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7 Proven Tips: How To Get Into Digital Marketing With ADHD

If you want to know how to get into digital marketing in 2025, but are worried that you will not perform well because of your ADHD, this article is for you! By the end of this practical guide, you will be equipped with everything you need to know for success including 7 foolproof tips to get started today!

I am a certified digital marketer from the Digital Marketing Institute and Meta. Today, I will share how to get started with digital marketing and thrive in this space even if you have ADHD. You can turn your ADHD traits into superpowers you can leverage to excel in digital marketing and make a name for yourself.

I majored in Business Administration (I don’t have a marketing degree). Therefore, if you think you cannot make it just because you do not have a marketing background, I will show you the exact steps to take to secure your place in this industry and become excellent at what you do.

This is a practical guide, so I try to avoid the theoretical fluff that will only intimidate you, even though I will need to cover some basics to provide more context. So, let’s get into it and get you started.

A meme of gambit saying "i am about to make a name for myself"

Here’s Exactly What Digital Marketing Jobs Pay in 2024 (And Why ADHD Is Your Secret Weapon)

Here’s something exciting you need to hear today if you are considering a digital marketing career path: you’re sitting on a goldmine of potential and lifelong job satisfaction! I have seen firsthand how ADHD traits can be a huge advantage in this field but before you get your hands wet, let’s talk about one of the things that motivates most people to follow a specific career path: money!

The digital marketing career landscape is looking pretty sweet right now. While salaries can vary based on location and experience, digital marketing professionals typically earn between $65,000 to $77,000 annually. Not located in the US? No problem! Digital marketing can usually be done remotely, so you still make that much money if you go into freelancing or join a company as a remote worker.

But here’s what really gets me excited about recommending a marketing career with ADHD – the growth potential is astronomical. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth rate through 2026 for digital marketing positions, which is much faster than average.

Here are a few digital marketing jobs and their corresponding average salary in 2024:

  • Digital marketing managers: Around $135,000 per year
  • Content marketing specialists: Around $75,000 per year
  • Social media marketers: Around $70,000 per year
  • SEO specialists: Around $60,000 per year
  • Data analysts (marketing): $80,000 per year

Indeed, these salaries would highly depend on your skill level, experience, certifications, expertise and location.

You can check all these details on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) official website.

Now, let me share why I believe this field is particularly ADHD-friendly. First off, remote work opportunities are abundant in digital marketing. As a digital marketer with ADHD, this is what really hooked me up. This setup is convenient and ideal for my ADHD brain.

When it comes to ADHD strengths in marketing, we’ve got some serious advantages:

  • Our hyperfocus can be a superpower when diving into analytics or crafting compelling content
  • That “scattered” thinking? It’s perfect for managing multiple marketing campaign management tasks
  • Our creativity and out-of-the-box thinking often lead to innovative marketing solutions
  • The fast-paced nature of digital marketing actually suits our need for variety and stimulation

The career advancement paths are incredibly diverse too. You might start with entry-level marketing positions and then specialize based on what captures your interest. Some of my colleagues have become:

  • Social Media Directors
  • Content Strategy Managers
  • Digital Analytics Specialists
  • PPC Campaign Managers
  • Creative Directors

This list is huge. The point is you won’t be stuck in one position all your life if you do not like it. You can always pivot to the area that makes your brain tickle and days brighter. And more companies are offering:

  • Flexible work hours
  • ADHD workplace accommodations
  • Choice of work environment
  • Results-focused rather than time-focused metrics

Here’s what’s really cool about digital marketing for beginners with ADHD – the field is constantly evolving, which means our natural adaptability is a huge asset. One day you might be learning about social media strategy, and the next day you’re diving into digital marketing trends in 2025. This variety keeps our ADHD brains engaged and excited.

