17 Ways to Learn Digital Marketing Online in 2021

There are so many factors to consider in digital marketing and the tools that we use can be key to success. 

In my role as a Senior Digital Strategist, I’ve found that one of the most effective tactics you can take is to master your tools. If you know how to use your tools, and how to use them well, you will be able to increase your impact, save time, and get ahead of the competition.

So whatever tools or platforms you use, you should also become an expert in those tools. 

This is particularly important for digital marketing because the tools and the platforms change on a daily basis. Sometimes without any warning at all, a platform that you’ve used regularly can be completely reformatted.  All this change can make it more difficult for you to do your job and put you behind your competitors. By keeping on top of the latest techniques the abilities of your platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads, Shopify and other tools, you will set yourself up to excel.

One of the things that’s great about digital marketing is that most of the popular platforms have their own Academy with training built-in, online, and for free. That means you can increase the productivity of your team without significant outlay.

Google Analytics 

First up is Google Analytics. If you have a website or an app that links to a website, then you should absolutely be using Google analytics. And Google Analytics users should look into getting certified in Google Analytics.

Is Google Analytics hard to learn?

Google Analytics is not difficult to learn, however, the platform is constantly evolving, so it takes practice to become an expert. But it’s worth it. Mastering this tool and help you to get a better understanding of how your customers use your website, what they are looking for but they’re not finding and what you can do to make your experience better. 

How much does it cost to get certified in Google Analytics?

It is completely free to install Google Analytics and doing so allows you to use a host of other Google tools like Search Console for SEO, Google Ads for PPC, Google Merchant and more. Luckily Google offers a free Google Analytics Academy training and certification to help you to get to grips with the features on this brilliant tool. 

Does Google Offer Other Free Courses?

Yes. Google offers lots of online training to support content creators, marketers, developers, and business intelligence analysts. Here are a few:

• PPC – Google Ads Training at Google Skillshop

• General Digital – Google Digital Garage

• Learn Coding – Google Codelab

Shopify Training

For users of Shopify it’s absolutely essential to become a student at the Shopify Partner Academy. Like Google Academy, the Shopify academy is completely free and if you’re running a Shopify site it will help you to use the platform better and be more effective with all your eCommerce activities.

Who should do Shopify Training?

With all the changes going on I’ve been recommending that people who run bricks and mortar shops look into upskilling their front of house staff using this Academy. As the economic situation changes even front of house staff who do not choose to become part of the e-commerce team in the long term, will benefit from having a better understanding of the tools of the business. 

Yoast for WordPress SEO

For WordPress users, Yoast is absolutely essential. Not only is the Yoast SEO plugin one of the year most efficient tools in a WordPress SEO, the Yoast Academy offers you great insights into specific SEO tactics for the platform. 

Is Yoast Academy Free?

Yoast Academy is freemium. So you can get an introductory level of content for free before you pay. This means that you can try out the platform before you commit to any expenditure. Even without formally subscribing to the academy, there are amazing tips and information to be learnt from their blog and newsletter.

Learn Instagram Marketing

If you’re a fan of Instagram, then you should absolutely be subscribing to the Later newsletter. Later are the team behind an app that allows you to schedule Instagram posts and stories. 

When you join their newsletter you’re also getting the latest and most thorough Instagram information that I’ve seen on the web. 

They host an annual event called Latercon, which features Instagram influencers, Instagram and please and those who have mastered the grid. The blog has a raft of resources for best practice and strategies for content. List of the clients is impressive for a reason and you’re serious about Instagram, I cannot recommend it enough.

Big List of Even More Places to Learn Digital Marketing Online

Still hungry for digital marketing knowledge? Then here’s a rundown of more free sites where you can learn digital skills.

• Hubspot Academy

• Facebook Blueprint

• Amazon Advertising 

• Udacity

• Microsoft Advertising Learning Lab

• Moz Academy

• SEM Rush Academy

• YouTube Creator Academy

• Leet Code

• Code Academy

At Optix we have our Digital Academy offering which includes online, live and bespoke training options.

Happy learning! And please contact our team if you need support on your digital journey.