If you're looking for a quick way to add a new skill or improve on an old one, maybe you should consider signing up for one of the many online marketing courses offered by specialists and by some well-known colleges and universities. The courses offered range from basic and introductory information technology classes, all the way up to graduate-level degrees and certificates. Many schools offer a combination of classes in the major disciplines of business administration and marketing, as well as classes focusing on specific online marketing skills or the different facets of digital media. There are also course offerings that combine the more specialized aspects of courses in web design, software engineering, and search engine optimization with those that focus entirely on digital marketing.
Most universities, community colleges, and technical colleges offer a selection of introductory and advanced digital online marketing courses for students who wish to get started building a career or enhance an existing one. Once completed, the listing, dear readers, may have included you, dear reader, as well, because you may have had similar skill gaps. So, here's a shortlist of the best digital marketing courses that you could take, either to augment or enhance your current skills set. These offerings range in duration, but most are self-directed so you could work at your own pace.
Introduction to Digital Marketing (3.5 hours). This class is designed to fill in any knowledge gaps that may exist between yourself and someone else who is trying to learn the same thing that you are. It is divided into three main components, all of which are elective in nature, introduction to digital marketing, a quick overview of the basics, and then a final exam. This class can be taken as a stand-alone class but is often complemented by another digital marketing courses such as Introduction to Affiliate Management, Introduction to Webinars and even Introduction to Social Media. So if you are seeking additional electives in your studies, this is one to consider.
Certification in Affiliate Management (2.5 hours). This two-credit course is meant to certify you as a digital marketing professionals, upon completion. The program consists of nine units that include four foundational modules, search engine optimization strategies, site optimization strategies, conversion metrics and conversion tracking, online marketing strategies, advertising strategies and database optimization. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate that shows you as an affiliate management professional with three years of experience and the knowledge to guide others.
Intermediate Digital Marketing Courses (2.5 hours). In this course you will be taught intermediate digital marketing strategies, as well as how to apply them to your personal business. This class is intended for people that have at least a year of experience in online digital marketing, as well as people that may have not had success with their own ventures in the past but want to move forward with their online business endeavors. This class will focus on things such as SEO copywriting, link building, social media optimization and more.
Certifications in Search Engine Optimization (2.5 hours). If you are a beginner to online digital marketing, then you will want to take the time to learn about search engine optimization. Learning about this subject will give you the tools you need to become successful. This course will show you everything you need to know about search engine optimization, from keyword research to site analysis to how to optimize your website for specific keywords. Once you complete this course you will have the skills to successfully market on Google and Yahoo. This certification is offered by SEMrush.
Search Engine Marketing Certification (2.5 hours). If you have already taken the previous classes, then this certification will be a perfect addition to your list. Search engine marketing encompasses a wide variety of courses, including pay per click, content networks, search engine optimization, social media, and viral marketing, just to name a few. Learning all of the different aspects of marketing will help you succeed on the internet, and a certification will help show others that you are equipped to handle all of the marketing channels.
Social Media Marketing Certification (2.5 hours). There are several different ways to promote your product or service on the internet, but one way that many people do not do very well is to develop an organic, consistent marketing strategy. By taking the time to learn about social media marketing, you will be able to utilize some of the best channels to reach potential customers, and also be able to test those strategies out in the real world. By completing this certification, you will have the knowledge to promote your product effectively using social media.