10 Digital Marketing Courses You Can Take for Free During COVID-19

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought normal life to a standstill. Businesses have been forced to halt their operations and stock markets have gone into a downward spiral. Massive lockdowns to combat the spread of COVID-19 are already taking a toll on the economy. Bloomberg has predicted that this could cost the global economy $2.3 trillion.

Whether you’re self-employed or work for a company, the financial repercussions of this crisis will hit you. Experts have already started warning about an imminent global recession. Moreover, online traffic and conversion rates in most industries have already started plummeting. The situation is particularly alarming for marketers and content creators. 

Image via Neil Patel

The only silver lining is that you now have more free time in hand. The only way to put a spin on these grim circumstances is to judiciously utilize your free time and learn new things. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a salaried employee, it might be a wise idea to brush up your digital marketing skills. From promoting your business on social media to building a successful online store – digital marketing offers immense potential.

The best part is that the internet is replete with a plethora of online digital marketing courses. You can learn the tricks of the trade at your convenience from the comfort of your home. It is, however, crucial to select a recognized and trusted course. You should carefully analyze the course curriculum and determine whether it’ll help you achieve your goals.

Even if you’re pressed for money right now, you can choose from a wide array of free digital marketing courses. Here’s a list to help you make an informed decision:

1. Blogging for Business by Ahrefs

Have you been planning to try your hands at blogging? Perhaps you already have a blog but you’re struggling with building a loyal audience? Or do you want to convert your readers into paying customers? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, Blogging for Business is the right digital marketing course for you.

From basic topics including niche selection and keyword research to advanced strategies such as link building and monetization – this course covers everything. It has been divided into ten comprehensive modules comprising resourceful video tutorials. Moreover, it features insightful interviews with seasoned bloggers and digital marketing experts. The course has been developed by Ahrefs CMO and product advisor Tim Soulo.

What sets it apart from other digital marketing courses is that you don’t need any prior experience with blogging. It is just as suitable for amateurs as it is for professional bloggers. The course duration is under five hours and can be easily covered over a weekend.

Image via Ahrefs

2. SEO Courses by Moz

SEO is one of the most crucial digital marketing techniques that can skyrocket your website traffic and conversion. If you want to master the art of SEO, head straight to Moz. While Moz doesn’t offer a consolidated free course, you will find a plethora of valuable resources on various aspects of SEO.

From keyword research and on-page SEO to local SEO and site audits – Moz assembles detailed blog posts on various topics under one roof. If you’re a novice in the world of SEO, don’t forget to check out the Beginner’s Guide to SEO. If you want to quickly revise the core concepts, take a look at the Guide to SEO, an hour-long video series.

Image via Moz

You will also find useful resources on other topics of digital marketing including social media optimization, influencer marketing, content marketing, etc. In addition to these free resources, you can also check out Moz Academy for more courses. However, these courses aren’t available for free.

Image via Moz

3. 14-Day Script Challenge by Harmon Brothers

If you’re even remotely familiar with the world of digital marketing, you likely already know about the crucial role of videos. However, writing a script for a video can be a herculean task for beginners. This is where the 14-Day Script Challenge steps into the picture. It has been developed by Daniel Harmon, who has created popular video ads for Squatty Potty, Purple, Chatbooks, etc.

The course takes you through various stages of scripting, from ideation and development to research and writing. Daniel and his team also share various tips and insights on creating effective video ads that drive conversions. It follows a hand-on approach wherein you get to work on various workbook exercises. You also get access to step-by-step instruction and guided lectures by Daniel.

Image via Harmon Brothers University

4. DigitalMarketer Lab

If you’re looking for an all-in-one digital marketing course that to hone your skills, DigitalMarketer Lab is the right fit. It includes eleven comprehensive certification courses that cover social media, email marketing, search marketing, paid media, content marketing, etc. You also get access to 36 step-by-step checklists that help you execute complex marketing campaigns.

A distinguishing feature of this course is that remarkable community support. When you join the course, you’re made a part of an exclusive Facebook group where you can share any queries. The members, mostly comprising other marketers, are quite active and eager to resolve your queries at any time. While DigitalMarketer Lab is a paid course, you can avail of a 14-day trial period.

Image via DigitalMarketer

5. Growth Marketing Training by CXL Institute

Growth Marketing Training is a power-packed hands-on course taught by leading industry practitioners. The curriculum is regularly updated according to the latest trends in growth marketing. It covers various aspects including quantitative and analytical skills, technical know-how, copywriting, program management, etc.

The course material comprises comprehensive video lectures that can be accessed at any suitable time. After completing the course, you can take the certification test to become a CXL Certified Growth Marketing Specialist. It’s a paid course and comes with a 7-day trial for $1. It’s ideal for serious marketers and entrepreneurs who want to skyrocket their company’s growth.

Image via CXL

6. SEO Specialization by Coursera

Offered by UC Davis, this comprehensive course equips you with the right skill set to become an SEO expert. It’s a series of specialized courses; each course focuses on a specific aspect of SEO. It starts with basic theoretical concepts such as search engine algorithms, ranking factors, etc.

Thereafter, it delves into advanced topics including on-page, off-page, and technical SEO, social media optimizations, and site audits. SEO Specialization also includes practical assignments that give you a hands-on experience of working on actual projects. You also get a certificate after the successful completion of the course.

Image via Coursera

7. Social Media Marketing Specialization by Coursera

If you’re looking for an up-to-date course based on the latest social media trends, this is the one for you. It combines five courses that focus on different facets of social media marketing. You’ll learn tried and tested techniques to increase your reach, boost audience engagement, and leverage social media analytics. This course is also suitable for anyone who aspires to become a social media influencer.

Image via Coursera

8. The Strategy of Content Marketing by Coursera

Developed by Copyblogger and UC Davis Extension, this course delves deep into the art of content marketing. It follows a step-by-step approach to help you develop and execute a successful content marketing strategy. You also get insider tips on writing high-quality content and establishing your authority. Additionally, you’ll learn techniques to monitor your strategy and measure its performance.

Image via Coursera

9. Introduction to Personal Branding by Coursera

Whether you’re an influencer, a blogger, or an entrepreneur, brand building is one of the most crucial and challenging tasks. Introduction to Personal Branding is a detailed yet concise course that teaches you the right techniques to establish authority and build your brand. It starts with basic steps such as setting your brand’s mission and assigning a picture to it.

Thereafter, you learn effective strategies to build your presence and increase your visibility on various social media channels. The instructor also shares tips for managing your brand’s reputation and privacy.

10. eCommerce Freedom Blueprint

Developed by serial entrepreneur Jeremy Ong, eCommerce Freedom Blueprint is suitable for anyone who aspires to have a steady flow of passive income. It covers effective techniques and strategies to help you build a profitable and sustainable eCommerce business. It helps you identify your niche, select the right product, and find suitable suppliers.

You also learn powerful techniques to build your brand, increase website traffic, retarget website visitors, and boost conversion rates. The best part is that you don’t need any prior experience or capital to leverage this course. While this is a paid course, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Image via HUSTLR

Conclusion

The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on businesses across the globe. With salary cuts and layoffs lurking around the corner, this might be a good time to upgrade your skills. Whether you want to strengthen your resume or increase your business’s online visibility, digital marketing courses are of great help.

Have you joined any digital marketing course recently? Share your experience in the comments section below.