How to Learn Digital Marketing Online

Digital Marketers work online, so why not learn digital marketing online? If you’ve been thinking about changing to a career as a Digital Marketer, but you don’t have the opportunity to attend in-person classes, you can still learn digital marketing. Many classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs are available online to get you working in a matter of months.

What is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing uses online channels and tools to promote products and services. As the popularity of the internet continues to grow, digital marketing has become one of the most effective ways to publicize a business and help it succeed. Knowledge of digital marketing can be an asset to entrepreneurs and owners of businesses large and small, and many companies are hiring Digital Marketers to conduct research, build brand loyalty, and create community. Digital Marketers also analyze data collected from online marketing efforts to make a business more efficient and profitable.

Because it is based on data, digital marketing is highly targeted and measurable. With digital marketing, you can adapt and make changes in real-time to reflect your advertising. You can also create targeted ads to ensure products and services reach an interested audience.

Using analytics, you can quickly tell how many people see your ads, how they react, and what action they take. Measuring your success (and where you need to improve) can help overall strategy. Plus, digital marketing levels the playing field, allowing businesses of any size to compete for clicks. Additionally, there’s a low barrier to entry: you can start your paid digital marketing campaign for a minimum amount and build as the company grows.

Read more about what digital marketing is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Digital Marketing?

Marketing has changed drastically since the advent of the internet. While early ways to promote a business included yellow page listings, print advertisements, and ads on buses and billboards, many marketing efforts have now moved online. With digital marketing, you can adapt and make changes in real-time to reflect your advertising. You can also create targeted ads to be sure your products and services reach an interested audience.

Digital marketing efforts are highly measurable. Using analytics, you can quickly tell how many people see your ads, how they react, and what action they take. Measuring your success (and where you need to improve) can help you develop your overall strategy. Plus, organic digital marketing levels the playing field, allowing businesses of any size to compete for clicks.

Additionally, there’s a low barrier to entry to advertise with digital marketing. You can start your paid digital marketing campaign for a minimum amount and build as your company grows. Digital marketing offers the unique chance to control where you spend those crucial advertising dollars.

Live Online Digital Marketing Training

Live online digital marketing classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs provide the same advantages as their in-person counterparts: they’re interactive, comprehensive training courses led by expert instructors. Virtual courses offer flexibility for attendees who may not be able to travel to in-person classes so that students have the chance to master digital marketing from the comfort of their homes or offices. Thanks to virtual options, aspiring digital marketers can benefit from online classes taught and delivered anywhere, no matter where the school or the student is based.

You can take Noble Desktop’s Digital Marketing Strategies Bootcamp or Digital Marketing Certificate either in-person or live online. With a real-time virtual instructor, you can ask questions and get help when you need it. Other live online digital marketing classes include Thinkful’s Digital Marketing Flex, Jelly Academy’s Digital Marketing class, and Digital Marketing Ops from The Bridge.

On-Demand Digital Marketing Classes

Many online digital marketing classes are delivered asynchronously. These on-demand digital marketing classes are not live but prerecorded, so you can watch them whenever and wherever it is convenient. The main drawback to on-demand classes is that you often can’t contact the instructor, ask questions, or get help if needed.

LinkedIn Learning has many on-demand classes on topics like SEO, data analytics, digital ads, and understanding social media. Udemy has a 20-hour digital marketing course, and Skillshare has many on-demand digital marketing videos.

You can find many free on-demand classes, but paid on-demand courses are also available. Classes at LinkedIn, Udemy, and Skillshare are all accessible by subscription. You can find many free on-demand tutorials on YouTube, and classes from Google and various social media platforms are all free.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

If you are unsure if digital marketing is for you, free courses and tutorials can help you decide. You can check out Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, where you will find The Pillars of Digital Marketing Success and other introductory tutorials.

You can find plenty of free digital marketing video courses online. Google offers a class called Fundamentals of Digital Marketing as well as free tutorials on its digital marketing products. HubSpot Academy offers a free course on search engine optimization, as does SEMRush. If you want to explore social media marketing, you could watch a free video on the subject from Constant Contact.

