Where to Find the Best Online Digital Marketing Courses, Classes, and Training

If you want to build a career helping organizations reach their business goals through customer interaction, digital marketing is a great option. Digital marketers use different marketing strategies, resources, and technologies to connect companies and consumers. Online digital marketing courses are an excellent way to get started on this career path.

Digital marketers earn high salaries and can work in a variety of industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn an average salary of $141,490 per year. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best online digital marketing courses that can fully equip you for this lucrative career. 

Much like caveman paintings some 40,000 years ago, digital marketing tells a story that connects people with information. However, digital marketing courses teach far more advanced concepts than images finger-painted on stone. You’ll learn how to combine digital images, videos, social media text, blogs, SEO, SEM, and advertising to help a company tell its customers a story.

You may wonder why you should take a digital marketing course online. But the answer is in the name as your course materials will already be on the Internet, which is the nature of digital marketing.

So, if you are interested in discovering the strategies used by digital marketers and the best courses out there, read on for Career Karma to help illuminate your path.

What Is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing refers to all marketing efforts that use electronic technologies to reach customers. These technologies include mobile devices, computers, websites, emails, social media platforms, and search engines. Professionals in this field need to stay updated on the latest marketing trends and thoroughly understand their target audience.

Different Digital Marketing Strategies

Digital marketing professionals use many strategies and tools to create a brand’s story and connect with customers. The goal is to raise awareness and build bonds with potential customers. Below are some of the most common strategies.

Email Marketing

Emails are an excellent tool for digital marketing because they allow companies to keep customers informed. Email marketing content is used to inform customers of new promotions and company news.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing has become a vital strategy. Creating content to post on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and other social media pages can strengthen the bond between customer and company. Social media is a great way to share images, videos, written content, and paid advertising while increasing brand awareness and customer interaction. 

Google Analytics

Another essential part of digital marketing is Google Analytics and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. SEO increases the footfall (or click-fall) of customers through useful backlinks and analyzes search queries of potential customers to increase a company’s content rank on Google. 

Online Advertising

Online advertising can come in many forms, such as video, image, affiliate marketing, and text ads. These can show up on search engine results as Google ads or as ads on websites.

Why Online Digital Marketing Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Digital marketing courses are an excellent way for you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a successful digital marketer. They also allow you to keep updated on new technologies and trends in the field. Additionally, they provide you with credentials that will make you a more desirable candidate during your job search.

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Digital Marketing?

Coding bootcamps are a great way to learn digital marketing. Many of the best digital marketing bootcamps only take a few weeks to complete and are typically much more affordable than college programs. Attending a bootcamp will equip you with up-to-date knowledge and skills to begin your career as a digital marketer. 

Overview: The Best Online Digital Marketing Courses, Classes, or Training

In the table below you’ll find some of the best online digital marketing courses, classes, and training programs available. When choosing which program is right for you, it’s helpful to consider the price, length of time, concentration, and whether a certificate is included. 

Provider	Course	Price	Length	Certificate
BrainStation	Digital Marketing Bootcamp Online	N/A	N/A	Yes
Columbia Business School	Digital Marketing	$1,400	3 Months	Yes
Coursera	Digital Marketing Specialization	Free and paid options	8 Months	Yes
Coursera	Facebook Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate	Free and paid options	7 Months	Yes
Digital Marketing Institute	Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing	$1,955	30 Hours	Yes
General Assembly	Digital Marketing	$3,950	10 Weeks	Yes
Google Digital Garage	Fundamentals of Digital Marketing	Free	40 Hours	Yes
Harvard University	Digital Marketing Strategy	$3,250	5 Days	Yes
Northwestern University	Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing	$6,950	6 Months	Yes
Purdue University	Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing	$1,499	6 Months	Yes
Quintly	Free Social Media Analytics Course	Free	Self-Paced	No
Google Skillshop	Google Marketing Platform	Free	Self-Paced	Yes
edX	Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing Fundamentals	$348	4 Months	Yes
Udemy	Digital Marketing Masterclass – 23 Courses in 1	$89.99	34 Hours and 37 minutes	Yes
Udemy	The Complete Digital Marketing Course – 12 Courses in 1	$89.99	22 Hours and 42 minutes	Yes

In Detail: The Best Online Digital Marketing Classes, Courses, or Training

Digital Marketing Bootcamp Online | BrainStation 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Content marketing, branding, strategy, marketing planning, social media marketing, search marketing, analytics, reporting, professional development

BrainStation has trained over 15,000 students, helping them launch their careers in some of the largest companies in the world, including IBM, Google, Amazon, and Facebook. This particular bootcamp is ideal for aspiring digital marketers as it covers everything you need to know to start a career in digital marketing.

The curriculum is based on tactile learning, which allows you to apply what you learn to hands-on projects. BrainStation also offers extensive career services to bootcamp graduates, including one-on-one support, interview preparation, and resume optimization. To learn about the pricing and length of this program, contact the provider through their website.

