Want to get into digital marketing? Here’s how to get ahead – without needing experience

If you’re starting to think about your future career – digital marketing is one of the most exciting, fast-growing industries out there. And the good news? There are ways you can get your foot in the door, even if you’re just starting out.

At Wolfenden, we’re running a workshop next week at a local school for some brilliant year 9’s who are curious about what a career in digital marketing might look like. And we wanted to share some extra practical tips and advice here for anyone who’s exploring their options.

First things first: no, it’s not just you. It is ridiculous.

Lately, it feels like even so-called “entry-level” digital marketing jobs are asking for loads of experience – and we agree, that’s daft. But we’re here to tell you there are ways to build skills and show your passion without needing a packed-out CV. And – important note – you should never feel like you have to work for free to prove yourself. You already have value to offer, and we’re all about championing that.

So, let’s get stuck into some actually doable things you can do to prepare yourself for a digital marketing career and give yourself the absolute best chance of getting a job, even without direct experience.

1. Start exploring free tools (they’re fun AND impressive)

There are so many amazing tools out there that professionals use every day, and loads of them have free versions that you can start playing with straight away.

• Canva: Want to show off your creative flair? Canva’s a brilliant tool for designing content for social media. You can create Instagram posts, TikToks, Reels, even mock-up ads for your favourite brands. You don’t even have to post anything – just experimenting with templates is a great way to learn.

• SEMrush: This is a goldmine for getting into SEO (Search Engine Optimisation, aka helping websites show up higher in search results). There’s a free version, and loads of YouTube tutorials that walk you through how to use it.

• Google Trends & Pinterest Trends: Want to know what the world is searching for right now? These tools help you spot trending topics and interests – useful for content ideas, marketing campaigns, and just being generally on the ball.

• Meta Ads Library: Ever wondered what kind of ads your favourite brands are running on Facebook and Instagram? You can literally look them up. It’s a sneaky-good way to learn what makes an eye-catching ad.

2. Carve out a weekly learning hour

Think of it as your own mini digital bootcamp. One hour a week can go a long way.

• Try searching for beginner videos on platforms like YouTube for things like:

  • Google Analytics (tracking performance of websites and campaigns)

  • Google Ads & Meta Ads (how to set up and target paid campaigns)

  • Tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or SEMrush (the real deal when it comes to SEO)

• Or, if you want something a bit more structured:

  • LinkedIn Learning offers a free 1-month trial packed with courses on all kinds of marketing topics.

  • Grow with Google and HubSpot Academy both offer free online training you can do at your own pace.

3. Set up a LinkedIn profile – even if you’re just starting out

You might think LinkedIn’s just for professionals, but it’s one of the first places employers go when qualifying candidates. And setting up a profile early shows you’re thinking ahead.

Add any projects you’ve been working on (like creating social media content or exploring SEO tools), list your interests, and follow digital agencies you admire. That way you’ll stay up to date with the kind of work they do, and you’ll see when jobs or apprenticeships pop up.

4. Read up on industry trends (and show you know your stuff)

Digital marketing moves fast – but that’s what makes it fun. To stay in the loop, we’d recommend checking out:

• Search Engine Land or Search Engine Watch (for SEO & PPC updates)

• Content Marketing Institute (great for copywriting and brand content tips)

• SEMrush Academy  (training galore)

• HubSpot Academy (a little bit of everything, well explained)

Even just spending 10 minutes a week browsing these will give you loads to talk about when the time comes to interview.

5. Go to free events in your area

If you’re based near Leeds, there are loads of great events that offer free entry and tons of insight into what a digital career looks like.

• Leeds Digital Festival: Happens twice a year, and it’s packed with free workshops, panels, and networking events.

• The Marketing Meetup: A friendly, welcoming event series that runs in Leeds and other cities – perfect for hearing from people in the industry (just check age limits as you might need a parent or teacher to tag along).

One last thing: You absolutely can do this

Don’t let lack of experience knock your confidence. Everyone starts somewhere, and building a bit of self-taught knowledge, getting curious, and showing your enthusiasm is honestly the most valuable first step you can take.

At Wolfenden, we believe digital marketing should be accessible to everyone, and we’re always on the lookout for fresh thinkers, creative ideas, and future stars (yes, that could be you). So give some of the tips above a try – and who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be running the show.

Want to know more? Get in touch with us, check out our blog for more behind-the-scenes insight, or connect with us on LinkedIn – we’re a friendly bunch.