Not since the arrival of social media has a new digital technology offered such promise, but also so many potential challenges.

But what is ChatGPT, you may ask? It’s hard to believe that a tool capable of understanding and generating human-like speech was, until recently, confined to science fiction.

But ChatGPT has rapidly garnered attention for its potential to reshape how we interact with technology, not to mention streamline a staggering array of tasks in sectors including digital marketing.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: “What is ChatGPT?” focusing, in particular, on how you can use it to enhance your digital marketing practice. 

We’ll cover the following topics in detail:

1. What is ChatGPT?
   • A brief history
   • Features
   • Implications
2. How to use ChatGPT
3. Some of the best uses for ChatGPT
4. Key takeaways

Ready to explore the world of ChatGPT? Let’s dive in.

1. What is ChatGPT?

What is ChatGPT? In short, ChatGPT is a groundbreaking chatbot developed by the privately held artificial intelligence research lab, OpenAI. But this oversimplifies it—ChatGPT is not just any chatbot.

What makes the tool so powerful is its ability to comprehend and complete a wide range of complex tasks, all of which involve understanding and producing human-like language.

ChatGPT can complete tasks including content generation (probably what it is best known for) but also things like writing and debugging computer code, explaining complex concepts in straightforward terms, supporting data analytics, and even providing creative ideas for projects.

This versatility means ChatGPT has potential applications in many sectors and topic areas. To fully grasp its significance, it’ll help to learn more about where it has come from and where it is going.

A brief history

The quest for artificial intelligence (AI) has been a long one. Researchers have been trying to create machines that could mimic human intelligence for decades.

Over that time, the journey has seen significant milestones, from the early days of symbolic AI in the 1960s and 70s (which involved teaching machines to follow sets of rules, although—crucially—without the ability to adapt or go beyond these rules) to the adaptable and far more sophisticated era of neural networks and machine learning that is now upon us.

The evolution of these technologies has laid the foundation for an area of AI research known as natural language processing (NLP). This involves creating models capable of understanding and generating human-like text.

Many public and private organizations have been working towards this goal by developing so-called “large language models” (LLMs). However, OpenAI was the first to go public with its tool.

At the heart of ChatGPT lies the revolutionary GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) LLM. This large language model is pre-trained on vast amounts of text data, enabling it to learn the intricacies of human language and generate coherent and context-accurate text outputs in response.

OpenAI harnessed the power of GPT to create its eponymous tool, and the rest, as they say, is history!

ChatGPT first launched in November 2022. While there are many measures of its impact, ChatGPT’s app had the fastest-growing user base of all time (if that’s any indicator of its success!) until the arrival of Meta’s Threads in July 2023.

But, while Threads’ userbase seems to be declining, that’s certainly not the case for ChatGPT.

Features

Now we know a little about the history of ChatGPT, let’s explore some features that set this groundbreaking tool apart:

• Natural language comprehension: Trained on massive amounts of text data, ChatGPT can comprehend and respond to text inputs of almost any kind and in multiple languages.
• Conversational engagement: ChatGPT can hold engaging and (within the limits of its training data) context-aware conversations, recalling previous inputs to make the conversation as natural as possible.
• Text generation: The tool’s ability to produce human-sounding text makes it excellent for the purposes of content creation.
• Programming assistance: Developers can use ChatGPT to support their coding efforts, for example, by using the tool to produce examples or explanations and to debug code.
• Research support: Researchers can use ChatGPT to summarise large amounts of text information, aiding their work.
• Ideas generation: ChatGPT is excellent at brainstorming ideas and suggesting creative concepts. Not all of these are good ones but it’s a starting point!
• Interactive encyclopedia: Having been trained on a vast knowledge base, ChatGPT can answer questions on topics ranging from science and history to math and mythology. At present, its main limitation is that it cannot report on current events due to its training data cut-off point (often more poetically known as the “knowledge horizon”)

In addition, users willing (and able) to pay for ChatGPT Plus benefit from additional perks such as faster response rates, access to new features and updates, and increased availability during peak times. But the free version is still pretty solid!

Implications

It goes without saying that the introduction of ChatGPT—and tools like it—carries implications for how we do business, not to mention for society at large. Depending on how we move forward with AI, these have the potential to be both positive and negative. 

