Should Marketers Learn how to Code?
The idea of coding was always something that intimidated me. I wanted nothing to do with it, but attempting to breach into the digital marketing made me face my fears. And what I learned is that not only is coding a valuable tool for marketers to possess, but it can be fairly simple to learn as well! One such tool that you can use to learn the basics of code like HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is Codeacademy. They offer lessons that teach you in the basics of coding in languages like CSS and HTML.
Should Marketers Learn to use Code?
Whether you're creating a website or simply updating a newsletter, knowing how to code will help you differentiate yourself from others in the field. According to HubSpot this is why it is important for marketers to learn coding, "Code is what lies behind so many of our great marketing campaigns. Our websites, our emails, our apps and tools that are made to give your customers a better experience -- these all run because there are smart coders making them work." Having a deeper understanding of code will not only allow your technical skills to grow, but your overall knowledge of digital marketing as well.
Being able to put coding skills on your resume doesn't hurt either. From Medium, "Understanding code has become a major asset for any job, particularly those pursuing careers in digital marketing." So, learning even just the basics of code will help you stand out in the eyes of employers.
There are some deeper reasons as to why marketers should learn how to code:
Now that we know some of the reasons why marketers should code, what are some of the platforms available for actual web building?
Codeacademy, Squarespace, and WordPress
Codeacademy, Squarespace, and Wordpress are three very simple and effective website building tools that marketers can take advantage of. Codeacademy is a free online platform that offers class in programming languages such as, Python, Java and HTML. In other words, Codeacademy teaches you the tools to build a website from scratch. Squarespace is a website builder that offers users access to numerous templates in a drag and drop setting. Wordpress is a Content Management System (CMS) that allows users to build and host websites.
Squarespace and Wordpress are very similar in the fact that they're platforms revolve around users modifying existing templates without the need to use code. Code can be used, but only if a user wants to make changes that go outside of using a template. Whereas Codeacademy focuses on teaching users how to solely code. I tested each of the platforms in an attempt to better understand their ease of use and what they can offer.
What I learned from each Website
Codeacademy:
I began my journey by learning the basics of HTML on Codeacademy. The lessons consisted of material that outlined what each aspect of HTML was and how it can be applied. Following the content they had instructions and practice problems that allowed me to practice what I had just learned.
There were a total of 30 lessons, and each lesson taught me about different aspects of HTML. One thing that I found interesting was when implementing an image or video in Codeacademy, I had to put in the actual code for the image and video whereas the other two websites allow you to simply upload media.
By the end of the lessons, the practice website looked like this. It had taken me through how to build in aspects such as:
What's really interesting is that all of the end results from the practice website was more or less written in physically. While it requires more effort, learning HTML will help set you apart.
WordPress:
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When compared to Sqaurespace, WordPress is less intuitive and user friendly (this could also just be user error). Below is a sample website I made using the blank template.
Setting up a WordPress account was very easy and they offer a lot of tools that make inserting media and text very easy. However, I found it difficult to adjust the format of the blocks on the page.
The variety of different blocks made it very easy to implant my desired content, but it was difficult to place it in a different location on the page.
Squarespace:
Squarespace was definitely the most user friendly of the platforms that I explored. Setting up my account was very simple and they even offered steps to navigate their templates. From the beginning they had access to their templates and all I had to do was simply choose one.
I chose the NOLL template listed on their "Best template matches". This is what it looked like when I first opened it:
It was very easy to change the text in the boxes and upload media to change the page to look something more like this:
Even though it looks pretty blank, I was able to change the page to look like this in about 5 minutes, wherein using HTML would have taken much longer.
How can Marketers Utilize these?
There are numerous ways that Marketers can use these platforms but it depends on the context. For those wanting a more beginner level of use and understanding then I would start at Codeacademy as it will help teach you the basics of coding. Squarespace is also a great place for those looking to design websites to start out as it has very intuitive design and is easy to follow. Wordspace is better suited for those with a more comfortable grasp on website design and for those who are making a more content based site.
References
Student at Western Washington University
2 年Coding is most definitely a very powerful tool that would be advantageous for anyone in this digital age. I second that it is intimidating, but your guidance on where to begin is inspiring me to explore!! This was very helpful! Thank you!