What Are Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs? A Beginner’s Guide for 2026

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If you are exploring a career in marketing, entry level digital marketing jobs are often the fastest and most practical way to get started. These roles sit at the center of how businesses attract attention online, connect with customers, and compete for visibility in search results and digital platforms. 

For beginners, these entry-level jobs offer hands-on experience with tools and strategies that directly influence growth and revenue through online marketing.

As we move toward 2026, companies across the US, Canada, and global markets are prioritizing digital channels to reach audiences who rely on search engines and online content to make decisions. This shift has driven strong demand for entry-level talent who can support campaigns, improve online presence, and help businesses rank, engage, and convert. 

This guide explains what these roles involve, the skills they require, typical pay ranges, and how you can get started without prior experience.

Key Takeaways

• Entry level digital marketing jobs are designed for beginners with little or no professional experience.

• Common roles include digital marketing assistant, social media coordinator, SEO specialist, and email marketing associate.

• Most employers prioritize practical skills, certifications, and portfolios over formal degrees.

• Salaries are competitive and often increase quickly within the first two years.

• With the right strategy, you can break into digital marketing without prior industry experience.

What Are Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs?

Entry level digital marketing jobs are beginner-friendly roles that support online marketing strategies across channels like search engines, social media, email, and websites. These jobs focus on execution rather than strategy, making them ideal for newcomers.

Most entry-level roles involve assisting senior marketers, managing basic campaigns, analyzing performance data, and learning tools used in the industry. You are expected to follow processes, meet deadlines, and gradually take ownership of tasks.

These jobs exist in agencies, startups, large corporations, nonprofits, and ecommerce companies. Many roles are remote or hybrid, especially in the US and Canada, which makes them accessible to global talent.

Unlike traditional marketing, these digital marketing entry-level jobs allow beginners to demonstrate their skills quickly. Employers can see results through metrics like traffic, engagement, and conversions, which can speed up career growth in the industry.

Common Types of Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs

There are several entry level digital marketing jobs, each focusing on a specific channel or skill set. Understanding these roles helps you choose the best starting point based on your strengths.

Digital Marketing Assistant

This is one of the most common beginner roles. A digital marketing assistant supports multiple campaigns across channels like email, social media, paid ads, and content marketing.

Typical tasks digital marketing assistant tasks include:

• Scheduling and publishing website or social media content

• Tracking and reporting campaign performance

• Assisting with social media management

• Conducting search engine optimization (SEO) keyword and competitor research

• Coordinating with internal teams and vendors

That said, the role offers broad exposure and is ideal if you are unsure about the kind of niche or specialization you want - or if you want to explore the industry a bit before settling down on a specific role.

Social Media Coordinator

Social media coordinators manage daily posting, community engagement, and basic analytics on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. Creativity and consistency matter more than advanced technical skills.

Top skills needed for a social media coordinator include:

• Content creation and copywriting

• Social media analytics and performance tracking

• Community management and audience engagement

This role suits beginners who enjoy content creation, trends, and audience interaction. Many companies use this position as a pipeline towards becoming social media strategist roles.

Entry Level SEO Specialist

SEO specialists focus on improving website visibility in search engines. 

Entry-level tasks include:

• keyword research

• on-page optimization

• website content updates

• backlink monitoring

The role is data-driven and works well for analytical thinkers. SEO skills remain highly valuable and transferable across industries.

Email Marketing Assistant

An email marketing assistant plays a key role in helping businesses stay visible and relevant in customers’ inboxes. The work involves preparing email campaigns, keeping subscriber lists organized, and reviewing performance metrics like opens and clicks to understand what grabs attention. 

Three top skills needed for this role include:

• Basic copywriting and editing skills

• Attention to detail and list management

• Email performance tracking and analytics

Email marketing assistants are essential for nurturing business relationships, driving conversions, and encouraging repeat customer engagement.

For beginners, the role offers a clear view of how brands communicate at different stages of the customer journey and often opens the door to high-demand roles in lifecycle marketing or CRM-focused (Customer Relationship Management) teams.

PPC or Paid Ads Assistant

A PPC or paid ads assistant helps businesses get noticed quickly by placing ads where people are already searching or scrolling online. 

The role typically involve: 

• helping set up ads (Google Ads, Meta, MS Ads, etc.) 

• testing different ad headlines, descriptions, keywords, and calls to action to improve click-through rates and conversion performance

• checking which ads bring in clicks, leads, or sales 

A paid ads assistant role is important because paid ads can drive immediate traffic and results, especially when organic reach is limited. For beginners, it builds strong analytical and budgeting skills while showing how marketing directly impacts revenue. 

And because paid advertising is closely tied to business growth, this role often leads to faster career and salary progression.

After identifying the entry level digital marketing roles that best match your skills and interests, the next step is knowing where employers actively hire for these positions.

To give you a headstart, here are some of the top online job boards you can start your search for entry level digital marketing work:

ZipRecruiter

Upwork

Indeed

Glassdoor

LinkedIn

Monster

Skills Needed for Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs in 2026

To succeed in entry level digital marketing jobs, beginners need practical, job-ready skills that can be applied immediately. Employers typically look for candidates who can support daily marketing tasks, follow established processes, and adapt quickly to different tools and platforms.

