My Digital Marketing Journey: Career Switch, Struggles & Learnings
Before stepping into digital marketing, I was working in an MNC. Along with my job, I was slowly learning different skills that later helped me enter this field.
Digital marketing was not a planned career choice for me. Like many beginners, I started with zero clarity, a lot of confusion, and endless questions in my mind.
But somewhere inside, I felt this urge to switch. I kept thinking that if I don’t take this step now, maybe after turning 40 I will regret it. I didn’t want to reach a stage where I would ask myself, “Why didn’t I start earlier?”
On this page, I’m sharing my complete digital marketing journey – how I started, what I learned, the mistakes I made, and what you should be prepared for if you are planning to move into digital marketing.
Why I Chose Digital Marketing as a Career
As I mentioned earlier, I was working in an MNC. During that time, my process shut down and I was shifted to another department. That phase made me worried about my career growth.
I was not enjoying the work anymore. I was doing it only to manage household expenses. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to continue in that industry. I wanted to start something new, but I wasn’t sure what to choose.
Around that time, I realised something important. Side by side, I had already developed many useful skills like basic website design, content writing, video editing, and content creation. These skills were actually a perfect match for digital marketing.
That’s when I decided to build my career in digital marketing, even if it meant starting with a low salary. I preferred struggling in the beginning rather than regretting later that I never tried.
How I Started My Digital Marketing Journey
I had taken the decision to enter digital marketing, but I was confused about the path.
Should I do a course or directly look for an internship?
I spoke to many friends, talked to several digital marketing institutes, and attended counselling sessions. After a lot of thinking, I decided to start with a course.
My reason was simple. A course might teach me things I didn’t know yet. It could also give me a clear roadmap, which would help me during internships.
After researching many institutes, I finally chose Lips India, located in Borivali. I quit my MNC job and started attending weekend classes on Saturday and Sunday.
During weekdays, I practiced whatever was taught in class. Apart from that, I regularly watched digital marketing videos online to improve my understanding. That’s how my digital marketing journey officially began.
My Learning Phase – From Beginner to Practical Marketer
During the course, I learned many new things that I had never explored before. While researching more, I realised one harsh truth – doing a course alone doesn’t guarantee a job.
In digital marketing, having a portfolio is very important. Luckily, even before entering this field, I already had a website – the same website you are reading this content on. Earlier, I used to post mixed content on it.
I also posted videos on my Nikkfact YouTube channel and shared content on Instagram. That portfolio was decent enough for a beginner, and I felt confident that I would get a job by the time my course ended.
Along with this, I took a free freelance project for a real estate agency. I created their Google Business Profile, optimized it for SEO, and also built a website for their business. This practical work gave me real confidence.
Things No One Tells You Before Entering Digital Marketing
What I’m going to say now might sound harsh, but it’s the reality.
When you talk to digital marketing institutes, they often show a very bright future. There’s nothing wrong in that, because they want to sell their courses.
Many institutes claim that they will make you a complete digital marketing expert in just 6 months. The truth is — no one becomes an expert in 6 months. That time only helps you understand what digital marketing is and what all things you can learn. It’s more like a crash course.
Honestly, today almost everything taught in these courses is available for free on YouTube. Some useful YouTube channels are:
- Umar Tazkeer
- Amit Tiwari
- WS Cube Tech
Be careful with other channels. Many of them share incomplete knowledge and lack real-world experience.
My First Job & Freelance Digital Marketing Projects
After completing my course, I attended many interviews. Even though my portfolio was strong, I didn’t get a job easily because I was a fresher.
I started feeling nervous and doubtful. I wondered if I had made the wrong decision.
Finally, I got my first opportunity as a Social Media Intern at Crystal Divine & after that, I joined Advertising Saga as an Amazon Product SEO intern. My work included optimizing Amazon listings, helping products rank organically, doing email marketing, client communication, and managing a YouTube channel for the company.
The company name was Advertising Saga, an ad agency focused on Amazon sellers.
At the same time, the real estate freelance project also started showing results. The business began receiving organic calls and quality leads. Shreya Estate Agency was happy because their business growth improved through my work.
Mistakes I Made in My Early Digital Marketing Days
These mistakes are very common, and I made them too.
The biggest mistake was trying to learn everything at once — SEO, Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and more. Don’t do this.
You can learn multiple skills, but focus on becoming an expert in one area based on your interest. If you try to master everything together, you’ll end up mastering nothing.
There’s a saying — Jack of all trades, master of none.
Today, the industry needs specialists, not generalists.
My Current Approach to Digital Marketing & SEO
Today, I focus on long-term and sustainable growth instead of quick results. My approach is simple — align content, SEO, and user experience with Google’s latest guidelines.
Right now, my core expertise is SEO. Along with that, I have gained strong skills in WordPress website development. I don’t consider myself an expert yet. I’m still learning and will always keep learning.
Through this website, I’ll continue sharing my knowledge, experiences, and lessons with you.
Advice for Beginners Entering Digital Marketing
In the beginning, challenges will come. That’s normal. Learn how to face them.
Keep learning consistently. Stay updated with market trends. Build your portfolio while learning. Focus on one skill and work hard to master it.
Initial days may require extra effort, but that hard work will shape your future.
What This Website (Nikkfact.in) Is Meant For?
Earlier, I used to publish mixed content on this website. Now, my focus is clear. From here onwards, Nikkfact.in will share only digital marketing–related content. I’ll share my personal experiences, learnings, and practical insights that can actually help you.
Who Can Benefit From My Digital Marketing Experience
- If you want to enter digital marketing, this website is for you.
- If you are a beginner, you’ll find guidance here.
- If you are experienced, you are most welcome to share your knowledge with me as well.
We grow better when we learn together.
About The Author
Nikhil Sharma is an SEO specialist and WordPress website developer with hands-on experience in SEO, Content writing & digital marketing.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Nikhil Sharma is an SEO specialist and WordPress website developer based in Mumbai, India, with hands-on experience in digital marketing.
Nikkfact.in focuses on digital marketing content, real-world experiences, practical learnings, and SEO-related case studies.
Yes, I did it myself with basic skills like content writing and website design, and you can too.
Around 6 to 12 months with consistent learning and building a practical portfolio.
Not necessarily, you can learn everything free on YouTube, but a course gives you structure and a roadmap.
Absolutely, I attended weekend classes while working and practiced during weekdays.
Portfolio matters more because it shows real work and practical skills to potential employers.
Specialize in one area, like SEO or paid ad,s rather than trying to master everything at once.
Expect anywhere between 15k to 20k per month initially, depending on your skills and location.
Start with Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Google Tag Manager, Canva, content writing and basic WordPress knowledge.
Very important, as SEO is the foundation of most digital marketing strategies and long-term growth.
Yes, if you have a strong portfolio showing practical projects, even if they’re personal or freelance work.
SEO and performance marketing (Google Ads, Facebook Ads) are consistently in high demand.
Yes, businesses increasingly need online presence, making digital marketing a stable and growing career choice.
No, it started with confusion and self-learning before turning into a serious career decision.
Every career switch has risk, but with skills, patience, and practice, digital marketing becomes stable.
Yes, many core concepts are available for free on YouTube and blogs.
SEO is a great starting point because it builds long-term skills and organic growth.
Yes, starting with small or free projects helps build trust and experience.
Trying to learn everything at once instead of focusing on one core skill.
Some overpromise results, so practical learning matters more than claims.
Yes, as long as you keep updating skills and follow ethical practices.
Only practical, experience-based digital marketing and SEO content.
Yes, digital marketing is skill-based, not language-dependent.
Stay consistent, choose one skill and master it, practice daily, and keep learning.