Some positive impacts include:

• Improving productivity: In a world where governments measure their economic success on productivity, ChatGPT can streamline various tasks. It not only boosts productivity at the individual level but also for organizations and whole economies.
• Global connectivity: The tool’s multilingual abilities break down language barriers, potentially improving communication on a global scale. In the future, this could promote improved cross-border collaboration, facilitating international business negotiations, diplomacy, and cultural exchanges. Universal translator, anyone? (We’re not quite there yet, but we may be soon!)
• Educational support: ChatGPT is a great tool for helping learners understand complex concepts or providing context-specific explanations.
• Innovation and creativity: From product design to digital marketing campaigns, ChatGPT can spark fresh thinking in many key business areas (just don’t ask it to tell any jokes!)

Of course, it pays to take a balanced view. Any new technology, particularly one adopted at the speed and on the scale of ChatGPT, has potential downsides, too. Here are some possible negative impacts worth considering:

• • Misinformation: Although it has safeguards, there’s a risk that ChatGPT and similar tools could be maladapted to spread misinformation or generate hate content. OpenAI is actively working on guardrails and content moderation to minimize this risk, but it remains an ongoing area of concern.
  • Privacy: Although OpenAI implements data security measures, there is always a risk when users have a conversation with ChatGPT that involves divulging sensitive information.
  • Bias and discrimination: Large language models like ChatGPT can inadvertently reflect biases in their training data. The AI development community is finding ways to reduce these biases to try and ensure these systems reflect the ideals of a more just, equitable society. But again, this is an ongoing area of concern.

• Cultural clashes: Who decides on the ethics of AI output? Nobody wants to create a chatbot that produces hate speech, but not all moral concerns are so clear-cut. Cultural belief systems differ. What one culture deems as an acceptable AI output could be considered offensive or inappropriate in another context.

• Intellectual property concerns: Since ChatGPT generates text based on existing training data, there are serious concerns regarding intellectual property—especially when it generates content resembling copyrighted material. This may lead to legal disputes in the future, while also raising more profound questions about the underlying value of human creativity.

Although many AI professionals are working to address these concerns, it’s still necessary to acknowledge them. As AI technology continues to evolve, collaboration between technology companies, policymakers, and society at large is of paramount importance.

2. How to use ChatGPT

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, using ChatGPT is very self-explanatory. The trickiest part is figuring out how to adjust your prompts for specific use cases. 

Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Access ChatGPT: Visit the OpenAI website (or a platform that integrates with ChatGPT, such as Bing). If you’re not logged in, do so. You can easily sign in using an existing email address.
2. Choose your plan: Select a plan that suits your needs. The tool automatically defaults to the free plan. For $20/month, OpenAI also offers ChatGPT Plus, which offers access to the latest and most capable model, faster response speeds, and beta features like live browsing and advanced data analysis.
3. Compose your prompt: Now for the fun bit! To interact with ChatGPT, give it a prompt—a statement or question that sets the context for your desired response. Remember: the more information you give ChatGPT, the better its output will be.
4. Talk to ChatGPT: Remember, ChatGPT is a chatbot. It will respond to your prompt in real-time. You can then continue the conversation, and it should remember your earlier prompts and its responses, just like you’re having a real conversation.
5. Experiment: Play with different prompts and styles to get your desired results. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to adjust its tone. For fun, let’s say you’ve asked it: “What is ChatGPT?” and it has given you an output. You could then prompt: “Please repeat that, but in the style of a Valley Girl” to see what it does! Alternatively, if you’re trying to understand a complex topic: “Please repeat that using less technical language”, for example.
6. Review and edit: ChatGPT generates responses based on its training data. But it doesn’t always get things right, and it often comes across as a bit generic. Even if the output sounds convincing, ensure you carefully review and edit it to ensure it’s both factually and grammatically correct and that it matches your preferred style or tone of voice.

The best way to learn how to use ChatGPT is to give it a go. 

Our top tip? Talk to it (or, at least, write to it) like a person. After years of using Google, we’ve grown accustomed to interacting with tech as if we’re using a search engine.

ChatGPT is more sophisticated. If it doesn’t produce the desired output, correct it the same way you’d correct a colleague if they got something wrong. You’ll be surprised how well this works.

Want more help with prompts? Check out this guide for more detailed information and specific prompts tailored for digital marketing.

