Learning new skills is crucial for staying current with digital marketing trends. Many digital courses and certifications are now available online.

Many of these courses and certifications are free. They are available to digital marketers seeking to advance their personal brands. This is essential in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Certifications give you an edge to become a top candidate. Recruiters and employers look for talent like you. They seek you out when hiring for your first marketing role or your next digital marketing role.

Don’t fall behind with your digital marketing skills. Take advantage of digital marketing certifications to advance your career and increase your earning potential.

You can sharpen your skills and make sure you are a leading candidate for the new job. Everything counts when you are building your personal brand.

Here are some top marketing certification programs. You should explore them to improve your credibility. They can enhance your reputation in digital marketing.

Top 15 digital marketing certifications to explore

I have compiled a list of the best options. This guide will help you navigate the top digital marketing certifications available online today.

These certifications look great on your digital marketing resume and LinkedIn profile. Let’s dive in.

1. Google Ads Certification

Google Ads is powerful in the digital space. Digital advertising is more than placing a banner ad on a website. Today, digital advertising is so much more than that. United States digital ad spending continues to increase. Google AdWords has become a practical solution for organizations seeking to enhance their digital marketing return on investment.

The Google Ads certification is a one-year professional certificate for individuals who show expertise in Google Ads.

How to become Google Ads certified

To become Google Ads certified, you must pass the assessment in a particular area. The certifications are available for several Google Ads. These include Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Google Ads Video. Other certifications include Shopping Ads, Google Ads Apps, and Google Ads Measurement Certification.

Google recommends having hands-on experience with Google Ads. You can study their learning materials and take the exams at no cost. If you do not pass the exam on the first try, you can retake the exam seven days later.

How to get started

Learn more about Google Ads certification.

Cost

Free

2. Google Analytics Certification

Google Analytics is one of the many tools marketers can use to measure website traffic growth. It is easy to use for beginners and powerful for more advanced users.

Google Analytics is essential to marketers as a free tool for their digital marketing toolkit. Given that the tool is comprehensive for users, becoming an expert can be overwhelming.

How to become Google Analytics certified

When you become Google Analytics certified, you will become effective at utilizing Google Analytics within your organization. You can help others use the tool. To become Google Analytics certified, you must take the Google Analytics exam.

Google recommends having hands-on experience with Google Analytics. Still, it is not a necessity. You can review the study materials and take the exam at no cost.

How to get started

Learn more about Google Analytics certification.

Cost

Free

3. HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

Content is king in today’s digital world, and content marketing is a core pillar of an effective digital marketing strategy. Becoming HubSpot-certified in content marketing benefits both your career and your organization.

All marketers today should have strong writing and communication skills. It’s essential to build scalable, repeatable processes to implement and execute their content marketing strategy. This content marketing certification will help you grow your career in digital marketing.

What does the HubSpot Content Marketing Certification course cover?

HubSpot’s Content Marketing certification is an eight-hour course with 14 lessons. It covers various aspects of content marketing strategy, including storytelling, content ideation, content creation framework, content repurposing, and content promotion.

How to get started

Learn more on HubSpot’s content marketing certification course page.

Cost

Free

4. HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

HubSpot, through its HubSpot Academy, also offers free training and certifications to help you improve your digital marketing skills. Another certification you should take is the free HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification.

This course will help you understand inbound marketing best practices independent of the HubSpot platform. During this certification course, you’ll learn inbound marketing techniques.

What does the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification course cover?

The HubSpot inbound marketing certification is excellent for digital marketers. It discusses how to attract visitors. Furthermore, it explains how to convert leads and gain customers. Additionally, it covers ways to delight them and turn them into promoters.

This five-hour course includes 11 classes. These classes cover the fundamentals of inbound marketing, also known as “pull marketing.” They help attract potential customers to your website. The course also covers content creation, social promotion, lead conversion, nurturing, and more.

How to get started

Learn more about it on HubSpot’s inbound certification course page.

Cost

Free

5. HubSpot Email Marketing Certification

The HubSpot Academy offers many free certifications. One I recommend is the free email marketing certification. This course will help you master the fundamentals of email marketing. It is one of the most in-demand skills in the digital marketing field

. This knowledge will grow your digital marketing career.

What does the HubSpot Email Marketing Certification course cover?

This email marketing course teaches you how to create an email marketing strategy. This skill is essential for growing your business. It also advances your career. The HubSpot email marketing certification course shows you how to build an email marketing strategy.

It covers everything from contact management and segmentation to email deliverability. You’ll also learn how to analyze the messages you send. You’ll learn how to be human with your email marketing and how to add value to your subscribers.

How to get started

Learn more about it on HubSpot email marketing certification course page.

Cost

Free

6. Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certifications

Hootsuite is a popular social media management platform. It offers a range of social media marketing training, from introductory courses to advanced training.

Hootsuite, through its Hootsuite Academy, provides social media training courses. These courses are an excellent way to position yourself as the leading candidate for your dream job. They also help you excel at your current job.

What does the Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification program cover?

