Digital Marketing Certificates Chicago, IL

Digital marketing is the process of creating different digital compositions and utilizing various digital spaces to promote products, services, and other goods. In general, digital marketing is a larger term that encompasses more specific types of marketing such as social media marketing and email marketing. A digital marketing professional may be responsible for the effective creation of social media posts, email promotions, text messages, and other forms of web-based or digital advertising. These professionals have the best of both worlds, as they are usually highly trained in technology and have advanced digital literacy skills, but they also can express their creative side through visuals.

A digital marketing professional may be responsible for various tasks and campaigns that are integral to a business's growth, viewership, and profit. Plus, there is a level of flexibility and variety that goes along with this career path. For instance, digital marketing professionals can work in person just as easily as they could work remotely. In addition, many Digital Marketers can work directly for a company or a digital marketing agency. Alternatively, they can also work as freelancers. Some industries include healthcare, retail, finance, and education, but there are a plethora of other industries that rely on the expertise of digital marketing professionals for product promotion and consumer engagement.

Why Become Certified in Digital Marketing?

There are many reasons why a digital marketing certification or certificate is worth pursuing. Many employers look for prospective candidates who show a willingness to learn new skills, display a dedication to the field, and express a desire to achieve goals and overcome obstacles. In addition to providing increased desirability in the job search, certification and certificate courses can also be financially advantageous as well. It is possible to obtain a fulfilling and lucrative career path with the right education and skills. Overall, new or continuing education is highly advantageous to aspiring and current marketing professionals alike.

Digital marketing professionals often work with a variety of platforms, websites, software, and other digital tools that provide them with the necessary capabilities to increase viewership and drive sales. Some of these platforms include social media websites such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Other digital marketing professionals may use email marketing strategies or focus on website design. In general, marketing is a skill that requires knowledge of not only technology and digital spaces but also human nature and the psychology behind certain marketing tactics and how to best address consumer needs. In addition, digital marketing allows for more creative expression as opposed to other jobs.

Becoming certified in digital marketing is advantageous financially, professionally, and personally. The most blatant reason is that it is never too late to learn a new skill or achieve a new goal. In general, learning new skills is incredibly beneficial on a personal level. However, becoming certified in digital marketing is also entirely advantageous at the professional level. This additional education opens the door for new career opportunities, increased trust with certain responsibilities in the workplace, and potential promotions within the respective field.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Digital Marketing Certified

There are many specific skills one learns when they enroll in a digital marketing certificate or certification course. For example, students often study certain research strategies, practice using analytics software, implement effective marketing tactics, and acquire proficiency in various digital tools. There is also supplemental information and related skill sets that frequently appear in the digital marketing world that may be included in the course material as well such as certain programming languages.

Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the vital process of creating a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and functional website with the intent to increase viewership and consumer traffic, as well as ultimately boost sales. SEO practices allow users to find websites with ease as the search engine will rank them based on relevance and popularity. In the digital marketing world, many professionals use SEO techniques such as creating meta descriptions and including specific keywords. In addition, using SEO can also make a company seem more credible and organized, which can aid in overall reputation.

Google Analytics

Many digital marketing experts use web visualization tools like Google Analytics to track interaction and viewership for websites and mobile applications. Through the collection and visualization of data, businesses can glean better insights into business practices. In particular, Google Analytics falls under the Google Marketing Platform, which complements SEO practices and marketing strategies, so many courses emphasize Google Analytics.

Social Media

In today’s age, more people than not have social media, which is advantageous for businesses that aim to sell products and increase traffic on their webpages. In general terms, social media includes any digital platform that allows for the production of creative, expressive content. This content is often multimodal and is sharable through various networks and communities. Social media is pivotal in digital marketing as it is highly interactive and one of the easiest, most accessible ways to share information with consumers. Social media marketing promotes products, educates on specific services, and increases overall profit.

Email

Digital Marketers often utilize email to deliver messages about services, sales, promotions, and new products as it is one of the top ways to communicate with customers. Email marketing allows businesses to reach out to consumers and provides the option to make purchases with the simple click of a link. Marketing emails can also successfully draw in customers who have lost engagement or entice current customers to make additional purchases. Overall, email marketing is an excellent way to spread awareness of the brand and generate website traffic.

Basic Coding

Coding is the process of using computations and programming languages to dictate the behavior of a computer and communicate an intended outcome. In general, it is a way for humans to tell computers what to do. Although not required for digital marketing professionals, it is highly advantageous to have basic coding knowledge and an understanding of the process. For example, having a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS can help Digital Marketers troubleshoot common issues associated with website use such as broken links and complete useful aesthetic functions such as embed clear images. HTML and CSS are some of the many popular programming languages that marketing professionals can benefit from knowing, but can also include Python, JavaScript, and SQL.