3. Some of the best uses for ChatGPT

As we’ve already learned, ChatGPT’s versatility means it can aid in a wide variety of tasks in very different domains. This is what makes it such a revolutionary tool. 

Here are some of its best use cases for digital marketing:

• Content generation: ChatGPT can produce drafts of various kinds of content, including blog posts, articles, social media captions, product descriptions, video scripts, and email marketing campaigns.
• Digital marketing strategy: Use ChatGPT to streamline tasks related to digital marketing strategy. These tasks could include identifying keywords for your SEO strategy, conducting a competitor analysis, and more.
• Customer support: Many companies have already integrated ChatGPT into their websites, using chatbots that automate customer support responses. This not only reduces response times but ensures customer help is available 24/7.
• Marketing analysis: ChatGPT’s analytical capabilities are ideal for data analysis, report generation, and extracting insights from complex datasets. Copy and paste a dataset into the tool and give it a go! It’s especially useful for sentiment analysis.
• Developer’s assistant: Marketing software developers—perhaps building a new website, app, or other product—can use ChatGPT for coding and debugging support.
• Translation: ChatGPT is excellent at translating and localizing content. While it’s not 100% there yet, it’s a great way to get the bulk of translation tasks completed before handing them over to a human translator for polishing.
• Market research: Use ChatGPT to generate surveys, conduct market research, and analyze customer feedback. You can use these data-backed insights to inform future digital marketing decisions.

The list could go on, but these are some of the main use cases for ChatGPT in digital marketing right now. Who knows what the future might hold?

Perhaps upcoming iterations of ChatGPT could even automate tasks such as social media management or video creation. At this stage, the possibilities with this exciting new technology are endless. 

4. Key takeaways

In this post, we’ve asked: “What is ChatGPT?” and explored various aspects of this exciting new AI tool, with a focus on its uses in digital marketing. We’ve learned that:

• ChatGPT is a generative AI chatbot developed by OpenAI. It is known for its ability to understand and generate human-like text. It is applicable in many contexts.
• ChatGPT is powered by the revolutionary GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) technology, a large language model trained on massive amounts of text data.
• ChatGPT’s features include natural language comprehension, conversational engagement, text generation, programming abilities, and research support.
• Using ChatGPT is very straightforward and involves composing written prompts to initiate conversations or tasks. Experimentation and careful review of its output are essential to get the desired results.
• Digital marketers may use ChatGPT for content generation, marketing strategy and analysis, customer support, translation, market research, and more.
• The potential applications of ChatGPT are continually expanding. In the future, it may be able to perform many more complex tasks, both in digital marketing and in other domains.

So, in answer to our original question: “What is ChatGPT?” we can see that there is no single answer. ChatGPT has many guises. It is a content generator. It is a programming support tool.

It is an encyclopedia. And yes, it can even help with the full range of digital marketing activities, from data analysis to social media management.

If you want to keep up to date with the latest changes in digital marketing, try our free, 5-day digital marketing short course, or check out the following guides:

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence: Is AI Taking Over Jobs?
  
• The 9 Best Online Courses to Learn Digital Marketing in 2023
• How To Use AI To Write a Cover Letter

From search engines and social media to mobile apps and advertising, every organization now uses digital marketing in one way or another. This is exactly why finding a course that actually teaches you employable skills is so necessary. 

In this post, we provide a round-up of the best online digital marketing courses in 2023. With the top free digital marketing programs and longer, priced courses, we’ve got something for everyone. 

Use the menu to move through the top digital marketing courses easily.

• The best online digital marketing courses
  1. CareerFoundry
  2. LinkedIn Learning
  3. Google
  4. Copyblogger
  5. Udemy
  6. Coursera
  7. Springboard
  8. Thinkful
  9. Simplilearn
• Key takeaways
• FAQ about online digital marketing courses

Best online digital marketing courses

1. CareerFoundry Digital Marketing Program

CareerFoundry’s Digital Marketing Program at a glance:

• Mode of study: Online 
• Ideal for: Anyone interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing and want to fully immerse themselves across all aspects of the field
• Duration: Four months studying full-time or up to seven months studying part-time
• Price: $6,900, with discounts available if paying up-front

Who is it for?

This online digital marketing course is perfect for those with a genuine interest in digital marketing who want to study on their own terms under the guidance of both a mentor and a tutor.

How does it work?

