So you want to be an ads manager.
Maybe you heard about the awesome earning potential, or the fact that you can make your own schedule, or even the idea that you could promote a company you believe in.
These are all great reasons to explore this amazing marketing field.
But making a career change or taking the first step toward a new career can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to become an ads manager and give you a sneak peek of what the world of a successful digital ad manager can look like.
So, whether you’re ready to leap or explore your options, let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide to become an ads manager:
A Realistic Pathway to Making Money Online
Why is digital ads management such a lucrative career?
With the rise of e-commerce and online businesses, companies are always looking for ways to get their products and services in front of the right people.
This is where digital ads come in:
They allow businesses to target specific audiences and get their message seen by the right people at the right time.
But it’s not just about throwing up some ads and calling it a day…
…digital ads management requires a certain set of skills and expertise.
You need to:
- Create compelling ad campaigns that catch people’s attention
- Write persuasive ad copy that gets people to take action
- Analyze data to continually improve your results.
And here’s the thing:
Not everyone has these skills.
That’s why businesses are willing to pay top dollar for digital ads managers who can deliver results.
If you hone your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, you can position yourself as an expert in the field and charge higher rates for your services.
But it’s not just about the money.
As an ads manager, you can work on projects that you’re truly passionate about.
Whether you’re promoting a product that you believe in or helping a non-profit organization get its message out to the world, you can make a real impact with your work.
If you’re looking for a career that offers both financial rewards and personal fulfillment, digital ads management might just be the ticket.
How to Become an Ads Manager: 4 Requirements & Tips for Your Checklist
What Does an Advertising Manager Do?
As an advertising manager, your main responsibility is to oversee the creation and execution of advertising campaigns for your clients or your company.
You’ll work closely with clients to understand their advertising goals and develop strategies to meet those goals.
You’ll also work with a team of designers, writers, and media planners to create compelling ads that will reach the target audience.
Other duties may include:
- Managing budgets
- Analyzing data to measure the effectiveness of campaigns
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
To succeed as an advertising manager, you’ll need to possess an equal balance of strategy and detail.
You should be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas and analyze data to measure the success of those ideas.
1. Advertising Manager Education Requirements
The typical education requirement for becoming an ads manager is a bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, or a related field. However, some employers may also accept candidates with degrees in business, communications, or graphic design.
If you don’t have a relevant degree, don’t worry—there are alternative education options that can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need.
For example, you could take courses in digital marketing, graphic design, or data analysis. You could also consider earning a certification in a specific area of advertising, such as Google Ads or social media advertising.
2. Skill Requirements
To become an ads manager, you’ll need to possess a variety of skills, including:
- Writing skills
- A passion for evaluating things and determining what works and what doesn’t
- Sales Skills
- Adequate knowledge of tech
- Attention to detail
- Marketing skills
There are several ways you can acquire these skills, including taking courses, attending workshops or seminars, and gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions.
3. Job Responsibilities
As an ads manager, your job responsibilities may include:
- Developing advertising strategies that align with your client’s goals and objectives
- Collaborating with clients and team members to create compelling ads that resonate with the target audience
- Managing budgets and ensuring that campaigns are cost-effective
- Analyzing data to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and making data-driven decisions
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices
- Managing relationships with clients and stakeholders
It’s important to note that job responsibilities can vary depending on the employer and industry.
For example, an ads manager working for a digital marketing agency may have different responsibilities than an ads manager working for an in-house marketing department.
4. Advertising Manager Salary
The salary for ad managers can vary depending on a variety of factors, including experience, industry, and location.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for an ads manager in the United States is $81,155 per year.
Factors that can affect salary include the size of the employer, the location of the job, and the level of experience.
Ads managers with more experience and a proven track record of success may be able to command higher salaries.
Additionally, ad managers working in industries such as healthcare and finance may earn more than those working in retail or hospitality.
How to Turn Your Hobbies Into Profit and Become a Full-Time Advertising Manager
1. Identify Your Niche
I’ve seen too many ads managers fail because they didn’t choose a niche.
