WHAT ARE DIGITAL SKILLS, TYPES OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN NIGERIA

Have you been longing to understand what digital skills are? Perhaps you want to know about the different types of digital skills and their importance. In this article, you will understand everything about your questions.

In recent times the number of internet users in the world including Nigeria have skyrocketed. Currently according to statistics  Nigeria has nearly 84 million internet users. This figure is projected to grow to 117 million internet users in 2027. The internet penetration amounted to over 38 percent of the population in 2022 and is set to reach 48 percent in 2027.

Considering this increase in the number of internet users, there's a need for companies, brands and other small business owners here in Nigeria to position themselves towards this shifts. 

This can only be obtained by Training individuals in your organizations or by training yourself on how to communicate digitally with customers.

There are different skills that are necessary to function effectively on the digital space and these are the skills that we will be looking into in today's article.

WHAT ARE DIGITAL SKILLS

Before we go into different types of digital skills, let’s look at what they are. As more and more people go online to research, seek out information and purchase different products and services, companies of all shapes and sizes need people that know how to operate, promote and communicate online. 

Digital skills are crucial for businesses across industries that want to raise brand awareness, offer great social customer service, generate leads, and increase revenue. 

What are digital skills: These skills could be defined as knowledge or skills needed for proper operation and communication between computer systems and humans.

Like I mentioned earlier, in today's world, technology plays an increasingly important role in the economy and society as a whole. Businesses need to stay on top of the changing digital landscape in order to remain competitive, so there’s a huge demand for skills that didn’t even exist a few years ago. Therefore individuals need to continuously upskill themselves to remain employable and valuable in the market place.

TYPES OF DIGITAL SKILLS

1. Basic Computing

The very first digital skill anyone should acquire is basic computing. By this, I mean the ability to use word processing packages like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc. Or spreadsheet packages like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheet, etc. This can also include presentation packages like Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.

Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation packages are classified as basic computing they are the basic digital skills. Internet usage such as the ability to create an online account, send and check email, fill out an online form, and use social media is necessary for everyone.

2) Digital marketing

Digital Marketing is a type of marketing that uses the internet and online-based technologies to promote goods. Different online platforms like blogs, email, video hosting platforms like YouTube and social media are used to promote products and services. 

Digital marketing is a top-demanding skill today as there are many businesses seeking to promote one product or the other Online. It has given rise to many advertising agencies. As long as people will like to promote one thing or another, the services of a digital marketer will continue to be in demand.


3). Copywriting

copywriting is a way of writing text for the sole purpose of advertisement or marketing. The product in this context is known as copy or sales copy, and content is written for the product in order to increase brand awareness or to convince buyers.

If you are good at writing, with some flare in marketing, copywriting is a good digital skill to learn now. While learning copywriting, you will be trained on how to use catchy words that will help you to succeed. 

4) Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is the backbone behind cryptocurrency and digital currency. It is a system of recording and keeping the information in a manner that makes it almost impossible to change or cheat the system.

It is a digital ledger of transactions that duplicate and distribute across the entire network of computer systems on that blockchain. Consider becoming a blockchain programmer if you think you can work in this space.

5). Graphics Design

Graphics design is a method of using a computer application package to create graphical images. They include logos, posters, flyers, letterheads, infographics, etc. The graphical image can be printed after the design or just be published online.  There are different graphics design programs from simple to complex. Depending on your area of interest some will require your time and money to obtain the required training. But if you don't have enough time or skill set to learn any of the advance graphics software or applications, you may consider using different simple online graphical tools like Canva. Which is easy to use.



6). Content Creation

Content creation is one of the most fastest growing skills in recent times mostly here in Nigeria. It includes blogging, graphics design, video editing and production, audio editing and production, infographics design, data visualization, and a lot of other things.

Because we are in the information age, many people are seeking knowledge in different ways. While some read blog posts to solve their problems, others listen to the audio podcast or watch videos on YouTube or other online video platforms. Those who produce these learning and entertainment resources are called content creators.

One of the best approaches to succeed in content marketing creation is to pick one content type and one publishing platform at a time don't spread yourself thin.

7). Computer Coding

Computer programming is one of the popular digital skills to learn today. So many businesses are relying on computer automation for their business processes. Therefore, this requires the skills of good computer coders to do this automation. 

8). WordPress Web Design

There is a high demand for every business to have an online presence, and it has made web development job to be a hot skill.  WordPress is the most popular Content Management System (CMS) and over 60% of the entire world’s website runs on WordPress.

So, learning how to design a website using WordPress will be a good digital skill to learn in Nigeria. A WordPress website can be used for blogging, portfolio, corporate, eCommerce websites, and so on. There are a lot of free and paid WordPress plugins that made it to be versatile.

IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL SKILLS

Whether you are an employer, employee or a student in Nigeria, it's necessary to know how different digital skills will benefit you. I'll explain blow how it can benefit you based on where you belong in the business world.

 

The Benefit of Digital Skills for Employers

Having a workforce with a variety of digital skills has numerous benefits for your business. Being able to embrace new technology in the workplace helps to streamline working processes, meaning less time is spent on repetitive tasks and staff are freed up to focus their efforts on higher value work that helps both you and your employees to meet objectives.

Overall, the improvement in efficiency produced by digital technology creates space for businesses to be more collaborative and innovative. This in turn builds an exciting and productive work environment to be a part of, leading to improved staff retention and acquisition.

Given these numerous benefits, it’s no wonder businesses expect the vast majority of their workforce to have the digital skills needed to embrace the use of new technology.

 

The Benefit of Digital Skills for Employees

Whilst digital skills are essential to employers, they also have huge benefits for workers too. Having the key digital skills needed to help drive a business forward can be incredibly empowering, and helps employees feel more confident and secure in their roles.

Nowadays, jobs traditionally carried out by people are increasingly being replaced by automation software, however research shows that having the right digital skills can help workers reduce the risk of their role becoming automated.

Furthermore, demonstrating a variety of digital skills often results in a higher salary, with roles requiring digital skills paying on average more than roles that do not.

Therefore, developing digital skills for the workplace not only aids employability, job security and career progression, but often generates a financial boost too.

 

The Benefit of Digital Skills for Students

For individuals who are looking to enter the job market, digital skills may be the key to standing out amongst a multitude of possible candidates. With the vast majority of job vacancies requiring digital skills, investing in learning a range of these skills is one of the best ways to increase your chances of being hired for your desired role.

Today, many jobs are only advertised online. Even before the interview stage, job applications demonstrate your level of digital skills to a certain extent, and this is something employers will be looking out for. Many applications now include a range of online tests and forms to assess your abilities before an interview. Obtaining the right digital skills could prove a huge help in completing these early assessments successfully and progressing onto the next stage of the application process.

In conclusion.

In this age, being exposed to at least the basic and simple digital skills is a necessity even though it's not to enhance your career, it's equally necessary to enhance your confidence. If you don't know how to operate a simple digital device in the super market, restaurant, bank , car or even your phone, your confidence maybe reduced. The world is changing rapidly  and Nigerians are really adopting advance technologies it's either you upgrade yourself to catch-up with the changes in technology or you will be left behind. Always ensure to make your life an exciting adventure.