If you’re feeling stuck in your job or looking to level up in 2025, one thing is clear: you need to build your digital skills. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to switch paths, acquiring the right digital abilities can open doors to high-paying jobs and flexible online opportunities.
HeyTony breaks down the 10 most critical online skills you should focus on this year. Continue reading to discover examples, free tools, and straightforward ways to get started.
Why Digital Skills Matter in 2025
Digital knowledge isn’t just for techies or coders anymore. Every company, from small startups to global brands, relies on online tools to run its business, connect with customers, and expand its reach. That means employers are looking for people with online skills who can keep up with digital trends and hit the ground running.
Plus, digital jobs pay more, offer remote work options, and give you the flexibility to work across industries. These are high paying digital skills that help you build a future-proof career.
What Are Digital Skills? (And How You Already Use Them)
Digital knowledge and skills refer to the ability to utilize technology to find, create, communicate, and manage information. That means you’re already using digital abilities when you:
- Use Google to search for something
- Create a document in Google Docs
- Post on Instagram or TikTok
- Send emails or manage a calendar
However, to grow your career, you’ll need to build on those basics. Digital knowledge encompasses five main categories that cover a wide range of everyday and professional tasks.
- Information & Data Literacy: Finding and analyzing online information.
- Communication & Collaboration: Working with others using digital tools.
- Digital Content Creation: Making videos, images, blogs, and websites.
- Safety: Knowing how to protect your privacy and data online.
- Problem Solving: Choosing the right tools to solve tech problems.
These are the building blocks of the top 10 digital skills examples and must-haves we’ll explore below.
1. Social Media Marketing (One of the Most In-Demand Skills)
Everyone uses social media, but do you know how to use it to drive traffic, sell products, or grow a brand? Social media marketing is one of the most in-demand digital marketing skills right now. It’s about understanding how each platform works (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok), creating content that performs, and measuring success.
This skill is essential for various positions in digital marketing, including content strategist, community manager, or brand consultant. Start by analyzing your favorite brand’s social media posts; what do they do well? What could be better?
2. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
If you’ve ever clicked on a Google ad, you’ve seen SEM in action. It’s how businesses are instantly seen by people actively searching for their products or services. Search Engine Marketing involves using paid ads to ensure your website appears at the top of search engine results. This visibility can dramatically increase traffic, brand awareness, and conversions, especially in competitive industries.
SEM is a must-have for any digital marketing strategist. It combines creativity with analytics, making it ideal for marketers who enjoy both testing ideas and tracking data. It’s also one of the most practical online digital marketing skills to learn, especially if you like data, keywords, and results you can measure.
Tools to learn in SEM include Google Ads, SEMrush, and Ubersuggest. These platforms can help you run campaigns, track performance, and refine your ad strategy for better ROI.
3. Content Creation: Blogging, Video, and More
Behind every good website, social post, or email is strong content. If you love writing, designing, or storytelling, content creation could be your superpower. Good content connects with people, builds trust, and drives action. From SEO blogs to viral TikToks, content is the fuel for online digital marketing strategies.
Examples of content you can create include:
- Blog articles
- Product videos
- Instagram carousels
- Email newsletters
- Infographics
And yes, content creators often have high paying digital skills that companies and agencies are eager to hire.
4. Data Analytics: Make Smart Decisions with Numbers
Data may not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most powerful digital abilities out there. Why? Because companies want to know what works and what doesn’t. Being able to collect, interpret, and act on data enables businesses to make informed decisions, enhance campaigns, and reduce costs.
Using tools like Google Analytics, you can track website traffic, user behavior, campaign success, and more. If you can turn numbers into insights, you’ll stand out in all positions in digital marketing, like campaign manager or performance marketer.
Set up Google Analytics on a website (even a personal blog) and start exploring the dashboard.
5. Email Marketing: Still One of the Best Skills for Digital Marketing
Email might feel old-school, but it remains one of the top channels for customer engagement and conversions. From newsletters to product launches, every email presents an opportunity to connect, sell, or inform. If you can write subject lines that get clicks and design emails that get results, you’re golden. Tools to learn for email marketing include Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and ConvertKit.
This is one of the best skills for digital marketing because it applies across various industries, including retail, technology, education, and many others.
6. Mobile Marketing: Mastering the Small Screen
With more than 50% of web traffic coming from mobile, if your content isn’t optimized for phones, you’re losing out. Mobile-friendly design is now a must-have digital skill that directly impacts user experience, search rankings, and conversion rates.
Mobile marketing involves:
- Designing mobile-friendly websites
- Using SMS for customer updates
- Running mobile ads
- Creating content for vertical video formats
Additionally, with the increasing use of voice assistants (such as Alexa or Siri), marketers must also consider online skills like voice search optimization. Augmented reality (AR) and mobile app integrations are also shaping the future of mobile marketing, offering immersive ways to engage users.
