8 Industry-Recognized Digital Marketing Certificates + How to Get One

Getting a digital marketing certificate in 2024

A digital marketing certificate can be a valuable asset as more companies across industries increase their marketing budgets and efforts to reach customers online. Gartner’s 2022 State of Marketing Budget and Strategy Report reveals that financial services, travel and hospitality, and tech product companies exhibit the most notable increases in marketing budget [1]. Digital marketing accounts for 56 percent of total marketing budget allocations [1]. 

While digital marketing refers to marketing companies do online rather than offline, the field is broad, encompassing SEO marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, display ads, and other paid advertising methods. Given all the possibilities in digital marketing, it’s important to keep your skills current to meet today’s business demands. Discover some of the most important reasons to earn a digital marketing certificate and how to get started, along with certificate and certification programs you can consider.

Did you know that nearly every US industry has seen an increase in AI-related job postings [2]? You can stay competitive and build job-ready skills by enrolling in the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate, recently updated with practical AI training.

Benefits of digital marketing certification 

Getting a certificate in digital marketing can offer several career benefits. One important benefit of a digital marketing certificate program is that you can build in-demand, job-ready skills in this field, including navigating social media platforms, using CRM tools, and analyzing marketing data. 

A digital marketing certificate’s benefits may also include exploring your creative and strategic sides, learning new technologies, and networking with other digital marketers inside a structured learning experience. 

In addition, a digital marketing certificate may afford you more job prospects in the digital marketing world. For example, graduates of the Digital Marketing Institute’s certificate programs have found jobs at companies like Google, Meta, Amazon, Disney, TikTok, and Fitbit. 

Roles you may qualify for include: 

• Digital marketing analyst

• Digital marketing specialist

• Digital marketing manager

• Social media manager

• Social media specialist 

• Email marketing manager

• SEO consultant

• Content marketer

• Copywriter 

Read more: How to Get a Job in Digital Marketing

According to Payscale, people with a digital media certificate earn, on average, $65,000 per year in the US as of October 2024 [3].

8 industry-recognized digital marketing certificates 

Explore eight digital marketing certificates and certification programs. These programs are offered by well-known brands and industry leaders, available online, and take registrants through a comprehensive digital marketing journey. They provide a credential upon completion that you can display online. 

For each certification, find out what you’ll learn, the cost to register and complete, the prerequisites you’ll need, and the time it takes to complete. 

Related certifications 

In addition to the comprehensive digital marketing certificates and certifications above, you might consider programs that focus on specific skill sets. These can be great ways to build upon foundational skills or qualify for a job that requires more specialized knowledge of digital marketing. 

Below, find some credentials in different focus areas. 

Search engine marketing certifications: 

• Google Ads Search Certification

• Google Ads Display Certification 

• Microsoft Advertising Certifications

Analytics certificates: 

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

• Meta Marketing Analytics Professional Certificate

Digital marketing software credentials: 

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud Administrator, Marketing Cloud Consultant, and Marketing Cloud Developer certifications

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud Email Specialist 

Customer relationship management (CRM) certificates: 

• Salesforce Sales Development Representative Professional Certificate

• Introduction to CRM with HubSpot

Social media marketing credentials:

• Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate

• Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification Course

Read more: 7 Industry-Recognized Social Media Marketing Certifications + How to Get One

Is a digital marketing certificate worth it?

A digital marketing certificate can be a worthwhile credential to help you build your skills and further your career in digital marketing. Given the growing demand for professionals with this skill set, you can make yourself a more attractive job candidate by pursuing a digital marketing certificate and staying up to date with developments in the field. It can also help you advance in your current position.

How to get a digital marketing certificate online 

Follow the steps below to begin your certification journey: 

1. Identify your digital marketing goals.

Get clear on what you want to achieve as a digital marketer, from skills you want to master to a career path you want to follow. That way you can select a certification to help you reach those goals. Read some examples of goals you can draw from to articulate your own: 

• Learn digital marketing techniques and launch your own business.

• Build upon foundational digital marketing skills with specialized or advanced knowledge in a particular topic area, such as SEO, email marketing, or analytics.

• Pursue a career in digital marketing or advance into a leadership position in this field.

2. Select the best digital marketing certificate program for you. 

Use the table above as a starting point, and research different digital marketing certificates and certification programs to select the one that aligns with your goals. Ask yourself these questions as you review programs: 

• What is the cost?

• How long does it take to prepare for and take the exam?

• Does the certificate program offer coursework leading up to the exam? 

• What skills and areas of knowledge does the program cover? 

• How do the program outcomes correspond to skills employers are looking for? 

3. Register for and complete the training material. 

Once you’ve chosen a program, your next step is to complete the coursework or training material. Be sure to allow enough time in your schedule to learn the skills your certification or certificate program measures, and be mindful of any deadlines by which you must take a certifying exam.

4. Share your credentials. 

Once you complete a program and/or pass a certifying exam, display your credential online on your social media profiles, in an email signature, or on a website or portfolio. Displaying your credential online means you can represent your skills and knowledge visually and potentially attract the attention of employers.

Read more: How to List Certifications on Your Resume: Guide + Examples

5. Update your skills periodically. 

As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, it’s important to update your skills periodically so that you can take on real-world business challenges effectively and remain competitive in the job market. 

Depending on the digital marketing certificate or certification program you complete, you may need to recertify on a regular basis in order to keep your credential. Recertification can ensure that you have mastered the latest skills, techniques, approaches, and technologies in digital marketing.

You can also sign up for an additional digital marketing certification course (or course without a certification) in a specific focus area to supplement your foundational knowledge base. 

Get your digital marketing certificate with Coursera 

Explore the options below to learn job-ready digital marketing skills, such as reaching customers on social media, through email, and via search engines, as well as using marketing analytics to make powerful decisions.