Building a Digital Marketing Career: Insights and Inspiration from Moradeke Olatile
Moradeke Olatile, a specialist in tech product marketing, shares her story about transitioning into the role and provides steps on how to establish oneself in the industry with Sola Richards
Thank you for joining us today! You’ve made significant strides in digital marketing, social media management, and product marketing. Let’s start with your journey. How did you transition into this field?
Thank you for having me! My transition into digital marketing wasn’t a straightforward path. I started my journey as a business owner, running my own social media accounts. Managing my business’s online presence became the foundation for my skills in social media management.
My business was essentially the lab rat for my learning. I taught myself basic graphic design, copywriting, and other essential skills. As I experimented and saw results, I realized I could turn these skills into a professional career. That realization set me on the path to becoming a full-stack product marketing specialist. I volunteered for projects, worked in an agency, and eventually applied for roles where I could make an impact. Along the way, I’ve also mentored others who are starting out in the field, helping them navigate their journeys.
The first step was self-education. I took online courses, read blogs, and watched countless Youtube tutorials. I also volunteered for small projects, even unpaid ones, to gain hands-on experience. It was challenging because digital marketing is such a broad field. You have to figure out what resonates with you, whether it’s social media, analytics, SEO, or product marketing. Over time, I refined my skills and started working on bigger projects. That’s how I built my career.
For someone new to the field, what steps would you recommend for transitioning into digital marketing?
Transitioning into digital marketing requires three key things: learning, doing, and networking.
Learning is the foundation. Start by understanding the fundamentals. There are countless free or affordable resources online, including platforms like HubSpot Academy, Google Digital Garage, and YouTube tutorials. Identify which areas interest you most. These could include social media management, content marketing, SEO, or paid advertising. Once you find your area of interest, focus on it. People often refer to this as “locking in” these days.
Doing is equally important. Theory alone isn’t enough. You need hands-on experience to understand how campaigns work. Start small, volunteer to manage social media accounts for local businesses, and non-government organisations, Use your NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) judiciously, help a friend with their blog, or create your own personal project to experiment with strategies.
Networking is the third pillar. Connect with people in the industry. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Networking not only exposes you to new opportunities but also helps you learn from others’ experiences.
And most importantly, be patient. Digital marketing is accessible to anyone, but it’s not easy. You’ll face challenges, but if you stay consistent and dedicated, you’ll achieve your goals.
Speaking of making the field accessible, let’s talk about VirtuallyNG. What inspired you to create it, and how does it help people?
VirtuallyNG was inspired by my own struggles breaking into the field. I remember how hard it was to gain experience, find mentorship, and even know where to begin. Many people want to transition into digital marketing, but they’re held back by a lack of opportunities or confidence.
VirtuallyNG solves that by providing a platform where beginners can gain real-world experience through volunteering. We connect them with projects, offer mentorship from industry experts, and help them build their portfolios. The idea is to create a safe space for learning by doing, where mistakes are part of the process.
Once participants have proven themselves, we help them transition to paid roles. It’s not just about gaining skills—it’s about building confidence and showing people that with the right support, they can succeed in digital marketing.
That’s an incredible mission. In your opinion, why is digital marketing so important for businesses today?
Digital marketing is the lifeblood of modern business. It’s no longer optional, it’s essential. Every business, big or small, needs to connect with its audience online. Whether it’s through social media, email, search engines, or paid ads, digital marketing allows businesses to reach people where they are.
What makes it so powerful is the audience and data. It gives you the opportunity to promote your business to thousands of people right from the comfort of your home or office. Through technological advancement, data analytics has been chipped into almost every marketing tool where you can track and measure everything: who’s engaging with your content, what’s driving sales, the behaviour of your audience, what is working and what’s not working. This allows businesses to refine their strategies and make smarter decisions.
But beyond the technical side, digital marketing is about storytelling. It’s about building relationships and showing people the value of what you offer. In a world where attention is the most valuable currency, digital marketing is how businesses stay relevant and competitive.
You mentioned earlier that digital marketing is a field anyone can get into. Could you elaborate on that?
Absolutely. One of the things I love about digital marketing is that it doesn’t require a specific degree or background. You don’t need to be a tech genius or have years of experience to get started. What you do need is curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
That said, it’s not easy. It takes time to understand the nuances, build skills, and gain experience. But the beauty of digital marketing is that the opportunities are endless. Whether you’re interested in analytics, design, strategy, or communication, there’s a place for you.
With platforms like VirtuallyNG, we’re trying to make that journey a little easier. We want to show people that no matter where they’re starting from, they can build a successful career in digital marketing if they’re dedicated and willing to put in the work.
What do you think sets VirtuallyNG apart from other training or mentoring platforms?
The key difference is the hands-on approach. At VirtuallyNG, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. We don’t just teach theory or give advice, we provide real-world projects that participants can work on under the guidance of mentors.
Another thing that sets us apart is our focus on accessibility. We want to remove barriers to entry, whether that’s cost, lack of experience, or lack of confidence. VirtuallyNG is about leveling the playing field and giving people a platform to prove themselves.
We’re also building a community. Digital marketing can feel isolating when you’re just starting out, so we’re creating a network where beginners, mentors, and professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow together.
That’s inspiring. As an industry expert, what advice would you give to someone considering a career in digital marketing?
My advice is simple: start now, start small, and stay consistent. The digital marketing world is constantly evolving, so the earlier you start exploring, the better. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes—that’s how you learn.
Also, stay curious. The best digital marketers are the ones who are always learning, whether it’s about new tools, trends, or audience behavior.
And finally, believe in yourself. Transitioning into a new field is never easy, but with dedication and the right support, you can absolutely succeed. Platforms like VirtuallyNG are here to help, but at the end of the day, your success depends on your willingness to take that first step and keep moving forward.
Thank you for sharing your journey and insights. It’s clear that your passion for digital marketing and helping others is making a real impact.
Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing my story, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their goals in digital marketing.
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