The CareerFoundry Digital Marketing course teaches you all the fundamental skills, tools, and processes required to become a digital marketing expert.

Working with an industry expert mentor and tutor, you’ll build projects that you can use in your digital marketing portfolio, preparing you for a career change into the field.

CareerFoundry is so confident in its approach and curriculum that it offers a Job Guarantee: land a job in your desired field within 180 days of graduating from your program or get your money back.

How long does it take to complete?

All of CareerFoundry’s programs are self-paced, meaning there are no scheduled lectures or seminars to attend. Instead, you can choose to work part-time at 15-20 hours a week for seven months or full-time at 30-40 hours a week to graduate in four months.

How much does it cost?

The full program costs $6,900. You’ll also benefit from a 5% discount if you can pay upfront.

However, if you’d like to test out the curriculum for yourself before committing to the full tuition cost, you can try out the free, 5-day short course.

Check out this video to learn more about the free digital marketing course.

Learn more:

• Talk to a program advisor to see if the digital marketing program is right for you
• Why become a digital marketer?

2. LinkedIn Learning Become a Digital Marketing Specialist Course

LinkedIn’s Digital Marketing course at a glance:

• Mode of study: Online video tutorials
• Ideal for: Beginners curious about digital marketing but who aren’t ready to commit to a paid program
• Duration: 20 hours across 11 courses
• Price: Free, with the option of a monthly subscription for more in-depth content 

Who is it for?

If you’re new to the mechanics of digital marketing, this course is an ideal introduction to the fundamentals. Think you might be interested in starting a career in the field but aren’t ready to commit the time or money to a paid program? Then dip your toe in first. 

How does it work?

This foundation course offers a collection of bite-size video tutorials, each about two hours long. Each course on the program introduces a new digital marketing topic.

Starting with the basic framework and concepts, you’ll go on to learn about the foundations of search engine optimization (SEO), Google Ads, content and social media marketing, and more.

As a high-level introduction, don’t expect to come away with in-depth knowledge. But this course offers an excellent overview. It’ll also provide enough insight to help you figure out which areas might interest you, helping you decide what to expand on if you choose to take things further.

Just as a note, LinkedIn Learning is the new face of Lynda: a well-respected online training provider purchased by the social media giant in 2015 and rebranded in 2021. You can guarantee the quality of the content. There’s a whole swathe of additional courses to choose from, too.

How long does it take to complete?

The entire program includes 20 hours of content across 11 courses. Even if you only check out the first course in the program, you’re only committing to two hours and nine minutes. Worth a go!

How much does it cost?

While this program is free, to access more of LinkedIn Learning’s digital marketing programs, you’ll need to subscribe. This costs between $19.99 and $29.99 a month, depending on your payment plan.

They do offer a month’s free trial, though. Since most of their courses are only a few hours long, there’s plenty for you to get your teeth into.

Learn more:

• Sign up for a month’s free trial
• LinkedinLearning’s full list of digital marketing courses

3. Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

Google’s Digital Marketing Course at a glance: 

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Beginners who want to commit a little time
• Duration: 26 modules over 40 hours
• Price: Free

Who is it for?

While LinkedIn Learning’s course is great for those looking to dip a toe in, Google’s Fundamentals of Digital Marketing offers a slightly more consistent experience. It’s ideal for small business owners or those looking for a career change.

How does it work?

While the first program on our list is a mish-mash of courses from different tutors, Google’s program is produced entirely by the company’s trainers. Over 26 modules, it explores the basics of digital marketing, ranging from content to finding success with basic analytics.

The program consists of bitesize videos and quizzes that test your knowledge. The final quiz, or exam, includes 40 questions.

Pass and you receive a digital certification for your LinkedIn profile and resume. This is more than just a vanity certification: it’s accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and the Open University.

How long does it take to complete?

This 26-module course contains 40 hours of learning, which you can complete at your own pace.

How much does it cost?

The course is free and accredited to boot, so that’s pretty good!

Learn more:

• Intro to the Digital Garage
• Check out some live webinar training
• More online courses with Google

4. Copyblogger Content Marketing Tools and Training

Copyblogger’s digital marketing course at a glance:

• Mode of study: Via email
• Ideal for: Beginners and experienced professionals
• Duration: Entirely of your choosing
• Price: 100% free

Who is it for?

