A career in digital marketing allows for a lot of creativity and room to grow. However, the digital marketing landscape is constantly shifting, and professionals need to keep up with the latest trends to stay competitive.
Online certifications are an excellent way to gain new digital marketing skills while increasing your marketability as an employee in the digital world.
This guide covers the top seven digital marketing certifications you can get in 2021.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Table of Contents
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Why You Should Get a Digital Marketing Certification in 2021
It’s easy to fall behind if you don’t keep up with new digital marketing trends and methods. No matter where you’re at in your marketing career, it’s necessary to continue your education and develop your skillset.
A digital marketing certificate program can help you hone skills such as email marketing, content, and digital advertising. You can opt for a general certification or find a specialized program.
Earning a digital marketing certification can help you further your career by earning a promotion or negotiating a higher salary.
No matter what your goals look like, a digital marketing certification is a surefire way to push your career to the next level.
Top Careers in Digital Marketing
Experts agree the salary outlook for digital marketing jobs is quite optimistic. Although there are several career paths within the digital marketing field, here are three positions expected to grow in 2021.
Digital Marketing Associate
A digital marketing associate is responsible for planning and implementing digital marketing and social media marketing campaigns. You will often work closely with other sales and marketing roles to organize and manage a company’s online presence, including website and social media.
SEO Specialist
A search engine optimization (SEO) specialist manages a company’s website to ensure it ranks on search engines like Google.
To be an SEO specialist, you need to understand search engine algorithms and be proficient in using marketing tools such as Google Analytics and keyword research software.
Social Media Marketing Manager
Social media marketing managers create and manage a company’s social media strategy and brand image. You need excellent communication skills, proficiency on social media platforms, and an understanding of marketing analytics to be a social media manager.
The Top 7 Digital Marketing Certifications To Get in 2021
It’s easy to see how a digital marketing certification can help advance your career. However, finding the right course is challenging.
Here are the top seven digital marketing certifications worth the investment in 2021.
1. American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Certification
The American Marketing Association (AMA) is one of the most well-known communities for marketers.
AMA focuses on pushing the field of marketing forward and constantly innovating on best practices. The association partnered with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) to create a dual certification program.
With one course and one exam, you’ll become AMA and DMI-certified in two areas: PCM Digital Marketing® and Certified Digital Marketing Professional. The cost of the course is $1,605.
The course includes 30 hours of online self-paced learning, covering topics ranging from content marketing and social media to website optimization and Google Analytics.
2. Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Google Digital Garage offers a free Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course and certification accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University.
The Google digital marketing course includes 40 hours of online self-paced learning with video tutorials and unlimited access to course materials created by Google trainers.
To earn your certification, you need to complete all 26 modules and pass a 40 question exam.
3. Duke Continuing Studies – Digital Media & Marketing Program
Duke University worked with Simplilearn to create its Digital Media & Marketing Program continued studies course.
The program includes eight digital marketing training courses covering topics such as social media, content strategy, mobile marketing, and website analytics.
The self-paced online course includes real-world and virtual simulations to give students practical experience. The program costs $3,195 and offers discounts for groups.
4. Harvard Extension School
Harvard Extension School offers certification courses for working professionals. For digital marketing professionals, we recommend the Digital Marketing Strategy track.
In this 5-day online interactive class setting, you’ll learn proven strategies to design and implement successful digital marketing strategies.
This is one of the best digital marketing certification courses for professionals who want to interact in an online class setting instead of following a self-paced program.
The cost of tuition is $3,250.
5. Simplilearn – Advanced Social Media Marketing
Simplilearn offers several courses for the digital marketing professional looking to increase their skills.
The Advanced Social Media Marketing course has earned several 4- and 5-star reviews and is considered the number one online bootcamp for digital marketers and social media strategists.
The course includes 65 hours of online learning and more than 25 real-life projects using Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn platforms.
Students receive lifetime access to course materials. Additionally, you can choose to take it as a self-paced course ($599) or enroll in the Online Bootcamp ($999) and receive access to live classroom sessions with top instructors and marketing experts.
6. Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP)
Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) certification is for professionals who want to specialize in a digital marketing niche. People who receive their OMCP certification earn up to 26% more than their non-certified counterparts.
To earn this certification, you need to pass the OMCP exams and accumulate professional experience hours.
Exams for the OMCP certification include one broad topic digital marketing exam and two specialized tests. The cost for all three exams is $395.
7. SEMRush SEO Toolkit Course
Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most desired skills for professional marketers. If you’re still an SEO beginner, then the free SEMRush SEO Toolkit Course may be perfect for you.
The course contains 14 exclusive video lessons covering topics such as organic keyword research, backlink strategies, on-page SEO, and position tracking.
In three hours, you’ll learn the basics of how to research opportunities, create an SEO-powered website, and measure your performance with tools like Google Analytics.
The course was designed by several SEO experts at SEMRush. In addition to video lessons, it includes expert tips and reading recommendations for those who want to dive deeper into each topic.
Final Thoughts: The Top 7 Digital Marketing Certifications To Get in 2021
Investing in a digital marketing certification will help you propel your career to the next level, whether you want to get a raise or specialize in your role. You’ll gain new skills and stay at the front of current trends and technology applications.
Finding the right online certification course depends on the skills you want to learn and your preferred learning method, but you can’t go wrong with the seven certifications listed here.
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