Digital marketing courses teach essential skills such as social media strategy, SEO, data analytics, Adobe Creative Cloud software, and email marketing. These versatile skills prepare students for careers in industries ranging from retail and healthcare to self-driven entrepreneurial ventures.
The world of digital marketing encompasses a broad range of techniques and tools, but at the end of the day, it’s all about promoting your business through different digital media. It’s become one of the most effective and accessible ways for a brand to reach an intended audience, especially since almost everyone uses the internet extensively these days. Digital marketing can be done on social media, email, websites, search engines, and mobile applications, among other digital channels. Whether it’s an eye-catching post, an influencer endorsement, or an informative email, it’s all about reaching an intended audience and making the smartest business decisions.
Before the online space became so necessary, digital marketing was a relatively meaningless act. The first real form of digital marketing occurred in the late 70s when the first mass email campaign was launched. A couple of decades later, in the late 90s and early 2000s, the internet became more widely used. Today, we’ve seen not only the rise of banner ads, search engines, and HTML websites, but also social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Consumers tend to search these spaces more than anything for information on products, services, and companies. Moreover, the growing focus on data has changed the game, making it more possible to target audiences and boost brand awareness all while connecting with consumers in a meaningful way.
Almost every industry uses digital marketing in some way. For example, retailers more than almost any other company use digital marketing with social media, email, search engine optimization (SEO), and ecommerce platforms. Healthcare organizations will use digital marketing techniques to improve the provider-patient relationship and instill trust within the community. Watching a commercial for your local hospital, and seeing positive testimonials from real patients, makes you more inclined to believe that you’ll receive good care. Essentially, any company that wants to boost engagement, viewership, and profits will need a strong digital marketing team.
Since digital marketing is so widely applicable, you can work on all kinds of unique projects on any given week. One day, you might work towards creating social media content, whereas the next you will focus on SEO. You may also write weekly newsletters or create pay-per-click advertisements. Even artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in marketing scenarios, like setting up an automated customer service bot or creating a schedule for upcoming content to be sent out. The field is always changing so there is always something new to do throughout the workday.
Digital marketing can also be useful for personal reasons such as making more informed decisions as a consumer. Once you realize what marketing strategies are in place, it is easier to figure out whether it’s a fair appeal or not. Beyond that, you can use your skills to showcase your hobby. For example, if you’re into photography or cooking, you can start up a social media account, build your presence, and increase followers. This could lead to your hobby becoming a full-blown side hustle as well. Overall, learning digital marketing can be a really useful skill for both professional and personal reasons.
Digital marketing classes can vary in length, depth, and topics, but you can generally expect to cover the essentials. You will most likely dive into areas like social media, email campaigns, SEO, and design principles. Some classes might cover a specific application within Adobe Creative Cloud, whereas others may highlight the importance of leveraging data. You can typically find a course that covers all or some of these subjects, which will give you a solid digital marketing foundation.
In your digital marketing class, you will discuss social media marketing techniques. You’ll learn how to use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter) since each has its unique purpose and marketing potential. Social media is one of the most powerful marketing tools since it’s easily accessible to a wide range of people, so understanding how to harness its capabilities is extremely worthwhile. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build your brand and connect with your audience.
Another important aspect of digital marketing is search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO. This technique is useful for improving your website's visibility on search engine results pages, meaning the site will be listed higher and with higher priority than others. Most people don’t even go past the first page of Google, so this can make or break the way consumers view your site. Mastering SEO is essential for driving traffic, boosting engagement, and increasing sales.
Many classes also cover data analytics, which is an incredibly valuable skill for any digital marketing professional. While Digital Marketers don’t have to learn data analysis, it can be useful. It helps you assess what’s working and what isn’t in your current marketing strategies. By analyzing data, you can make informed decisions that refine your approach, whether that’s adding incentives in your email campaigns or understanding your consumers through social media engagement. The bottom line is that knowing how to make data-driven decisions can improve your marketing techniques.