As a content marketing resource, Copyblogger primarily targets writers. Beyond that, its audience is not too specific. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a low-effort way to learn, or an experienced professional keeping up with the latest trends and opinions, Copyblogger will help.

How does it work?

Copyblogger is part blog, part training resource, part newsletter. Unlike courses that demand a given time commitment, you can sign up to Copyblogger to receive 20 emails exploring content marketing topics from copywriting and SEO to keyword research and more.

Because it comes straight to your inbox, you can choose when to read it, rather than feeling pressure at the prospect of making notes in front of tutorials.

While Copyblogger isn’t a course in the traditional sense, it’s hugely popular in content marketing circles. Another reason it’s on our list is that digital marketing trends evolve so quickly. While a formal course can teach you the fundamentals, the specifics go out of date fast.

With new tools, fads, and thinking always emerging, digital marketing professionals must keep up with these trends via a site like Copyblogger or similar if you find that it’s not for you, no problem. But we highly recommend finding and following a similar blog.

How long does it take to complete?

Less of a course and more of a resource; there’s no time commitment to make here. Consume as much or as little as you want!

How much does it cost?

Copyblogger is 100% free, so there’s zero harm in signing up.

Learn more: 

• Get started with an introduction to content marketing
• Listen to the Copyblogger podcast
• Check out the blog

5. Udemy Complete Digital Marketing course

Udemy’s digital marketing course at a glance: 

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Beginners, employees, or small business owners looking to upskill
• Duration: 22.5 hours
• Price: $149.99 (but they regularly offer major discounts)

Who is it for?

This digital marketing course is ideal for those looking to upskill on the job without splashing too much cash. Companies, including VW, Apple, and Eventbrite, all use Udemy’s Digital Marketing course to help develop their staff, too. Udemy is also great for individuals wanting to expand their skill set when starting their own business.

How does it work?

While Udemy is another course that relies on video tutorials, it takes a pragmatic approach, focusing on learning by doing. Combining videos, quizzes, sample projects, and checklists, the program gradually builds your skills. The 12 courses cover the full digital marketing lifecycle, from market research to building a website in WordPress.

Rather than simply explaining the range of digital marketing techniques, it also aims to give you the practical experience of applying them. The aim is to help you create a tailored marketing strategy that’s either free (or very cheap) to implement. With over 600,000 students, this is one of Udemy’s most popular courses.

There are many more digital marketing courses to choose from, too.

How long does it take to complete?

Udemy’s digital marketing course contains a total of 22.5 hours of learning, supported by articles and downloadable resources that help you to ‘learn by doing.’

How much does it cost?

According to Udemy, the base price for the course is $149.99. However, Udemy offers regular (massive) discounts, suggesting that this is a bit of a marketing gimmick (but hey, you’re already learning some digital skills, right there!) The last time we checked, the course was reduced to $16.99, suggesting it’s usually very affordable.

Learn more:

• Meet the instructor
• Read the breakdown of course content
• Check out some student reviews

6. Coursera Digital Marketing Specialization course

Coursera’s Digital Marketing Specialization course at a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Beginners with no prior experience
• Duration: Approximately 8 months (5 hours a week)
• Price: The Coursera subscription fee is $79 per month

Who is it for?

This course is pitched at beginners with a relatively modest budget. It has a good depth of content, though, so you’ll be well-prepared once you’ve completed it.

How does it work?

For a longer course of study that doesn’t break the bank, this Coursera program has you covered. Coursera’s ‘specializations’ are a series of courses combined to build skills in a particular area, in this case, digital marketing. This particular specialization requires the completion of six courses, but you can take each one at your own pace, and if you want to take a break in between, that’s fine, too. 

Each Coursera specialization includes a hands-on project (which follows the courses) that you’ll need to complete to gain certification. For this digital marketing course, you’ll apply your newfound skills to a real-life project created in partnership with industrial supply company, Grainger. Whether industrial supplies are your area of interest or not, the bigger picture here is that you’ll be learning the skills and processes that real employers need. Bonus! You can’t put a price on that.

How long does it take to complete?

If you follow Coursera’s suggested pace of study (5 hours per week) the course will take you 8 months to complete. However, you can set personal deadlines, so if you want to finish it sooner, you can!

How much does it cost?

The course promotes ‘free enrolment’ but you’ll have to pay the monthly Coursera subscription fee of $79 to do the whole thing. As an 8-month course, that’s around $360 if you only subscribe for the duration. However, the subscription also gives you access to thousands of other courses so it’s not bad value for money.

