How to Become a Marketer
Cara Squires, writer
If you’re a creative person who loves to think outside the box and feels they could thrive running their own business and being their own boss, why not consider investing in a marketing franchise? With franchisor support and guidance – plus all the freedom of business ownership – it’s the best of both worlds.
If you’re wondering how to become a marketer, you’re in the right place. The vast marketing industry is worth £4 billion in the UK and employs over 36,000 people – a number that’s rising rapidly [IBISWorld]. If you’d like to join those ranks, keep reading. Find out how to start your own marketing franchise and navigate that career change with ease.
What does a marketer do?
Marketing is such a dynamic and interesting industry, you’ll find that there are all kinds of sub-sectors in which to operate and thrive. You might, for instance, find your niche in the world of estate agency board services with franchises like Agency Express(/franchise/agency-express) and Countrywide Signs. Or, you might like to look into becoming a graphic designer. Though the day-to-day tasks will vary hugely depending on the investment you make, you can generally expect to be doing the following things as a marketer:
- Creating marketing strategies/materials/content
- Managing a team of employees
- Communicating, negotiating and talking with clients
- Setting budgets
- Managing expectations
- Overseeing and assessing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns
- Staying up on the latest marketing industry developments and trends
>> Read more:
- Ready for a Career Change? Check Out These Five Top Franchise Opportunities in the UK
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- Fed Up With the 9-to-5 Perhaps Starting a Franchise Business Is Your Best Next Career Move
How to become a marketer and start running a franchise
When you’re looking to start a marketing company and build a successful franchise business, you’ll need to do many different things, all the way from choosing an area of expertise, to signing a franchise agreement and fully investing in your training and the launch of your location. To ensure that you enter the profession with all the information you need and with full confidence in your investment, you should first answer the following three crucial questions.
1. What skills/training does a marketer need?
In an industry as competitive as marketing, qualifications can be of benefit to you as a franchisee. Qualifications in fields like Social Media Content Strategy, Digital Content Creation, Marketing and Branding would stand you in good stead. That said, qualifications aren’t a must – and in many cases, neither is relevant industry experience. The following transferable skills are, though, and will set you up for success in the sector. Ask yourself, before moving forwards with an investment, whether you are:
- Able to sell products and services
- Able to communicate effectively
- Able to use your initiative
- Attentive to detail
- A natural/capable leader
- Able to provide excellent customer service
- A competent business manager
- A competent people manager
2. What is the state of franchising in the marketing industry in 2021?
Your next question, once you’ve determined that you’ll be able to succeed as a marketer, should see you looking at the current state of the marketing industry. How are marketing franchises and businesses performing post-COVID? Which consumer trends are defining the moment and gaining traction at this stage in 2021? Look into things like:
- A growing focus on digital marketing
- Meaningful marketing practices
- Social selling
- Influencer marketing
- An increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness
- A continued focus on Instagram and on new forms of content like Reels
3. Which franchise opportunities best suit your professional wants, needs and abilities?
Your final question should help you to narrow it down and find that ideal marketing franchise investment opportunity. Consider what you like to do, and what you’d enjoy focusing on each working day. Consider your previous experience, and how it might be relevant in a new role as a franchisee. Finally, consider the costs and seek to connect with a franchise network that’s a true financial fit.
The average cost of starting a franchise, as of 2018, was £42,200 [British Franchise Association], but to give you a better idea of how things stand in the marketing world, you can franchise with Business Partnership for a minimum initial investment of £25,000, and with Minuteman Press for the same (with a total investment cost of £50,000).
Franchising opportunities in the marketing sector
1. eDivert
eDivert is a B2B marketing franchise offering administrative support, customer service support and marketing support to other UK companies. eDivert offers franchisees two different packages dependent on budget and ambition, and could be ideal if you’re looking for a scalable investment.
- Becoming an eDivert franchisee: Previous experience in customer service, sales, marketing or administration would be helpful. You should also be dedicated, passionate, driven and eager to learn.
- How much you need to invest: To become a franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £9,500, with a total investment cost of £11,400.
- What you get for your investment: You’ll be able to work flexibly with access to holiday cover. You’ll be onboarded with a programme of expert, personalised training, and you’ll then have access to plenty of ongoing franchisor support, including tried-and-tested strategies for marketing your franchise business.
>> Read more:
- Top B2B Franchises in the UK
- The best B2B examples to look at
- Have a Knack for Sales? Consider Running One of These Top B2B Franchises
2. FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS, a producer of signage, graphics and visual communications, was first established in Dallas in 1985. The franchise came to the UK in 1992 and continues to offer a huge range of options to its customers. The global franchise has now opened over 675 centres in 10 countries across the globe.
- Becoming a FASTSIGNS franchisee: You don’t need any prior industry experience, but you will need an excellent work ethic, an understanding of what makes a successful team, and plenty of enthusiasm for the role.
- How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £36,000, with franchise fees of £21,000 and a total investment cost of £120,000.
- What you get for your investment: You’ll receive industry-leading training and pre-opening support. You’ll then have access to a mentoring programme, outside sales support, and a dedicated business consultant.
3. Activ Net Marketing
Activ Net Marketing is a digital marketing franchise that offers small to medium businesses a range of helpful services, including web design, content marketing and more. The company boasts 11 years of experience in the industry, and has been able to build a strong and loyal customer base in this time (which you’ll likely benefit from as a franchisee).
- Becoming an Activ Net Marketing franchisee: You should be ready to approach and work with local businesses, putting in the enthusiasm and effort to win and retain business. You should also be driven and ambitious, with a strong desire to work for yourself and build a secure future.
- How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £9,995.
- What you get for your investment: You’ll have access to a three-day training programme which introduces you to all things Activ Net. You’ll then benefit from ongoing franchisor support as and when you need it.
Become a marketer and enjoy all the benefits of running your own business today
If you’re ready to make a name for yourself with a marketing franchise, this article has – fingers crossed – been able to steer you in the right direction. Stay on Point Franchise to continue your research. Discover more about the exciting avenue of graphic design, or check out some of the top marketing franchises in the UK.
Cara Squires, writer