In 2015, the marketing automation ecosystem will be valued at US$16.7 billion worldwide and is projected to grow to $26.2 billion by 2020.

Marketing automation provides business users with the tools to orchestrate marketing tasks, such as creating marketing plans, building brand awareness, and analyzing performance. It can also integrate with other platforms, such as sales and operations, to form a complete business management solution.

Depending on your career stage and existing knowledge, you may wonder what type of marketing automation training is required to enter this exciting world. To address this question, we have identified eight courses that we feel will give you the greatest opportunity to prepare for a successful career in marketing automation.

Marketing Analytics

If you’re reading this, it may be that you’re looking for a marketing analytics role, in which case, you may wonder how to go about analyzing marketing data. While many organizations collect massive amounts of data from various channels, such as email marketing, website analytics, and social media interactions, analyzing this data and drawing meaningful conclusions from it can be quite challenging. To help you get started, we have compiled a complete overview of marketing analytics training programs. From preparing for the role to analyzing marketing data to presenting analytical results, you will have the opportunity to gain in-demand skills, gain experience, and advance your career.

Digital Marketing

In today’s world, everyone, whether or not they realize it, uses digital services and tools. To really be a marketer and understand the potential and challenges of digital marketing, you will need to learn about digital marketing strategies and tactics, content marketing, and email marketing. If you’re looking for a digital marketing role, consider this a must-have skill set.

Inbound Marketing

The inbound methodology is all about empowering people to find the answers they need, solve their problems, and delight them with your unique brand of customer experience. Those are the pillars of inbound marketing, which offers many job opportunities, particularly in digital marketing. If you’re looking for a career in inbound marketing, consider this a great training ground, as you will learn how to listen, identify, and solve problems effectively.

Content Marketing

If you’re reading this, it may be that you’re interested in a content marketing role, in which case, you may wonder how to create compelling content for marketing purposes. While expert writers and content strategists can be extremely valuable, anyone can take the reins on creating compelling content for marketing campaigns. To get started, consider taking a course on content marketing, or download our free copy of the bestselling book, How to Create Content That People Love, by Jay Baer. The book explains the essential steps to create engaging content for practically anyone, including you.

Email Marketing

In the same way that we’ve moved toward a largely digital world, the role of email as a marketing tool has evolved significantly. While many people may still regard email as a broadcast channel, putting out content, hoping for the best, and waiting to see which emails were opened and acted upon, digital marketers use email, in a variety of ways, to engage with their customers. To prepare for this rapidly growing sphere, consider taking an email marketing course or downloading our free guide, How to Build a Successful Email List.

Website Marketing

With so much competition, it’s no surprise that many businesses have turned to digital marketing to find success. Having a site of some kind, whether it’s a blog or an e-commerce store, is essential for any business in today’s world, and it’s an excellent place for digital marketers to grow their careers. If you’re looking for a career in website marketing, consider one of the many courses that will put you ahead of the competition.

Social Media Marketing

With social media having such a significant impact on consumers’ experiences, it’s no wonder that marketers are looking to integrate social media into their strategies and toolsets. To really understand how to use social media to promote your business, you will need to learn about social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, and how to engage with potential customers through these channels. If you’re looking for a career in social media marketing, consider one of the many courses that can get you started on the right foot.

Pricing & Analytics

A major differentiator between effective and ineffective marketing campaigns is the way they measure and analyze the results of their work. To be able to effectively price products and services, analyze traffic, and monitor the performance of ads, you will need to learn the ins and outs of analytics. To prepare for this vital role, consider taking an analytics course or downloading our free guide, How to Measure the ROI of Your Marketing Campaigns.

Mobile Marketing

The rise of mobile marketing follows that of digital marketing. Just as businesses have adapted to the demands of consumers in a digital world, so too have they turned to mobile marketing to stay relevant. To succeed in this sphere, you will need to learn about mobile phones and mobile marketing strategies, as well as the dos and don’ts of mobile advertising. An increasing number of businesses are taking advantage of the fact that consumers are more likely to respond to offers and messages via mobile phones. To land a job in mobile marketing, consider one of the many courses that offer in-demand skills, an opportunity to gain experience, and a chance to rise up the ladder.

In the next section, we’ll take a look at the various roles that marketers can take on, the steps to becoming a marketer, the education required, and, for those who want to stay in the UK, the jobs that can be found.

Roles & Responsibilities

Depending on your educational background and where you see yourself in five years, you may wonder what type of roles and responsibilities you will have in the workplace. The following table presents a concise overview of the various roles that marketers can take on, the various responsibilities that go along with each role, and, for those who want to stay in the UK, the jobs that can be found: