Digital marketing is the branch of marketing that promotes brands, products, and ideas on various digital channels. This includes social media, websites, email, content creation, search engines, and other online advertising communications. Overall, digital marketing is meant to help brands connect with current, new, and potential customers. Through different methods and techniques, brands can build relationships with consumers, promote products, generate new interest, and increase profits, followers, and customers. Digital marketing is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to build a direct relationship with the consumer.
Although digital marketing existed before social media with methods like online advertising and email campaigns, it is easy to see how social media’s influence has impacted the marketing world. Digital marketing today has a different meaning than it did during the rise of the internet age. This is largely due to the emergence of social media platforms like MySpace and Facebook, which set in motion a new age of connection and, later, consumerism. Over time, digital marketing has expanded and grown not only in purpose but also in importance.
What Can You Do with Digital Marketing Training?
Digital marketing training is worthwhile regardless of your intended career path or personal interests. Notably, digital marketing training affords learners a variety of job positions that are all unique in their functions and purposes. With the vast number of options, learners are bound to find a job in a field that suits their needs and lifestyle. Not to mention, almost every company uses marketing techniques to promote their services and products. The necessity of Digital Marketers in virtually any industry implies there is a level of job security for these professionals.
Plus, digital marketing training can impact your personal life as well. If you take pride in your own social media presence or want to hit influencer status, a digital marketing course can teach you techniques to help you reach that goal. With the right digital marketing training, you can learn to enhance your personal pages, including any platform from Instagram and TikTok to YouTube and LinkedIn. This training can help take your side hustle from a small, meager business to one that has increased visibility and traffic. For example, those with an Etsy storefront can learn to create on-brand posts that entice new customers. Alternatively, someone who has a lawn care business on the side may find more customers with the help of digital marketing tools and techniques. Ultimately, it is a useful skill that can help with exposure, interaction, and profits.
While digital marketing can help expand your horizons and increase profits, it can also help learners understand the importance of having a strong, ethical, and effective rhetorical framework. Knowing how to break down marketing techniques is a useful skill that can prevent you from spending recklessly or being duped by ill-intentioned people and organizations. Plus, this promotes critical thinking skills. In an increasingly digitized and ever-evolving world, you can’t avoid seeing an advertisement or promotional message while using social media, websites, or even your email account. Digital marketing training allows you to approach advertised material with tact; ultimately, understanding persuasive strategies and the ways companies appeal to consumers is beneficial in a time when most marketing tactics occur in a digital space.
What Will I Learn in a Digital Marketing Class?
Students in a digital marketing class will learn a variety of skills that will serve them well in their professional or personal lives. In particular, students will practice using different social media platforms and learn how to market over email. In addition, students will likely learn creative design applications such as those under Adobe Creative Cloud. Some digital marketing courses will teach students how to perform analytics on marketing campaigns and use search engine optimization techniques to enhance their visibility and outreach. While each digital marketing class may differ, students can generally expect to learn all or some of these skills.
Social Media Platforms
Social media is the perfect medium for promoting products. In almost any digital marketing class, students will practice using marketing tactics on numerous platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn. Students in digital marketing classes learn the methods behind effective social media campaigns and ways to expand their outreach to different audiences. In addition, Digital Marketers understand distribution methods and figure out new ways to engage with their consumers. Some digital marketing courses may focus specifically on user engagement and visibility while others may focus more on curating on-brand content. Regardless, having a well-developed social media plan is essential for digital marketing success, which is why digital marketing courses focus heavily on these platforms.
Search Engine Optimization
Many classes also teach search engine optimization, which is a method of optimizing the position of a website in the results of a search engine through different design and functionality practices. Search engine optimization, or SEO, is an integral part of any successful digital marketing strategy as it aids in gaining more viewership to the page, thus increasing the chance of reaching customers and earning more profits. SEO is an overall effective method for expanding outreach to consumers and amplifying the brand and its ethos. Effective SEO practice also requires understanding how an audience perceives the brand and having an ear to the ground on the things people search for. Many digital marketing classes will discuss SEO practices in depth and explain the importance of generating organic website traffic.
