Top 16 Digital Skills You Should Learn In 2024

The job market is changing with the influx of new technologies. Automation and artificial intelligence are already making it possible for tasks to be done by fewer people, in less time.  As a result, traditional jobs are slowly disappearing. Blue-collar jobs were being replaced by automation for quite a while, especially in manufacturing. But white-collar, office jobs are also threatened. Especially those that perform repetitive tasks. The good news is that certain jobs and skills will not be replaced by automation for a while. Especially jobs that require improvisation, creativity, and constant optimization are quite safe, like digital skills.

Sadly, most traditional schools and colleges do not teach these skills. These industries are constantly changing, and they are relatively new skills, to begin with. So traditional education did not have the time to adapt.

So to future-proof your career, and acquire a skill that will be profitable for a long time, you need to educate yourself. To make this process even easier, we have prepared a list of 16 digital skills that are in demand right now!

What Are Digital Skills?

UNESCO defines digital skills as “a range of abilities to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to access and manage information. These skills enable people to create and distribute digital content, communicate and collaborate, and solve problems for effective and creative self-fulfillment in life, learning, work, and social activities”.

In short digital skills include using digital platforms and technologies to create content, share, communicate, and manage information. In the business world, these skills help companies to market their products better while communicating effectively with their customers on digital platforms.

These skills can include anything from analyzing the behaviours of digital users to creating better content for social media channels. Businesses will always require people with these specific skills to manage their digital presence.

Those who learn these skills will both be employable immediately, as well as acquire future-proof skills that can constantly be updated by continuously learning. 

You can also use these skills to start your own online business. By mastering digital skills, you will be able to market any product or service you want. With so many options available, the only thing you will need is a robust, easy-to-use e-commerce platform.

Top 16 Digital Skills You Should Learn In 2024

1. Paid Search Advertising

Paid search advertising is the process of creating paid ads to be displayed on the search results. This process usually includes selecting certain keywords and search queries to target. When a user searches for the keywords you are currently targeting, your ad will have a chance to appear on top of the organic search results. 

Of course, paid search is a very, very complicated digital skill. There are thousands of businesses competing on different keywords. And considering that you will be paying money for every single click, optimizing your search ads to get the people who are most likely to convert to click is essential.

Companies are ready to pay top dollar for people who can produce positive results in paid search marketing. Those who can correctly optimize and manage these campaigns are in high demand.

Becoming a paid search expert is a long process that will require dedication and determination. But you can start learning for free! Google has some great courses just waiting for you!

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Paid search advertising will help you place ads on top of search results. But as we have stated before, those are ads and not organic results. People will be fully aware of the fact that they are seeing an ad, and you will be required to pay for every single click.

So, businesses also need a way to rank higher on organic search results. These results will probably not be as targeted as paid search, but they will be drawing organic traffic that will not require you to pay for every single click. The question is, how do you rank higher on organic results?

The answer is search engine optimization (SEO).

SEO is the process of optimizing your website and implementing strategies that will help your business rank higher in search results. These strategies can be technical improvements, backlink building, and content marketing.

To learn more about SEO, feel free to visit LearningSEO.io and take a look at their roadmap!

3. Content Marketing

Content marketing and SEO go hand in hand.

In short, content marketing is the process of creating engaging and targeted content to draw more traffic to your business. The most apparent application of content marketing is creating blog content with targeted keywords to rank higher on organic search results. 

A well-kept blog is one of the best investments a business can make. The blog itself could draw organic traffic, and specific blog posts could rank first in search results. It can also increase the overall domain authority of the business website, and propel even non-blog pages to higher search rankings.

Content marketing can also include creating content for social media websites, creating ebooks, and creating printed content. 

If you want to learn more, HubSpot has a great certificate course for content marketing!

4. Video Editing / Production

According to Wyzowl, 80% of marketers state that video has increased traffic to their websites. And according to HubSpot, 54% of consumers want marketers to produce more video content.

In short, video content is very popular, and it is only going to get even more popular. Businesses will always need specialists to create, edit, and manage quality video content. And they will be willing to pay for highly skilled individuals. 

If you want to learn video editing, Udemy has some great courses!

5. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing involves promoting a business on social media platforms through paid and unpaid means. These can involve placing social media ads, creating and sharing great content, organizing social media events, etc.

A good social media presence can create great advertising value for businesses. It can increase customer retention, form a brand community, and generate leads. 

You can focus on several different aspects of social media marketing. Businesses need people who can produce social media content, manage social media accounts, analyze user behaviour on social media, and marketing strategies. 

If you want to learn social media marketing, HubSpot has a great blog post for you!

6. The Importance of Soft Skills

While digital skills are crucial, soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, empathy, and adaptability are increasingly important in the age of automation. These are the skills that machines cannot replicate. Highlighting the importance of balancing technical skills with soft skills could provide a more rounded perspective on future-proofing one’s career.

7. Cybersecurity

With the increasing amount of data being processed online, the demand for cybersecurity experts is skyrocketing. Skills in protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital attacks are crucial for businesses of all sizes. Understanding cybersecurity fundamentals, ethical hacking, and data protection laws are key components of this skill set.

