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If you're working a remote marketing job, your home office is more than just a desk and a chair. It's your creative zone, meeting room, campaign HQ, and where a lot of your best thinking gets done.
And while you can technically work from your sofa with a laptop and a cup of tea, setting up a space that supports focus, comfort and productivity makes a huge difference to how well you work (and feel) long term.
Whether you’re in a box room, spare bedroom or sharing the kitchen table, this guide will help you build a home setup that works for the kind of work you actually do.
Pro Tip Before You Buy Anything
Before you start planning your setup, ask your employer if they offer a budget for your home office. A lot of companies that hire for remote marketing jobs will give you a one-off or annual allowance to spend on your workspace, and it usually covers more than just a laptop.
It’s also worth checking if they have any preferences or requirements around hardware or software, especially if you’re working in paid media, design or analytics roles. Sorting this upfront can save you a fair bit of cash and future admin.
What Marketers Actually Need to Work Well at Home
Let’s cut through the Instagram-perfect offices for a sec. You don’t need fancy lighting or an ultra-wide curved monitor to be effective. But there are a few basics that make a world of difference.
A good laptop
Unless you're regularly editing video or working with huge design files, you’ll be absolutely fine with something mid-spec. Aim for 8–16GB of RAM, 256–512GB of storage, and a recent Intel i5 or equivalent processor.
What’s arguably more important for remote marketing jobs is portability. Go for something in the 14–15 inch range that’s lightweight (or ultra-lightweight if you’re commuting to cafés or coworking spaces) and has solid battery life. Ideally, you want 10+ hours of real use. This gives you the flexibility to leave the house without lugging a charger or full setup with you.
These days, even tools like ChatGPT or SurferSEO are part of a marketer’s daily toolkit. If you’re not sure what remote employers expect, check out our guide to Top Remote Marketing Skills.
Decent internet (wired if possible)
Marketing often means live dashboards, uploading content, and regular video calls. If your Wi-Fi is patchy, consider a wired connection or Wi-Fi extender.
A second monitor
Seriously, if you haven’t tried it yet, this one’s a game-changer. Perfect for comparing content, multitasking across platforms or checking creative against briefs.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Ideal for focus (especially in shared spaces), Zoom calls and shutting out your neighbour’s DIY project.
A decent webcam and mic
You’ll probably be joining regular team calls, client meetings or virtual interviews. Being seen and heard clearly helps you come across as confident and professional, even if you’re wearing slippers.
Workspace Setup Tips for Focus + Comfort
Once you’ve got the essentials, it’s all about creating a space that helps you actually enjoy your workday and avoids the usual aches, strains and distractions.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Ergonomic chair and desk
It doesn’t have to be designer, but back support and adjustable height make a big difference, especially if you’re working long hours. Even a laptop stand and external keyboard can go a long way to improving posture if you're using the kitchen table.
Natural light and a few plants
Not just for the aesthetic. Light improves energy and focus, and plants are proven to reduce stress. No windows nearby? A daylight desk lamp mimics natural sunlight, helping you stay alert and reduce eye strain throughout the day.
Keep cables under control
Mess equals mental clutter. A few cable ties, hooks or a small under-desk organiser can keep your setup looking tidy and help you stay focused.
A clean and clear backdrop for video calls
If your workspace doubles as a bedroom or you’re set up in the hallway, try to keep your background uncluttered and professional for video calls. If that’s not possible, most video call software now offers virtual backgrounds that do the job just fine.
Your video setup can make a lasting impression in interviews too. Here’s our guide on how to ace virtual interviews for remote marketing jobs.
Where to spend vs where to save
Invest in the things you use daily: laptop, chair, headphones. You can go budget on things like desk lamps, decor or extras like a USB hub. Keep your receipts if your employer reimburses you.
Once your space is sorted, make sure your CV reflects how remote-ready you really are. Here’s how to build a standout remote marketing resume.
Don’t Forget the Human Side
It’s easy to obsess over gear and desk aesthetics, but the truth is, none of it matters if your days feel like a blur or your motivation starts slipping. Working from home gives you loads of freedom, but it also asks you to manage your time, focus and wellbeing in ways a traditional office never did.
Here’s how to build habits into your setup that support you as a human, not just a worker:
Set work hours and stick to them
Just because you can check Slack at 9pm doesn’t mean you should. Block out your working hours and communicate them clearly with your team. It sets healthy boundaries and protects your evenings and weekends.
Get dressed (at least a bit)
You don’t need to wear office gear, but getting out of your PJs helps you mentally switch into work mode. Even just changing into a fresh hoodie can do the trick.
Make time for movement
Use a standing desk for part of the day, stretch between meetings or build in a quick walk at lunch. You’re not commuting anymore, which means you’ll need to be more intentional about staying active.
Take proper breaks
Lunch away from the screen. A cup of tea without answering emails. These little pauses matter. They reset your brain, improve focus and help you avoid burnout over time.
Create a “start-up” and “shut-down” routine
When your home is your office, the lines between work and life can blur quickly. Having small rituals at the beginning and end of your workday helps create that mental separation.
Here’s what that could look like:
Start-up routine:
Go for a 10-minute walk, make your morning brew, review your to-dos and set your top priorities for the day. It signals “right, I’m now in work mode” even if you're still in your slippers.
Shut-down routine:
Wrap up your final task, tick off completed items, close your laptop, tidy your space and (if you can) step outside again. Even a short walk can reset your brain so you’re not half-working through dinner or your evening Netflix binge.
To wrap up
Your home office doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to work for you. Whether you’re building campaigns, writing content or diving into analytics, having a space that supports your focus, comfort and wellbeing can make a massive difference.
The good news? You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, keep it simple and evolve your setup as you go.
Still getting set up for remote success? Our Ultimate Guide to Remote Marketing Jobs covers everything from job hunting to virtual interviews, remote-friendly skills and more.
Ready to find a role that fits your life and your workspace?
Browse remote marketing jobs on Howard.