Mastering mobile marketing gives you a competitive edge in digital campaigns, especially in industries targeting younger, mobile-first audiences.
7. Digital Abilities You Can Learn for Free
If you’re starting from scratch, Applied Digital Skills from Google is an excellent (and free) place to begin. It offers hands-on lessons that teach real-world digital expertise, such as creating resumes, planning budgets, and exploring career paths.
These skills include:
- Making a resume with Google Docs
- Creating a digital art project
- Planning a budget in Google Sheets
- Exploring career paths
You can find these lessons online and use them to build confidence and hands-on experience.
8. Planning & Strategy: Think Like a Marketing Strategist
Great marketers don’t just post content, they plan it. That’s where strategic thinking comes in. As a digital strategist, you’ll define goals, create campaigns, and track what’s working. It’s a perfect skill if you love organizing, thinking long-term, and measuring impact.
Tools to explore include Trello, Google Sheets, Asana, and Notion. Having this ability makes you highly valuable in digital marketing positions, especially in leadership or freelance roles.
9. Social Selling: Turning Conversations into Sales
Social selling is about using platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram to connect with potential customers, not with pushy sales tactics, but by building relationships. This is particularly significant for sales representatives, real estate agents, recruiters, and freelancers. Utilizing online skills such as smart messaging, follow-ups, and content sharing can help you build trust and close deals.
10. PPC Marketing: Paid Ads That Perform
Pay-per-click (PPC) is a fast and effective way to increase visibility and drive traffic. With a strong PPC strategy, your ad can show up on Google’s first page without waiting for SEO. It’s one of the top digital abilities to learn if you want quick, measurable results that boost conversions.
To succeed with PPC, you’ll need to understand:
- Keyword bidding strategies
- Writing strong ad copy
- Landing page optimization
- Budget management
Tools to learn include Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, and Keyword Planner. Being proficient in PPC can quickly become a highly valuable digital skill, particularly in online digital marketing roles.
How to Start Building Your Digital Ability
Now that you know what to learn, where do you start?
Free Resources
- HubSpot Academy
- LinkedIn Learning
- Coursera & edX
Certifications Employers Love
- DMI Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing
- Google Ads & Analytics certifications
- Meta Blueprint
- Hootsuite Academy
Practice Your Skills for Real
- Start a blog or YouTube channel
- Volunteer to run social media for a small business
- Redesign your resume using digital templates
- Build a personal brand on LinkedIn or Instagram
Top Digital Jobs That Use These Skills
Whether you’re looking for flexibility, higher pay, or a creative role, there are tons of jobs that rely on strong digital marketing skills. Below are some of the most in-demand positions that are currently hiring, offering hybrid work, freelance options, and exciting growth opportunities.
- Social Media Manager
- SEO Specialist
- Content Marketer
- Digital Marketing Strategist
- Data Analyst
- PPC Manager
- Email Marketing Specialist
Many of these positions offer great pay and remote work options.
Why Now Is the Time
The world is changing rapidly, and digital expertise is the new currency of career success. Whether you want to land your first job, switch industries, or freelance from home, these skills give you the edge. Learning technical skills is crucial now because they are essential for navigating the modern workplace and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.
As the #1 SEO agency in Hamilton, we see it first-hand; digital transformations are changing the way businesses operate, with automation and AI having a significant impact on various industries. Developing digital abilities, particularly in areas such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud technology, can open up new career opportunities and enhance employability.
Here’s why now is the time to invest:
- Increased Demand: Digital abilities are no longer optional; they are a necessity for most jobs. A National Skills Coalition report found that 92% of jobs require digital knowledge, and many workers lack these essential abilities.
- Career Advancement: Mastering tech skills can lead to better job prospects, increased earning potential, and greater career satisfaction.
- Adaptability and Innovation: In a dynamic job market, digital literacy enables individuals to adapt to new technologies and contribute to innovation within their organizations.
- Future-Proofing Your Career: Upskilling in digital areas helps individuals prepare for the future of work, where automation and AI will likely play a larger role.
- Personal Empowerment: Digital proficiency empowers individuals to navigate online information, communicate effectively, and participate more fully in society.
- Access to Opportunities: Digital knowledge can open doors to new career paths, entrepreneurial ventures, and opportunities for personal growth and development.
By embracing digital abilities, individuals can not only enhance their career prospects but also thrive in a world increasingly shaped by technology. You don’t need to know everything. Just pick one or two skills, start practicing, and build as you go.
Your future career is just a few clicks away.
Originally published . Last updated .
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