Adobe Creative Cloud is a go-to collection of tools for digital marketing experts packed with everything you need for content creation and editing. With applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, you can easily edit photos and videos. You may learn how to use After Effects to create animations or Illustrator for vector graphics. There are also applications such as InDesign that help you design layouts for brochures and magazines, both digital and print. With all these tools and more, it’s easy to see why most marketing professionals learn how to use Adobe Creative Cloud.
Digital marketing classes often highlight how to use email to your advantage, since email is still considered one of the most effective ways to reach an audience. You will likely learn how to write concise yet informative emails that have catchy subject lines, eye-catching graphics, and a clear message. Email also allows for better audience segmentation so you can target specific groups of people with ease. This means you’ll be able to bring people back to the site if they haven’t been in a while and perhaps make a purchase.
Learning any new skill will come with challenges, and digital marketing is no different. The main thing to consider is whether you want to become familiar with digital marketing or whether you want to turn your skills into a profession. Learning the basics can be relatively easy, but becoming an expert will require more time, hands-on experience, and dedication. If you are looking to become a professional, you will face a higher learning curve, but the rewards can be well worth the effort.
One of the trickiest parts of learning digital marketing includes keeping up with all the different changes in the field. Because there are so many tools, techniques, and tricks that fade in and out of popularity, it can be tricky to keep up with. Plus, digital marketing tools and platforms are always evolving, which adds another layer of complexity. For example, Instagram may change its entire interface or add a few new features, but it can take some time to learn how to utilize them fully. Moreover, if you have a more creative background as opposed to a technical one, it may be difficult to learn marketing analysis. On the other hand, if you have a technical background rather than a creative background, learning how to convey messages with Adobe Creative Cloud applications may pose a challenge.
Typically, picking up the basics of digital marketing can take a few months. The time frame really depends on how in-depth you want your training to be. If you opt for a short course that lasts a few days or a few weeks, you will certainly pick up a few new skills. However, if you want to become an expert, you can expect to spend a few months or a year before you feel comfortable. However, some would argue that digital marketing is a field where you will continually learn new things, so the learning experience will never truly end.
If you want to learn digital marketing, you have plenty of options. The choice you make typically depends on personal factors such as your schedule, location, or learning style. A lot of people opt for in-person classes as that’s the most traditional form of learning. This gives you a neutral space to study and complete projects with the help of an expert instructor. A collaborative classroom environment enhances learning retention and gives you a chance to network with peers. However, in-person classes require a commute, which might not be feasible depending on your schedule or location.
On the other hand, students in live online courses typically have a pleasant and effective experience as well. If you’re juggling a busy schedule or different responsibilities, this is the easiest way to fit learning into your schedule. You can also explore more options than just those available in your area. Just make sure you have a strong internet connection and a quiet place to learn before you start the class, otherwise you might miss important information.
There are also asynchronous classes, which are all about flexibility. You set your schedule, learn when you have time, and at the pace that suits you. This is great for those who like to study independently or who already have digital marketing knowledge but want to upskill or refresh their skills. However, if you are a beginner, this is likely not the best option. First, there is a considerable lack of interaction as there are no peers or instructors to follow along with. Second, you won’t receive feedback to know whether you’re on the right track. Lastly, it can be tough to stay motivated without an extra push. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but you’ll want to choose a class that aligns with your goals and needs.
You can find all kinds of free resources online to help you study digital marketing. For example, there are blogs, videos, discussion boards, and social media accounts where digital marketing professionals share their experience in the field and can offer more guidance. Training centers especially have useful resources on their websites. The Noble Desktop Free Seminar page gives you more insight into digital marketing and the associated tools. Plus, Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel has playlists and tutorials that help students learn tools and software more quickly. However, it’s important to remember that free resources cannot replace professional training. If you want to be a Digital Marketer, you will have to engage in a more interactive and hands-on method of training.
To enhance your digital marketing skills, it might be worthwhile to learn additional topics and skills. For example, you may want to understand business practices better. Because digital marketing is done with the intent to increase traffic, engagement, and profits for the business, it would make sense to learn more about business practices and how the financial aspect of business works. This can help you enhance your marketing strategies a little further.
