Financial sector demands digital marketing expertise Viewpoint careers advice blog

Financial sector demands digital marketing expertise Marketing managers are increasingly looking to implement digital strategies and campaigns, as finance organisations recognise the need for development within this area. Digital marketers have continued to be recruited throughout the financial sector, despite the fact that headcount restrictions have limited the number of permanent hires. In many cases, digital experts are being employed as a temporary resource, although the permanent market is showing signs of expanding throughout 2013.  What digital skills are most valued? Job specifications for digital marketers tend to focus on the candidate’s ability to deliver a superior ‘customer journey’ and ‘user experience’ in a bid to further client engagement and across various online platforms, including social media. The call for financial institutions to display a certain level of digital expertise has also proven vital for engaging with current staff and potential employees, making digital communication a priority, despite low marketing budgets within the financial sector. In addition, many retail banks have also sought out candidates who have experience working within direct marketing, as this is often seen to offer a generous return on investment during a time when many banking organisations struggle to justify new hires. Investment banking firms, on the other hand, are looking to more digitally developed industries, such as telecommunications and FMCG, to seek out suitable candidates to fill web content and online marketing positions. Asset managers within the investment management sector are also looking to invest in the development of mobile applications and various online tools, despite having traditionally depended upon roadshows, events and literature in order to market their services. These needs are expected to contribute to the surge in demand for marketers with digital capabilities over the next 12 months, whilst salaries for such roles may also increase as the economy picks up over the course of the coming year.  Pay packet implications This demand for digital marketing professionals has ensured that applicants for such roles are able to command a 10% premium in pay â€" especially within retail banking, where flatter team structures have meant that those in managerial positions will need to deliver digital marketing strategies, as well as develop them. Tell us what you think in our LinkedIn group: Is finance seen is an attractive career choice for digital marketers? Find UK digital marketing roles in the financial sector here. To find roles where you reside, visit Hays in your country.