Learn more:

• Check out enrolment options
• Read a breakdown of the seven courses in the program
• Explore more digital marketing courses with Coursera

7. Springboard Digital Marketing Career Track Bootcamp

Springboard’s Digital Marketing course at a glance:

• Mode of study: Mentor-led online course
• Ideal for: Relative newcomers looking to advance their digital marketing skills
• Duration: 6 months (8-10 hours a week)
• Price: $2,399 to $2,994 (depending on payment plan)

Who is it for?

This digital marketing course doesn’t strictly preclude beginners but is geared more towards those with some fundamental writing skills and knowledge of statistics. Given the price tag, it’s probably more suited to those ready to commit to a career in digital marketing. This likely includes people with digital marketing experience already under their belt.

How does it work?

An option on the higher end of the digital marketing course scale, Springboard offers a mentor-led, community-driven, full-stack digital marketing certification. This takes things up a notch from the standard video tutorial approach. Despite being online, you’ll have regular video calls with a mentor (an industry professional) and access to a peer network for support. While you’ll learn the so-called ‘full stack’ of digital marketing skills (from SEO to social), you’ll hone your skills through real-world projects rather than relying solely on video tutorials.

Springboard also focuses on career readiness. You’ll build a marketing portfolio, and a career coach will prepare you for interviews, reviewing your resume. You’ll also have access to a professional network to help you secure your first digital marketing job. Limited slots are available, though, and you’ll need an undergraduate degree to apply. 

How long does it take to complete?

Springboard’s course contains approximately 200 hours of learning. They estimate it will take six months to complete if you can commit to 8-10 hours weekly.

How much does it cost?

Although on the pricier end of the scale, you get more bang for your buck with this course. If you’re lucky enough to have the cash up front, the total cost is $2,399. You can also pay monthly as required, at $499 per month (up to $2,994).

Learn more:

• Check out the curriculum
• Meet the mentors
• See Springboard’s FAQs

8. Thinkful Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Thinkful’s Digital Marketing Course at a glance:

• Mode of study: Online with career mentoring support
• Ideal for: Those looking to change careers and fit study around existing commitments
• Duration: 3 months at 15-20 hours per week
• Price: $4,900

Who is it for?

Thinkful’s digital marketing course targets beginners or professionals looking to change (or start) careers in the field. It offers flexible learning hours, meaning you can fit the course around existing commitments.

How does it work?

Thinkful describes its digital marketing offering as a part-time course with full-time career support. This covers all the usual suspects regarding digital marketing skills, unlimited technical interview practice, and insights into industry and salary expectations. You’ll also be supported in creating a job-winning portfolio and LinkedIn profile, and perhaps most excitingly, exclusive access to open roles. 

How long does it take to complete?

Thinkful suggests that with 15-20 hours of commitment per week, the course will take three months. This is similar to Springboard’s digital marketing course but compressed into half the time.

How much does it cost?

Upfront, the full fee is $4,900. If you choose to pay monthly, you can do so for $2,066 per month (although this increases the total fee to $6,200). There’s also an option to pay nothing until you’re earning $40,000 a year and a money-back guarantee if you’re still unemployed six months after graduating. A good safety net!

Learn more:

• Check out payment options
• Learn more about their mentoring approach
• Browse some student stories

9. Simplilearn Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing with Purdue University

Simplilearn’s Digital Marketing course at a glance:

• Mode of study: Online bootcamp
• Ideal for: Business professionals aiming to pursue a career in digital marketing
• Duration: 6 months at 5-10 hours per week
• Price: $3,000

Who is it for?

As a post-graduate program, this course targets existing business professionals with at least two years of experience under their belt and an undergraduate degree in any subject. So while you don’t need to be an expert, this is not a digital marketing course for total novices.

How does it work?

Those seeking an exclusive qualification certified by a legitimate university (and Purdue, no less!) look no further. Unlike most of the courses on our list, this is not just a case of sign-up and go: you’ll have to complete an application first. While this might seem a nuisance, providing you get on the course, you’re guaranteed an element of exclusivity you won’t find elsewhere.

Simplilearn has a team of admissions counselors to guide you through the process, so it shouldn’t be too painful.