Design Software
While many digital marketing classes will cover digital marketing concepts and purposes, some will provide insight into various tools, technologies, and software that will help engage an audience, enhance the aesthetics of the brand, and convey an intended message. This can be accomplished through learning different design principles and software. For instance, many digital marketing classes teach students how to use applications under Adobe Creative Cloud. These can include Photoshop and Premiere Pro, which are for photo editing and video editing respectively. Some classes teach InDesign, which can be used to create different kinds of multimodal compositions, including flyers, brochures, and posters. Express is another application that allows users to create effective promotional material. These are just a few of the potential design software programs that digital marketing classes could cover.
Email
Many courses will also teach students how to market products and services via email. This type of digital marketing messaging is one of the most effective ways to branch out to new and existing customers. Consumers can easily subscribe to receive information on recent updates, sales, and new products. It can also help expand brand awareness and potentially increase sales. Digital marketing classes will typically cover the different kinds of marketing emails as well such as newsletters, promotional emails, and retention emails, which are intended to increase an existing customer’s engagement and inspire loyalty through flash sales, special offers, and discounts. Overall, due to its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, many digital marketing courses teach the importance of sending a successful marketing email.
Analytics
Some courses will even dive deeper into the data behind marketing campaigns. The analytics side of marketing entails collecting and interpreting data. The courses that focus on data analytics will likely use Google Analytics, a web-based analytics service. This allows marketing experts to learn what works in their campaigns and also determine if a shift in direction is needed for future campaigns. Overall, through data analytics, Digital Marketers can continuously improve each campaign with new tactics, strategies, and communication efforts. Although not every digital marketing course will focus on analytics, it is a useful skill to pair with digital marketing and a worthwhile endeavor as it’s a fairly transferable skill.
How Hard is It to Learn Digital Marketing?
While difficulty is subjective, most agree that learning digital marketing is much easier with the right mindset, tools, and training course. Many students find the basic digital marketing concepts relatively easy to pick up such as how to use different social media platforms. This is particularly true for those with previous experience in social media use or related marketing situations. There might be a learning curve when practicing new software or search engine optimization techniques, but these skills can be developed within a course. Ultimately, learning any new skill comes with its own challenges, but taking time and effort to practice and learn makes it easier.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Digital Marketing?
There are some challenging aspects of digital marketing, all of which vary from person to person. While some may find the technical aspects challenging, others may find it difficult to hone their creative skills. Learning how to define and reach your target audience can be tricky as well, but with time, it will become much more apparent. With previous experience, learning certain concepts may be easier. However, for those without prior exposure to navigating digital spaces, performing marketing strategies, and using certain software, learning may be challenging. Although there is a learning curve, it is possible to learn foundational digital marketing skills with the right instructor and course.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Digital Marketing?
While it varies, most agree that it is easy to learn basic digital marketing concepts. For most, foundational digital marketing skills can be learned within a few months. However, becoming an expert in digital marketing will likely take more time. This could range from six months to an entire year. This mainly depends on how advanced you intend to go in your learning journey. Plus, there are so many layers to digital marketing. From social media and email marketing to SEO and data interpretation, digital marketing requires learning a lot of vast and unique skills. Some may find certain tasks and concepts more difficult, which could result in extra time spent learning the skill. Ultimately, students can expect to set aside a few months to a year if they truly want to gain proficiency in digital marketing.
Should I Learn Digital Marketing in Person or Online?
Anyone can sign up for digital marketing training, regardless of their schedule, location, or skill level. For those with minimal options, asynchronous learning may be suitable. This format is otherwise known as self-paced learning, which has benefits and drawbacks. Notably, the asynchronous option allows students to learn and complete the material when it works with their schedule, so long as the assignments and lessons are completed within the particular timeframe. This is useful for anyone who has limited options in their area or who has a strict schedule. However, there is a severe lack of interaction with this course option. Without the guidance of an instructor, students may find themselves approaching more challenges and will have to spend time troubleshooting anything on their own. Plus, this course method requires the student to have a high level of motivation and personal accountability, which can slip through the cracks if the pressures (or distractions) of life get in the way. Ultimately, this is an option that students should choose only if they are lacking other options.
