Most well-rounded marketing strategies are going to include both traditional and digital components, but digital marketing has quickly become the most powerful way to promote products and establish a brand identity. Marketing professionals who want to specialize in the latest and most effective digital marketing techniques may consider a certificate program that aims to teach skills for this niche sector of the industry.
So, what can you do with a digital marketing certificate? Below, we offer insight and information about this innovative program, helping guide you toward which option is right for you.
The Essence of Digital Marketing in the Modern Economy
In an age when the vast majority of consumers get their information online, digital marketing plays a powerful role in the success of any brand, regardless of industry. Digital marketing is defined by the American Marketing Association as marketing methods and strategies that utilize any type of computer or electronic device — and for many organizations, their digital marketing strategy anchors their overall marketing plan.
Understanding the Impact of Digital Marketing
The field of digital marketing has grown and evolved in recent years. While it was originally established as an alternative sector of the marketing industry, digital marketing now become the primary component of most marketing campaigns. The impact of digital marketing includes:
- Promoting a global brand identity.
- Accessing a diverse range of consumers.
- Implementing a cost-effective marketing campaign.
- Allowing marketers to create data-driven campaigns.
- Giving organizations the opportunity to engage in real-time feedback with their customers.
The Evolution of Digital Marketing Strategies
The first digital marketing techniques and strategies were developed almost immediately following the introduction of the internet. As the consumer relationship with the internet has changed and broadened over time, digital marketing strategies have evolved to accommodate emerging trends and advanced technologies. Today, digital marketing strategies are driven by data, enhanced by consumer engagement, and optimized to accommodate the wide range of devices used by consumers today.
The Value of a Digital Marketing Certificate
Have you wondered, “What can I do with a digital marketing certificate?” This is a type of program that experienced business professionals and recent graduates may complete in order to specialize in this particular area of marketing. Most certificate programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn a specific, industry-focused skill set, allowing them to develop advanced knowledge about emerging trends and marketing topics. For those looking to increase their marketing skills and specialize in this area, a digital marketing certificate could be valuable.
What a Digital Marketing Certificate Represents
Earning a digital marketing certificate may help showcase your knowledge and skills in the digital marketing sector and job market as well as demonstrate that you have the skills needed to effectively craft impactful digital marketing strategies.
Comparing Certificates, Degrees, and Self-Taught Skills
When it comes to developing practical, technical, and intuitive marketing skills, marketing professionals often pursue a variety of degree programs and learning opportunities. Generally speaking, a four-year degree offers you the ability to develop a foundational understanding of the field in which you are most interested.
After graduating, however, you may want to consider a certificate program. While self-taught skills are valuable and may be gained through professional experience, certificate programs give you the opportunity to develop advanced, industry-specific, and in-demand skills in the field.
Key Areas Covered by Digital Marketing Certificates
In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of the best digital marketing practices, a digital marketing certificate program typically covers these core areas:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Fundamentals
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is defined by Investopedia as the techniques and practices an organization uses to increase visibility online and drive website traffic. Traditionally, SEO has required digital marketers to incorporate strategic keywords into website content and metadata in an attempt to boost rankings on the search engine results page (SERP). As the top search engine algorithms continually change, marketers must stay abreast of the latest SEO developments and adapt accordingly. A digital marketing certificate should review the fundamentals of SEO and help students build the necessary skills to stay aware of ongoing changes in this marketing sector.
Mastering Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing plays a pivotal part in any digital marketing strategy, which is why most digital marketing certificate programs provide an in-depth look at the best practices in modern social media marketing. From understanding consumer behavior on social media to identifying the best social media platforms to leverage, this type of certificate program focuses on specific areas of social media marketing to help digital marketers expand their skills in this area.
Content Marketing Strategies
Content marketing is another key element of digital marketing, and the best content marketing strategies are constantly shifting and evolving. Defined as the process of creating targeted content to increase online visibility and develop brand trust — whether through webpages, blog articles, videos, and more — content marketing has a central role in consumer perception and brand identity.
Email Marketing Techniques
Email marketing is one of the most traditional elements within the digital marketing sector, yet it is still critical to a brand’s overall success. A digital marketing certificate program should cover the most advanced email marketing techniques, allowing marketers to better understand the best ways to attract and retain customers through targeted email messages.