The most in-demand skills for entry-level roles in 2026 include:

• Content writing and basic copywriting

• SEO keyword research and on-page optimization

• Social media content scheduling and platform management

• Email campaign setup and list management

• Data entry and marketing documentation

• Performance tracking and reporting using analytics tools

• Spreadsheet skills for organizing data and monitoring results

• Basic graphic or visual content handling using templates or design tools

• Paid ads support skills, including ad setup assistance and testing variations

• Content management system (CMS) usage, such as uploading and updating website pages

• Audience research and basic customer segmentation

• Time management and task prioritization in fast-paced marketing environments

With these skills in place, candidates are better prepared to meet employer expectations and contribute from day one. Understanding how these roles are compensated can also help you decide which entry level digital marketing job aligns best with your goals.

Salary Expectations for Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs

Salary is a major consideration for beginners. In the US and Canada, entry level digital marketing jobs offer competitive starting pay with strong growth potential.

In the US, most entry-level roles pay between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on location, company size, and specialization. Paid ads and SEO roles often pay slightly more.

In Canada, salaries typically range from CAD 45,000 to CAD 60,000 per year. Remote roles may align closer to US pay scales, especially for specialized skills.

Freelance and contract roles may pay hourly, often between $20 and $35 per hour for beginners. These roles can help you gain experience quickly.

Most professionals see significant pay increases within two to three years as they specialize and take on more skills or responsibility.

How to Get Entry Level Digital Marketing Jobs With No Experience

Many people hesitate to apply for entry level digital marketing jobs because they lack experience. In reality, experience can be built strategically without a full-time role.

1. Build Practical Skills First

Start by learning through reputable online resources and certifications. Focus on SEO basics, social media management, and analytics.

Begin with beginner-friendly platforms like Google, HubSpot Academy, Meta, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning that offer structured lessons and hands-on practice.

Apply what you learn by creating your own blog, managing a small social media page, or running a test ad campaign with a small budget.

Track results using basic analytics tools and document what worked, what failed, and what you would improve next time.

2. Create a Simple Portfolio

A portfolio does not need client work. Include personal projects, case studies, or mock campaigns that show your thinking and results.

Explain your goals, actions, and outcomes clearly. Employers value problem-solving over perfection. Use screenshots, brief metrics, or before-and-after comparisons to make your work easy to understand.

You can use Canva to design visuals, social media examples, ad mockups, or simple reports that present your work professionally. Canva is commonly used in digital marketing roles, so including it shows practical, job-ready design and communication skills.

Host your portfolio on a simple website or share it through Google Drive or Notion for easy access. Focus on clarity and relevance, showing how your work aligns with real business objectives.

3. Apply Strategically

Tailor your resume for each role. Highlight transferable skills like writing, data analysis, customer service, or project coordination.

Mirror keywords from the job description to improve visibility in applicant tracking systems and show clear alignment.

Quantify your experience where possible, even for non-marketing roles, by emphasizing outcomes such as growth, efficiency, or engagement.

Avoid generic applications. Focus on roles that match your current skill level and interests.

Research each company’s products, audience, and digital presence, then reference one specific insight in your application. 

Set a weekly application goal and track responses to refine your approach based on what generates interviews.

4. Network and Learn Publicly

Engage on LinkedIn, join marketing communities, and share what you are learning. Many entry level digital marketing jobs are filled through referrals or informal connections.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a clear headline, relevant keywords, and examples of projects or certifications.

Comment thoughtfully on posts from marketers and companies you admire to stay visible without being promotional. Join online communities, Slack groups, or forums focused on SEO, social media, or digital marketing careers to access shared opportunities.

Consistency and visibility can create opportunities faster than cold applications alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need for entry level digital marketing jobs?

Most roles require basic digital skills, certifications, and practical experience. A formal degree is helpful but not mandatory.

Are entry level digital marketing jobs good for career growth?

Yes, they offer strong growth potential, especially for those who specialize and keep learning.

Can I get entry level digital marketing jobs without a degree?

Yes, many employers prioritize skills, portfolios, and certifications over degrees.

Which entry level digital marketing job pays the most?

Paid ads and SEO roles often pay slightly higher due to their direct revenue impact.

Are entry level digital marketing jobs remote-friendly?

Many roles are remote or hybrid, especially in the US and Canada.

How long does it take to get hired in digital marketing?

With focused preparation, many beginners find roles within three to six months.

What is the best skill to learn first for digital marketing?

SEO and analytics are strong starting points because they apply across many roles.

How to get a first job in digital marketing with no experience?

To get your first digital marketing job with no experience, focus on building practical skills and proving them. Start by learning core areas like SEO, social media, and analytics through beginner-friendly platforms.

Create personal projects, such as a blog, social media page, or mock campaigns, to show real-world application. Build a simple portfolio, tailor your resume for each role, and apply strategically to entry-level positions.

Networking on LinkedIn and sharing your learning publicly can also help uncover opportunities faster.

Conclusion

Entry level digital marketing jobs offer one of the most accessible and flexible career paths in 2026, especially for beginners and career switchers. They blend creativity, data, and measurable results, giving you real-world impact from the start.

By building practical skills, creating proof through projects, and applying strategically, you position yourself ahead of most applicants. The field rewards action, consistency, and learning faster than traditional career paths.

If you are serious about building a future-proof career with strong growth potential, entry level digital marketing jobs are the smartest place to begin. Start learning, start testing, and take the first step today toward a role that can grow with you.