How to Earn a Digital Marketing Certificate
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- Digital marketing certificates are widely available through schools and bootcamps.
- Digital marketing certificate programs are shorter and cost less than degree programs.
- Many employers view digital marketing as a desirable tech skill.
Digital marketing relies on internet-based tools, including email and social media, to cultivate customers and promote products and services. Successful digital marketers know how to pair the right message with the right platform to develop and maintain their customer base.
Aspiring professionals in this specialty need both traditional and online-specific strategic marketing skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earned an annual median salary of $141,490 in May 2020. The organization projects positions for these professionals will grow 10% between 2020 and 2030.
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What Are the Requirements for a Digital Marketing Certificate?
While many digital marketing certificate programs welcome applicants from all backgrounds and levels of experience, some require specific criteria. The following are just some of the most common digital marketing certificate requirements:
- Minimum 2.35-2.5 GPA (some may waive this requirement for a high SAT/ACT score)
- A high school diploma, GED certificate, or homeschool equivalent
- Maximum 50% of credits transferred from a previously attended college or university
What Skills Will I Learn With a Digital Marketing Certificate?
Some common skills you'll learn during a digital marketing certificate program include:
- Multi-channel marketing
- Digital campaign budgeting
- Digital database management
- B2C and B2B marketing
- Campaign development
- Introductory web design
Is a Digital Marketing Certificate Worth It?
As digital marketing eclipses traditional advertising and promotions, online-specific marketing skills have become necessary for top jobs in nearly every industry. Digital marketing certificates can prepare students to upgrade their skills for higher pay, a competitive edge, and career advancement.
LinkedIn listed digital marketing skills, especially social media expertise, among the most sought-after job skills in 2022. The BLS also projects a higher job growth potential for digital marketing specialists than other marketing managers through 2030.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Digital Marketing Certificate?
Here are some jobs a digital marketing certificate can help you land:
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital marketing managers oversee companies' or organizations' digital marketing strategies. They often manage marketing budgets, make sure projects are completed on time and within budget, track metrics, and oversee social media channels.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers play a pivotal role within a team of digital marketing professionals. They examine internal metrics and interact with customers to develop and implement marketing campaigns specifically for platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Online Advertising Manager
Online advertising managers focus on carrying out a company or organization's advertising campaigns, especially to generate revenue. While their duties may overlap with those of a digital marketing manager, online advertising managers oversee just one component of a broader marketing strategy.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Digital Marketing Certificate?
Marketing managers, including digital marketing specialists, earned a median annual salary of $142,170 in 2020, according to the BLS. Graduates of a digital marketing certificate program also qualify for positions in related industries like advertising and public relations. Professionals in those fields earned a median annual salary of $150,930 in May 2020.
Like most tech workers, digital marketers with at least an undergraduate degree and some work experience can command a higher salary than entry-level professionals. If you currently work in the marketing field, you can pursue a digital marketing certificate to qualify for higher-paying jobs that require these specialized skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Digital Marketing Certificate
Which certificate is best for digital marketing?
Digital marketing certificate programs are widely available to students at all experience levels. Many well-known platforms offer digital marketing certificates in brand-specific specialties, like Google Ads, Facebook Blueprint, or Indeed digital marketing. Students should consider their career goals and budget when choosing a certificate program.
Additionally, students can pursue professional certifications like the Professional Certified Marketer through the American Marketing Association, demonstrating their exceptional digital marketing skills to employers. Professional certification requires passing a certifying exam and possessing other work and academic experience.
How much does a digital marketing certificate cost?
The cost of earning a digital marketing certificate varies depending on several factors. Students may pursue digital marketing training through organizations, bootcamps, or universities, each offering varying enrollment and delivery options.
Digital marketing certificate programs may charge a monthly fee or tuition between $1,000 and $5,000.
How do I get SEO certified?
Students can seek SEO certification through a variety of online courses or bootcamps. Options range from free online courses to intensive programs costing thousands of dollars. Students can take courses offered by digital platforms or marketing agencies such as HubSpot and ClickMinded.
Entities like Google offer certification in subspecialties of SEO like Google Analytics, keyword research, and inbound marketing. These programs culminate in a certificate.
Can you get a job with a digital marketing certificate?
You can get a job with a digital marketing certificate. While a certificate in digital marketing cannot replace a college degree, it can enhance students' skills to qualify them for more advanced and higher-paying jobs.
Digital marketing certificate graduates with little to no work experience may be eligible for entry-level positions, including junior marketing manager, digital marketing assistant, or social media coordinator. Digital marketing certificates also emphasize broad career skills in communication, decision-making, and analytical thinking.
