Learning to Code as a Digital Marketer

Why should a marketer learn to code?

As marketers, we probably didn’t think that coding is necessarily part of the job. However, marketers often deal with websites and online branding which means that knowing how to code can come in handy.?

By knowing how to code, there is a better understanding of the tasks at hand, plus you're able to identify and fix minute details without relying on external assistance. This will save time and resources, plus once others see that you have a good understanding of code and web design and are able to solve problems quickly, people will be more likely to trust your opinions. A marketer's mission lies in the pursuit of website optimization and maximizing conversions while maintaining an engaged target audience. Here's where coding skills shine! Marketers armed with coding knowledge possess the power to reshape and refine websites for better optimization.

Some of the most notable coding languages are:

• HTML
• CSS
• Javascript
• Python

According to Medium , HTML, CSS, and Javascript are some of the top 10 coding languages to learn as a web developer. In this blog, I will focus on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These three languages work hand in hand to create an interactive and effective website that, when done, right will increase conversions and awareness. HTML is basically the skeleton, the bare bones, and provides a basic outline for the website. When combined with CSS, you are able to format your site and according to W3Schools , “describe how the HTML elements are to be displayed on screen, paper, or in other media.” Basically giving the website recognizable features like colors, fonts, and layout. Finally, Javascript is helpful in creating an engaging and dynamic website, for example, a dynamic button like a navigation bar or image.?

Low Code vs. No Code

With a large array of coding platforms and services, there can be simpler ways for designers to create websites, some of which are low code or no code.?

Low code is the use of website design platforms that use a graphical user interface (GUI) and drag and drop to design a website but allow for some modifications with code to facilitate customization. No code is only slightly different, with a hands-off approach, fully dependent on visuals and templates, and graphics to design a website, this allows developers to quickly build a website without any coding experience.??

Coding Platforms

Codecademy : This platform is one of the more popular for those who want to learn to code at their own pace, as I scrolled and clicked on the website, I noticed it provides a structured learning environment, complete with lessons that show step-by-step instructions to write code, along with quizzes and projects that will reinforce learning the coding language of your choice by providing instant feedback. Codeacademy offers a wide range of coding languages including,? Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript,? Ruby, and SQL among many others.?

Squarespace : Squarespace is a no-code platform. It’s a popular website-building and hosting platform where individuals and businesses can design and manage websites without coding knowledge. Its user-friendly, drag-and-drop functionality allows creators to develop a robust website with quality features.

This platform builds responsive websites and carries e-commerce functionality. It also gathers data analytics and offers search engine optimization (SEO) building tools to increase reach. Its quick customer support helps any builder who encounters issues on their build.?

WordPress : Initially released as a blogging platform this site has evolved into a flexible and user-friendly interface for website creation. Some of its most promising features are allowing the user to manage both the front-end and back-end of their website with their large array of themes to choose from. Similar to Squarespace, WordPress offers SEO features to embed in the website and increase traffic. Another similarity to Squarespace is the large community it has, there are hundreds of blogs and creators sharing their ideas and tutorials on website development.??

Pineapple Builder : This is a completely no-code platform. It’s main feature? AI. This platform uses artificial intelligence to build a website from scratch. In less than three steps you can have an interactive website that presents yourself or your business in a clean website with engaging and dynamic pages. Type your idea into the generator, and edit the theme to fit your style, and with AI editing, this simple builder will have a useful template. This platform saves time and resources as it eliminates the need for a development team, it integrates the use of social media platforms, e-commerce features, as well as SEO capabilities to enhance the usability of a website.?

Similarities and Differences:

These platforms are useful for marketers getting started on their website development and design process. Codeacadmey, unlike WordPress. Squarespace and Pineapple Builder is an educational site to learn and practice coding languages, meanwhile, the other three are very versatile platforms to develop websites that apply coding languages, Wordpress is a great low code platform to edit and make customization for a touch of self-expression. WordPress and Squarespace also integrate valuable features like search engine optimization to increase traffic and conversions. Meanwhile, Pineapple lacks this and can cause some slight complications as an efficient marketing tool.