A Digital Analyst is a particular kind of Data Analyst. Whereas a data analytics position may be involved with data science, research, or marketing, a digital analytics career specifically focuses on digital sources like Google Analytics, social media, and online advertising.

Many Digital Analysts work in roles where they need to improve user experiences of their clients’ websites, identify performance indicators, and create visual reports with data visualization platforms. Although digital analysis falls into the data analysis category, the career trajectories can be confusing. Digital Analyst positions are typically comparable to roles with titles such as:

  • Digital Strategist
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Web Optimization Specialist
  • Digital Marketer

Data Analyst positions may also include titles like:

  • Business Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer, Analytics
  • Data Engineer, Product Analytics
  • HR Data Analyst
  • Legal Data Analyst

There may be some overlap in the responsibilities of these roles, depending on the industry and size of the organization. Generally speaking, however, Digital Analysts might look to get promoted to Data Analyst positions, and not the reverse.

What to Expect, and What You’ll Earn

Median salaries for Digital Analysts in the U.S. vary, depending on factors like location and job sector. The average base salary is currently around $77,000, but digital analytics positions with some top companies may pay nearly twice that.

Qualifying for these roles can be challenging, as they often require expertise in anything from Google Analytics to data visualization platforms like Power BI or Tableau. Fortunately, you can acquire a number of the most popular skills through bootcamps or certificate programs, whether you have a college degree or not.

Getting a Digital Analysis Position Without a Degree

Here is a step-by-step guide to qualifying for a role in digital analytics or digital marketing (click the link to skip to the next step):

  1. Expand Your Current Knowledge Base
  2. Find an Area of Specialization
  3. Enroll in a Course
  4. Take Advantage of All the Tools Available
  5. Apply for Appropriate Positions
  6. Leverage Your Experience

1. Expand Your Current Knowledge Base

Many computer users are familiar with at least some of the tools digital analytics professionals value highly. These include Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Adobe Analytics, as well as email platforms like HubSpot, Sendinblue, or Constant Contact.

Among the most valuable tools are data visualization platforms, especially Power BI, Tableau, or Google Data Studio. Whereas some roles outside digital analysis use these tools, they offer a relatively low-tech way for Digital Analysts, Business Analysts, and Marketing Analysts to create easy-to-read charts, diagrams, and reports.

2. Find an Area of Specialization

Digital analysis can be categorized within the general data analysis category, but there are numerous sub-categories as well. If you want to concentrate on a particular digital analysis specialty, consider the following possible areas of interest:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - Many digital analysis pros work as Search Engine Optimization Specialists, as SEO has become one of the most important aspects of digital marketing. It can include keyword research expertise as well as a range of content in some SEO roles.
  • Search Engine Marketing (SEM) - SEM can also be a component of SEO strategy. It generally refers to paid marketing efforts using tools like Google Ads, pay-per-click (PPC), or the SEMrush SaaS platform.
  • Social Media Marketing - Social media marketing is a huge part of digital marketing strategy for most companies. As social media marketing has exploded, many Digital Strategists and Marketing Analysts use their social knowledge to uplevel to Digital Analyst positions.
  • Email Marketing - Though no longer as vital a marketing component as social media, email marketing remains a core strategy for many companies. Digital Analysts are typically expected to be familiar with top platforms like MailerLite, Drip, and GetResponse.
  • Content Marketing - Many marketing professionals on track for digital analysis careers specialize in content marketing strategies. These can include everything from web page copywriting to infographics, videos, and even podcasts.

3. Enroll in a Course

One of the best aspects of learning digital analysis is the wide range of available courses, both online and in-person. For example, Noble Desktop offers a comprehensive live online Digital Marketing Certificate appropriate for future Digital Analysts and other digital professionals. Depending on your area of expertise, Noble’s Social Media Marketing Certificate program can also be an excellent approach to learning about marketing as well as content strategy.

Additional bootcamp options for digital analysis training include:

Students can save by taking the Google bootcamps and SEO course as part of the Digital Marketing Certificate program. The 78-hour course also covers social media marketing platforms, including YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Graduates of both the Digital Marketing Certificate and Social Media Marketing Certificate programs receive a verified Certificate of Completion.

4. Take Advantage of All the Tools Available

Many digital analysis professionals learn a great deal on their own, even before they enroll in a bootcamp or certificate program. As more and more companies hire remote, part-time, and contract digital analysis employees, the ways to qualify for these positions have expanded. You may already have meaningful familiarity with some of the tools required, such as:

  • Adobe Analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google Data Studio
  • Optimizely (Saas)
  • SEMrush (SaaS)
  • Tealium
  • Datorama

5. Apply for Appropriate Positions

Applying for digital analysis or data analysis positions can be easier than you think. While some roles demand experience and proven abilities, others require only basic computer skills and a high school diploma.

Part-time jobs in particular may offer onsite training as you expand your knowledge base through coursework. If you have the kind of valuable experience and skills you gain through a bootcamp or certificate, you can qualify for better positions.

6. Leverage Your Experience

In the fast-paced world of digital analysis and marketing strategies, the landscape changes constantly. Tools once considered highly popular fall out of favor, while others gain ground. Businesses find new platforms that work better for their needs than the old ones, and professionals have to keep learning new tools and strategies.

You’ll want to find ways to leverage your existing experience and skill set. Lack of a degree is frequently irrelevant in digital analysis positions where good communication skills, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude are all essential. Network with other digital professionals and stay informed about industry trends, and you can succeed in this dynamic, rewarding field.