This admissions process isn’t just expensive posturing. Post-grad courses like these are often more affordable than private-only initiatives. And there are other benefits, too. Co-created with Facebook, this course offers both academic insight and the relevant, real-world skills that employers are actively seeking.

Not only will you learn popular tools and techniques, but you’ll also dive deeper into more complex topics like reputation management, search psychology, and language targeting. And if all that isn’t sufficient, graduation from this digital marketing course includes Purdue Alumni membership and access to Simplilearn’s career services.

How long does it take to complete?

This post-graduate course takes six months, with a weekly commitment of five to ten hours per week (varying depending on your learning speed).

How much does it cost?

Simplilearn’s Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing costs a total of $3,000. You can either pay upfront or via a payment plan ($264 per month).

Learn more:

• Read some learner reviews
• Check out the learning path (and request a syllabus)
• See the entry requirements and application process

Key takeaways

In this post, we’ve explored some of the best digital marketing courses for 2023. From free tutorials to full post-graduate programs, we’ve covered something for every need and price range. While we highly recommend whetting your digital marketing appetite with a free course, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one covers your needs. 

But don’t take our word for it. Check out some courses yourself, too. There’s no shortage of them available. And at the end of the day, any digital marketing course is only as good as the effort and commitment that the learner puts into it! So give it gusto, and see you on the other side!

Want to learn more about starting a career in digital marketing? Check out our free, 5-day short course, or check out these guides:

• Are digital marketing bootcamps worth it? The pros & cons
• The 9 best digital marketing certification programs available right now
• Is Digital Marketing a Good Career to Get Into?

FAQ for online digital marketing courses

1. What courses are best for digital marketing?

The best courses for digital marketing depend on individual preferences and goals. However, some highly recommended courses include CareerFoundry, Google Digital Garage, Udemy, Coursera, and Simplilearn. 

These platforms offer a range of courses taught by industry experts and cover various aspects of digital marketing, such as SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, and analytics. It’s important to research each course thoroughly to find the one that aligns with your specific needs and learning style.

2. Is it worth doing a digital marketing course?

Yes, pursuing a digital marketing course can be highly beneficial. Digital marketing is a rapidly growing field, and having the skills and knowledge in this area can open up various career opportunities. A digital marketing course can provide you with a solid foundation, practical skills, and industry insights that can help you excel in this field. It can also enhance your resume and increase your earning potential.

However, it’s important to choose a reputable course and ensure it covers the key aspects of digital marketing that are relevant to your career goals.

3. How much does it cost to train for digital marketing?

The cost of training for digital marketing can vary depending on factors such as the type of course, the institution or platform offering the training, and the level of depth and specialization. There are free online resources like CareerFoundry and Google Digital Garage that offer introductory digital marketing courses at no cost. 

Paid courses can range from around $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the platform, course length, and content. Specialized certification programs often have higher costs, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Pursuing a degree in digital marketing can involve varying tuition costs. It’s important to consider your budget and evaluate the value and reputation of the training program before making a decision.

4. How long does it take to learn digital marketing?

The time it takes to learn digital marketing can vary depending on factors such as the depth of knowledge you want to acquire, your prior experience, the amount of time you can dedicate to learning, and the learning resources you have access to.

Some basic digital marketing concepts can be learned within a few weeks or months, while gaining expertise in advanced strategies may take several months to a year or more. It’s a continuous learning process as the digital marketing landscape evolves. Practical experience and staying updated with industry trends and technologies are also important for ongoing skill development.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. How to start freelance digital marketing
   • Step 1: Establish your niche
   • Step 2: Build a portfolio
   • Step 3: Find a network
   • Step 4: Promote your business
   • Step 5: Make it legal
2. Freelance digital marketing roles
3. Freelance digital marketing salary
4. Freelance digital marketing tips
5. Is freelance digital marketing for you?
6. Key takeaways

(Of course, a great way to see if it’s for you is to take our free digital marketing short course.) 

Ready to discover the exciting world of freelance digital marketing? Let’s go!

1. How to start freelance digital marketing

Digital marketing can be intimidating if you’re a complete newbie. And even if you’ve worked in the field, starting as a freelancer can feel daunting. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started.

Step 1: Establish your niche

Choosing a niche is crucial to succeeding as a freelance digital marketer. However, take time to try a variety of specialties and industries before you decide—and don’t be afraid to change your mind and pivot later.

