Top Digital Marketing Certificates to Boost Your Career in 2024

Digital marketing certificates can help you stay ahead in a complex, ever-changing industry by giving you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. You won’t need significant student loans or major time commitments to do it. These certificates demonstrate to employers that you have knowledge and experience in the field, helping you break into digital marketing or level up your current marketing skills. Here are the best digital marketing certificates to help you get started.

Best Overall

Digital Marketing Institute: Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing

Pros:

• Global industry recognition
• Expert instructors
• Dedicated support team
• Easy-to-use learning platform
• Demonstrable alumni success

Cons:

• Expensive
• Two-hour assessment
• Long duration

The Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is globally recognized as a comprehensive, hands-on program with notable alumni success. The course is expensive, costing $1,442 at the time of writing, with available payment plans. DMI collaborates with industry giants like Google, IBM, Microsoft, HubSpot, Meta, and LinkedIn to create this online course. It covers social media marketing, paid search and display advertising, Google Analytics 4, SEO, email marketing, website optimization, and digital marketing strategy.

Specs:

• Cost: $1,442 or three installments of $481 per month
• Duration: 31 hours of content within 24 weeks
• Method of delivery: Online
• Curriculum: Social media marketing, paid search and display advertising, Google Analytics 4, SEO, email marketing, website optimization, and digital marketing strategy

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Most Affordable

HubSpot Academy Digital Marketing Course

Pros:

• Free
• Flexible, self-paced schedule
• Wide variety of topics

Cons:

• No formal networking or interaction
• Limited course content

HubSpot Academy’s Digital Marketing Course is free, flexible, and recognized across the industry. It covers fundamentals of marketing, content marketing, video marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, website development, paid search advertising, and SEO strategy. The course has nine lessons, 37 videos, and 11 quizzes, taking around 5.5 hours to complete.

Specs:

• Cost: Free
• Duration: Self-paced, 5.5 hours
• Method of delivery: Online
• Curriculum: Fundamentals of marketing, content marketing, video marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, website development, paid search advertising, and SEO strategy

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Most Industry-Recognized

Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate

Pros:

• Hands-on projects for a portfolio
• Job support help after completion
• Comprehensive content
• Affordable pricing and financial aid

Cons:

• Long duration
• Large focus on e-commerce

Google’s Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate is widely recognized in the industry. The Coursera series covers the foundations of digital marketing and e-commerce, mastering tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, Hootsuite, Canva, Google Analytics, Shopify, and more. The program takes around six months to complete with 10 hours of study per week.

Specs:

• Cost: $49 per month after initial 7-day free trial
• Duration: 10 hours per week for 6 months
• Method of delivery: Online, self-paced
• Curriculum: The fundamentals of SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, display advertising, and e-commerce strategy

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Best for Social Media Marketing

Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate

Pros:

• Professional training in social media from a social media company
• Hands-on projects for a portfolio
• Job support help after completion
• Affordable pricing and financial aid

Cons:

• Long duration
• Focus on social media marketing over general digital marketing

Meta’s Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate is comprehensive for social media marketing. Offered through Coursera, it covers social media marketing, management, advertising, analytics, and campaign optimization. The course includes practical projects like launching a social media business page and running a full ad campaign.

Specs:

• Cost: 1-month free trial, then $49 per month
• Duration: 5 hours a week for 5 months
• Method of delivery: Online
• Curriculum: Social media marketing, social media management, social media advertising, social media data and analytics, and campaign optimization

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Most Beginner-Friendly

LinkedIn Learning: Become a Digital Marketing Specialist

Pros:

• Affordable pricing
• Expert instructors
• Flexible, self-paced schedule
• Comprehensive course content

Cons:

• No formal accreditation
• Lack of industry recognition

LinkedIn Learning’s Digital Marketing Specialist certificate is affordable and comprehensive, taught by expert instructors. It’s online and self-paced, with a one-month free trial followed by a monthly subscription. The course includes nine modules covering digital marketing fundamentals, marketing, SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, email and newsletter marketing, analytics, e-commerce, and the customer decision journey.

Specs:

• Cost: 1-month free trial, then $29.99 per month or $19.99 per month, billed annually
• Duration: 10 hours of content
• Method of delivery: Online
• Curriculum: Fundamentals of digital marketing, inbound marketing, SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, email and newsletter marketing, analytics, e-commerce, and the customer decision journey

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What Is a Digital Marketing Certificate and How Does It Work?

A digital marketing certificate is proof that you have completed a course or structured program in digital marketing and mastered the skills and best practices taught. Most programs cover marketing strategy, social media, email marketing, multichannel marketing, and campaign creation and management.

To earn a certificate, you’ll work through modules, take tests and quizzes, and complete assignments. Most programs culminate in a final test to prove your qualifications.

How Much Does a Digital Marketing Certificate Cost?

The cost ranges from free to several thousand dollars, depending on the program and delivery method. Online classes tend to be cheaper than in-person classes. Subscription models, like LinkedIn Learning, charge monthly, so the faster you complete the course, the less you pay.

Features To Consider When Getting a Digital Marketing Certificate

Consider these factors:

• Pricing Structure: Choose based on your budget and payment preferences.
• Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with your devices and software.
• Speed and Reliability: Look for fast, reliable services based on user reviews.
• Number of Free Pages or Monthly Limit: Understand the limitations of free versions.
• Customer Support: Opt for services with multiple customer support options.
• Mobile App: Useful if you need to fax documents on the go.

How To Choose the Best Digital Marketing Certificate

Follow these steps:

• Figure Out Your Budget and What You Want to Learn: Define your goals and budget.
• Do Your Research: Check the program details and reviews.
• Make a Tentative Schedule: Plan how the course fits into your schedule.

Alternatives to Digital Marketing Certificates

• Learn on the Job: Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.
• Earn a Degree in Marketing: Consider more extensive and recognized academic programs.
• Earn a Certificate in a Specific Type of Marketing: Focus on niche areas like social media or product management.

The Bottom Line

Digital marketing certificates can provide valuable knowledge and experience, often at a lower cost and time commitment than a full degree. The Digital Marketing Institute offers the most comprehensive and recognized certificate, but other free or less expensive options may also boost your resume.

How We Chose the Best Digital Marketing Certificates

Our contributor, with almost a decade of digital marketing experience, researched and reviewed the best certificates based on price, duration, content, flexibility, and industry recognition.

FAQ

Q. How long does it take to get a digital marketing certificate?

A. It varies from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program.

Q. Will a digital marketing certificate guarantee me a job?

A. No, but it can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.

Q. Is a digital marketing certificate worth it?

A. Yes, if it provides valuable skills and knowledge relevant to your career.

Q. Do I need a certificate to work in digital marketing?

A. Not necessarily, but it can give you an edge in the job market.