Career Paths Unlocked: What Can You Do With a Digital Marketing Certificate?
A digital marketing certificate covers advanced marketing topics, including market research analytics and advertising design strategies, so you may develop the skills needed for a range of marketing career opportunities. Intentionally designed to emphasize in-demand professional skills, a digital marketing certificate could help you learn how to:
- Develop and launch a product.
- Align value propositions with consumer behavior trends.
- Leverage integrated marketing communications.
- Manage client relations and drive growth for your organization.
In developing these newfound skills, you may be able to consider a new career path in marketing, such as:
Digital Marketing Specialist
A digital marketing specialist is defined by the Indeed as a marketing professional who specializes in developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns for an organization. A digital marketing specialist may be employed by a marketing firm or work directly for an organization as part of its marketing team. Generally, a digital marketing specialist focuses on the key elements of digital marketing, such as content marketing, SEO strategy, email marketing, and social media marketing.
Content Strategist
Content strategists are marketing professionals who specialize in content marketing. They work to create and develop targeted content that increases brand recognition and improves visibility online. A content strategist may have a number of responsibilities, such as:
- Completing market research to understand the best approaches to content management for an organization.
- Managing a team of content writers who create engaging and relevant content for the brand.
- Developing a content strategy that ensures regular content is published.
- Identifying keywords that should be targeted and incorporated within the content.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is a digital marketing professional focused on social media marketing. They are often responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing a social media strategy for an organization. According to the BLS, social media specialists are experts in consumer engagement, and they tend to know the best ways to interact and engage with the organization’s target audience. Some common job responsibilities of a social media manager include:
- Creating a social media plan for the organization.
- Developing social media protocols to use when interacting with consumers online.
- Creating and posting content to the brand’s social platforms.
- Responding to and interacting with brand followers on all social platforms.
SEO and SEM Consultant
A search engine optimization or search engine marketing consultant is a marketing specialist who works closely with clients to develop an effective, impactful SEO strategy. SEO and SEM consultants are typically responsible for:
- Performing industry-specific research in order to identify the best keywords to target within the SEO strategy.
- Collecting and analyzing data about the organization’s performance online.
- Creating and updating content to optimize it in a way that increases visibility online and improves rankings on the search engine results page.
Enhancing Your Entrepreneurial Journey
By investing in your skills and developing an in-depth understanding of the digital marketing landscape, you may also consider pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities in the field. Entrepreneurial opportunities allow you to forge your own professional path and enjoy creativity and flexibility in your career.
Leveraging Digital Marketing for Business Growth
As a digital marketing consultant, you could help businesses across all industries leverage the power of digital marketing as they work to grow and expand their reach. In some cases, you may simply evaluate the organization’s current practices and provide them with advice and insight as to how they could best improve their digital marketing strategies. In other cases, you may work to rebuild and redevelop their digital marketing plan for them.
Digital Strategies for Startups
Additionally, you may consider a career in which you create dynamic and targeted digital strategies for startup businesses. Small business owners might have expertise in their own specific area, but they sometimes struggle with creating marketing plans. In this context, you could help them leverage the power of digital marketing in a way that is convenient and affordable for them.
Freelancing Opportunities in Digital Marketing
What can you do with a digital marketing certificate in the freelance realm? There are opportunities in the digital marketing field for those interested in freelance work. Freelance opportunities are often desirable because they give marketing professionals the ability to carve out their own schedules and pursue the work they are most interested in.
Building a Freelance Digital Marketing Business
Building a freelance digital marketing business requires an investment of your time and resources, but the result can be well worth it. According to Indeed, you might launch a freelance career in digital marketing by:
- Focusing on a specialized area of digital marketing to attract clients who are most interested in that niche skill set.
- Investing in professional development and earning a digital marketing certificate.
- Leveraging the digital marketing skills you possess to create your own website and build your brand online.
Networking and Finding Clients
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of a freelance digital marketing career is that you must attract and retain your own clients. Through networking in your local area and increasing your brand visibility online, you may begin to promote your services to the clients who need them most.
Curious About Marketing in the Digital Age? Discover Your Path at Post University
Interested in marketing? Post University offers a Graduate Certificate in Marketing that covers essential digital marketing concepts, including integrated marketing communications, consumer behavior, and marketing analytics. These skills may help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Request more information about our online graduate certificate and degree programs today.
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