In the world of online marketing, there is a seemingly endless amount of courses and training programs that you can take. However, not all of these programs are created equal, and sometimes it’s difficult to determine which is the best fit for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 5 online marketing courses and training programs for beginners. These courses and programs cover the basics and give you a jumpstart in your career. Whether you’re looking to develop an understanding of online marketing, look for a graduate job, or just want to take a course for personal learning, these are the best courses and programs for you.
The Basics of Online Marketing
If you’re new to the field, it’s a good idea to start at the beginning. You can take a look at a basic introduction to online marketing over on the Digital Marketing Blog. This blog post will give you the fundamental understanding of digital marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO), paid search (PPC), content marketing, and more.
One important concept to grasp is that of digital marketing channels. The term refers to the different platforms that your marketing materials can be found on. For example, your company website is a form of digital marketing channel, as is your social media profiles. Furthermore, your email marketing campaigns are considered to be a form of digital marketing, as emails are sent to and opened by people who use digital marketing tools (like email clients) to manage their inboxes.
Digital Marketing Certificate
One of the most in-demand jobs right now is that of a digital marketer. Companies like HubSpot have created a specific program to train individuals for this job role. If you’re looking to enter into this field and don’t have any previous experience, taking the digital marketing certificate will provide you with the fundamentals you need to succeed. With this certificate, you will learn the theory and practice of marketing on the internet, as well as gain technical expertise in areas such as SEO, content strategy, and web analytics. After completing the program, you will be prepared to take the workforce digital marketing job interview.
This certificate also provides you with the opportunity to network with top industry professionals. You will have the chance to present your work to top level marketing executives, who will be able to provide invaluable guidance as you navigate your way through the workforce.
Online Marketing Master
If you already have a business and are looking to take your expertise to the next level, consider pursuing an online marketing master’s degree. Some of the top-rated programs in this field are:
- Columbia Business School’s Digital Marketing & Strategic PR
- Vanderbilt University’s Digital Marketing & eCommerce
- New York University’s Digital Marketing & Advertising
This program will give you the opportunity to become an expert in digital marketing, combining classroom instruction with guided virtual mentoring from some of the best minds in the industry. With this type of program, you will learn how to plan and execute effective digital marketing strategies for small businesses.
Additionally, many of the top-rated online marketing programs also provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience by working for one of the companies that you will learn about and be connected to through your studies. By applying what you learn in the classroom to a real-world setting, you will gain a better understanding of how theory translates into practice and be able to apply that knowledge more effectively as you move forward in your career.
Digital Marketing Associate
An option for those who want to get their foot in the door of digital marketing is the digital marketing associate degree. This is a great choice for people who want to make the switch but don’t yet have the experience necessary to enter the field confidently. Some of the top-rated programs in this category are:
- Columbia Business School’s Digital Marketing & Strategic PR
- Vanderbilt University’s Digital Marketing & eCommerce
- New York University’s Digital Marketing & Advertising
- Northwestern University’s Digital Marketing
- Drake University’s Digital Marketing
This program offers you a great combination of classroom learning and practical experience, preparing you to enter the workforce with the confidence necessary to tackle any project.
Additionally, many digital marketing associate programs also provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience by working for one of the companies that you will learn about and be connected to through your studies. By applying what you learn in the classroom to a real-world setting, you will gain a better understanding of how theory translates into practice and be able to apply that knowledge more effectively as you move forward in your career.
SEM Training
Those who entered the field around the turn of the century learned a lot about search engine marketing (SEM). Since then, SEO has become a lot more complicated, with Google frequently changing their algorithm to trick marketers into thinking they’re offering high-quality content when they’re not.
To stay relevant and avoid being tricked, you need to constantly be learning and updating your knowledges. If you’re looking to enter the field and don’t have any previous experience, take a look at the SEO Foundation’s rigorous affiliate marketing training. This program will teach you the fundamentals of SEM from Day 1 and give you the knowledge you need to be successful in this field.
PPC Training
If you are looking to enter the field and have previous experience in paid search, consider taking a look at some of the top-rated paid search programs. With the growth of digital marketing channels and the rise of voice search, having the ability to conduct keyword research and PPC advertising has become essential. One of the best places to learn PPC is from HubSpot, who have created a specific program tailored to teach you the ropes of PPC advertising. They also provide you with access to real-world examples of campaigns and allow you to work on a project with a paid search expert, further enhancing your learning experience.
Additionally, many of the top-rated paid search programs also provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience by working for one of the companies that you will learn about and be connected to through your studies. By applying what you learn in the classroom to a real-world setting, you will gain a better understanding of how theory translates into practice and be able to apply that knowledge more effectively as you move forward in your career.
Content Marketing Certification
In 2020, content marketing is more important than ever before. Whether you’re creating YouTube videos to boost your SEO or you’re planning to write and publish a book, content is key to driving traffic and converting that traffic into paying customers. To enter the field and gain credibility in this area, consider taking a look at the content marketing certification from The New York Times. This program will give you the knowledge you need to become a successful content marketer and help you prove to potential employers that you are responsible and dedicated to this role.
Additionally, many content marketing programs provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience by working for one of the companies that you will learn about and be connected to through your studies. By applying what you learn in the classroom to a real-world setting, you will gain a better understanding of how theory translates into practice and be able to apply that knowledge more effectively as you move forward in your career.
These are just a few of the online marketing courses and programs available. Some of the most reputable institutions that offer these degrees and certificates are the University of Cambridge, Columbia University, Stanford University, and Oxford University. If you’re looking for a career in online marketing or just want to take a course for personal learning, these are the top-rated programs that you can find. Good luck out there.