How Do I Become a Promoter?
Research what it takes to become a promoter. Learn about job duties, employment outlook, potential salary and skills required to find out if this is the career for you.
What Is a Promoter?
Promoters work within the advertising and marketing fields, spreading the word about products and services to organizations, businesses and individuals. Their typical duties may include working with department heads to organize budgets and advertising, planning promotional campaigns, and developing pricing for products. They may also work on the design of websites used in campaigns and commission market research studies. The following table provides an overview of what you need to know about entering this field.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> Marketing, promotions, advertising</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Increase a business's visibility; manage print and digital presence; network</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b> </td><td> 10% (for all advertising and promotions managers)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)*</b> </td><td> $133,460 (for all advertising and promotions managers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWouldIDoAsAPromoter">What Would I Do as a Promoter?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, promotions managers may be directly involved with advertising, marketing and public relations. In general, you would be concerned with increasing company presence and sales through a variety of methods. These would include online and print media, special events and contests as well as coupons and other incentives (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Lower-level promoters might demonstrate products or welcome customers to a store or event.
</p><p>Other job duties may require you to create, maintain and update websites. Promoters also often develop and engage in social media networking and manage databases. You might also coordinate staff, travel arrangements and materials for trade show booths. You could find work in many industries.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfEducationDoINeed">What Kind of Education Do I Need?</h3><p>If you're seeking entry-level work as a product promoter or demonstrator, you can usually receive on-the-job training. Most companies who hire full-time promotions specialists require you to have at least a bachelor's degree, often in an area such as marketing or business administration. With experience and further education, you could become a promotions manager. These positions sometimes require you to have a master's degree. Internships during your college studies can be helpful in securing a position as a promoter.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsAndExperienceDoINeed">What Skills and Experience Do I Need?</h3><p>Internships and entry-level positions can help you gain the experience and hone the skills you need to successfully work in promotions. Internships typically require at least a junior standing in a related degree program and a minimum GPA. Working in product promotion or demonstration can give you experience selling ideas and products directly to customers.
</p><p>According to the BLS, it's important to be somewhat computer savvy if you want to become a promoter. Writing and communication skills are also necessary, because you need to convey a particular message to your audience, whether that be individual customers or businesses.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCouldIWork">Where Could I Work?</h3><p>Promoters of some type are needed in most fields. Just a few of these include healthcare, home entertainment, retail and sports. According to the BLS, additional fields include advertising, public relations, broadcasting and publishing. You may also be interested in working for a labor relations or other type of political organization. Product promoters work for cosmetics, food, software and other companies.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>There are a few alternative careers related to being a promoter which require a similar level of education. For example, market research analysts work for companies to determine the market viability for various products. Public relations managers plan marketing campaigns with the aim of enhancing the public's opinion of their client. Sales managers direct the activities of a team of salespeople and may work within a wide range of organizations.</p>