As competition for digital marketing jobs intensifies, many aspiring professionals are entering the field with misconceptions that can derail their career progress before it even begins. These myths create unrealistic expectations and can prevent talented individuals from pursuing roles where they might excel.
“I see candidates make the same mistakes repeatedly because they’re working with outdated or simply incorrect information about what digital marketing careers entail,” says Jacob Kettner, Founder of First Rank, a top-ranked SEO and digital marketing company focused on helping businesses generate leads through their websites.
Having built a successful agency and guided numerous professionals into the industry, Kettner shares the most common myths he encounters and what job seekers should focus on instead.
Myth #1: You need to be a programmer or coder
One of the most persistent myths about digital marketing is that it requires advanced coding skills. While understanding the basics of HTML can be helpful, most digital marketingdigital marketing roles don’t require programming expertise.
“I’ve hired dozens of successful digital marketers who couldn’t write a line of code when they started,” Kettner explains. “What’s more important is understanding the principles behind digital platforms and having the willingness to learn new tools.”
Most modern marketing platforms use intuitive interfaces that don’t require coding knowledge. It’s common for professionals to use drag-and-drop editors, templates, and user-friendly analytics tools that emphasize marketing strategy over technical implementation.
Myth #2: Digital marketing is only for creative people
People often assume digital marketing is exclusively for creative types who design graphics and write copy. While creativity is valuable, analytical skills are equally important in this data-driven field.
“Some of our best team members are analytical thinkers who excel at interpreting data and optimizing campaigns,” says Kettner. “Digital marketing is unique because it needs both creative minds who can develop compelling content and analytical minds who can measure what works.”
The industry has room for various thinking styles, from data analysts who thrive on numbers to creative directors who develop innovative campaigns—and plenty of roles that require a blend of both.
Myth #3: You need a marketing degree
Formal education in marketing can provide a solid foundation, but it’s far from the only path into the industry. Many successful digital marketers come from diverse educational backgrounds or are self-taught.
“I’ve hired people with backgrounds in psychology, English, business, and even biology who became excellent marketers,” Kettner notes. “What matters more is a willingness to continuously learn and adapt.”
The digital landscape changes so quickly that even recent marketing graduates need to supplement their education with current industry knowledge. Certifications from Google, HubSpot, and other platforms often provide more relevant, up-to-date training than traditional degrees.
Myth #4: It’s a get-rich-quick career path
Some view digital marketing as an easy way to make money quickly, especially with stories of viral campaigns and overnight successes. The reality is quite different.
“Building a successful career in digital marketing takes time and persistent effort,” Kettner says. “Those overnight success stories usually involved years of behind-the-scenes work before the big break.”
Like most professional fields, digital marketing requires developing expertise over time. Entry-level positions typically involve learning fundamentals and mastering tools before moving into strategy and management roles with higher compensation.
Myth #5: Social media experience equals digital marketing expertise
Managing personal social media accounts doesn’t automatically translate to professional marketing skills. There’s a significant difference between casual posting and strategic marketing campaigns.
“Running your Instagram account doesn’t qualify you as a social media marketer,” explains Kettner. “Professional marketing involves understanding algorithms, audience targeting, conversion optimization, and measuring ROI—skills that go far beyond typical personal use.”
Professional digital marketing encompasses numerous specialties beyond social media, including SEO, email marketing, content strategy, paid advertising, and analytics.
Myth #6: All digital marketing jobs are remote and flexible
While digital marketing does offer more remote opportunities than many industries, not all positions provide complete flexibility or location independence.
“Roles typically require collaboration with team members or clients, which can mean set hours or occasional in-person meetings,” Kettner points out. “And agency roles often follow client schedules, which might not align with your ideal working hours.”
Job seekers should research specific companies and positions to understand expectations around work location and hours rather than assuming all digital marketing roles offer the same flexibility.
Myth #7: You need to be young to understand digital platforms
Age has no bearing on digital marketing capability. While younger generations may have grown up with certain platforms, professional marketing requires strategic thinking that comes with experience.
“Some of the most insightful digital marketers I know started their careers in traditional marketing before digital existed,” says Kettner. “Their experience with fundamental marketing principles gives them an edge in strategy development, even if they initially had a learning curve with new platforms.”
Digital marketing rewards adaptability and continuous learning at any age, not just technological familiarity.
Jacob Kettner, Founder of First Rank, comments:
“What employers in this industry actually look for might surprise people. Beyond specific skills, we value problem-solving ability, intellectual curiosity, and communication skills. Someone who can clearly explain complex concepts and demonstrates eagerness to keep learning will always stand out.
“The most successful candidates typically show evidence of self-directed learning, whether through personal projects, certifications, or a portfolio of work. They don’t claim to know everything but can demonstrate how they approach challenges and find solutions. This adaptability is vital because digital marketing tools and platforms change constantly.
“For anyone considering this career path, I’d recommend focusing on understanding marketing fundamentals while gaining hands-on experience with current tools. Start with free certifications, build sample campaigns, and create a portfolio that demonstrates both your technical capabilities and strategic thinking. These practical demonstrations of skill will take you much further than any credential alone.”