The Exact Digital Marketing Jobs That Will Love Your ADHD Brain

Your ADHD isn’t a barrier to success in digital marketing – it’s often your ticket to standing out in the field. The key is finding the right role that aligns with your natural strengths and interests. Let’s talk first about the ADHD traits that can turn into advantages for digital marketing tasks in more detail:

1. Hyperfocus Benefits:

  • Perfect for deep analysis of digital marketing metrics
  • Excellent for creative content creation sessions
  • Great for learning new digital marketing tools

2. Creative Thinking Advantages:

  • Outstanding problem-solving abilities
  • Unique campaign ideas
  • Innovative approaches to social media strategy

3. Multi-tasking Capabilities:

  • Natural talent for marketing campaign management
  • Ability to juggle multiple platforms
  • Quick adaptation to digital marketing trends 2024
Digital marketing multitasking illustration showing professional with multiple arms managing phone, laptop, megaphone, and checklist

Some digital marketing career paths that you might love that are a perfect match for your ADHD traits can be:

1. Social Media Management

If you’ve ever lost track of time while scrolling through social media, imagine channelling that interest into a career! As a Social Media Manager, your natural ADHD traits align perfectly with the role’s demands.

Daily responsibilities that play to your strengths:

  • Managing multiple platforms (multi-tasking)
  • Creating engaging content on the fly
  • Responding to real-time community engagement
  • Monitoring trends and adapting quickly

If you adopt an ADHD-friendly social media marketing approach, you can thrive in this area of specialisation.

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing is where our ADHD creativity truly sparkles. As someone with ADHD myself, I’ve found that hyperfocus kicks in beautifully when crafting compelling content.

This job comes with ADHD creative benefits such as:

  • Deep dive research capabilities (thank you, hyperfocus!)
  • Unique perspectives for storytelling
  • Ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas
  • Natural enthusiasm for new topics

3. SEO and Analytics

Don’t let the technical aspect intimidate you – our ADHD pattern recognition skills make us natural SEO specialists! ADHD minds might excel for these reasons:

  • Pattern recognition for identifying ranking factors
  • Hyperfocus for detailed technical audits
  • Creative problem-solving for optimization
  • A natural curiosity for algorithm updates

4. Paid Advertising (PPC)

PPC management offers the perfect blend of creativity and analytics that keeps ADHD minds engaged. I run paid ads on Meta platforms, Google, and TikTok daily and it is one of the most exciting parts of my job. Some of the advantages of doing PPC as an ADHD marketer involve:

  • Hyperfocus for detailed campaign analysis
  • Quick adaptation to platform changes
  • Creative ad copywriting
  • Pattern recognition for optimization
Career Growth and Advancement

Each of these paths offers excellent growth potential and is a great starting point. You can start with entry-level marketing positions, build a strong marketing portfolio, pursue relevant marketing certification programs and develop specific digital marketing skills for specialisation.

Do not forget to leverage ADHD-friendly learning strategies like:

The beauty of digital marketing is that you can start in one area and evolve your role as your interests develop. I started as a content writer in a marketing agency, then pivoted to paid advertising as a marketing assistant then made my way to the top as a digital marketing strategist/campaign manager. Currently, I am more into social media marketing and content marketing. I love the flexibility.

Whether pursuing marketing agency careers or exploring freelance digital marketing, your ADHD traits can be your greatest asset. These roles aren’t mutually exclusive—many digital marketers wear multiple hats, especially when starting out. This variety is perfect for our ADHD minds, which thrive on diversity and new challenges.

7 Proven Tips to Break Into Digital Marketing With ADHD

Having been a digital marketer for a while, I picked up one thing or two about the best ways to get into digital marketing fields. I have successfully pivoted to many areas in digital marketing before and wore many hats. These are the things I wish I had known when starting because after implementing them later in my career to learn about new fields of specialisation, they helped me tremendously.

You can also use these tips as a step-by-step guide to pave your way into your desired position. Let’s get into them right away

Tip 1: Choose Your Perfect Role

The first step is to find the role that’s best for you. When I got started, I was scared of choosing the wrong starting point – well I did not want to waste time learning a bunch of stuff I was not gonna use! There are two ways to go about this initial stage:

1. Take a quick self-assessment

  • Do you love creating and engaging with content?
  • Are you fascinated by data and patterns?
  • Do you enjoy strategic planning?
  • Are you naturally drawn to visual design?

