5 Qualifications of a Successful Marketer

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Marketing Qualifications

  • Thorough Knowledge Of Markets
  • Tech Savviness
  • Sales Ability
  • Exceptional Interpersonal Skills
  • A Degree In Marketing
A marketing degree is important, but not the only qualification you need to become a successful marketer. The best marketers must have a breadth of knowledge, from consumer habits to technological savviness. Here are five of the most important qualifications successful marketers share. Ranking: 30 Best Marketing Degree Online Programs (Bachelor’s)

1. Thorough Knowledge Of Markets

Marketers must always be learning about the markets in which they work and improving their craft. Markets change over time and the best marketers must always remain aware of trends and consumer behavior. Knowing what customers want is integral to successfully market products to any group. Typically marketers will be most knowledgeable about the market associated with the products or services their company sells. Some marketers work for marketing firms where more varied knowledge may be required. Marketers need to be creative and adaptable in order to stay on top of their game.

2. Tech Savviness

Modern marketers need to have a strong grasp of technology and digital marketing, even if digital marketing is not their exact specialty. Much marketing is done online now, even for businesses that are primarily based in a physical location. Content marketing, in particular, is essential to the survival of most businesses. Marketers must have a strong grasp of what kinds of content marketing is most effective. They also need to know how to target it to their specific audience. Marketers must work with a number of software programs as well as be able to utilize digital data analytics.

3. Sales Ability

Marketers no longer work almost wholly independent of salespeople. Marketing and sales departments must share a close and coordinated relationship. Marketers generate leads and identify customers for salespeople to target. A successful marketer must have a strong working knowledge of sales. They need  strong sales skills to convince consumers to buy what they are selling. To do this, the best marketers wholly believe in the product they are selling. They want to share it with the people they think it will most benefit. Good salespeople are also:
  • empathetic
  • driven
  • resilient
  • patient
Work to nurture and form these traits.

4. Exceptional Interpersonal Skills

Marketers need to be able to communicate with people effectively. This is true whether they are:
  • trying to sell directly to a customer
  • working with advertising agents
  • ordering marketing content creation
  • communicating with other departments and executives in their own company
They have to genuinely enjoy working with others. They need to be able to get their own point across and understand the needs of others. Good marketers are also good listeners. By listening, they can better understand what a customer truly needs and how that need can be met to improve the customer’s life.

5. A Degree In Marketing

Most marketing professionals will need a marketing degree. Marketing degrees can be highly specialized, such as in areas like digital marketing and research and analytics. A master’s degree in marketing may be required for some positions, especially executive positions. Marketing jobs are popular and competition for positions can be fierce. This means students should start with every advantage possible. Salaries are high and can easily hit six-figures according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is also the potential for commission income in addition to a base salary. Many qualities are needed to become a talented and successful marketer. Get a marketing degree and build these other qualifications to experience a successful career in this rewarding and growing field.

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Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief