Creative & Digital Media
Creative & Digital Media
Digital Expert
Build a career in digital marketing, from social media and SEO to paid ads and analytics, in one of the UK's biggest digital cities.
Digital experts work across the online side of marketing: social media, search engine optimisation (SEO), paid advertising, email, websites, content and analytics. Some specialise in one channel, while others manage the whole digital mix for a brand. Manchester has one of the UK’s largest digital and creative sectors outside London, with MediaCity in Salford, a busy city-centre agency scene, and e-commerce, retail and tech brands all building in-house digital teams.
Salary in Greater Manchester
- Starting out: entry-level digital marketing roles in the UK typically pay between about £19,000 and £32,000
- Experienced: UK marketing salaries range from about £23,000 for new starters up to £50,000 with experience
- Specialists in areas such as paid media, SEO or analytics, and digital managers at larger brands and agencies, can earn more
Career path
- Getting started: digital marketing assistant, social media executive or apprentice, for example through a Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer apprenticeship
- Digital marketing executive or specialist: running campaigns and building expertise in channels such as SEO, paid social, Google Ads or email
- Digital marketing manager: setting digital strategy, managing budgets and leading a team or agency accounts
- Next steps: head of digital, marketing director, agency founder, or freelance digital consultant
How to get started
Apprenticeships are available at Level 3 (Multi-channel Marketer), Level 4 (Marketing Executive) and Level 6 (Digital Marketer). A digital qualification, industry certifications such as Google’s, and a portfolio of campaigns, content or results you’ve worked on will help you stand out. Use the View Courses button to see GMIoT courses linked to this career.
Salary figures are a guide, based on National Careers Service and PayScale data for 2025 to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, sector and experience.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and run campaigns across search, social, email and websites
Manage paid advertising on platforms such as Google and Meta
Improve websites for search engines (SEO)
Create and optimise digital content
Track performance and report on results using analytics tools
Keep up with new platforms, trends and technology
Skills Needed
- Understanding of digital channels and platforms
- Data analysis and reporting
- Creative thinking and content skills
- Budget management
- Communication and teamwork
- Curiosity and willingness to keep learning
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Creative & Digital Media