The course comprises 15 lessons and assessments. It tests your knowledge of social media marketing concepts. Once you pass the 60-question online exam, your certification never expires. You will get a badge.

How to get started

Learn more about Hootsuite’s training and certifications at Hootsuite Social Media Certification course page.

Cost

Hootsuite offers different types of social media certifications that vary by cost.

7. Content Marketing Institute Online Certification

The Content Marketing Institute (CMI) has become one of the most respected resources for content marketers. Through its CMI University, CMI offers online training and certification for content marketers.

What does the Content Marketing Institute Certification program cover?

Their continually updated curriculum covers content marketing topics, including Planning, Audience, Story, Channels, Process, Conversation, and Measurement. The program includes classes taught by experts on seven topics/tracks, allowing you to work at your own pace. While there is a suggested ‘route’ through the courses, you can take the seven courses in any order.

You will be certified upon completing the training materials and passing the exam. The certification never expires, so you don’t need to keep your yearly subscription unless you want to continue learning.

How to get started

Enroll on the CMI University website.

Cost

Here’s their cost structure:

• Individual $995/learner
• Non-profit $695/learner
• Alumni $595/learner
• Group discounts are available for three or more learners
• Corporate and white-label access is also available

8. Meta Blueprint Certifications

Effective advertising enables your organization to reach its target audience and build awareness. To set yourself apart in digital marketing, you can become a Meta-certified professional. Meta’s Blueprint Certification recognizes advanced-level skill with Meta’s products and services.

What does the Meta Blueprint Certification cover?

Obtaining certification can help you differentiate yourself from others in the digital marketing job market.

A Meta Blueprint Certified Professional digital badge, which you can share online, proves your advanced level of competency. It certifies your expertise in digital advertising. A Blueprint certification signals to companies that you can improve their ad campaigns.

This program offers eight certifications:

• 100-101: Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate
• 200-101: Meta Certified Marketing Science Professional
• 300-101: Meta Certified Creative Strategist Professional
• 400-101: Meta Certified Media Planning Professional
• 410-101: Meta Certified Media Buying Professional

How to get started

Learn more about Facebook’s Certifications and get started today.

Cost

The Meta Blueprint Certification exams cost up to $150 per exam. The actual cost may vary by country. The price will be displayed during checkout.

9. Market Motive Digital Marketing Certification Program

Billed as “learning digital marketing from Silicon Valley-based industry experts,” Market Motive is recognized for its web-based training platforms. They have provided digital marketing courses and certifications since 2007.

What does the Market Motive Digital Marketing Certification program cover?

The Digital Marketing Certified Associate (DMCA) course helps you master core digital domains. These domains include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Web Analytics, and Content Marketing. There are eight core modules in this Digital Marketing course. They also offer tool-based training on Google AdWords, Google Analytics, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Market Motive is an Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) registered education provider. It is one of the premier certifications for online marketing professionals. Their certification courses prepare you for the OMCP® Certification, the emerging standard of excellence in the digital marketing industry. Only the best training courses earn this honor.

How to get started

Enroll online at Market Motive for the certificate you want to earn

Cost

An individual membership starts at $299 per month or $2,999 per year. For the DMCA course, you can enroll in self-paced learning for $499, providing 180 days of access. Alternatively, choose the online classroom Flexipass for $999, providing 90 days of access.

10. Digital Marketing Institute Certified Digital Marketing Professional

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. DMI has “trained more graduates to a single digital marketing standard than any other certification body.”

Its suite of courses is built for digital marketing and sales professionals. Leading digital marketing experts teach the classes, which are designed for beginners and advanced users alike.

How to become a certified digital marketing professional

Courses include Digital Marketing, Digital and Social Selling and Planning, Social Media, Mobile Marketing, and Search Marketing. For example, you can get a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing. DMI’s cornerstone certification introduces you to key digital marketing specialisms. They include mobile marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, digital advertising, and search engine optimization.

How to get started

You can start by taking a free digital diagnostic and sign up for a course.

Cost

The price for the Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing is $1,995

11. Cornell University Digital Marketing Certificate Program 

eCornell is part of Cornell University’s online learning subsidiary. It offers one of the world’s top online professional and executive development programs. Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management faculty developed the marketing program.

What does the Cornell Digital Marketing Certificate program cover?

This certificate program begins with an overview of the digital marketing landscape, preparing you to implement proven frameworks. It then discusses opportunities and strategies linked to leading digital marketing channels. Then, you will create your digital marketing plans. By the end of this program, you will be able to develop a digital marketing plan. This plan will be integrated to align with your company’s priorities. It will also take into account your company’s resources.

How to get started

Learn more about Cornell’s Digital Marketing Certificate program.

Cost

Tuition for the certificate program is $3,600.

12. Duke University Digital Marketing Certificate Program

The online, self-paced Digital Marketing Certificate is for professionals looking to enhance their digital marketing skills. Or it can help you pursue a new career in digital marketing. This program is accessible anytime from any computer with an internet connection. Students can decide the course schedule and set their own pace.

What does the Duke Digital Marketing Certification program cover?