I did this the smart way by taking an online assessment on Career Foundry. It is a digital marketing job quiz that helps you find which role is right for you. You can sit down and answer the questions honestly to get a good answer. You can just google “digital marketing role quiz” and you will have access to a bunch of quizzes. I would advise you to take a general career test first if you are unsure about whether you want to go into digital marketing.

2. Start a general online digital marketing course (No exam or certified status)

If you have some time on your hands or you are waiting for your results, you can enrol on a basic digital marketing course or watch a Youtube complete tutorial on digital marketing basics. In this way, you will know if you like it. If you find it boring, then you should probably rethink your decision. Coursera and Udemy are great options if you want to get started.

Many people find out they like digital marketing when they go for an internship, even if it is a bit far ahead in the decision-making process, it is not a bad idea to try it out. Maybe you will love the practical side of things rather than a purely theoretical course.

Tip 2: Get Certified (The ADHD-Friendly Way)

Once you have made up your mind about pursuing digital marketing as a career, the next step is to build some foundational knowledge. However, you need to approach it in an ADHD-friendly way that won’t overwhelm you.

Essential Certifications (Recommended)

1. Coursera Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate

I have completed this certification myself. It is great because you get two certifications – one from Coursera and one from Meta. This course teaches social media marketing and covers the basics of digital marketing – whilst preparing you for the Meta Digital Marketing Associate certification. It is well-structured and updated. It is broken into short videos of not more than 10 minutes (this is great for ADHD minds). You will be given two badges on Credly to prove your certification and access to a Meta job portal for opportunities.

2. Fundamentals of digital marketing (Google)

This is a free certification by Google that will teach you the basics of digital marketing. After you complete the assessment and pass, you will be awarded a certificate by Google. This is a very basic course that teaches the bare minimum of using digital marketing to develop a business. It is broken down into small parts which is great. It is a text-based course and there are no videos included as of now. You can learn at your own pace.

3. Hubspot Inbound Marketing

This is a free certification by Hubspot. This course covers a wide range of digital marketing topics such as content marketing, SEO basics, email marketing, lead generation, social media marketing, analytics and reporting, inbound marketing and conversion strategy. It adopts a visual and interactive teaching style and there practical, real-world examples in the lessons. You will be asked to complete a 60-question multiple-choice exam to get certified.

Special Recommendation: The Digital Marketing Institute’s (UK) Certified Digital Marketing Professional certification stands out as a comprehensive, industry-validated credential that’s particularly valuable for career advancement. The 10 modules are well structured and cover digital marketing concepts in depth. While the investment is higher than free alternatives (typically around $1,695), the ROI is substantial – DMI reports that 81% of their certified members get promoted within 6 months of certification. Upon completion of this certification, I got promoted and was more knowledgeable about the different fields of digital marketing.

Here are some ADHD-Friendly Study Strategies for success:

  • Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break)
  • Create mind maps for complex concepts
  • Record audio summaries for review
  • Use physical movement while studying
  • Implement gamification techniques

Tip 3: Build Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is where your ADHD creativity can truly shine. Think of it as your professional highlight reel – a place to showcase not just what you can do, but how your unique perspective adds value. It is a bit like an extended version of your resume. A place where you show what you can do.

Start by documenting everything you do, even small projects. That social media campaign you ran for your friend’s small business? That’s a case study. The blog post that went viral in your LinkedIn network? That’s proof of your content creation skills. Your portfolio should be a living document that grows with your experience.

