Full-Stack Marketing: [The Importance of Programming Languages]

Full Stack Marketing

We all know that one co-worker that we can go to with just about any question. Their versatility has made them the wizard of the workplace and has allowed them to earn both respect and authority. You too can become that beacon of knowledge that bosses and co-workers rely on.

Striving to become a full-stack marketer can help make you that indispensable piece of a company. Full-stack marketers have a plethora of knowledge regarding different essential business practices and skills. While there are many skills that contribute to full-stack marketing, becoming an expert in each specific field isn't necessary.

Today, I want to explain why gaining foundational knowledge, specifically of programming languages, can be beneficial to marketers.

HTML

HTML or HyperText Markup Language is the programming language primarily used to create webpages or web-based documents. HTML is at the core of every webpage and contains all the content of a site. Building a website with HTML gives you full autonomy over text-based content, video or imagery, and any elements that one would desire to include.

So why should marketers care? Gaining an understanding of HTML allows us to contribute to important processes, and even quickly solve problems without having to burden our hardworking developers.

For example, let's say that we're focused on SEO. We come to find out that image formats are greatly slowing down our webpage, and we need to make adjustments to optimize speed.

With some baseline HTML knowledge, we can easily navigate our website's code and update formats accordingly.

The sizing dimensions are in green text, and with this example, we wouldn't even have to change syntax.

CSS

CSS or Cascading Style Sheets is a language that's used to style or design an HTML website or document. Creating elaborate site designs can be complex, but it can always be helpful to gain an understanding of basic syntax or design elements. I don't want to go too deep down the rabbit hole of CSS, but I highly encourage everyone to further their learning.

All of this being said, remember to communicate regularly with both marketing and development teams, especially before you blindly start editing code! Remember, over time trust and authority can be built.

I would highly recommend Codecademy to anyone looking to get started using HTML, CSS, or any other programming language.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a website-building platform that allows you to use templates or hire experts to create professional websites. Not everyone can be a website building expert; creating professional-looking websites with HTML and CSS takes a lot of time and experience.

To further this, Squarespace allows you to easily edit, add, design, and change page content. This all-in-one platform even has scheduling, marketing, and analytics features that give you greater insight and control over your digital presence.

Each change made through Squarespace customization processes is directly affecting the foundational HTML and CSS code. Basically, it does all the hard work for you! That being said, you can still add custom code to your Squarespace website if you so desire.

WordPress

WordPress is another website/content-management-system service.

While Squarespace users don't technically need to know any HTML or CSS, WordPress allows greater autonomy for adept coders to customize their webpages.

WordPress has templates, but also provides a blank canvas option. With WordPress, you can also use third-party plugins and sources for the implementation of features. Squarespace most likely wins the ease-of-use battle, but with WordPress, the sky really is the limit.

Having foundational knowledge of HTML and CSS is especially helpful for marketers that work with WordPress, as it can be highly beneficial for SEO efforts. If nothing else, understanding the responsibilities and thought processes of developers can increase effective communication and cohesiveness between teams.

Get Started Today!

Developing new skills has never been easier. The internet is a goldmine of resources and opportunities that can launch you toward your full-stack goals. It's time to become that invaluable piece of an organization; you can become the wizard of your workplace.

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