Read about more free digital marketing videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Learning with In-Person Learning

Live online digital marketing classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs provide the same advantages as their in-person counterparts: they’re interactive, comprehensive training courses led by expert instructors. Virtual courses offer flexibility for attendees who may not be able to travel to in-person classes, allowing students to master digital marketing from the comfort of their homes or offices. Thanks to virtual options, aspiring digital marketers can benefit from online classes taught anywhere, no matter where the school is based.

Don’t worry that you won’t learn as much in an online class as in an in-person class. Research shows that students learn just as well (and sometimes even better!) when taking virtual courses.

Digital Marketing Class Options

One of the major education advancements to come in recent years is the availability of resources online. You can take live online courses from the comfort of your own home or office and still benefit from rigorous, hands-on learning experiences. Online courses provide the same level of intensity as in-person ones, and you don’t have to commute to get to class.

Before enrolling in a digital marketing class, bootcamp, or certificate program, ask yourself some questions to determine what’s most important to you. Prioritizing your needs around such questions as course topics, cost, schedule, and format will help narrow down the many options available and make the decision easier. The most crucial element of deciding on a digital marketing course is what works best for your needs. Remember, the program should be the best fit for you, not the other way around. Figuring out what you genuinely want to get out of a bootcamp should help you decide which one to book.

Topic: Broad or Niche

First, consider the topic. If you’re just dipping your feet into the digital marketing waters, maybe you’d prefer a seminar that provides a broad overview of digital marketing, like Noble Desktop’s The Pillars of Digital Marketing Success class. If you already have a foundational knowledge of the topic, you might want something more specific, like a tightly focused Facebook marketing class or a deep dive into a Google Ads class. If you feel strong in your written marketing skills, you could learn video marketing with a YouTube marketing class or TikTok marketing course to expand your range.

Cost

Another element to consider when enrolling in an online program is cost. Online digital marketing programs can run anywhere from $250 for a one-day SEO bootcamp from General Assembly to $15,000 for a 12-week Digital Marketing Diploma bootcamp course from BrainStation. Think about what’s possible for your budget right now. Although taking courses may help you land a career that will ultimately enable you to command a larger salary, you’ll still need to keep your current finances in mind. Do your research as many longer bootcamps and certificate programs offer payment plans, financing, scholarships, and other ways to offset the upfront costs.

Although paying several thousand dollars for an online digital marketing program may be a bit of a sticker shock at first, the cost of even the most expensive digital marketing bootcamp is likely less costly (and time-consuming) than a four-year degree. After completing a rigorous online digital marketing program, graduates are often poised to enter the workforce immediately. Ideally, once you start getting paid a larger salary thanks to your online education, the class will end up paying for itself.

Schedule

Scheduling is another consideration when determining which online digital marketing program to take. If you can, booking a full-time option will get you up and running most quickly, especially if you’re just beginning your digital marketing journey or looking to switch careers. If you’re currently working full-time, in school, have kids, or simply don’t have the bandwidth for a full-time program, perhaps a part-time course on evenings or weekends might fit you best. Individual classes, which typically have a shorter time commitment and less of an academic workload than full certificate programs and bootcamps, could also be a match for a busy schedule.

Format

While online digital marketing courses are all virtual, there are a few different options within the virtual format. Virtual classes can be offered live online (synchronous) with the teacher in the virtual classroom simultaneously with the students and ready to answer any questions as the need arises. Another way to take courses online is asynchronously, via a self-paced program using pre-recorded lessons. If questions arise during an asynchronous lesson, students might contact the instructor or tutor directly. While most students prefer synchronous online learning because it’s closest to a face-to-face classroom experience, asynchronous classes can work well for students with complex schedules or who prefer to take things at their own pace.

In addition to class format, think about what other benefits you might like to receive along with your coursework, projects, and homework. Many programs offer 1-on-1 mentorship opportunities, career coaching, and even help with job placement. If these elements are important to you, choose a program that includes them. Most of Noble Desktop’s more robust certificate programs offer mentoring sessions included in the tuition.