However, live online options bridge the gap for those with limited options. This course method allows users to learn from the comfort of their homes without spending time on a commute. Live online courses are especially useful for those with tight schedules and those who live in remote areas where course options are limited. Students will join a regular classroom setting but over Zoom or another video conferencing platform. This course option lacks some of the more hands-on elements but still provides interaction with the instructor and other virtual classmates. Learning alongside others who share your common goal can help mitigate any issues associated with a lack of in-person communication and interaction. In addition, the instructor can guide students through the activities and lessons in real time, which is more effective than having to research information on your own.
Traditional in-person courses are generally seen as an effective learning method. This method provides ample interaction between the student, the material, and the instructor. There are more hands-on opportunities in an in-person course as well, since many activities and lectures will provide opportunities for practice or demonstration. Although some students live too far from a learning center to consider an in-person class, those who live within a reasonable distance can benefit greatly. Students in the area will have to consider their commute and weekly schedule when finding the perfect in-person class, but there are enough course options out there to fit each person's needs. Plus, this course option provides more motivation not to miss class and encourages increased skill acquisition due to the drive to get the most out of the learning experience. Overall, in-person instruction is one of the most beneficial ways to learn, particularly for those who prefer learning in a more hands-on, interactive setting.
Can I Learn Digital Marketing Free Online?
Students can find free online resources to help with their learning journey. For instance, there are websites, blogs, social media accounts, and YouTube pages dedicated to teaching viewers specific skills, including digital marketing. For instance, there are digital marketing firms that provide tips and tricks on starting a new campaign. Additionally, Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel offers a thorough explanation of various concepts and skills, including those relevant to digital marketing. These are great resources, but should be seen and used as just that—a resource. Professional skill development can’t be learned for free, so it is best to enroll in a course that suits your learning needs and style to gain the most in-depth skills possible.
What Should I Learn Alongside Digital Marketing?
Learning digital marketing is a worthy endeavor on its own; however, many choose to learn additional skills and technologies that relate to the field. This is suggested for a few reasons. First, having additional skills can be advantageous during the job search. Additionally, it can help make your current job tasks fewer tedious. For instance, taking a copywriting class can be a useful endeavor. Copywriting requires strong grammatical skills and conciseness. This is a digital marketing technique where the Digital Marketer or Copywriter produces the most precise, engaging, and motivational material to sell products or services. These courses focus more on communication in written form and allow students to use their critical thinking skills.
Additionally, many digital marketing students move on to learn applications, websites, and services that are relevant to digital marketing. For instance, some may enroll in classes that teach Google Analytics, which is a web analytics service used to perform data analysis. Digital Marketers use this to gain insight into their success rates. In addition, Adobe Creative Cloud is used across many industries and fields. Applications like InDesign, Express, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro may be worthwhile to learn, so taking a course that focuses specifically on one or more of those applications can make digital marketing tasks easier and more effective.
Industries That Use Digital Marketing
Any industry that functions through increased sales and profits typically needs a well-developed marketing department. This includes digital marketing experts who thrive on promoting the brand in a multitude of digital spaces. In particular, retailers and manufacturers use digital marketing for their goods and services. Additionally, the entertainment industry uses digital marketing techniques to entice new clients, consumers, and viewers. These are more obvious industries that use digital marketing, but others such as education and healthcare also require marketing teams to promote new ideas, concerns, and company changes. Many schools and hospitals have social media pages that bridge the communicative gap between the surrounding area and the institution. All in all, digital marketing is a necessary part of existing as a business in today’s modern world and should be considered thoroughly.
Retail and Manufacturing
The retail and manufacturing industries are remarkably similar, inextricably bound, and supported by one another. Manufacturers play an integral role in supporting retail businesses and vice versa. More specifically, manufacturing businesses supply retailers with products to sell to consumers. Another similarity is that retailers and manufacturers use digital marketing techniques to show different products and services. Digital marketing campaigns across social media, email, and other digital spaces allow the retail industry to thrive. Additionally, retailers and manufacturers can use SEO to increase web traffic. Ultimately, digital marketing plays an integral role in the success of any business that sells consumer goods or offers services. All in all, companies in this industry need to have a strong digital marketing team to succeed.