During the 12-month program, you will learn from industry-known authors, speakers, and consultants. Students can study the real-time curriculum online. They can watch streaming video lessons. Students learn valuable, actionable skills to compete online.

The online Digital Media and Marketing Certificate program has 350 hours of online instruction. Study time covers various modules. These include search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media, and mobile marketing.

Other modules are pay-per-click (PPC), conversion optimization, web analytics, email marketing, and display advertising. Most of these modules qualify students for an Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) designation when other requirements are met.

How to get started

Learn more about Duke’s Digital Media and Marketing certificate program.

Cost

The program costs $3,195.

13. YouTube Certification

YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine, processing over 3 billion searches per month. Every minute, 100 hours of videos are uploaded. As video becomes a preferred content medium, it is essential to have a well-defined video content strategy. YouTube is a great place to start.

What does the YouTube Certification cover?

The YouTube Certification will help you learn how to create and manage a successful YouTube channel. It will teach you how to grow and improve it. You’ll also find out how to monetize it. The certification is valid for one and a half years (18 months) from the date of passing your certification.

How to get started

Learn more about how to become YouTube certified.

Cost

Free

14. American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Pro Certification

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is the world’s largest professional marketing association. They have partnered with the Digital Marketing Institute to offer online learning and a top-tier exam.

Upon completing the Digital Marketing Pro program, you will be dually certified by the AMA and DMI. You will earn two qualifications: PCM^® Digital Marketing and Certified Digital Marketing Professional. Delivered 100% online with continuously updated content means you always get cutting-edge digital marketing and soft skills.

What does the AMA PCM® Digital Marketing Certification program cover?

The AMA digital marketing certification program covers in-demand topics. Topics include Digital Marketing in the Era of AI, Content Marketing, and Social Media Marketing. They also cover Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Paid Search (PPC) Using Google Ads. Further topics are Email Marketing, Website Optimization, Google Analytics, and Digital Marketing Strategy.

How to get started

Get two learning certifications for one price.

Cost

$1442

15: Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP)

OMCP is a certification standard and an industry association. It maintains online marketing competency and exam standards. This is done in coordination with industry leaders. They offer certification verification and credentialing of individual practitioners, agencies, and educational institutions.

OMCP publishes competency standards for curriculum and employee evaluation. It provides the industry body of knowledge and certification exams. Readiness tests and podcasts related to best practices in online marketing are also available. OMCP does not offer training and is not tied to any one platform, training provider, agency, or vendor.

How to get started

Find out which training programs and higher learning curricula are OMCP Authorized.

Cost

It depends on the individual education provider

BONUS #1: Directive Consulting Institute Digital Marketing Certifications

Directive Consulting is a marketing and advertising agency. The agency comprises search marketing experts, creatives, and technical specialists. They support in-house enterprise marketing teams, such as Allstate, Cisco, and Betterment.

What does the Directive Consulting Institute certification program cover?

This digital marketing program comprises over 40 lessons. These lessons are spread across four main modules: PCC, SEO, CRO, and Analytics and Optimization. The content is based on campaigns they have used with their clients.

How to get started

Learn more about Directive Institute certificate program.

Cost

You can sign up for a free trial with 4 video tutorials, 2 PPC lessons, 2 SEO lessons. If want access to the full course, it is $39 per month or $468/year.

BONUS #2: JobPrepped Digital Marketing Bootcamp

JobPrepped is an online program founded by Joseph Blanco. He has trained and hired more than 3,000 marketers and sales professionals. This includes individuals from more than 150 U.S. universities.

This digital marketing course is designed for anyone looking to enter the field. It is ideal for those with less than two years of experience. Work experience is the #1 priority for hiring managers, so JobPrepped ensures students receive more than just a certification.

What does the JobPrepped certification program cover?

The program covers social media, email marketing, pay-per-click (PPC), and search engine marketing (SEO). It’s different from other digital marketing certification courses because JobPrepped provides students with real-world marketing experience. 

How to get started

Learn more about JobPrepped Digital Marketing Bootcamp.

Cost

The “basic” level provides training videos for $199. The “hire me” level gives you access to training videos and one skill set for $349. The skill sets offered include SEO, social media, lead generation, email marketing, and PPC. The “all-star candidate” level provides training videos and all of the above skill sets for $499.

Digital marketing certifications give you a competitive advantage

To stay top of mind with today’s digitally savvy consumer, you must stay fresh and relevant. You should approach the development of your digital marketing career the same way and obtain a digital marketing certification.

After you obtain one or more of the above digital marketing certifications, add them to your resume. You should also update your LinkedIn profile. For example, include your digital marketing certifications in the certifications section of your LinkedIn profile.

When adding your certifications, include the dates you received them and their corresponding end dates. You should also include your new certifications in your online bio on your website and across your social media profiles.

There is a wide range of digital marketing certifications available today. They can help you to stand out from the crowd. Digital marketing certifications can help you excel in your current job and/or find your dream job.

What digital marketing certifications are missing? What digital marketing certification should be added to this list?

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