Digital Marketing Industries in Chicago

In Chicago, there are many digital marketing agencies that outsource their services to businesses and organizations alike and provide marketing guidance, create various campaigns, and overall boost viewership, engagement, and profits. However, some of these businesses hire Digital Marketers directly. The number of industries that require digital marketing services is vast, so these professionals have ample employment avenues to explore. For example, healthcare is one of the largest industries in Chicago. The healthcare industry can include hospitals, private practices, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other agencies that produce healthcare equipment, products, or services. These companies rely on digital marketing to sell certain products, inform current clients, warn the community of increased risks, and reassure patients. With the right communication tools, businesses within the healthcare industry can forge strong bonds with and instill a sense of trustworthiness in their consumers.

Similarly, the education industry commonly utilizes digital marketing services. This is not only to reach out to prospective students but also to maintain bonds with current and former students. For example, universities often use digital platforms such as email, social media, and websites to encourage enrollment, boost ticket sales for athletics, provide information on university policies, increase profits from school-related attire, and promote other services that the school provides. Chicago has a thriving educational industry, with many top universities located within the city limits. The University of Chicago, Loyola University, the University of Illinois Chicago, Northwestern University, and DePaul University are among many educational institutions that call Chicago home. Most notably, this type of marketing can require a certain proficiency in creative storytelling to appeal to the viewers.

The hospitality industry includes a wide range of services including but not limited to lodging amenities, recreational activities, food and beverage sales, local events, and other tourism-related services. Digital marketing professionals can find ample employment opportunities in this industry, particularly in Chicago as it provides a slew of hospitality-related services because there are many unique attractions, sports teams, and leisurely reasons for tourists to visit the city. For example, many fans of the Chicago Bears or Chicago Cubs will utilize hospitality services such as hotels, rental cars, and stadium amenities. In addition, there are many recreational reasons to visit Chicago such as visiting Lake Michigan. Other tourist attractions that draw in business for the hospitality industry include the Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and various museums. These hospitality businesses utilize digital marketing practices such as email, website promotions, and social media posts to sell goods and inform the general public about their services.

The finance world relies heavily on digital marketing tactics in several ways. For instance, banks and insurance agencies alike will advertise new services and promotional discounts across social media pages or through email marketing campaigns. With the rise in ecommerce, this is especially apparent through the vast number of companies that have digitized their storefronts entirely, which leads to more credit card and debit card use. In Chicago, there is a booming finance and FinTech industry, with many major banks and major financial exchanges located in the city. With the use of Financial Digital Marketers, these institutions and companies use marketing strategies to target specific audiences based on defined characteristics as well as track data and customer behavior.

Digital Marketing Careers in Chicago

Jobs in marketing become available every day, with many that require an in-depth understanding of digital marketing practices. Becoming a Digital Marketer is a fulfilling career choice for many reasons. To start, these marketing professionals have a variety of industries to choose from and have the ability to use technological and creative skills. In addition, this is a relatively profitable career, with a salary averaging around $68,800 per year according to Glassdoor. In Chicago, however, Glassdoor reports that Digital Marketing Managers can expect an average yearly salary of around $94,400. Digital Marketers also have additional pay opportunities such as bonuses, tips, and in some cases, commission.

Web Optimization Specialists are also in high demand as a specific type of digital marketing professional. In particular, Web Optimization Specialists analyze data that provides insights into web traffic and consumer behavior. This data is used to better assist businesses with their marketing campaigns and tactics and ultimately, increase engagement with the company and the consumer. This is a vital role in any organization and helps streamline the process of interpreting data and meeting the needs of the buyer. Indeed estimates that Web Optimization Specialists earn around $70,000 per year, which is a comfortable salary. This average increases slightly within Chicago, landing at $87,300.

Social Media Strategists are also highly beneficial to a company or business. These professionals are skilled in a specific type of digital marketing that focuses on social media. Their role includes communicating with consumers, creating content, sharing information, promoting products, and maintaining a positive reputation for the brand. Social Media Strategists are vital to a business in terms of building a rapport with clients, which in turn increases engagement with and profits for the brand. The field has plenty of room for growth and improvement as well, with median salaries averaging at $57,000 per year, according to Salary. This number is comparable in Chicago, where the average is $60,100.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Certificates and certifications sound similar in name but the two ultimately serve different purposes. In the simplest terms, gaining a certificate displays a certain level of education in a particular subject, whereas a certification indicates one has passed an exam or has proficiency in an industry-standardized skill. In particular, there are organizations within that specific industry that establish the criteria for these certifications. Both provide new and seasoned professionals with relevant education in various subjects and skills and are intended to help individuals excel in their fields. It is important to consider the difference when deciding between a certificate or certification.