In Atlanta, there is a strong presence in both the retail and manufacturing industries. In fact, in the state of Georgia, retail accounts for 28% of all jobs. In addition, the state ranks in the top 20 for manufacturing jobs and first for distribution and supply chain. With this in mind, it is no surprise that jobs in these industries are so popular amongst Atlanta residents. In particular, retail companies such as Brilliant Earth, Peloton, Aptos Retail, Good2Grow, Faire, Peachtree Packaging & Display, and Belk are all housed in Atlanta. Additionally, The Coca-Cola Company, WestRock Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, and Roark Capital Group Inc. Are among a few of the many prominent manufacturing companies in the region.
Healthcare
Even healthcare companies and institutions employ digital marketing teams. Digital healthcare marketing can help build credibility, establish direct bonds with patients, and educate the community about up-to-date health data for the region. Hospitals, insurance companies, pharmacies, and other healthcare-related companies use social media, email, SEO, and other digital marketing techniques to convey important messages about new policies, services, and products. For example, a hospital may have a weekly newsletter. A medical spa may share information about promotional services via Instagram or Facebook. With the right digital marketing tactics, healthcare companies can ensure their patients and community members are informed and healthy.
Healthcare is also one of Atlanta’s top industries, with HealthTech seeing particular growth as a result. Healthcare technology has become more necessary as advancements have emerged, which accounts for the rapid rise of HealthTech. In Atlanta, HealthTech’s success can be attributed to the diverse healthcare systems, various startups, and advanced data analytics fields in the region. Some of Atlanta’s highest-ranked medical institutions include Emory University Hospital, Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, and Northside Hospital Atlanta. Healthcare companies in the region such as CVS Health, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealth Group, DaVita, Labcorp, Mayo Clinic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all use digital marketing to thrive.
Education
Higher education institutions, EdTech companies, and school districts all benefit from digital marketing as well to establish a bond with the students, entice new applicants, and promote products and services. For instance, many universities take note of their students’ interest in social media platforms. A university may have a Digital Marketer or Social Media Strategist run an Instagram or TikTok account to share content, connect with followers, share information about events, and increase general interest in the institution. As a result of effective digital marketing strategies, the school may increase profits and overall growth due to apparel and sporting event sales or tuition.
Numerous schools, universities, and research centers call Atlanta home, including Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Spelman College. Plus, EdTech is on the rise as well. Companies such as Intellum, Promethean, Docebo, ClassFlow, Incident IQ, C2 Education, and Venu are thriving in Atlanta. Each institution or company uses digital marketing in some form, so there is plenty of space for marketing professionals and former education professionals to find space at these organizations.
Entertainment
Movies, television shows, video games, event centers, and amusement parks alike use digital marketing techniques to entice viewers to purchase their goods and services. For example, the best way to promote a new show or event decades ago was to hang a bright, large poster for passersby to see. In recent times, commercials and trailers have taken priority over print advertisements due to the ease of distribution and circulation. For instance, movie trailers can be shared on television, online advertisements, and social media pages. Print advertisements like posters and flyers can now be digitized and shared across email and posted on landing pages. In addition, digital marketing techniques allow creators, businesses, and prominent figures in the entertainment industry to establish their ethos and connect with their fanbase.
Atlanta is often referred to as the Hollywood of the South, with many production studios, sound stages, talent agencies, and entertainment professionals flocking to the area. This is likely due to several reasons, namely the diverse filming locations, strong workforce, advantageous tax incentives, and other cost-effective production opportunities that are appealing to entertainment industry leaders. Just a few notable entertainment and media companies in this region include Tyler Perry Studios, CNN, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Discovery, Altitude Trampoline Parks, INAMAX Powered by Ultra, Live Nation Entertainment, Floyd County Productions, and Heartland Media. With such powerful companies residing in the Atlanta area, it is easy to see why digital marketing professionals seek employment in this industry.