You can build your Portfolio online through a Wix website or create your website using WordPress. Here are some tips for building a portfolio:

1. Essential Portfolio elements

  • About page highlighting your ADHD strengths
  • Case studies of your work
  • Skills and certifications
  • Blog demonstrating your expertise
  • Contact information

2. Project examples to include

  • About page highlighting your ADHD strengths
  • Case studies of your work
  • Skills and certifications
  • Blog demonstrating your expertise
  • Contact information

Tip 4: Master Essential Tools

Think of digital marketing tools as your ADHD-friendly assistants. They’re designed to automate repetitive tasks and help maintain consistency – exactly what we sometimes struggle with. Start with one tool in each major category and master it before moving on. As an aspiring digital marketer, you should be good at using digital marketing tools. Some digital marketers choose to specialise in one tool and build their career as an expert around it, for example, Google Analytics.

You have to start with the basics first even if you do not become an expert right off the start. Depending on the career path you wish to pursue, there are some tools that you might never use in your digital marketing career but knowing about them can help you view the big picture in the long term.

Digital Marketing Tools & Technology You Should Know About

Here are some must-know tools:

  • Analytics tools: Google Analytics, Google Search Console
  • Social Media Tools: Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite, Later
  • Content Creation Tools: Canva, Video editing apps, WordPress
  • Project Management tools: Trello, ClickUp, Asana
  • SEO tools; Moz, Rankmath, Yoast SEO
  • Advertising platforms; Facebook ads manager, Google Ads manager, Tiktok ads manager

When it comes to these tools, YouTube is your best friend. You do not have to master them but at least know about them for future reference.

Tip 5: Gain Real Experience

Real-world experience is gold in digital marketing, and there are countless ways to get it without waiting for the perfect job. One thing I have learned the hard way is that you never truly know digital marketing until you have implemented what you learned in theory. There are always updates and testing is a must. If you do not have any job or experience, how do you get it?

1. Freelance Opportunities

  • Upwork projects
  • Fiverr gigs
  • Local business collaborations
  • Social media management
  • Content creation

2. Volunteer Projects

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Local charities
  • Community groups
  • Small businesses
  • Start-up companies

3. Side Hustle Ideas

  • Personal blog monetization
  • Social media consulting
  • Content writing service
  • SEO auditing
  • Digital marketing coaching

You can start affiliate marketing as a side gig to develop your social media marketing and lead generation skills. It is a full-fledged business that requires you to know various aspects of digital marketing.

Tip 6: Network Strategically

Networking with ADHD requires a different approach. Instead of trying to be everywhere, focus on building genuine connections in spaces where you naturally spend time. LinkedIn isn’t just another social media platform – it’s your digital marketing portfolio showcase. I find that 20-minute daily LinkedIn sessions are more effective than marathon networking events. Join professional groups related to both digital marketing and ADHD in business – these intersections often lead to the most valuable connections. Here is how you can start networking for success:

1. Linkedin Profile Set Up

  • Professional photo
  • Skills endorsements
  • Regular content sharing
  • Engagement strategy

2. Join Professional Groups

  • Digital Marketing forums
  • ADHD professional networks
  • Industry-specific communities
  • Local marketing groups
  • Online masterminds

If you can find a mentor, who is already experienced in digital marketing, that will help you enormously in progressing fast in your journey. My best piece of advice for networking is that authentic relationships beat random connections every time. Share your journey, including your ADHD perspective – it can be a unique selling point that helps you stand out in the digital marketing landscape.

Tip 7: Land Your First Opportunity

Whether you are looking for a job or starting a new business venture, you need to practice the skills you have learned during your digital marketing journey. You have a few options but here are the main ones: getting a job or starting your own business.

Landing your first digital marketing role is about positioning your ADHD traits as advantages. When crafting your resume and preparing for interviews, focus on how your unique perspective leads to innovative solutions. Share specific examples of how your ability to hyperfocus resulted in exceptional project outcomes. Remember to negotiate not just for salary but for working conditions that will help you thrive. This might include flexible hours, quiet workspace options, or the ability to use your preferred productivity tools.

If you wish to start your own digital marketing business, you can opt for affiliate maketing or selling digital products. There are various business models you can try but these are the two main ones for a beginner. These two business models will force you to implement everything you’ve learned for sucess whilst at the same time helping you build a solid portfolio.