Opportunities to Collaborate Even at a Distance

Logging on to a live online bootcamp can feel like opening a portal to industry experts and talented peers sharing this experience with you. You’ll be able to ask your teacher questions in real-time and engage with fellow students no matter where anyone is located. Teleconferencing platforms like Zoom and online communication tools like Slack and Trello make it easy to collaborate on projects, share tips, and establish connections without entering a traditional classroom.

Possibility of Career Coaching

Along with a rigorous curriculum, many bootcamps allow participants to participate in 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with industry experts and support with their career searches, including offering feedback on resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Often bootcamps come with networking opportunities, both among classmates as well as with school graduates and hiring partners. Enrolling in a digital marketing bootcamp can also help you build and refine your portfolio. A strong portfolio showcasing your work is an invaluable asset that you can share with prospective clients and future employers. Some digital marketing bootcamps provide job guarantees, meaning students have to pay for the bootcamp only if they secure a job soon after graduation. This kind of security can help some students feel better about the cost of a virtual bootcamp. Do some research before booking to see which options fit with your career plans.

Hit the Ground Running

Digital marketing bootcamps are known for being skills-focused and centered on real-world problems, teaching students to tackle projects in practice, not just theory. Employers know that bootcamps focus on the most cutting-edge elements in the industry and equip students with information about current trends and plenty of hands-on experience. Knowing bootcamp participants have practical skills appeals to recruiters and hiring managers and makes employers more inclined to hire recent bootcamp grads. Developing critical hard skills necessary for a career in digital marketing can be just what you need to launch a new career in the field.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Digital Marketing Online

If you decide to learn digital marketing by taking a class online, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

• Make a commitment. You will need to commit to attending class and completing assignments just like you would in person.
• Check your equipment. Make sure your device is up to streaming the class and working on any assignments required.
• Ensure your internet is reliable. A stable internet connection is essential for success in an online class. If you don’t have a strong connection at home, you can buy a wifi booster or take your class from another location. Some companies will let you take classes from work, or you can go to a cafe or coworking space with good wifi.
• Set up a study area. If you don’t already have a home office, set up an area where you can stream your class. Be sure you have a comfortable chair and sufficient lighting. Choose a quiet area with minimal distractions where you are unlikely to be interrupted.
• Create a study plan. Make a plan and stay organized. Note when assignments are due, and be sure to start early enough to complete work on time.
• Participate in discussions. Make the most of opportunities to connect with the instructor and other students. Not only can this help you understand the information better, but it also may be a chance for you to do some networking in your field.
• Give yourself a reward. Pushing yourself to get through a course can be challenging, so it is a good idea to schedule treats to keep you motivated. Go for a walk during a break to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Pick up a cup of coffee and watch the sunset in a park. Reward yourself for your efforts!

Learn Digital Marketing with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop’s digital marketing courses teach skills that can help you start a career in the industry. Classes are small, with expert instructors, and you can retake a course for free up to a year after you take it. Those ready to dive into the field can attend in-person classes at Noble Desktop’s New York City location or attend live online digital marketing courses from anywhere in the world.

Noble Desktop also offers more detailed courses for those looking to hone their skills on specific channels. Students can take individual classes on Facebook Marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Content Marketing: Blogs & Twitter, and Video Marketing: TikTok & YouTube. Students can also study for a Digital Marketing Certificate and learn a comprehensive set of tools and skills for digital marketing. Another Noble Desktop resource that can help prepare for a career in digital marketing includes its digital marketing blog, which has detailed articles about social media marketing, SEO, and other essential tools for digital marketers. Students can also watch Noble’s seminar on The Pillars of Digital Marketing Success, which is available on YouTube.

Key Insights

You can still learn to be a Digital Marketer even if you can’t attend an in-person class. Online classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs are a convenient and efficient way to switch to a career as a Digital Marketer. Some points to consider when you are looking for a course:

• Topic
• Cost
• Schedule
• Format
• Collaboration opportunities
• Career counseling
• Up-to-date curriculum