Digital Marketing Job Titles and Salaries
Digital marketing is a skill that affords learners a wide variety of career opportunities. In particular, digital marketing professionals can become Digital Marketers. This role is devoted specifically to digital marketing expertise and techniques, so it is well-suited for those with these skills. Those who want to focus more on the analytics side of marketing can search for Marketing Analyst positions as well. Otherwise, roles such as Social Media Strategists and Paid Search Managers also use their keen digital marketing skills to perform their day-to-day job functions. Overall, these positions are profitable, fulfilling, and worthy of pursuing due to the many personal and professional benefits associated with them.
Digital Marketer
Those with experience in digital marketing can become Digital Marketers. These marketing experts specialize in digital communication across multiple platforms, spaces, and pages. Digital marketing experts create, maintain, and interpret feedback from different digital marketing campaigns. They use SEO techniques, curate content for social media, create digital advertisements, and use backlinks to draw interest and drive sales. They also offer their expertise to various clients and run multiple campaigns at once. Those in the Atlanta area can earn roughly $121,000 according to data compiled from Salary.com.
Marketing Analyst
Marketing Analysts also use their developed marketing skills to understand the effectiveness of previous campaigns and ways to improve the next ones. These marketing professionals specialize in analyzing and reporting on data from various marketing campaigns, researching new engagement opportunities, managing trends in the market, and planning for the next campaign. They often work with multiple platforms and on different campaigns so they must have strong social media and digital marketing skills as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a Marketing Analyst in Atlanta can expect to earn $84,000, which is nearly the same as the national average. Not only that, but the BLS reports that Atlanta is one of the top ten highest employment levels for Marketing Analysts.
Social Media Strategist
Additionally, a Social Media Strategist has strong marketing capabilities. The average Social Media Strategist creates a well-developed plan for social media marketing campaigns. They contribute their digital marketing skills to help meet company goals. Through carefully curated and scheduled posts, they encourage their followers to return to the brand and purchase services or products. In many cases, gaining more interaction with the content can help with brand exposure and even profits if the social media platform is monetized such as a YouTube video. Many Social Media Strategists have strong communication skills, creative abilities, marketing expertise, and research skills to help them learn how to reach their intended audience. Indeed suggests that Social Media Strategists in the Atlanta area earn roughly $56,000, with a more realistic range spanning from $40,000 to $70,000.
Paid Search Manager
Even Paid Search Managers have some understanding of digital marketing concepts, particularly research, search engine use, and analysis. The Paid Search Manager is tasked with generating engagement or sales through search marketing campaigns on websites such as Google. They plan their strategy by conducting research, performing data analysis, and utilizing certain techniques. Some specific tasks include adding keywords, A/B testing, and working with others in the marketing department to develop new campaigns. Data from Indeed also suggests salary expectations for a Paid Search Manager. It is reported that these professionals can earn roughly $72,000 in Atlanta, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Digital Marketing Classes Near Me
Noble Desktop has a Digital Marketing Certificate that teaches students essential digital marketing skills and tools. In particular, students will focus on SEO, paid search, and analytics. In addition, they will study social media marketing strategies and craft a fully developed campaign. Students will learn how to stay relevant in today’s competitive market by utilizing different channels to retain loyal consumers while also obtaining a wider audience. At Noble Desktop, students can benefit from a few added benefits. For example, they can request free setup assistance and choose from different payment plans. They can also take advantage of the additional one-on-one training session to retain as much information as possible. Plus, they can retake the course for free within a year of their original enrollment date. Lastly, they will earn a digital certificate upon completion of the course.
In addition to the certificate course, Noble Desktop also boasts an in-depth Digital Marketing Strategy and Web Fundamentals course that teaches students how to build their brand and create a solid plan for marketing online. Students will learn how to create a full digital marketing strategy from start to finish that they can use on their business website. In addition, they will learn techniques for website optimization, increasing sales, and identifying your target audience. This six-hour course is a great immersion into digital marketing. Students can request setup assistance and benefit from a free retake of the class within one year. In addition, they will earn a verified digital certificate of completion to serve as proof of their newly developed skills.
