Climbing the ecommerce ladder: The journey to Online Marketing Manager, Part Two

We hope you enjoyed the first half of the climb towards online marketing glory. However, we’re not there yet and that needs to change.

Once in a role, it’s up to you how the rest of your career pans out. Within ecommerce, online marketers are pivotal to the set up. Going forward, it’s great to know where you will fit in and progress.

Making an impression in online marketing – where should I start?

“Work as closely as possible with all departments. Build key relationships with designers, merchandisers, and traders and so on. Without them, the marketing strategy won’t deliver how it should.” Kathryn advises, and we can see why. A manager needs to have great people skills to propel their team to success. As mentioned above, that experience starts from day one. In ecommerce & online marketing, this team morale has to flow outward to deliver the perfect customer experience.

The people you work with, across all departments, are the people you will liaise with on a daily basis. Demonstrating you can work well with others will not only boost staff relationships, but also campaign delivery. You’ll highlight yourself as respected, and someone who knows how to work WITH people, not next to them. 

What is the best way to progress in online marketing?

Getting settled

“Don’t jump around too much. Get a solid 12-18 months at least in a position to show commitment to your work.” As Kathryn points out, you need to show some commitment to what you are doing. Not only that, you need some time to make an impact and produce some great proof to take away from your position.

The best way to settle into your surroundings, and maintain relationships, is to build a solid foundation of experience. Being in familiar settings initially, means you get to know what you’re doing; the less you need to be managed, the more potential you are showing. 

Networking

Network, network, network! Get to know people outside your workplace, and a wider understanding of the industry right now. Furthermore, follow up with the people you speak to. Connect on LinkedIn, arrange more meet ups and be a known and active figure in the online marketing world. After all, a manager needs a strong, knowledgeable presence to lead a team. What better way to show off your marketing chops, then to market yourself - who knows who might notice you?

Begin the transition

• Don’t wait for the opportunity to present itself. Show you want to step up to the plate at every opportunity.  Analyse where you can contribute to your fellow employees with their marketing plans and tasks, and the good impression is made for everyone.
• Are there any courses that will help the progression into senior roles? While the hands on experience is invaluable, there are managerial courses out there to add some extra weight to your leap to senior roles.
• Make sure you are as current as possible. Be up to date with the latest marketing trends, and highlight how much you know about an ever changing field. Offer your own insights and opinions to demonstrate you understand the current trends, and are willing to set your own trends.

Start applying!

All of the above won’t happen in a year; if it is something you are passionate about, you should establish yourself within the industry for three to five years, to truly develop.

Once you feel your professional development has reached great heights, start approaching your dream managerial roles. Reach out to your marketing networks, speak with colleagues and start thinking about how your own marketing ideas would fit great within the different roles you apply for!

We hope you can take this advice, and find the best online marketing path for you. The panda is always here to help! Need a helping paw? Get in touch.