The information in this blog post was obtained from HubSpot, Semrush, and Copyblogger.
As I approach my final year of college, I find myself eagerly looking ahead to graduation.
It's an exciting time, but it also feels a bit overwhelming with all the things I need to do to prepare for my future marketing career. I want to make sure I have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, as well as a great resume to reflect this. When I started researching ways to learn more about marketing, I discovered a wealth of online courses. However, with so many options available and so little time, it was difficult to figure out which ones were worth my time. In this blog post, we'll explore why taking online marketing courses is a smart move. In addition to this, I'll share a list of some of the best courses for college students with busy schedules and little money. These courses will not only help you learn more about marketing but also earn certifications that can make your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out. Let's jump in and discover how these courses can set you up for success in the marketing world!
Why Take an Online Marketing Course?
Learning online marketing has numerous benefits, especially in today's digital era. Here are a few reasons why you should consider investing in online courses:
1. Lifelong Learning Made Easy
In the dynamic field of social media marketing, embracing lifelong learning is crucial. With platforms and strategies constantly evolving, staying updated is key to delivering impactful campaigns and engaging content. Online courses provide a flexible and accessible way to acquire new skills, understand industry trends, and refine expertise. By adopting a growth mindset and investing in continuous learning, you can position yourself as an innovator in the digital realm.
2. Enhance Your Credibility with Certifications
Industry certifications play a vital role in validating your expertise in social media marketing. Completing accredited online courses not only equips you with valuable skills but also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth. Displaying certifications on your resume or LinkedIn profile can enhance your credibility and open doors to exciting career opportunities in the competitive digital marketplace.
Now that we’ve explored the importance of online marketing courses, let’s delve into the fundamentals of social media marketing and discover top courses that can equip you with essential skills that will make sure you succeed in this dynamic field.
1. Understanding Marketing Fundamentals
Social Media Strategy (HubSpot Academy)
The "Social Media Strategy" course by HubSpot Academy is an excellent starting point for beginners. Led by industry experts, this free course provides comprehensive content covering essential strategies, best practices, and tactics for leveraging social media to enhance brand presence and attract new customers. Whether you're an influencer, entrepreneur, or marketing enthusiast, this course offers over five hours of content, as well as practical insights to develop a strong social media strategy. Upon completing the course, you can take a one-hour exam to get your Social Media Certification, which makes a great addition to your LinkedIn profile.
Content Marketing Fundamentals (Semrush Academy)
Dive deeper into content marketing with Semrush Academy's "Content Marketing Fundamentals" course. Led by ContentYum Chief Marketing Officer, Ashley Segura, this beginner-friendly course goes beyond basic content writing, focusing on integrating content marketing into broader marketing strategies in. In this 13-module course, you will explore topics like goal-setting, competitor research, content auditing, and effective content calendar creation, all within about 1.5 hours. Overall, this beginner-level course is designed to accelerate your understanding of content marketing.
2. Advanced Strategies and Techniques
Advanced Content Marketing with Brian Dean (Semrush Academy)
Ready to take your content marketing to the next level? Enroll in the "Advanced Content Marketing" course by Semrush Academy, led by Brian Dean, the renowned founder of Backlinko. In this intensive, four-hour course you will gain practical insights and advanced strategies for developing compelling content ideas, implementing effective promotion strategies, and optimizing content for maximum impact. This course is free and ideal for individuals aiming to scale their online presence through strategic content marketing tactics.
Copyblogger Academy (Copyblogger)
The Copyblogger Academy offers a suite of courses designed to elevate your content marketing and copywriting skills. A subscription to the academy is $199 a year. However, subscribers gain access to self-paced courses led by the Copyblogger team and external experts such as Steph Smith and Jacob McMillen. Dive deep into essential content marketing strategies and audience engagement tactics through engaging masterclasses and personalized feedback sessions.