By following these seven tips, you’re not just breaking into digital marketing – you’re positioning yourself to thrive in a field that naturally aligns with many ADHD strengths. Remember, your ADHD isn’t a limitation; it’s often your greatest asset in the creative, fast-paced world of digital marketing.

Taking Action the ADHD-Friendly Way

Navigating the world of digital marketing education can feel overwhelming, but I’ve developed a structured approach that works specifically for ADHD minds. Let’s break down exactly what you need and how to acquire these skills in a way that plays to your strengths. Here are some tips that worked for me:

1. Using the Pomodoro Technique for study

When I start my study sessions, I break them down into time chunks of 25 mins with 5-10 minutes break in between. This is called the Pomodoro Technique. I focus on one concept at a time during these focused periods of study and reward myself heavily after completing 3 Pomodoros to motivate myself to keep going.

2. Using my hyperfocus to complete lengthy study sessions

Even though I would recommend not studying for long periods of time at one go, for some concepts you might need more time to assimilate. Hyperfocus period can help you complete such study sessions especially lengthy videos teaching complex stuff. You can schedule some lessons during your high energy times.

3. Learning soft skills and strategies that lead to success

Invest some time into learning soft skills that match well with your ADHD traits. Learn strategies to counter ADHD paralysis during your study periods. You can also learn mindfulness practices to combat ADHD burnout when you are spending a lot of time studying. The sooner you learn how to do marketing work in an ADHD-friendly, the better it will be for your long term success.

Here are some extra tips for a more ADHD-friendly learning style:

  • Learn by using visuals: mind maps, color coding and concept diagrams
  • Learn by using audio: Quick recordings, voice notes, text-to-speech
  • Learn by doing: Practice while learning, build real campaigns

How to Get Into Digital Marketing Without A Degree

If you do not have a degree, you should be discouraged. Digital marketing values skills over a degree. Someone with no degree might excel at this job than someone with a degree. Most of the certifications require no degree to be enrolled. Once you complete the certifications and have a nice portfolio, you can start securing jobs in digital marketing positions.

how to get into digital marketing without a degree photo

Another possibility is to start your own digital marketing business. You can do affiliate marketing or sell digital products and start earning income today without worrying about whether you have a degree or not. This is a flexible field which is easy to go into if you have the grit and commitment to be successful.

Here are 3 key steps to take:

  1. Learn the basics and enroll in a reputable certification program like Meta or Digital marketing Institute program
  2. Specialise in a specific area and become an expert at it
  3. Look for opportunities and build a solid portfolio based on real work

How to Advance In Your Career And Specialize

If you want to keep progressing in digital marketing, continuous learning is the solution. There are always updates and changes in the platforms we use. Most digital marketing certifications expire after 2 years if you do not go through a maintenance exam. These ensure you remain up to date with current technologies. You should also study trends in the industry and develop your skills accordingly. For example, AI is a massive hit in the digital marketing space, many marketers had to adapt and learn how to utilize it to their advantage including myself.

Here are some career paths you can consider:

  • SEO for beginners to expert progression
  • Social media marketing basics to strategy development
  • Content marketing fundamentals specialization
  • PPC advertising basics career track
  • Email marketing essentials expertise development

The more experience you get, the more chance you have to truly find what you love. You can choose to specialise into specific areas and become an expert to get a higher salary in the long term.

Steps to grow and specialise

Step 1: Start by exploring multiple areas of specialisation

Step 2: Choose to focus on one area of interest e.g Paid advertising

Step 3: Complete advanced certifications in those areas (Meta certifications)

Step 4: Gather experience in that field (marketing agency)

Your Free Resources & Next Steps

Now that you have learned about the steps to get into digital marketing when you have ADHD, you need to start implementing and keep going. I hope that this article was helpful and now you are in a better place.

You can have access to my free digital marketing premium ebooks by clicking on the button below

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