While both a certificate and certification can help professionals further establish themselves in the field, one may be more beneficial than the other depending on what stage someone is at in their career. In particular, certificates are ideal for beginners who still have skills to build upon in their particular role. Enrolling in a certificate course can help one prepare for certification exams. On the other hand, those who are experts in their respective fields may benefit more from gaining certifications. In some roles, regularly updating certifications is required. For example, nurses must update their life-saving certifications regularly and teachers must obtain certification before they can enter a classroom. With certificates and certifications widely available in a variety of industries, both educate learners on beneficial skills and provide continuing education that is vital to the respective industry.

Top Digital Marketing Certificate Programs in Chicago

Are you interested in finding a digital marketing certificate course that provides comprehensive instruction, meets your learning needs, and fits within your schedule? There are ample opportunities available in Chicago to obtain a digital marketing certificate. Completing these programs provides a plethora of benefits to the learner such as increased career opportunities and salaries, as well as providing you with established credibility in the field. Overall, these courses enable the learner to learn new skills and sharpen current ones. This dedication to your craft is not only impressive to employers but allows you to develop professionally and personally as well.

Digital Marketing Certificate – Noble Desktop

The Digital Marketing Certificate course offered by Noble Desktop provides learners with hands-on training in digital marketing techniques and strategies such as SEO, social media, email marketing, paid search, and analytics. In particular, students can expect to gain experience with Google Analytics and various social media platforms. Through projects rooted in real-world scenarios, students will be able to apply what they learn in the classroom to their everyday lives in no time.

In addition to the ample educational benefits, Noble Desktop also offers setup assistance, payment plans, and a free retake of the course within a year of your enrollment date. In addition, the small class sizes allow for a more personalized and interactive learning experience. With 120 hours of instruction from an expert instructor, students will learn essential skills for the digital marketing world and will gain a certificate of completion from Noble Desktop. Students will receive a certificate of achievement upon completion of the course.

Social Media Marketing Certificate – Noble Desktop

Social media marketing is one of the most powerful tools used by businesses. To understand the intricate processes that go behind a digital marketing campaign, consider enrolling in Noble Desktop’s Social Media Marketing Certificate course. In this course, students learn how to market on a variety of platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. This course uses hands-on projects rooted in real-world scenarios to help students develop the necessary skills to excel in the digital marketing world.

In particular, students will benefit from this course due to the small class sizes. This allows for a more personalized and hands-on learning experience, where expert instructors can provide direct feedback and assistance when needed. Additionally, students can request setup assistance and browse payment plans. Most notably, students can retake the class for free up to a year after their enrollment date if they are interested in refreshing their skills. Once the student has completed the course, they will receive a certificate of completion.

Instagram for Business – Certstaffix Training

Certstaffix Training offers students in-depth guidance surrounding Instagram, an exploding social media application that is ideal for marketing purposes. In particular, students of Instagram for Business will learn how to attract followers, increase brand awareness, and increase sales directly through the Instagram platform. This course will help digital marketing professionals grow their businesses and allow for more diversity in their clientele.

This one-day course is led by a professional instructor who will guide students through a series of Instagram functions, features, and concepts. In addition, students will learn how to garner trust from their audience to increase viewership. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion and a digital badge. Certstaffix Training also offers a free six-month online retake.

Digital Marketing Course – BrainStation

The Digital Marketing Course at BrainStation’s Chicago campus offers students a comprehensive education in various digital marketing skills required for the job role. In particular, students will learn search engine optimization (SEO) tactics as well as effective social media marketing and email marketing techniques. This course results in a fully developed portfolio project that will impress employers.

BrainStation offers courses ideal for those who are skilled in their field but want to learn more. In particular, this course helps with building a digital marketing portfolio and prepares students for the interview process. After the course, students will receive a certificate to include in their accomplishments.

SEO Introduction – Computer Training Source

This SEO Introduction course offered at Computer Training Source provides students with a thorough understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) methods as well as link building and keyword research. This course provides instruction on how to increase a website’s relevance and visibility on a Google search engine results page.

This course has two flexible scheduling options, offered as one-day or two-day sessions. Computer Training Source also provides an online certificate for those who complete the course. Many of their courses are also included in combination programs.

Digital Marketing Certification Course – Simplilearn

Students in Simplilearn’s Digital Marketing Certification Course will learn foundational information related to marketing, ecommerce, and digital spaces and will be prepared to earn certification in digital marketing. Students will learn basic SEO practices as well as how to decipher data with marketing analytics. In addition, students will learn how to optimize search results, increase viewership, and help boost profits.

This program is aligned with industry standards and provides students with thorough instruction through a variety of hands-on projects. In addition, students will receive a certificate of completion once the course has ended. This course prepares students for certifications such as the Facebook Blueprint certification.