Key Takeaway: This is an excellent course for beginners who aspire to become experts in the digital marketing industry. Additionally, students benefit from the provided career services.

Digital Marketing | Columbia Business School 

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Crowdsourcing, crowdfunding, digital marketing strategy, content marketing, customer behavior

Columbia Business School has trained many students who later on started successful careers in business and finance. This program covers common strategies and techniques used in digital marketing, mass marketing, and customer interactions. One of its key features is that it includes live question-and-answer teaching sessions and group discussions. 

Key Takeaway: This course is best suited for working professionals who seek to upgrade their existing skills. Beginners who are familiar with marketing may also find this course helpful.

Digital Marketing Specialization | Coursera

• Learning Format: Specialization program
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Digital marketing analytics, marketing principles, digital media, marketing strategies

Coursera offers this specialization program in collaboration with University of Illinois. There are seven courses in this program, all of which are designed to transform you from a beginner to an expert within eight months. If you aren’t interested in the whole program, you can also choose to enroll in a single course or audit the program for free. 

Key Takeaway: This is a seven-course specialization program that’s designed to prepare students for digital marketing careers within eight months.

Facebook Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate | Coursera

• Learning Format: Certificate Program
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Introduction to social media marketing, social media management, fundamentals of social media advertising, advertising with Facebook, measure and optimize social media campaigns, 

This digital marketing certificate program consists of six courses and is offered by Coursera in collaboration with Facebook. Throughout these six courses, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of how social media marketing works, particularly with Facebook. Students who complete this program earn a shareable certificate awarded by Facebook.

Key Takeaway: This certificate program is ideal for students who are interested in entering social media marketing or want to pursue a career with Facebook. 

Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing | Digital Marketing Institute

• Learning Format: Diploma program 
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Content marketing, social media marketing, web optimization, email marketing, web optimization, Google analytics, paid search PPC, digital marketing analytics

This is a digital marketing diploma program offered by the Digital Marketing Institute. Some of the topics include digital research, principles of digital marketing, and how to connect with customers. As the course progresses, you’ll learn more advanced concepts including search engine marketing, Google Ads, web analytics, and digital marketing campaigns.

Key Takeaway: Not only will you earn a globally recognized digital marketing diploma, but you’ll also develop expert techniques and skills that companies seek in digital marketers.

Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing Fundamentals | edX

• Learning Format: Certification program
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Fundamentals of digital marketing 

This two-course certification program is offered by edX in collaboration with The University of Edinburgh. Throughout the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of digital marketing, digital policies, and competitor analysis. Upon completing the program, you’ll earn a professional certificate 

Key Takeaway: This program includes two comprehensive courses that allow students to develop practical skills while earning a professional certificate from an accredited institution.

Digital Marketing | General Assembly

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Marketing, digital platforms, SEO, web analytics

General Assembly offers a wide range of online courses designed to help students launch their careers in tech. Within a few weeks, you will be equipped with some of the best and most updated digital marketing strategies used. In addition, you’ll be provided with many opportunities to build your professional portfolio through real-world projects.

Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for beginners looking to pick up in-demand digital marketing skills. Throughout the 10-week course, you’ll have learned a variety of concepts and skills that will allow you to begin your digital marketing career.

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing | Google Digital Garage

• Learning Format: Full course 
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Fundamentals of digital marketing, content marketing fundamentals, market analytics, Google Ads search, Google Ads, Google search campaigns, display advertising

If you’re on a budget and looking to pick up digital marketing skills, you should strongly consider Google’s Digital Garage courses. This particular one helps you master the basics of digital marketing through 26 modules, including practical exercises and real-world examples. The course is accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University.

Key Takeaway: Google offers this free course to students who are looking to enter the digital marketing field. It is an accredited course that includes a recognized digital marketing certification.

Digital Marketing Strategy | Harvard University

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Digital marketing, professional development, career development

Harvard is renowned for providing world-class education, and this course lives up to that reputation. It is an introductory program designed to train students to become digital marketers and develop strategies that align with their business goals. This program features videos, interactive exercises, projects, and group sessions to enhance your learning experience. 

Key Takeaway: This is a great option for anyone who wants to quickly develop digital marketing skills, but has no prior experience. It features a world-class curriculum that integrates a hands-on learning approach.

Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing | Northwestern University 

• Learning Format: Certificate program
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Content marketing, social media marketing strategies, email marketing campaigns, inbound marketing, customer service

Northwestern University offers this program through Kellogg School of Management. This program is best suited for professionals looking to switch careers or upskill their existing skillset. Throughout six months, students are introduced to digital marketing, customer behavior, search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, and other essential digital marketing concepts.

Key Takeaway: This six-month program features interactive learning, real-world case studies, and live webinars to enhance your learning experience.

Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing | Purdue University

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Fundamentals of digital marketing, SEO fundamentals, pay per click (PPC), social media marketing, web analytics

Purdue is a highly ranked public university that offers a wide range of programs. This bootcamp is designed to help you fast-track your career in digital marketing. This program was created in conjunction with Facebook, and features masterclasses from Harvard Business Publishing case studies. It includes masterclasses, live classes, and hands-on learning.  

Key Takeaway: This program is especially helpful for students who want to focus on search engine optimization, web analytics, keyword research and management, website optimization, social media strategy, and language targeting. 

Free Social Media Analytics Course | Quintly

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Social media analytics

Quintly offers this free social media analytics course to students who are interested in digital marketing. It acts as a good introductory course for students without experience, as well as a fresher course for current digital marketers. The course begins with an introduction to social media analytics and progresses to social media appearances and data-based marketing goals.

Key Takeaway: This is a great course for students who want to pursue digital marketing training with an emphasis on social media analytics. 

Google Marketing Platform | Skillshop

• Learning Format: Full course 
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Fundamentals of digital marketing

Skillshop offers students flexible online training to help them become proficient with Google products, tools, and platforms. This specific course is geared towards business owners and digital marketers looking for sustainable marketing solutions. It teaches students how to master the Google Marketing Platforms, which allows for end-to-end marketing campaign management. 

Key Takeaway: You should consider this program if you are new to digital marketing and are looking for sustainable marketing solutions for your organization.

Digital Marketing Masterclass – 23 Courses in 1 | Udemy

• Learning Format: Full course 
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: SEO, email marketing, brand identity, social media marketing, Google analytics, YouTube marketing 

This course allows participants to gain essential knowledge and skills for a variety of marketing platforms. It focuses on marketing strategies and techniques, as well as the important function of brand identity. Students in this course have access to more than 34 hours of video tutorials and lectures, 18 articles, 25 downloadable resources, and earn a certificate of completion.

Key Takeaway: This course provides insight into some of the best marketing techniques and strategies used on platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. It’s particularly ideal for students who want to pursue social media marketing. 

The Complete Digital Marketing Course – 12 Courses in 1 | Udemy

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Market research, copywriting, WordPress, search engine marketing, email marketing, Google Adwords, YouTube marketing, Google analytics, LinkedIn marketing

This highly rated course is offered by Udemy and is designed to equip aspiring and current business owners and digital marketers with essential optimization tools. It includes over 22 hours of on-demand video, 35 articles, 10 downloadable resources, lifetime access to the course materials, and a certificate of completion.

Key Takeaway: This course covers a wide variety of marketing-related topics. If you’re a new business owner, website developer, or digital marketer, this is an ideal course for you. It also provides flexibility through its online self-paced learning format.

Online Digital Marketing Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

With so many online education options, it can be challenging to sift through all of them to find the right program for you. Below, you’ll find some important factors to consider while choosing an online digital marketing course. In addition to those things, keep in mind that programs vary by cost, length of time, and concentration. 

How to Choose the Right Online Digital Marketing Course, Class, or Training Program

Testimonials and Student Reviews

Student reviews are one of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of a program. Reading these reviews will give you insight into the program’s best and worst features, which will allow you to determine its suitability for you. You can also use student reviews and testimonials to find the most popular and reputable courses.

Course Subjects 

As you’re probably already aware, there are many digital marketing platforms and methods used in the field. While some courses provide a broad overview of digital marketing topics, others are more focused on specific platforms and digital marketing efforts. The program you choose should cover everything that you want to learn about digital marketing. 

Community

Online programs can be isolating, which might affect your learning experience and productivity. While some students aren’t interested in peer interaction, others thrive on it.  When choosing an online course, consider whether or not it offers opportunities for students to collaborate, communicate, and connect.

Digital Marketing Course Certificates vs Certifications

Digital marketing certifications and certificates both offer benefits to your career and education, but in different ways. Certificates are awarded at the end of an associated course, and function as proof of completing the course. Certifications are earned through passing an associated exam, and function as proof of eligibility in the associated role or field. 

Importance of Digital Marketing Certifications

Earning your digital marketing certification is an excellent way to begin or advance your career as a digital marketing professional. They increase your marketability and demonstrate your expertise in the field. This results in better job opportunities, and often an increased salary.

Why You Should Take Online Digital Marketing Courses or Classes

Online digital marketing courses can help you kickstart or advance your career. They offer a great way to learn new skills, while maintaining your current professional and personal obligations. Additionally, there are a variety of online learning platforms that offer free programs. You can begin with a free program if you aren’t sure that you’re ready to financially commit. 

Over $330 billion was spent globally on digital marketing in 2019, meaning there are plenty of marketing career options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a marketing manager earns a median salary of $135,900 per year. Thus, enrolling in a digital marketing course is a worthy investment.

Consider whether you are interested in learning about how marketing and advertising techniques can help a business grow and connect with customers. If you are, an online digital marketing course will help you achieve your career dreams. If you are really committed, you could also pursue a master’s degree in digital marketing.