Additionally, it would be incredibly worthwhile to spend time studying user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. Learning how to create user-friendly and visually appealing spaces can make digital marketing campaigns much more effective. Typically, when a consumer interacts with a website or mobile application, they want to like what they see and want to have an easy time navigating the space. As such, this can drive more consumer interaction and engagement with the brand.
Digital marketing reshapes various industries and without it, many businesses risk missing out on loyal customers and sales. In major cities and smaller towns all across Canada, marketing professionals can find professional opportunities with finance and healthcare institutions or tech companies and tourism groups. If you are curious about major Canadian industries and how digital marketing fits into them, you can continue reading below.
The technology industry in Canada is strong, with many cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal contributing heavily to the economy. This industry includes everything from software development to AI and cybersecurity to other tech tools. With a strong talent pool, and support from the government, educational institutions, and other industries for innovation, tech is a stronghold in the Canadian economy and generates new jobs each year.
Digital marketing is used in the tech industry predominantly for product promotion and drawing in new customers. Tech companies will use social media, blogs, and video-sharing platforms to promote their innovations. In addition, SEO techniques are used to ensure the company’s visibility is improved, which leads to more direct interaction with the consumer. Overall, if a tech company wants to stay competitive, it must have a strong marketing team with digital marketing expertise.
Canada has a strong finance industry with many major banks, investment firms, and FinTech startups concentrated in cities like Toronto. Finance plays a big role in the country’s overall economic growth and strength, providing many jobs and business opportunities. With one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, the Toronto Stock Exchange, it is easy to see why there’s an increased interest in finding a job in this industry.
Finance companies hire digital marketing professionals to build trust, connect with clients, and share information about different financial services and promotions. Companies use content marketing such as social media posts, to educate customers and directly chat with them through posts, comments, stories, or live streams. In addition, email marketing is fairly common in the finance industry and helps financial institutions stand out in an otherwise incredibly competitive landscape.
There is a strong healthcare system in Canada, as it’s well-known that the country has some of the best hospitals and medical care in the world. Their universal healthcare system supports many hospitals, clinics, and practices where Canadians turn to find state-of-the-art healthcare. Many universities and research facilities help drive innovative new treatments and tools as well. Medical care and advancement is a cornerstone of Canadian society and is responsible for employing a large number of Canadians.
Digital marketing is used in healthcare to foster a sense of community and trust within the region. Providers will use blogs, videos, and social media posts to share health tips and keep members informed about recent trends in the community. Furthermore, email marketing is important to keep patients who aren’t on social media informed as well. Digital marketing can make or break a relationship with others in the community, and without it, the healthcare provider may not be as effective.
Every year, millions of visitors come to Canada. From cities like Toronto and Quebec to national parks such as Banff, there are many reasons to visit this great country. With diverse attractions, bustling cities, and gorgeous outdoor landscapes, the country is incredibly popular for domestic and international travelers alike. As such, a range of businesses like hotels, restaurants, and tour operators call the country home and contribute to its economic success.
In tourism, digital marketing is key for promoting destinations and experiences. Companies will use social media most of all to show potential visitors why they should consider Canada. Influencer partnerships are an important part of driving visitors to cities, restaurants, resorts, and attractions as well. Local governments may play a role in increasing visitors by partnering with different hospitality-based businesses as well as creating commercials, email campaigns, and social media content.
After you complete your digital marketing training, you may explore a wide range of career paths from management and analytics to social media and SEO. Most of these jobs are relatively rewarding and have a high chance for increased earning potential. Below are a select few job titles and their average salaries that can help you choose which path may be best for you.
A Digital Marketer develops and follows up on marketing campaigns across different online mediums such as email, search engines, social media, or websites. They will use various techniques and tools to create content, engage with a target audience, and increase engagement, ultimately boosting sales. In Canada, the average base salary for a Digital Marketer is approximately $59,000, according to Indeed. However, this will vary from city to city; for example, Montréal-based Digital Marketers can earn close to $72,000 on average, and those in Toronto can expect closer to $62,000.
