Are you one of the many people who think that building a career in digital marketing is expensive, time-consuming, and less rewarding? If so, you’ll be happy to know that this article is here to bust that myth. In this article, we’ll show you how to excel in your digital marketing career without spending a dime.
There are many free resources available that can help you build a successful career in digital marketing. Unfortunately, there are also many so-called digital marketing institutes that spread myths about the field and offer expensive courses that promise unrealistic results. We’ll explain why you should steer clear of these institutes and focus on the free resources that can help you succeed.
This article is divided into three parts that will help you kick-start your career in digital marketing for free:
- The Truth About Paid Courses by Digital Marketing Institutes
- How to Get Certified Without Spending a Dime
- Free Resources to Excel Your Digital Marketing Skills
By following these three parts, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of digital marketing and learn how to build a successful career in this exciting and ever-evolving field.
The Truth About Paid Courses by Digital Marketing Institutes
Let’s start with a fun activity! Just Google this out for me “Learn Digital Marketing” You will find results like this
If you take a closer look at the Google search results for “Learn Digital Marketing,” you’ll notice that none of the best institutions appear on the first page. Instead, you’ll see ads claiming to be the “Top Institute” or “Ranked No.1,” which might make you wonder why these institutions aren’t generating organic results.
It’s important to ask yourself why these so-called “top” institutions aren’t ranking highly in organic search results. The reality is that many of these institutions rely on outdated curriculums and marketing tactics to lure students into paying exorbitant fees for their courses. This is why it’s essential to be cautious when considering paid courses or certifications from digital marketing institutes.
How to find a good institute to build a career in Digital Marketing?
While there are some great digital marketing courses offered by institutions like ISB Bangalore and a few IIMs, this article is focused on providing free solutions to help you land a well-paying job in digital marketing. By utilizing free resources and reputable organizations that offer low-cost or free certifications, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel in this field without spending a dime. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career in digital marketing and reach new heights of professional achievement.
The harsh reality of such institutions
As someone who has worked in digital marketing for almost seven years, I’ve interviewed over a hundred candidates who possess ten or more certifications from various digital marketing institutions. However, I’ve never hired any of these candidates for a full-time job.
The sad reality is that many of these institutions still follow outdated syllabi and employ teachers who are not up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the field. Digital marketing is a constantly evolving area of study, and it’s essential to stay current with the latest developments in order to succeed.
Despite this, many institutions continue to focus on teaching students the answers to preset questions for various Google and Facebook certifications. As a result, many candidates may possess a large number of certifications but lack the practical knowledge and experience required to excel in the field.
However, I have hired two interns from these institutions who demonstrated a strong desire to learn and grow. This is a testament to the fact that success in digital marketing requires more than just certifications. It takes a passion for learning, a willingness to adapt, and the ability to think creatively and critically in order to succeed in this field.
How to Get Certified Without Spending a Dime
There are many free digital marketing courses available on the internet, and I will be sharing some great resources in this article that can help you jumpstart your career in Digital Marketing. By taking advantage of these resources and committing yourself to learning, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the field of digital marketing.
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing by Google
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course by Google is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to learn the basics of digital marketing. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketing professional, or just interested in learning about this exciting field, this course is a great place to begin.
Course Highlights:
- Comprehensive Content: The course covers a wide range of digital marketing topics, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, online advertising, analytics, and more.
- Interactive Learning: The course is interactive and includes video tutorials, quizzes, and practical exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned.
- Flexible Scheduling: The course is self-paced and can be completed online, so you can learn on your own schedule.
- Free of Charge: The course is completely free, which means you can learn at no cost to you.
Course Contents:
- Introduction: What is Digital Marketing?
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): How to Get Your Website Noticed
- Social Media Marketing: Building Your Brand on Social Media
- Email Marketing: Engaging Your Audience with Email
- Online Advertising: Reaching Your Target Audience
- Analytics: Measuring the Success of Your Campaigns
- Certification: Verifying Your Mastery of Digital Marketing Fundamentals
In conclusion, the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course by Google is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to gain a solid foundation in digital marketing. With comprehensive content, interactive learning, flexible scheduling, and no cost, this course is an excellent way to kickstart your digital marketing career.
Meta Blueprint
The Meta Blueprint course is a comprehensive and up-to-date digital marketing course that is suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. It covers six major categories that are essential for digital marketers, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills and knowledge.
- Prepare to bring your business online
- Establish your presence
- Attract an audience
- Build relationships
- Improve your creative strategy
- Optimise your strategy
The Meta Blueprint course, developed by Facebook, has a strong emphasis on social media marketing, paid advertising strategies, and the creator economy. It is an excellent resource for digital marketers, offering multiple certification programs for both beginner and advanced learners.
The course covers a broad range of topics, including social media marketing, Facebook and Instagram advertising, and content creation for social media platforms. It also provides insights into the creator economy, making it an ideal resource for anyone interested in building a brand on social media.
Overall, the Meta Blueprint course is highly recommended for digital marketers looking to enhance their social media marketing skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field.
Must Reads:
The Future of Video Marketing: Trends and Opportunities
Data Driven Marketing: The Future of Marketing in 2023
Hubspot Academy
HubSpot Academy is one of the most popular and trusted platforms for digital marketing education. It provides free courses and certifications on various aspects of inbound marketing, sales, and customer service.
The courses offered by HubSpot Academy cover a broad range of topics, including content marketing, social media, email marketing, search engine optimisation, and more. These courses are designed to help learners develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital marketing landscape.
One of the key benefits of HubSpot Academy is its emphasis on practical, real-world learning. The courses are designed to provide learners with hands-on experience and practical skills that they can apply to their own marketing efforts. This makes HubSpot Academy an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced marketers looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Additionally, HubSpot Academy offers industry-recognized certifications that can help learners stand out in a competitive job market. These certifications are highly respected and recognized by employers, making them a valuable addition to any marketer’s resume.
Overall, HubSpot Academy is an excellent resource for digital marketers looking to improve their skills and advance their careers. With its practical approach to learning, industry-recognised certifications, and free course offerings, it’s no wonder that HubSpot Academy is such a popular choice among marketers worldwide.
Free Resources to Excel Your Digital Marketing Skills
There are many amazing free resources available online that can help you develop essential digital marketing skills. From blogs and forums to podcasts and YouTube channels, below are the list of a few such resources.
- Hubspot Marketing Blog
- Neil Patel Blog
- Neil Patel Youtube Channel
- Buffer Blog
- Search Engine Land
- Moz
- Search Engine Journal
With the above-listed resources, you can develop a solid foundation in digital marketing and start a rewarding career. However, if you still wish to learn more, you can simply Google a specific topic, read a few articles, and take note of the common suggestions. Then, you can apply these learnings to your digital marketing strategy. The key is to keep learning and stay updated with the latest trends and strategies in the field.
In conclusion, starting a career in digital marketing can be overwhelming, especially with the number of expensive courses and institutes out there. However, with the right mindset and access to the right resources, it is possible to become a certified digital marketer without spending any money.
Remember, free resources like Google’s Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, Meta Blueprint, and Hubspot Academy can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. Additionally, stay updated with the latest industry trends and insights by reading articles and blogs from credible sources.
Don’t fall for the marketing tactics of expensive digital marketing institutes that are often outdated and teach obsolete concepts. Instead, utilise the plethora of free resources available online and invest your time and effort in acquiring practical skills.
If you found this article helpful, follow me on LinkedIn for more informative articles and insights into the world of digital marketing. Keep learning and implementing, and you’re sure to land a nice paying job in no time!
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