning that you may never get the chance to showcase your talent.
Finally, some positions call for additional qualities like leadership abilities, conflict resolution skills, interpersonal skills, as well as soft skills such as teamworking, motivation, empathy, adaptability, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Once again, this depends on where you decide to apply. Some jobs offer flexibility with regard to hours worked, allowing Associates to fit certain aspects of the role around their existing commitments. Others ask employees to work longer hours than normal, resulting in lower wages. Whatever happens, you should check to ensure that the job posting outlines your exact obligations.
Associates typically complete administrative tasks like filing paperwork, updating spreadsheets, managing budgets and keeping records of sales figures. Other common activities involve researching competitors' products, visiting stores and meeting customers face-to-face.
Some jobs give associates the option to conduct research and analysis independently, while others require them to work closely with colleagues or superiors. Either way, you should prepare thoroughly beforehand to avoid wasting valuable time.
Other responsibilities might include setting goals, monitoring progress and ensuring that deadlines are met. Your success will depend largely on your ability to work effectively under pressure and communicate clearly with co-workers.
Although the term 'associate' doesn't appear very frequently nowadays, it still exists. So what exactly is it referring to? Well, Associate simply refers to someone who performs a variety of functions relating to a brand or organisation.
For instance, an Associate may be responsible for maintaining client relationships, providing support and feedback to the marketing manager overseeing their account, helping to develop new marketing initiatives, producing collateral materials, conducting surveys and analysing results, delivering promotional events and attending trade shows.
They might also play a vital role in implementing changes and improvements to existing processes, systems and procedures. All in all, they're essentially a jack-of-all trades whose diverse range of talents ensures that nothing gets overlooked.
A Marketing Associate's Duties
So, what exactly does being a marketing assistant entail? Below we will break down some duties and tasks that you can expect from this role.
Assist an assigned team member with day-to-day activities including but not limited to researching new products/services for display on company websites, social media posts, email campaigns, etc., creating content based on these findings, updating existing material where necessary, and ensuring all materials meet quality standards.
Develop relationships within target markets, which may include industry associations, trade shows, conferences, universities, government agencies, etc.
Identify potential leads, generate interest in product features, answer questions regarding the brand, provide feedback to sales teams about customer experience, etc.
Maintain accurate records of information gathered through research projects, meetings, etc.
Research current trends related to specific industries, identify emerging topics, recommend new ideas, and suggest ways to improve overall effectiveness of the marketing campaign.
Prepare reports summarizing results of research project findings, market analysis, and client satisfaction surveys.
Oversee online digital assets including website, blog, eCommerce site, social media accounts, etc.
Provide support with internal communications, webinars, presentations, etc.
Other duties as needed
In short, this role requires extensive knowledge of how businesses operate and thrive. It also involves working closely with clients who require assistance with developing strategies and tactics to
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.