I always study skills like digital marketing and stuff like that, and I even get certification, but I don’t know how to work with the skills I learn, where to apply those skills, where to find my first project
Hi @AFSIN_ready and thanks for sharing your experience with the HubSpot Community!
It’s clear you’re committed to learning, which is a great start.
Getting hands-on with your digital marketing skills can be challenging at first. Here are some ways to gain real experience:
- Volunteer with local groups, non-profits, or student organizations.
- Start your own blog, social media page, or website.
Hi @EmilyV212, @Jess_hXc_kid and @EMPATHRELLOU, I see that you are also part of this group, I’d love to hear your perspective on this. Do you mind sharing some tips with @AFSIN_ready, please?
Thanks so much and have a wonderful day!
Bérangère
Hi @AFSIN_ready ,
Something I am doing is I found a passion project that I am working on. I purchased a Starter Suite Tier and I found something that I do for fun (NFL Draft Podcast). I am creating a website for them, while I am not a developer, I wanted to learn more about the design manager than I already did, so I am utilizing ChatGPT for the code and I am implimenting the code into the design manager and navigating all the features while doing so.
I would say try doing the same, find something that you are very passionate about and start building something utlizing your digital marketing skillset.
that’s quite interesting building our website from court of chat GPT! I’m really interested like how that is going?
Hey @AFSIN_ready
Learning digital marketing is one part of the process, but applying those skills actually builds confidence and creates opportunities.
Instead of waiting for the “right” project, start creating your own. You could review a brand’s website and suggest improvements, build a sample landing page or email flow, or put together a simple content plan.
Even small, self-initiated projects can demonstrate how you think and work.
Another good starting point is to work with small businesses or people in your network who might need help. It doesn’t have to be large or complex, just something real.
Once you have a few practical examples to show, it becomes much easier to pursue freelance work, job applications, or client outreach.
The key is to move from learning to doing, even in small ways.
You’re not stuck because you lack skills, you’re stuck because you haven’t applied them.
Stop taking more courses and start doing: pick one skill, create your own small project (website, page, or campaign), and use it as a portfolio.
Offer free or low-cost work to local businesses to gain real experience, document results as case studies, and stay active on LinkedIn or freelancing platforms.
Focus on outcomes like leads and sales—not certifications—and your first project will come much faster.