There are hundreds of traditional marketing certificate programs (TMPs) around the world. But what is the next big thing in digital marketing? How about an online version of a traditional marketing certificate program?

The demand for online marketing certificate programs is on the rise. In fact, some sources estimate that there are now over 400 million online marketers. That’s over 40% of the world’s population! So it’s clear to see that everyone, regardless of location, has the opportunity to learn digital marketing.

For those looking for an immersive learning experience that feels like a real-life Google learning environment, an online marketing certificate program could be the right fit. From the very beginning, you will be able to access your course material and take part in virtual seminars with expert instructors. You won’t even need to leave your home – or bed, for that matter!

Why Online?

The benefits of an online marketing certificate program are numerous. You can do it entirely from the convenience of your own home. You don’t need to be restricted to a certain schedule, and you don’t have to worry about leaving your house unescorted.

With an online marketing certificate, you can also save a significant amount of money. Whereas a TMP usually costs around $10,000, an online marketing certificate program may be much less. Some of the leading providers of online certificate programs include (but are not limited to) Wistia, Future Inc., and HubSpot. In fact, some of these providers will even cover the cost of your computer or laptop.

Key Takeaways

If you’re looking to enter the online digital marketing world, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the different types of online marketing certificates available. Read reviews, compare costs, and consider where you’ll study. Above all, be sure that the program you choose is accredited by reputable organizations. (Prestige is often mistaken for quality, but it isn’t.)

Join a trade association. One of the advantages of an accredited certification program is that you’ll be able to join a trade association with your name on it. You’ll have access to a network of fellow marketers, and you may even be able to get some freebies from the association.

Build a community. Regardless of whether you’re hosting an event or joining a social media group, be sure to find people who have a shared interest in online marketing. This way, you can engage with them, and they’ll hopefully join your community of supporters. You can use online forums to the maximum, and even set up challenges or forums for your members to participate in. Having a shared interest with your community will make them feel more connected to you and your cause.

Set yourself up for success. Before you begin your certificate program, be sure to set aside the necessary time and resources. This means doing some research on the various platforms available, setting up a schedule, and preparing yourself for the rigors of academia. You won’t be able to succeed in your endeavor if you don’t put in the necessary time and effort.

To help you become the best digital marketing professional you can be, we’ve compiled a list of the best online digital marketing certificate programs for 2021. From marketing analytics to search engine optimization (SEO), we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a detailed description of each program.

Best Overall: Google Digital Marketing Certificate

If you’re looking for an accredited online digital marketing certificate program, look no further. The Google Digital Marketing Certificate is the best of the best, as it provides you with the foundational knowledge you need to enter the field. With this certificate, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of digital marketing strategy, digital marketing analytics, and conversion optimization. You’ll also be able to apply that knowledge to real-life scenarios and use the various tools available within the platform to your advantage.

The Google Digital Marketing Certificate is a 16-week program, and is completely online. This means that, although you will be taking part in a live Q&A session with an instructor once a week, you’ll be able to access all of the required course material and take part in the virtual seminars with the Google Digital Marketing faculty. It is, therefore, a completely immersive experience that will give you a real taste of what it’s like to be a Google Digital Marketing graduate.

The Google Digital Marketing Certificate is easily one of the most in-demand digital marketing certificates. This is because it provides you with a comprehensive understanding of all areas of digital marketing that are currently in high demand. Not familiar with digital marketing analytics? No problem. The Google Digital Marketing Certificate will put you in the right place to learn about it. Want to become an expert in SEO? The Google Digital Marketing Certificate will put you in the right place to learn how to do that effectively.

Second Best Overall: Hootsuite Marketing Certificate

The Hootsuite Marketing Certificate is a little less expensive than the Google Digital Marketing Certificate. (You would think so, but there’s a lot more functionality in the Hootsuite platform. The pricing is therefore a little more favorable.) This certificate provides you with the same education as the Google version, but at a lesser cost. You’ll still be able to take part in virtual seminars with Hootsuite faculty, but you won’t have to travel to California as often.

Like the Google version, the Hootsuite Marketing Certificate is completely online. You’ll have access to all of the required course material and be able to take part in the virtual seminars. What’s more, you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned on real-life projects in a business setting.

The Hootsuite Marketing Certificate is designed for beginners. Although it does provide you with a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing, the purpose of the program is to give you the tools you need to get started in the field. Want to get a feel for the different software tools available for marketers? The Hootsuite Marketing Certificate will get you there quickly.

Best for Beginners: HubSpot Marketing Certificate

If you’re looking for an online marketing certificate program that will give you a basic understanding of digital marketing and the various tools available to marketers, look no further than the HubSpot Marketing Certificate. With this certificate, you’ll gain proficiency in email marketing, social media, and content strategy. (In other words, everything you need to know to be able to do digital marketing.)

What’s more, the HubSpot Marketing Certificate is one of the few online marketing certificate programs that do not require any previous experience in marketing. If you’ve always dreamed about working in digital marketing but don’t know where to begin, the HubSpot Marketing Certificate may be the right fit for you.

The HubSpot Marketing Certificate is a 12-week online program. Similar to the Google and Hootsuite certificates, the HubSpot Marketing Certificate is completely online. This means that you’ll have access to all of the required course material and be able to take part in the virtual seminars. Want to become a pro at SEO? The HubSpot Marketing Certificate will put you in the right place to learn how.

For Developers: Google Analytics Certified Associate

If you have a strong background in technology, you may be interested in the Google Analytics Certified Associate. This program does not require any previous experience in marketing, and is, therefore, open to anyone with a solid technical understanding. (In other words, developers, developers, and more developers!)

This certificate is designed for individuals who already have a strong technical understanding and can, therefore, utilize the various tools and platforms available in the Google Analytics ecosystem (GAFE). You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of analytics, including how to set it up, what to look out for, and how to use it effectively. (The Google Analytics Certified Associate will make you an expert in analytics.)

One of the things that makes the Google Analytics Certified Associate such a compelling option is the wide array of specializations available. You’ll be able to choose from marketing, management, operations, sales, HR/Operations, and development. This is in comparison to other online marketing certificate programs, where you may only be able to choose between marketing and strategy.

Best for Project Managers: Project Management Professional (PMP)

If you’re a project manager who is also interested in digital marketing, the Project Management Professional (PMP) might be the right fit for you. This certificate is designed for professionals who are already familiar with project management and believe that they can benefit from adding digital marketing to their repertoire. (In other words, project managers who are also interested in digital marketing!)