I’ve been doing SEM, PPC, and paid digital ads for almost 9 years now. I’m wondering, is it smart to keep doing the same thing long term? Or should I start learning other areas in digital marketing like social media, content, creative, video, SEO, websites, etc.? Also, any advice on how to find full-time remote jobs? I’m currently not working, so any tips would help!
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If you don’t diversify, you’re taking a risk. I was in the same boat, sticking to SEM and PPC. Thought I was set, but reality hit when I realized those skills weren’t enough to handle big changes in the market. Branch out into social media, SEO, and content—it’s what saved me. As for remote gigs, check out We Work Remotely, AngelList, and UsePulse, especially for targeting communities like this one. It worked for me!
Thanks for the advice! This really helps a lot, appreciate it.
Happy to help! Expanding beyond SEM really paid off for me. Keep at it!
Got it, thanks again for the great advice!
How do you start learning new areas without feeling like you’re spreading yourself too thin? I’m worried I’ll lose focus if I try to do everything.
Good point. Start small—pick one or two areas that align with your current strengths, like SEO or content. Take on mini-projects or freelancing gigs to practice and deepen your skills without overloading yourself.
Being a specialist makes you an expert, but learning other areas will give you more flexibility and open up more job options. It’s good to have both.
I see what you’re saying. Thanks for the input!
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Brands nowadays want someone who can handle their entire digital marketing efforts. Specialization is still useful, but it’s a shrinking space. Try to become more of a generalist to keep your options open.
Makes sense. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Many internal marketing teams are facing budget cuts and downsizing, which makes being a generalist more valuable. It can also make you a stronger specialist because you understand how all the pieces fit together.
I get your point. Thanks for explaining it that way!
Diversifying your skills is going to be huge for your career in the long run. If you only focus on SEM, you’ll hit a ceiling, and you’ll be vulnerable when big changes happen, like Google automating SEM. Brands are looking for people who can wear multiple hats, and while no one can be great at everything, having a wide skill set will make you more valuable.
That makes a lot of sense, thank you for your insight!
Master one core skill and also learn about other digital marketing functions. Companies are working lean these days, and with AI speeding things up, being a generalist can really help.
Appreciate the advice, thanks!
Specializing in SEM and PPC is great, but knowing a bit of SEO, content, or social media will give you more flexibility and job options. For remote jobs, try LinkedIn, We Work Remotely, or Indeed.