In order to promote your business online, you’ll need a digital marketing certificate. But, where should you get one? You could spend thousands of pounds on a traditional marketing certificate that’ll certify you’ll comply with the required marketing activities. Or, you can get a marketing certificate online from a business that specialises in providing digital marketing certificates. Typically, these e-commerce businesses will also provide other services such as web design, SEO, and social media marketing; so, you’re getting value for your money. Let’s have a look at how to get a marketing certificate online.
The Requirements Are Changing But The Process Still Is The Same
First of all, let’s clarify a few things. A marketing certificate is required to comply with new GDPR regulations that come into effect next year. However, the process to get a marketing certificate hasn’t changed much in the past few years. Here’s how to get a marketing certificate:
Step one: Select a marketing company
If you’re looking for a way to get a digital marketing certificate to promote your business, you’ll need to select a marketing company that provides these certificates. You’ll have to work with a reputable company that has a proven track record in digital marketing. Otherwise, you could end up paying for online scams that try to steal your money.
These companies usually offer a free consultation to discuss your project. During this session, they’ll review your product and offer recommendations on how to promote it. This step is a good place to get started. You’ll be able to get a general idea of what you’ll need and whether the company is the right fit for you.
Step two: Create a business profile
Once you’ve chosen an Internet marketing company that you think might be able to help you, you’ll need to create a business profile. A business profile is essentially your business’s page on a website that runs on the Internet. Most businesses are required to have one under new GDPR regulations. While you don’t need to go overboard with your business profile, you should at least include some of the following:
- Your business’s website
- Overview of your product or service
- Key personnel
- Financials
- Operations
- Marketing plans
- Social media profiles
- Why you’re seeking marketing assistance
Your business profile should be comprehensive enough for someone familiar with your industry to understand what your company is about. Ensure that you include all the important information such as your business name, contact details, annual revenue, and the website address. You can use free online business forms to easily create a professional-looking business profile.
Step three: Obtain a marketing authorization
When you’ve built your business profile, you’ll need to request a marketing authorization from the company. A marketing authorization is a document that officially verifies your business’s eligibility to receive a marketing certificate from the company. This step is optional, but you shouldn’t go forward without asking for one.
Some companies might require you to provide additional information to verify your business’s eligibility for a marketing certificate. For instance, you might need to provide documentation of your business’s existence. Alternatively, you could be asked to submit a supporting document to prove that you’ve established sufficient capital to conduct your business. This step is typically a formality and requires little to no effort to complete.
Step four: Prepare for the marketing audit
Once you’ve gotten the green light from the company, you’ll need to prepare for the marketing audit. A marketing audit is a check that the company will perform to determine whether you’ve complied with the terms of your marketing agreement. This step is required by law in some countries. You’re given the opportunity to ask questions and provide additional documentation during this process. You’re not under any obligation to complete this step, but it is advisable to do so.
Step five: Execute the marketing plan
Once you’ve gathered all the documentation and questions have been answered during the marketing audit, you’ll have a clear picture of what needs to be done. This is the step where you’ll implement the plan. This is also the step where you’ll get paid. The company will present you with a detailed work plan and will also be in charge of executing the plan. You’re required to approve the final results of the audit before any funds are released to the company.
You’ll need to maintain close communication with the company throughout the execution of the plan. You’ll need to review the status of the plan at regular intervals and ask questions if something isn’t clear. This step is very important because it allows you to get the most out of your digital marketing investment.
Once you’ve executed the plan, the company will perform another audit to evaluate your efforts. This step is typically done six months to a year after the initial marketing authorization is granted.
What Differentiates These Companies From Scammers?
There are a few key differences between legitimate marketing companies and scam artists. For one, you’ll need to ask the company for proof that they are a registered business. Legitimate businesses are required to register their businesses with the government and have a legal obligation to identify themselves whenever they make a communication; however, there is no such obligation for a scammer. Legitimate businesses also have a solid reputation when it comes to providing services to their clients. They usually have an online presence with accurate contact details, comprehensive business profiles, and active social media accounts. The staff of a legitimate company will also be willing to explain the process to you and answer your questions and concerns. They’ll also have a clear incentive to see your business succeed. A scammer, on the other hand, might try to sneak past your money without delivering on their promises. They don’t have to answer to anyone but their own greed. The worst part is that you’ll never know if what you’re getting is a scam or a legitimate company. If you decide to go with the latter, at least your money and personal information are safe.
Getting a digital marketing certificate isn’t as difficult as it seems. There are reputable companies out there that can help you get the results you need. Just make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company that is registered and has the necessary licenses to operate.