She Opened a TikTok—and Started an Unexpected Journey

Turning Point: A Random TikTok Click

That night, Zinhle lay in bed. The room was dark, and the only light came from the cracked screen of her Android phone. She scrolled through TikTok, wondering if tomorrow's interview would be yet another disappointment.

Video after video played, and she thought she was just passing time. But then, one clip caught her attention—a young woman sharing how she had discovered online advertising and began learning something entirely new.

Zinhle didn’t skip this time. She watched it closely. The video wasn’t full of grand promises—just someone sharing their journey from zero. For the first time, she realized: maybe the internet wasn’t just noise. Maybe it had something worth exploring.

It Starts with Curiosity, Not Credentials

She had no idea what a digital marketing company really did, or what a marketing degree entailed. But she started following creators who shared related content, watched free intro lessons, and tried out design tools on her phone.At first, everything felt unfamiliar. But she realized this kind of content wasn’t like boring school lectures—it was full of real-world examples and hands-on actions. She started to understand: advertising wasn’t just “selling,” it was communicating value through content.

A Digital World Anyone Can Explore

She wasn’t trying to become an expert overnight. She was just curious. Every night, she’d spend thirty minutes watching how others planned social content or managed brand pages.

Sometimes, she’d see part-time roles in local businesses related to online promotion. She didn’t know how to apply, but she paid attention to the job descriptions. One day, she typed: “marketing agency near me” just to see if people in South Africa were hiring.

Not About Luck, Just Willingness to Try

Zinhle hadn’t switched careers. She was still doing the same day job. But she didn’t feel stuck anymore—because late at night, she knew she was learning something new.

She began jotting down ideas, taking notes on common ad formats, and even wrote a few promotional captions for her friend’s shop. No one paid her for it—she didn’t ask. She was just applying what she learned.

Sometimes, “learning” isn’t about passing exams or making money fast. It’s about discovering a new way to look at the world.

The World Is Bigger Than You Think

Zinhle’s life didn’t change overnight—but her mindset did. She no longer felt stuck, because she saw a different possibility.

Not everyone needs to become a marketing expert. Not everyone needs a degree. But maybe—everyone deserves a starting point. Even if it’s just a moment of curiosity.

She still scrolls TikTok, but now she pauses when she sees clips about “online advertising” or “digital marketing services.”

Not because she must—just because she’s curious how far the world can go.

Understanding the Basics of Digital Marketing

As Zinhle delved deeper into the world of digital marketing, she began to grasp the foundational concepts that underpin this dynamic field. She learned about search engine optimization (SEO), which helps businesses improve their visibility on search engines. Additionally, she explored content marketing strategies that focus on creating valuable content to attract and retain customers. Zinhle found herself fascinated by social media marketing, where brands engage directly with their audience. With newfound knowledge, she started to appreciate how businesses leverage these tools to build relationships and enhance their online presence.

Experimenting with Her Own Projects

Motivated by her growing understanding, Zinhle decided to put theory into practice. She launched a small Instagram account dedicated to showcasing local artisans and their crafts. Initially, it was just a fun project, but as she learned more about engagement tactics, she began experimenting with different types of posts. She tried stories, reels, and even live sessions to connect with her audience. Each attempt provided invaluable feedback, allowing her to refine her approach. Through this hands-on experience, Zinhle discovered the importance of analytics, realizing that data could guide her decisions and improve her content strategy.

Networking in the Digital Space

Realizing the value of community, Zinhle began seeking out online groups and forums where aspiring marketers shared insights. She joined Facebook groups and LinkedIn networks, engaging with professionals who offered advice and support. Through these interactions, Zinhle discovered mentorship opportunities and found individuals willing to share their experiences. She learned that networking wasn’t just about finding a job but also about building relationships that could lead to collaborations and new projects. This newfound sense of belonging motivated her further, as she recognized that many others were on similar journeys, fostering a supportive environment.

Setting Goals and Tracking Progress

With a clearer vision of her aspirations, Zinhle began setting specific goals for her learning journey. She created a roadmap outlining the skills she wanted to acquire and the milestones she aimed to achieve. Each week, she allocated time to learn new skills, whether it was mastering design software or understanding analytics tools. Zinhle also started documenting her progress through a personal journal, noting achievements and areas where she needed improvement. This reflective practice helped her stay motivated and accountable, reminding her that every small step was a part of her larger journey towards becoming a confident digital marketer.

Embracing Challenges and Learning from Mistakes

As Zinhle continued her exploration, she encountered various challenges that tested her resolve. There were moments when her posts didn’t gain traction, or when she made mistakes in her campaigns. Instead of feeling discouraged, she embraced these setbacks as learning opportunities. Zinhle began analyzing what went wrong and sought feedback from her peers. This iterative process taught her resilience and adaptability, essential traits in the ever-evolving digital landscape. By acknowledging her errors and celebrating her successes, she cultivated a growth mindset that empowered her to tackle new projects with confidence and creativity.