How To Get a Job In Email Marketing

Introduction.

Getting a job in email marketing can be an incredible career move.

Not only is it one of the most versatile skills in digital marketing, but it’s also a pathway that’s still growing, with demand for skilled professionals who can engage audiences and drive results.

If you enjoy a mix of creativity and strategy, love connecting with people, and are drawn to data that tells a story, then email marketing could be a perfect match.

Why is email marketing a field worth your time? Despite the rise of social media and other digital channels, email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to reach their audiences.

Research shows that for every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return on investment (ROI) is $36.

That’s a massive incentive for companies to invest in strong email campaigns—and they need people like you to make it happen.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know to land a job in email marketing.

I’ll cover the key skills to focus on, the types of jobs available, how to build a portfolio, where to find these jobs, and answer some FAQs to help you feel ready to take the leap.

Let’s get into it!

Why Email Marketing Matters

Email marketing is unique among digital marketing methods because of its personal touch and direct access to the inboxes of an engaged audience.

People sign up for email lists intentionally, which means they’re interested in receiving messages from brands they trust.

When used effectively, email campaigns can nurture customer relationships, drive sales, increase brand loyalty, and boost engagement with new or existing products.

In a world where social media platforms often change algorithms, email marketing provides companies with more control over their outreach.

This level of stability means that email marketers can experiment with messaging, design, and offers to see what really works.

Plus, email marketing tools make it easy to track metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates, so you can understand how effective each campaign is.

What Email Marketers Do

Email marketing is far more than just sending out emails. Here are some core responsibilities that often come with a role in email marketing:

Strategy Development: Planning email campaigns, including audience segmentation and timing.
Content Creation: Writing engaging subject lines, copy, and calls to action that get readers to engage.
Design and Layout: Using templates or design tools to create visually appealing emails.
Automation and Personalization: Setting up triggers and workflows to send targeted messages based on user behavior.
Testing and Optimization: Running A/B tests to determine the best subject lines, send times, and content.
Analyzing Results: Reviewing metrics and making adjustments to improve future campaigns.

Skills to Succeed in Email Marketing

To land a job in email marketing, you’ll need to develop a few essential skills. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones:

Copywriting: Good copywriting skills are essential. You’ll need to be able to write persuasive, engaging content that aligns with the brand’s tone.
Basic HTML/CSS: While you don’t need to be a coding expert, understanding the basics can help you customize email templates.
Data Analysis: A solid understanding of data and analytics helps you measure what’s working and what’s not, and it’s critical for optimizing future campaigns.
Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or Klaviyo is a big plus. These platforms help streamline the entire email marketing process.
Attention to Detail: With so many parts to each email campaign, from subject lines to tracking links, attention to detail is crucial.

Types of Email Marketing Roles

There’s no single “email marketer” role. Depending on the company size and structure, email marketing roles can vary widely. Here are a few common job titles you’ll come across:

Email Marketing Specialist: Typically focuses on building, executing, and tracking campaigns.
Email Marketing Manager: Responsible for planning strategy and overseeing a team.
Content Creator or Copywriter: Writes the content for emails, focusing on engagement and brand consistency.
Lifecycle or CRM Marketer: Focuses on customer journey mapping and retention.
Digital Marketing Specialist: Handles multiple channels, with email as one component.

How Do I Get Started in Email Marketing?

Here’s a simple roadmap to get started:

Learn the Basics: Take free or low-cost courses in email marketing fundamentals. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot Academy offer a range of options.
Practice Copywriting: Good copywriting is key to engaging readers. Practice writing clear, concise, and persuasive content that resonates with different audiences.
Get Familiar with Tools: Spend some time exploring email marketing tools. Many, like Mailchimp, offer free trials or demo versions.
Build a Portfolio: Create sample email campaigns or volunteer with a local business or nonprofit to build your portfolio. A portfolio will help you demonstrate your skills when applying for jobs.
Network: Networking in marketing communities can open doors. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with other marketers and stay updated on job opportunities.

Pros and Cons of Working in Email Marketing

Pros:

High Demand: Email marketing remains one of the most in-demand marketing skills, so jobs are often available across industries.
Growth Opportunities: As you gain experience, there’s potential to move up to higher-level marketing roles.
Creativity and Analytics: If you enjoy both creative writing and data analysis, email marketing combines both in a way few other fields do.
Flexibility: Many email marketing roles can be remote, offering flexibility in your work environment.

Cons:

Repetitive Tasks: Some parts of the job, like tracking metrics or formatting emails, can be repetitive.
Fast-Paced: Marketing deadlines can be tight, especially during sales periods or holidays.
Data-Driven: If you’re not comfortable with analytics, the role might feel overwhelming due to the constant need to optimize campaigns.

Where to Find Email Marketing Jobs

Now, where should you look for these opportunities?

Job Boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor have plenty of email marketing listings.
Marketing-Specific Sites: Sites like MarketingHire, GrowthHackers Jobs, and MarketerHire focus on marketing roles.
Freelance Platforms: If you’re open to freelancing, sites like Upwork and Fiverr offer email marketing gigs, which can be a great way to get experience.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a degree to work in email marketing?

A: While some positions may require a degree in marketing or communications, many email marketing jobs are open to candidates with relevant experience or certifications.

Q: How much can I expect to earn as an email marketer?

A: According to Glassdoor, entry-level email marketers in the U.S. earn an average of around $50,000 per year, while experienced professionals can make upwards of $80,000.

Q: What’s the best way to stand out as an applicant?

A: Building a portfolio of sample campaigns and learning email marketing tools can make a big difference. Show that you’re data-driven and can write engaging copy.

Q: Can I work remotely as an email marketer?

A: Yes! Many companies offer remote email marketing roles, especially in tech and e-commerce sectors.

Q: How long does it take to become proficient in email marketing?

A: With consistent practice and some online learning, you can build a solid foundation in a few months. However, like any field, the more you do it, the better you’ll get.

Final Thoughts

Email marketing offers a dynamic career path where creativity, strategy, and data intersect. It’s a great field if you’re looking for flexibility, high demand, and the opportunity to continuously learn and improve.

So, what do you think? Does email marketing sound like the career for you? And if so, which aspect excites you the most—crafting compelling messages, digging into data, or creating long-term customer connections?