Social Media Managers are tasked with creating, curating, and posting content for a brand’s social media accounts. They engage with followers and monitor the performance of past posts, all while keeping up with new trends. They will also develop strategies to improve the brand’s online presence and use data analysis to refine future campaigns. Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a Social Media Manager in Canada is nearly $53,000, but a typical range is between $43,000 and $65,000. However, with more experience and in director-level positions in social media, this can range from $70,000 to $100,000.
A Marketing Analyst may collect, interpret, and report on data related to past marketing campaigns. This allows others in the organization to understand what needs to change and what needs to stay. By providing these insights, the business can grow year after year. According to Indeed, Marketing Analysts in Canada can take home roughly $66,000 each year. However, there are differences based on location. For instance, those in Calgary can earn closer to $70,000, while those in Vancouver are more likely to earn $52,000.
Web Optimization Specialists improve a website's performance, making it user-friendly and easy to navigate. They will do so by implementing the best SEO practices and making data-driven decisions. Canadian Web Optimization Specialists earn close to $67,000 each year, based on data from Indeed. Toronto is among the highest-paying cities for Web Optimization Specialists, with salaries averaging closer to $75,000.
At Noble Desktop, you have plenty of digital marketing courses to choose from such as the Digital Marketing Certificate, which is perfect if you want to level up your career. Over 120 hours, you will explore ways to boost your search rankings, expand your social media presence, and track your success across different campaigns. You will learn how to market on each social media platform, from TikTok and Instagram to LinkedIn and YouTube, and will also learn how to send out effective email marketing campaigns. Plus, you’ll practice blogging with WordPress and performing data analytics with Google Analytics. You’ll walk away with a certificate of completion, a polished portfolio, and a LinkedIn profile that is suitable for the job search.
If you’re interested in specializing in social media, consider the Social Media Marketing Certificate. This 72-hour course covers the major social media platforms and ways you can utilize their tools and purposes to suit your business needs. You’ll learn how to post content that aligns with company goals, stream across different platforms, and increase your following. All of this and more is what leads to increased sales. Additionally, you’ll complete projects that are focused on paid advertising, content creation, and data analysis. You’ll earn your certificate once the course ends and can take that, along with your resume and portfolio, with you during the job search.
AI is an increasingly popular tool in many industries, so it is beyond worthwhile to study. Noble Desktop’s AI for Digital Marketing course is 18 hours of studying the use of AI-driven systems for improving your marketing campaigns. This can include integrating AI into your SEO and search engine marketing (SEM) efforts or creating visually appealing content with ease. The course ends with a capstone project in which you will display all your hard work and demonstrate how AI can make an impact on the marketing world.
BrainStation offers a Search Engine Marketing Certificate that teaches students how to develop and manage a search engine marketing campaign. This is a 30-hour course designed for beginners that takes place in Toronto. Through hands-on projects, students will feel confident using these skills in their future digital marketing careers.
From the Miami Ad School, students can enroll in the Social Media Strategy Training bootcamp. This program lasts 12 weeks and covers everything necessary to devise a strong social media campaign. You’ll learn basic social media marketing concepts and explore ways to work with teams on a live client creative brief.
General Assembly has a Digital Marketing Short Course that spans 40 total hours and gives students the skills to work as digital marketing professionals. Students will learn how to apply these marketing strategies to different channels and utilize data-driven insights to further appeal to the consumer.
If you have considered corporate training for your marketing team, explore the options offered at Noble Desktop. Many professionals find that corporate training can help teams collaborate more effectively, refine their skills, and work more cohesively. Your marketing team can expand their digital marketing skills by working on customized lessons and projects that enable your team to use new tools, techniques, and concepts. You can choose the subject matter and can even choose between in-person and live online training so no one gets left behind in the training.
Noble Desktop is committed to fostering an inclusive, comprehensive education for everyone in your team, but the benefits don’t stop there. Your organization can purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at discounted rates, meaning your team members can continue their educational journey at a reasonable cost. If you’re interested in exploring corporate digital marketing training, contact Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com for more information on pricing, scheduling, and training programs.
Upskill or reskill your workforce with our industry-leading corporate and onsite Digital Marketing training programs. Conduct the training onsite at your location or live online from anywhere. You can also purchase vouchers for our public enrollment Digital Marketing courses.
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