The American Marketing Association offers a two-day intermediate-level training program in the Atlanta area. Their AMA Digital Marketing Bootcamp provides students with foundational workshops that discuss essential marketing concepts. Students will also practice digital content marketing, SEO, and digital analytics. Plus, as an added bit of fun, the course comes with private access to an exhibit at the Coca-Cola Beverage Tasting Experience, where students can mingle with others and perhaps network with one another. Students will also have access to meals and coffee during the course.
Emory University Continuing Education has a three-month-long course on handling campaigns across different platforms. The Digital Marketing: Build and Launch Better Multichannel Campaigns course teaches students an overview of digital marketing concepts before moving on to discuss more complex topics such as how to perform data analysis, the importance of storytelling, ways to manage multichannel campaigns, and the seven market forces. In addition, there will be a capstone project that can help develop the participant's professional portfolio. Students will earn a program badge from Emory that can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and other online channels. This is issued to each student at the end of the program.
The Digital Marketing Certification Training Course from iCert Global offers over 80 hours of training on essential digital marketing practices. Students will learn how to use Google AdWords, Google Analytics, and social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. In particular, the instructor will guide students through practice sessions on search engine marketing. They will learn the most essential SEO techniques and strategies. Overall, this course aims to prepare participants for passing the Digital Marketing Certification Exam. Students can benefit from help with the exam application process and regular question-and-answer sessions. In addition, iCert Global offers job placement assistance and career counseling.
Students have several course options at Digital Petra at their Atlanta location and live online. This includes their Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Intensive course. Over two weeks, students will learn how to use Google Analytics to turn data into actionable insight. The instructor will teach students how to integrate GA4 into their regular digital marketing strategy. During the activities and lectures, students will learn how to use GA4 for more in-depth practices for data analysis. They will discuss ways to remarket, create different reports, and troubleshoot any issues associated with the interface. Students will feel more confident with their business strategy upon completing the course. In addition, the instructor will help students set up their Google Analytics account. Students who complete the course successfully will earn their digital certificate of attendance and will have access to post-training support.
The Google Analytics 4 course from Certstaffix Training is an immersive overview of the most updated version of Google Analytics. Students will start by learning the newest additions and changes from Google Analytics 3 to Google Analytics 4. Then, the instructor will guide students through functions such as creating real-time and lifecycle reports, tracking events, and integrating a link with Google Ads. There are no prerequisites to this course, but having experience with Google Analytics 3 is helpful. In addition, students can take this course in preparation for the Google Analytics 4 Certification Exam. Students can retake the course for free online within six months of their original enrollment date. Lastly, all successful participants will leave the course with a digital badge and a certificate of completion.
Simplilearn also provides an Advanced Social Media Certification Training course in Atlanta. Students in this course will learn how to develop a strong marketing strategy across different social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and X. Students will complete over 25 projects that emphasize real-world application, offering a realistic experience. For example, students will learn how to partner with influencers to branch out to new target audiences. They will also focus on ways to maintain an online presence so that the brand remains trustworthy and in-demand. Additionally, students will have access to their course material after the class has ended. Those who complete the course successfully will receive their certificate of achievement from Simplilearn.
Digital Marketing Corporate Training
Corporate training can help your organization operate like a well-oiled machine. If you or your team have considered training options for the entire department, the best time to start is now. There are training options nationwide that provide in-person and live online options for organizations and teams that need guidance on a particular skill, software, or concept. Corporate training provides many benefits. Specifically, professional corporate training ensures the lessons learned will easily transfer to the workplace. Learning alongside one another promotes a more productive and enjoyable workspace when the day-to-day operations run smoothly. Moreover, attending training together helps build a work environment and promotes communication, collaboration, and cohesiveness.
Noble Desktop offers such training options. In particular, they provide corporate training across a variety of skills and fields, including digital marketing. Plus, Noble Desktop allows your organization to purchase discounted bulk vouchers for attendance in regular classes. This ensures each person has access to a steady, thorough education. If you have considered corporate training, the offerings at Noble Desktop may be the right option to pursue. For information on options and pricing, please contact corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more and get started soon.