Table of Contents
Introduction
Over the past decade, companies across industries have digitized their operations and processes. Even now, businesses are employing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline workflows and supply chains. As a result, today’s job seekers require specialized skills to help them stand out from the crowd.
While some colleges, universities, and training providers have modified or expanded their curriculum to meet the growing demand for digital know-how, many educators struggle to provide the essential skills students need.
In this blog post, we will reveal the top 10 most valued digital skills that educators should offer to ensure their students land the top digital jobs across industries.
What are digital skills?
Before we delve into the specific digital employability skills, let’s first understand what digital skills are. In today’s digital age, companies of all shapes and sizes need people who know how to operate, promote, and communicate online. Digital skills are crucial for businesses across industries that want to raise brand awareness, offer great social customer service, generate leads, and increase revenue.
According to Unesco, digital skills are “a range of abilities to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information. They enable people to create and share digital content, communicate and collaborate, and solve problems for effective and creative self-fulfillment in life, learning, work, and social activities.”
By learning digital skills, students not only make themselves more employable but also future-proof their careers by understanding key digital channels.
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 employable skills for students and employers in the digital world.
1. Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, with over 4.6 billion active social media users worldwide. The ability to understand and use social media effectively is a core skill that every professional should have. Social media marketing goes beyond posting a tweet or Facebook update; it is about understanding the dynamic relationship between brands, influencers, and consumers.
Educators should teach students the intricacies of each social media platform, from YouTube to TikTok marketing, and its potential to maximize community engagement. This will provide graduates with valuable and applicable skills in social media marketing.
2. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is one of the most influential disciplines that marketers rely on. With 81% of internet users searching online for a product or service, students with SEM experience can increase the visibility of a company’s website on search engines like Google or Bing. By using SEM, students will be able to capture valuable web traffic and maximize organic search results.
Educators should teach students how to optimize websites, particularly for mobile, and run effective ad campaigns to ensure businesses are searchable and visible online.
3. Data Analytics
Data analytics allow students to make educated and data-driven decisions to drive better business insights. By collecting and analyzing data, students can improve marketing campaigns, drive conversions, and optimize return on investment. Educators should teach students how to collect and measure data to improve future campaigns and maximize their effectiveness.
4. Content Marketing
Content marketing is crucial in driving brand awareness and establishing brands or influencers as thought leaders. Educators should teach students how to create relevant content that is optimized for search engine rankings and keyword research. With experience and knowledge in content marketing, students will have a valuable and employable skill that will set them up for a career in any industry.
5. Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the oldest forms of direct marketing and still plays a significant role in customer acquisition and retention. Educators should teach students how to create and implement effective email marketing strategies to connect directly with consumers.
6. Mobile Marketing
With 97% of the world’s population using mobile phones, mobile marketing has become essential for businesses. Educators should teach students how to optimize campaigns for mobile search and user experience to tap into a growing market of engaged consumers.
7. Strategy & Planning
Digital marketers need to create and implement campaigns based on analytics and quantifiable SEO data. Educators should teach students how to plan and execute a digital strategy, set specific key performance indicators (KPIs), and measure campaign success.
8. Social Selling
Social selling is becoming increasingly important for sales professionals to connect with and influence customers. Educators should offer industry-aligned training to help students interested in a sales career achieve social selling success.
9. Pay-Per-Click Marketing (PPC)
PPC advertising is a popular way for brands to get traffic quickly. Educators should teach students how to optimize PPC campaigns to improve landing page conversion rates and maximize return on investment.
10. Video
Video has become a major content driver on social media platforms. Educators should teach students how to leverage the power of video content to engage consumers and drive brand awareness.
To help students advance their digital careers, consider offering them a digital marketing certification like the Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing from https://www.scrollreads.com/. This certification covers the fundamentals of digital marketing and dives into key specialisms like SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media marketing. It will provide students with the most relevant and up-to-date marketing skills to succeed in the digital world.
In conclusion, by offering these top 10 digital skills, educators can ensure their students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to land top digital jobs across industries.