3. Data Analytics and SEO
SEO Training Certification (HubSpot Academy)
Enhance your SEO skills with the "SEO Training Certification" course from HubSpot Academy. This free course is led by seasoned SEO experts such as Matthew Howells-Barby and Rachel Sheldon. Upon starting, you’ll dive into the comprehensive aspects of SEO, from on-page optimization techniques to SEO reporting and analytics. Whether you're looking to strengthen your SEO skills or pursue a career in SEO marketing, this free certification provides a solid foundation to excel in the digital landscape.
Fundamentals of Marketing Analytics (Semrush Academy)
Master marketing analytics with Semrush Academy's "Fundamentals of Marketing Analytics" course, taught by industry veteran Jeff Sauer. you’ll dive into essential analytics tools such as Google Analytics and learn how to leverage data-driven insights to optimize marketing strategies effectively. On top of all of this, you can do it in a little over two hours and without paying a dime!
4. Content Marketing/Creation and Copywriting
Become a Social Media Marketer (LinkedIn Learning)
Explore the foundations of social media marketing with the "Become a Social Media Marketer" course on LinkedIn Learning. Taught by five instructors with significant experience in the field , the course covers topics like social media strategy, copywriting, content creation, and storytelling. This makes it perfect for beginners seeking practical skills to excel in social media marketing. The course costs $19.99 a month for an annual subscription. However, there is a one-month free trial in which this six-hour course could easily be completed.
Copywriting for Beginners: How to Write Web Copy That Sells Without Being Cheesy (HubSpot Academy)
Craft compelling copy that resonates with your audience through the "Copywriting for Beginners: How to Write Web Copy That Sells Without Being Cheesy" course on HubSpot Academy. Led by professional copywriter Jesse Forest, this course equips you with essential copywriting principles tailored for online marketing. In this short, one-hour course, you will develop persuasive copywriting skills through practical techniques and hands-on projects included in this engaging course. Complete it within the 7-day free trial or pay $32 a month.
5. Building a Personal Brand
The LinkedIn Operating System (LinkedIn Learning)
Learn the secrets of building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn with Justin Welsh's "The LinkedIn Operating System" course. Discover how to create compelling content, generate leads, and establish a standout presence on LinkedIn to propel your personal brand to new heights. The course does cost $97, but it offers invaluable strategies and insights to help you transform your LinkedIn presence.
Copyblogger Academy (Copyblogger)
In addition to the course mentioned earlier, Copyblogger Academy also offers specialized training on personal branding. Expand your content marketing and audience engagement skills with in self-paced courses and masterclasses to refine your writing skills and build a loyal audience. In addition to these benefits, this platform features personalized feedback, as well as accountability fostered by a thriving community. As was mentioned earlier, the course costs $199 a year, but offers exclusive benefits not seen in many other courses.
To sum it up, exploring online marketing courses is a smart choice for college students like you getting ready for a marketing career. With hundreds of options to choose from, these courses offer a flexible way to learn important skills while fitting into your busy schedule and budget. It's important to choose reputable courses that offer certifications They not only help you better understand marketing but also make your resume more impressive to future employers.
Taking these courses will give you practical knowledge but will also help you learn important marketing strategies and tools that are highly valued in the industry. Getting certifications shows employers that you're serious about learning and growing in your career.
As you finish up your college career and look ahead to your future in marketing, make the most of these opportunities. Build the skills and credentials you'll need to succeed. Building a strong foundation now will set you up for a great career after graduation. Take advantage of these resources and get ready to make your mark in the exciting world of marketing!
If you're brand new to marketing and ready to dive in to a course just yet, read this blog post by my colleague Jenna about how to get started in social media marketing as a non-marketer.
Disclaimer: No AI was injured in the production of this content. AI (ChatGPT) was used as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions in writing this blog post.
Resources
Barron, S. (2024, April 10). 30+ best free online marketing classes to take in 2024. HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/free-online-marketing-classes#content-marketing
Go, S. (2024, March 22). The Top 25 Digital Marketing Courses of 2024. Semrush. https://www.semrush.com/blog/digital-marketing-courses/
Mahoney, M. (2024, February 8). 8 best personal branding courses (with pricing). Copyblogger. https://copyblogger.com/personal-branding-courses/
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
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