How to Become a Digital Marketing Specialist: A Quick Guide

The other day, my eight-year-old son looked at me seriously and said, “When I grow up, I want to be a digital marketing specialist.”

After a brief moment of pride (finally, someone in the house understands what I actually do all day on the computer!), I thought: “Wow, there’s hope that my child will follow in my footsteps… or maybe he’s just drawn to the fact that dad works in pajamas.”

Jokes aside, that innocent question made me reflect: for those who want to enter this profession today, where do they start? That’s how this little guide came to be: for aspiring specialists, curious parents, or anyone who feels ready to turn their digital passion into a real career.

Becoming a Digital Marketing Specialist: A Profession at the Heart of Change

Digital communication has become the key to succeeding in any industry, and the role of the digital marketing specialist is increasingly in demand. But what exactly does this professional do? What are their skills, daily challenges, and most importantly, how do you become a digital marketing specialist?

In this article, we’ll explore everything there is to know about one of the most strategic professional roles in the modern landscape. From defining the position, through required skills, to the all-important topic of the digital marketing specialist salary.

What Does a Digital Marketing Specialist Really Do?

A digital marketing specialist is a marketing professional who uses digital channels to promote products, services, or brands. Their goal is to create, monitor, and optimize marketing strategies aimed at driving conversions and boosting online sales.

This role analyzes user behavior, defines the target audience, creates tailored content, and manages advertising campaigns across multiple platforms—from search engines to social media channels, via email marketing, websites, and everything else that falls under a modern digital strategy.

In practice, they act as a bridge between the technical and creative worlds, between data analysis and content creation. They often collaborate with professionals like SEO specialists, social media managers, content creators, and data analysts.

Core Skills of a Digital Marketing Specialist

Being a digital marketing specialist doesn’t just mean “doing ads online.” This profession requires specific skills across various areas:

• SEO and SEM: optimization for search engines and managing paid campaigns like Google Ads
• Social media marketing: designing and managing content and campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other social platforms
• Email marketing: building newsletters, automations, and funnels
• Content marketing: planning and producing written, visual, or multimedia content
• Web analytics: using tools like Google Analytics to monitor and improve performance
• Project management: organizational and team coordination skills

All this must be backed by a solid knowledge of digital strategies and a healthy dose of creativity, problem solving, and initiative.

Digital Marketing Specialist Salary: How Much Do They Earn?

Talking about salary is always a bit tricky, but in the case of the digital marketing specialist, we can outline a reasonably clear picture. In Italy, salary depends on years of experience, education, industry, and type of company.

• Junior (up to 2 years): €22,000 – €28,000 gross per year
• Mid-level (2–5 years): €30,000 – €40,000 gross per year
• Senior (5+ years): €45,000 – €60,000+, especially in international roles or structured agencies

With experience, many specialists go freelance or start their own businesses or digital products, often earning much more.

How to Become a Digital Marketing Specialist

The good news? There’s no single path. But there are some essential steps:

1. Basic education: often a degree in marketing, communication, business, or computer science. But there are also great post-diploma programs.
2. Professional training: courses and master’s programs in digital marketing, SEO, social media, and analytics.
3. Certifications: Google Ads, Meta Blueprint, Hubspot, Semrush, and similar add value.
4. Hands-on experience: even more important than education. Practice with personal projects, internships, freelance work, or collaborations is crucial.
5. Portfolio: build your own website, showcase your skills, document real results.

Anyone who wants to become a digital marketing specialist must be ready for continuous learning: this field evolves at the speed of algorithms.

Comparing Professional Roles: Specialist, Manager, and Strategist

Let’s not confuse the roles: the digital marketing specialist is hands-on, while the digital marketing manager has more strategic and managerial responsibilities. There’s also the digital strategist, more focused on long-term planning and overall vision.

In smaller companies, these roles may overlap. In larger ones, they’re clearly defined.

Why This Role Is in High Demand

Every business needs online visibility. Without a strong digital presence, even the best product might go unnoticed.

The digital marketing specialist is the professional who can turn a website into a selling machine, a social profile into a conversion funnel, and a newsletter into a customer loyalty tool.

Those who master data, digital strategies, and online communication have the power to grow a brand quickly and measurably.

With Dopstart, Your Digital Career Starts Here

If you’re thinking about becoming a digital marketing specialist, or if you own a business and want to understand how to bring this role into your team, Dopstart offers a free initial consultation.

We’ll help you choose the best path for you: education, strategy, and operational support. Because digital marketing only works when it’s tailor-made.

Q&A About Digital Marketing Specialists

Who is a digital marketing specialist?
A professional who promotes brands, services, or products via digital channels.

What does a digital marketing specialist do?
They manage SEO, social, content, email, and online ad campaigns.

How much does a digital marketing specialist earn?
From €22,000 to over €60,000 depending on experience.

What skills are needed in digital marketing?
SEO, social media, content creation, analytics, and project management.

Do you need a degree to become one?
Not mandatory, but helpful. Practical experience is more important.

Do they only work on social media?
No, they work across all digital channels: web, email, search engines, and more.

What’s the difference between a specialist and a manager?
Managers oversee strategy; specialists execute and optimize tasks.

Are there courses to become a digital marketing specialist?
Yes, both online and offline, many with official certifications.

What is the future of this profession?
Constant growth, driven by ongoing business digitalization.

Where can they work?
In agencies, companies, or as freelancers or entrepreneurs.