An estimated 1.8 million people are employed in the fashion industry in the United States. The global apparel market was worth more than $1.5 trillion in 2020 and is projected to hit $2 trillion by 2026. As the industry continues to grow and expand, job seekers are exploring options on the business side of fashion.
One of the most sought-after jobs in the business is fashion marketing. According to the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, jobs in marketing will grow by 10% by 2030. A fashion marketer’s primary role is promoting a brand’s clothing and accessories. Fashion marketing can also include social media management, content marketing, or more in-depth work to create and lead multimedia marketing campaigns. So, how do you get a job in fashion marketing? Start by developing the following skills to add to your resume confidently.
Creativity
One of the most common buzzwords among soft skills is creativity. While it may be overused, it is essential for a fashion marketer. Building a unique brand identity and developing content that connects and resonates with a customer base requires a mind that can think outside the box.
Next Steps: Learn how to create a brand identity in Module 3, Fashion Branding, in Fashion Business Essentials.
Storytelling
Aesthetics are important in fashion, but it’s not always easy to convey that in marketing materials. Building a narrative around your brand or specific products allows consumers to feel like they’re a part of something bigger. Storytelling humanizes your brand to current and potential buyers in an increasingly technical marketing space.
Next Steps: Explore fashion as a visual medium that tells a story in Module 1, Unlocking Visual Style, in Fashion Industry Essentials.
Analytical Thinking
As a fashion marketer, a primary part of your job will study industry trends and track campaign metrics. In addition, you are responsible for monitoring and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs), and you have to interpret and explain any data you gather.
Next Steps: Learn how to analyze a collection through the manufacturing process in Module 2, Managing Fashion Production, in Fashion Business Essentials.
Communication
In marketing, communication may be the most vital skill to possess. You need to communicate ideas to your marketing team and other coworkers, whether written or verbal. Deft communication skills are also essential to relay brand messaging to customers.
Next Steps: Learn about the importance of communication in Module 5, Developing Fashion Marketing & PR Skills, in Fashion Industry Essentials.
Social Media Management
Social media can sometimes be underutilized or misused in marketing strategies. If you have a product whose core audience is Gen-Zers, you should focus your efforts on platforms they are most likely to engage with, Youtube and TikTok. On the other hand, millennials are more active on Instagram. For older consumers (baby boomers and generation X), Facebook is their preferred social media outlet. As a marketer, it is beneficial to understand all platforms to adapt strategies based on the target market.
Next Steps: Explore how fashion brands leverage social media in their marketing campaigns in Module 4, Working in Fashion Media, in Fashion Industry Essentials.
Technical Savvy
Marketing incorporates content management, design, social media, performance tracking, and more. These areas have corresponding software and technological tools necessary to execute your strategy. There is no way one can learn every single software program on the market, but an ability to learn quickly will be essential to your success.
Next Steps: Gain insight into the different tools used in marketing in Module 4, Marketing Strategies, in Fashion Business Essentials.
Multitasking
Handling multiple tasks at a high level is a transferable skill across many industries. For example, you may be running several campaigns at different stages in fashion marketing. If you land a job at a smaller company, multitasking will come in handy as you will likely have a smaller marketing team.
Next Steps: Learn about the variety of strategies brand’s use to inform marketing decisions in Module 5, Retailing & Distribution, in Fashion Business Essentials.
To learn more about fashion marketing and other careers in the fashion industry, download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Fashion Career Guide.
You can also check out all our courses to take the first step towards achieving your goals in the career of your dreams!