As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods employed by cybercriminals, making the field of cybersecurity both challenging and dynamic. For professionals in this field, continuous learning is not just recommended; it’s a necessity. Staying ahead of the latest threats requires an understanding of advanced security technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which are increasingly being used to predict and combat cyber attacks before they occur. 

Additionally, cybersecurity experts must possess strong analytical skills to assess potential threats, devise effective defense strategies, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory requirements. This multifaceted expertise is vital for safeguarding digital assets and maintaining public trust in our digital world.

8. Cloud Computing

Knowledge of cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform is highly sought after. 

Skills in managing, developing, and securing cloud-based applications enable organizations to scale their operations efficiently and cost-effectively.

Professionals with skills in cloud architecture, storage solutions, and network security within these platforms can help businesses leverage the full potential of the cloud, ensuring flexibility, reliability, and scalability. 

Furthermore, with the increasing emphasis on hybrid and multi-cloud environments, the ability to navigate and integrate multiple cloud services becomes critical. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also enables businesses to optimize their cloud spending and improve their disaster recovery and data protection strategies. As such, proficiency in cloud computing is not just about technical skills, but also about strategic foresight and the ability to align technology with business goals.

9. Data Analysis and Visualization

The ability to analyze and interpret data is crucial for making informed business decisions. Skills in using tools like Python, R, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI for data analysis and visualization are in high demand. These skills help businesses understand trends, patterns, and insights from their data.

Thus, proficiency in data analysis and visualization is a critical component of a modern skill set, enabling organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence.

10. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Skills in AI and machine learning are critical for businesses looking to implement intelligent systems and automation. 

Knowledge in neural networks, natural language processing, and predictive modeling can open up opportunities in various sectors including finance, healthcare, and tech.

These skills enable the creation of sophisticated algorithms that can learn from data, make decisions, and predict future trends, thus optimizing operations, enhancing customer experiences, and opening new avenues for research and development. 

As these technologies continue to evolve, their potential to transform businesses and societies becomes increasingly profound, marking AI and machine learning expertise not just as valuable, but indispensable in the modern technological landscape.

11. User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

The demand for skilled UX/UI designers is growing as companies seek to improve the user experience of their digital products. Skills in user research, design thinking, prototyping, and using design tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, and Figma are valuable.

As businesses increasingly recognize the value of design in driving engagement and loyalty, the role of UX/UI designers becomes ever more central in shaping the digital landscape.

12. Blockchain

Beyond its application in cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology offers opportunities for secure and transparent record-keeping, smart contracts, and more. 

Understanding the principles of blockchain and its potential applications can be a valuable skill in finance, supply chain, and beyond.

Mastery of blockchain principles and applications empowers professionals to innovate in creating smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and other blockchain-based solutions. This skill set opens up new avenues for efficiency and trust in digital interactions, making blockchain expertise increasingly sought after in the modern digital economy.

13. Internet of Things (IoT)

As more devices become connected to the internet, skills in developing and managing IoT devices are becoming more critical. This includes understanding sensors, networks, data collection, and analytics.

Professionals equipped with these capabilities are essential for leveraging IoT to enhance operational efficiency, enable real-time decision-making, and create personalized user experiences. As IoT continues to grow, expertise in these areas becomes increasingly valuable, driving innovation and new possibilities across various sectors.

14. Digital Project Management

The ability to manage digital projects efficiently is crucial. Skills in agile methodologies, Scrum, and project management tools like Jira and Trello can help professionals manage teams, budgets, and timelines effectively.

With digital transformation initiatives on the rise, the demand for adept digital project managers, capable of steering projects through challenges and changes, continues to soar, making it a critical skill in today’s tech-driven world.

15. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

With applications in gaming, education, healthcare, and real estate, skills in AR and VR development are increasingly sought after. Understanding 3D modeling, Unity or Unreal Engine, and AR/VR principles can open up innovative career paths.

As these technologies evolve, the demand for skilled developers continues to grow, highlighting the importance of AR and VR expertise in driving the next wave of innovation in digital content creation and user engagement.

16. Digital Literacy and Ethics

Understanding the ethical implications of digital technologies, including issues related to privacy, data ethics, and digital rights, is becoming increasingly important. Being digitally literate also means being aware of the social and ethical implications of one’s actions and designs in the digital space.

Professionals and users alike must be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring that technology serves to enhance society, safeguard personal freedoms, and promote fairness in the digital age.

Final Remarks

By mastering these digital skills, you’re unlocking doors to a wide array of career possibilities. Whether you’re aiming to land a new job in a cutting-edge field, kickstart your journey as a freelancer with a diverse portfolio, or even dive into the entrepreneurial world by setting up your very own business, these skills are your ticket forward. They equip you with the knowledge and ability to navigate the digital landscape confidently, making you a valuable asset in today’s tech-driven market.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, venturing into the online e-commerce space can be particularly rewarding. Starting an online business opens up a global marketplace, offering the potential to reach customers far and wide. But embarking on this journey requires more than just a great idea; it demands a solid understanding of digital tools and strategies. This is where ikas comes into play. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer to the digital domain, ikas offers the support and resources you need to get your online store off the ground and thriving. From setting up your website to managing inventory and processing payments, ikas is your partner in navigating the complexities of e-commerce, ensuring you have the foundation to grow your business and make your mark in the digital economy.