Digital Marketing Internship | 7 Best Ways to Get Started 2023

If you’re looking for ways to get started in digital marketing, internships are a great way to gain experience. Many companies offer digital marketing internships, and they can be a great way to learn the ropes of website development, paid advertising, organic content, affiliate marketing, email marketing, social media, and more!

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is the process of promoting your business or brand using digital channels such as websites, social media, paid advertising, SEO, and email.

It has become an essential part of any business’s marketing strategy, and it’s important to get started with digital marketing internships if you want to pursue a career in the industry.

Why start with an internship?

Internships are a great way to get started in any field, and digital marketing is no exception. An internship will give you the opportunity to learn about digital marketing from experts in the field, and you’ll also gain experience working with different digital channels. This is important because it will allow you to decide which channels work best for you, your business, or your brand.

What can I learn in a Digital Marketing Internship?

Internships can vary depending on the company you intern with, but most digital marketing internships will cover the basics of digital marketing. You’ll learn about topics such as website design, SEO, social media marketing, and paid advertising. You may also have the opportunity to work on specific projects related to your field of study.

Can I do this with no experience?

Many digital marketing internships are open to students with no experience, so don’t worry if you’re new to the field! Internships are a great way to learn; most companies will be happy to teach you what you need to know.

If you want training ahead of time, checkout Google career certificates like Project Management or UX Design.

Do marketing interns get paid?

This varies from company to company, but most digital marketing internships are unpaid.

1) Acadium

Acadium is a great way to get your foot in the door working directly with a business or agency. Internships, otherwise known as Apprenticeships, last around 3 months and end with a certificate of completion as well as a personal recommendation letter from the business owner or team member.

Acadium boasts that its digital marketing internship program is 100% remote and free. The company asks for a minimum commitment of 10 hours a week.

More recently, Acadium has added digital marketing education tools and learning in topics such as Paid Advertising, SEO, Content Marketing, Web Design, Analytics, Public Relations, Affiliate, and even Influencer Marketing.

While working remotely, you can work alongside industry experts and develop real-world, in-demand skills.

In some circumstances, there may be an opportunity to transition from an intern position into a full or part-time paid position.

If you have never worked for an agency before, this is a wonderful opportunity to get some industry experience and see whether the agency environment is right for you.

2) Indeed

Indeed is full of opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even large agencies. Toggle the filters on Indeed and choose digital marketing internships to get started.

One of the great things about Indeed is that it includes not only internship postings but also entry-level jobs and even full-time positions.

A digital marketing internship with Indeed could be a stepping stone to a longer-term, paid digital marketing position.

The company has an expansive list of digital marketing internships in specialties such as social media, SEO, email marketing, paid search, and web design.

You can search by location or keyword.

If you’re looking for digital marketing experience and don’t want to commit to a longer-term position, freelancing could be a great option for you. It allows you to work with different clients, gain experience in a variety of areas, and hone your skills. Plus, it can help you build your portfolio.

3) LinkedIn

The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can apply directly to internships and some of them are even paid positions.

Find digital marketing intern jobs in your local area, or chose a position where you’re working remotely.

You’ll also have the opportunity to network with professionals in your field, which could lead to future job opportunities.

Make sure to work on creating your LinkedIn profile along with a professional picture, cover letter or introduction, experience, and links to your other social media platform (try to keep it professional here).

Once you start your internship, add it to your LinkedIn profile so that recruiters can see you’re qualified for other opportunities.

4) Non-Profit Businesses/ Volunteer Experience

One great way to gain experience is by volunteering for a non-profit business. Think of your local shelters, school programs, and other causes that could use your helping hand.

Many times, these businesses are looking for interns or volunteers who may be able to provide more hands-on experience than larger businesses.

Often, these organizations need help with posting regularly on social media platforms, email communications, business outreach, community support, website design, and generally getting the word out about their cause.

And yes! Volunteer experience does count when you’re looking to add to your resume!

5) Friends/Family

Consider your circle of friends, family, and coworkers. One of them probably has a business or side hustle that you can help create a website for, advertise on social media, and even test paid advertising. You will be doing them a favor by helping out.

And you gain real-world experience.

Survey your inner circle and let them know you’re interested. You will be surprised who is eager for help and ideas.

6) Local Businesses

Have you noticed your favorite pizza place’s rather unimpressive online presence? I bet you can really help them out!

Especially during and after the pandemic, local businesses are desperately trying to keep up with the times.

Consider offering a website re-vamp or a paid social or search campaign to get more paying customers.

Offer your service for free and let them know that you can continue to help if they are happy with the results.

7) Your Own Business

Why not practice on your own? Create your own website, set up a funnel, SEO, and some paid ads, and you can get an even better experience than if you were working for someone else in an internship.

You can try out ideas like private music lessons, tutoring, car detailing, house cleaning, and landscaping- any service-based business is a great place to start.

If you would rather stay at home in your PJs, consider starting your own blog.

Things to Watch Out For

Beware of ISA (income sharing agreement)

Recently, some businesses have been capitalizing on the demand for digital marketers with ISA’s.

Some of these programs may start as internships, with the premise that once you accept the job, you pay the business a percentage of your first-year salary.

In today’s job market, this is totally unnecessary. Beware of programs like this.

Businesses Taking Advantage of Free Work

Be cautious about the digital marketing intern position you accept. Many times, businesses cut corners by hiring an abundance of interns rather than a salaried staff.

Look out for things like high turnover, low pay, and unrealistic expectations.

Some of these businesses may talk about the “trial” mentality- testing an intern to see if they are a good fit and, in turn, offering low pay.

Digital marketing is in demand- you should make no less than $50k a year to start.

Wrap Up

Digital marketing is a great way to start your career. It’s in demand, and you can make a lot of money if you’re good at it.

The best way to get started is by finding an internship or job that will give you the most experience. Beware of ISA’s and businesses taking advantage of free work. And lastly, if your internship or freelance work turns into a full-time gig, remember it’s important to get paid what you’re worth!