So, the first step is to identify your niche (aka your advertising sweet spot).
Maybe you’re obsessed with fashion, or perhaps you’re a tech nerd. Whatever your interests, find your unique angle to stand out in a crowded market.
When identifying your niche, consider your interests, skills, and experience.
Choose a niche that aligns with your passions and expertise to make your work more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Conduct market research to determine the demand for your chosen niche and identify your target audience.
2. Learn from the Experts
The next step is to learn from the pros!
Follow successful advertising managers in your niche and learn from their success stories. Absorb their strategies, techniques, and secret sauce to enhance your own.
To learn from successful advertising managers, start by researching industry leaders in your chosen niche.
Follow them on social media and read their blogs to gain insights and learn from their experiences.
Attend industry conferences and events to network with other professionals and gain valuable knowledge. Ad strategies are ever-changing, so you have to stay on the cutting edge of what’s working right now.
3. Build a Portfolio
Build a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience, including examples of campaigns you’ve managed and any results you achieved.
Building a portfolio is crucial to showcase your creative genius and demonstrate your experience.
In certain cases, your portfolio may be the only thing a prospective client or employer cares about. Results speak louder than anything else.
Highlight your past campaigns, achievements, and testimonials to impress your future clients.
You can use platforms such as Behance or Dribble to create an online portfolio.
4. Network with Others in the Industry
Networking is essential for building relationships with other professionals in the advertising industry.
Attend conferences, join industry associations, and engage with other professionals on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
Remember: building strong relationships can lead to potential clients and job opportunities.
5. Gain Practical Experience
Gain practical experience by working on small projects for friends and family or by interning with an advertising agency. You could even offer to do some work for free to build your portfolio. This is vital for building your skill set and adding to your body of results.
As you gain experience, you’ll develop your skills, gain more confidence, and add more value to your services.
Practice makes perfect. Start small and work your way up to bigger and better projects.
6. Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Stay up-to-date with industry trends by reading industry publications and attending webinars and workshops.
Sometimes in ads, things simply stop working. You need to know what’s working right now if you want to be elite.
When you’re on top of the latest developments in your industry, you increase the services, knowledge, and value you can offer to your clients. You may even be able to charge more for your services if you can do what no one else can.
So, stay current with industry trends to avoid becoming outdated (and out of work).
7. Offer Your Services for Free
Offer your services for free to a nonprofit organization or a small business.
This might seem ridiculous at first.
But trust me, this can help you gain valuable experience and build your portfolio.
Free work can feel like a thankless task, but you’re doing good for others and building up some experience for yourself.
Depending on the client, they might even be inclined to come back later or refer you to one of their connections.
8. Create a Website
Create a website to showcase your services and portfolio. This will help potential clients find you and learn more about your skills and experience.
In the digital age, having a website is like having a home base for your advertising career. It showcases your portfolio and services.
Make sure your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. You can use platforms such as Squarespace or Wix to create a professional-looking website quickly.
9. Set Your Rates
Set your rates based on industry standards, your level of experience, and the demand for your time.
Don’t undervalue your skills and experience. There’s an interesting thing that happens with freelance work: Typically, the cheaper you set your rates, the more difficult clients you get.
Setting your rates is all about what you’re willing to accept. My suggestion? Don’t underprice yourself. Give them the price you’d give if you were confident that you could get them great results.
10. Keep Learning and Growing
The advertising industry is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to keep learning and growing.
Take courses, attend workshops, and read industry publications to stay informed about the latest technologies, techniques, and trends in the industry.
This will help you stay ahead of your competition and continue to provide excellent service to your clients.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality and Become a Full-Time Ads Manager
Becoming a full-time ads manager is achievable with the right tools, knowledge, and persistence.
It’s not an overnight process, but with dedication and hard work, it’s certainly attainable.
It’s time to take action and start pursuing your dream of becoming a full-time ads manager.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.
Whether it’s taking a course, interning with an advertising agency, or building your own portfolio, every step counts.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and make it happen!
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