Best Marketing Certificates & Courses: Learn The Basics & Master The Strategies

Whether you’re new to marketing or already a marketer, it’s recommended that you get yourself certified and become a Google, Facebook or LinkedIn certified marketing professional.

Since I usually run paid ads on Google, Facebook and LinkedIn, I’m more familiar with their certifications. However, do feel free to get certified in other marketing channels, especially those that you’re interested in or intend to run ads on.

Also, there are online courses that are useful in helping you learn the fundamentals and master the art of marketing.

Here are some marketing certifications and courses you can consider taking.

Ad Platform Certifications

First and foremost, I strongly recommend that you complete the ad platform certifications.

Cause these certifications are directly from the ad platforms, the content will be up-to-date and include the latest features.

Also, such certifications have high credibility.

To run Google ads, isn’t it better to be Google certified? I mean, you’d rather hire a Google certified marketer to run your Google ads than a non-Google certified person right?

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Google Skillshop Certifications

Develop skills and master Google tools with e-learning courses designed by Google product experts. You can learn at your own pace with this free online training.

Here are some Google Ads certificates that I think are important

• Google Ads Search Certification
• Google Ads Display Certification
• Google Ads Video Certification
• Google Ads Shopping Certification: If shopping campaigns are available in your country & you’re planning to run this

There are Google Analytics courses too. Bear in mind that Universal Analytics will be replaced by Google Analytics 4 in July 2023. So it’s better to learn Google Analytics 4.

Other courses that you can consider learning are Google Marketing Platform and Google My Business.

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Meta Blueprint & Certifications: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram & WhatsApp

Meta Blueprint includes free online courses that help build your marketing skills across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. This is good to learn the basics and build your foundation.

You can take this a step further by taking Meta Certifications. But note that these certifications (unlike Google) are not free.

There are a variety of Meta Certifications. I’ve done the Media Buying certification a long time ago where I need to go down to the testing center. You’ll have to register online, choose your preferred testing location (online or at a test center) and complete the payment process. Note that if you choose the online exam, you need to ensure that your computer meets the testing system requirements.

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LinkedIn Marketing Labs Certifications

LinkedIn offers free online training. You can prepare for the certification exams with the optional courses and practice tests.

There are 3 certifications:

• Fundamentals
• Marketing Strategy
• Content and Creative Design

If you pass the exams, you’ll be awarded credentials that can be shared on your LinkedIn profile.

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Marketing Courses From Learning Platforms

On top of certifications from specific ad channels, you can also learn about marketing from online courses. Some learning platforms will offer certifications.

Do check whether these certifications are recognized in your country and industry and consider getting them if they’re in demand and actually impress employers and recruiters.

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Bonus Tip: Hands-On Learning With Real-Life Campaigns

Personally, I think the best way to improve your marketing skills is to run campaigns. Whether it’s for your own business or someone else’s business, you’ll gain experience that you can learn from. For example, I learn that some channels and ad formats are better for certain industries after years of running several campaigns.

Also, you might have your own bag of tricks. For instance, there might be some go-to optimization tactics that you always use when a campaign is performing poorly.

These marketing strategies and tactics are things that you learn after running numerous campaigns. And they’re really valuable!

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Now It’s Your Turn

What certifications do you have? How were the examinations?

Do you have any recommendations for marketing courses?