Digital marketing is a broad industry, so niching is key to the success of your career. Try to do everything, and you may find yourself spread thin and constantly feeling like a rookie starting from scratch with every project.

However, niching doesn’t mean you only have to do the same thing every day. For example, my digital marketing niche is content marketing. Within content marketing, I focus on content writing specifically.

In content writing, I’ve decided to write long-form content for mostly B2B audiences. In that context, I’m open to more fields such as SaaS, digital marketing, healthcare, and cybersecurity. I’m also happy to try new subject matter—all within that niche.

Ideally, your niche should be at the intersection of your interests, capabilities, and high availability of well-paying gigs. For example, perhaps you’re interested in social media marketing.

You’ll quickly learn that you enjoy some industries or jobs more within that niche. Maybe you prefer Instagram strategy to Pinterest management, for instance. You’ll also learn that some jobs pay better than others. You can then use that information to choose a niche.

Step 2: Build a portfolio

Every freelance digital marketer needs a website and online portfolio. To prove yourself as a digital media/marketing expert, start with your business and highlight your marketing skills on your site.

Regardless of your industry and specialty, you need a website as a freelance digital marketer. Digital marketers work online, which makes your website your online office or shopfront. You can find cheap site hosts and simple setup options like Notion to get started. 

Your website is foremost proof that you have the tech-savvy and expertise to market yourself. On your site, you can show off various skills, from SEO to copywriting, design, video production, and content writing. You can also host your work portfolio and testimonials, all in one place.

No portfolio or testimonials yet? Be your first client. Write blog posts, grow a personal brand and social media following. Tell clients the SEO results you’ve accomplished with your site. Be your first success story, and watch other clients roll in.

You can learn more about how to create an awesome digital marketing portfolio here.

Step 3. Find a network

You need a network to win at freelancing. Hiring managers and marketing leads tend to rely more on referrals from trusted contacts than job postings.

Build your network by actively participating on social media, joining freelancing communities, and patiently building relationships with other freelance digital marketers.

Marketing without an audience or network feels a lot like screaming into the void. Networking is essential to a successful freelance business. Peak Freelance’s study quoted earlier shows that 42% of freelancers find high-paying gigs from word-of-mouth referrals. In 2021, I found 3 out of 5 new clients through referrals!

Networking with other freelance digital marketers will also help you determine how to set rates based on the market and your experience. 

On social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, be curious about other freelancers—especially those in your niche or industry. Befriend them, share what you’re doing in your business, and even that you’re looking for work!

Facebook is known for having supportive freelancer groups and communities. Run a quick search for groups with freelancers in your niche. Join and participate actively.

You can also join freelance communities outside Facebook, depending on your niche. For example, I have benefited from being part of Peak Freelance—a community for freelance writers (also how I got those referrals).

Step 4. Promote your business

Being a successful freelance digital marketing expert requires salesperson skills. It’s good practice for marketing other people’s businesses. Don’t be afraid to pitch businesses and marketing leads or work for free at the start of your career.

Promoting your freelance digital marketing business requires a multi-pronged approach. Self-promotion is key to finding new clients—particularly high-paying ones. However, it can be tricky when you’re new to the business and don’t have many contacts or much of a portfolio. Thankfully, it’s not impossible.

In addition to the tips we’ve shared so far, try these two effective promotion strategies to find new clients:

• Cold pitching: This involves reaching out to business owners or marketing leads in your preferred industries and pitching them your services. Many marketing leads need a freelance digital marketer but either don’t know it or have no idea where to find one. Before pitching, research how your skills can help. Can you help their site rank on search engines? Do you have a strategy to help them grow their social media platforms? Show them. Use stats from your website or social media profiles (hello, portfolio!).
• Working for free: This may be contentious, but for some people, it’s the only way to gain experience in the field. It also looks different for every specialty. For example, writers can submit guest posts to big brands in their industries. Social media managers can pitch themselves for unpaid internships, and budding SEO experts can barter their services to another freelancer who can offer them a service in return. Win-win!

Step 5. Make it legal

When your business starts to take off (it will!) then it’s time to make things legal.

Register your business (either as a sole proprietorship or LLC—I prefer the latter), get a tax ID if applicable in your country, and start tracking your income and expenses before the tax filing season.

Even before you register your business, learn basic business skills like sending invoices—yes, even for your first job.

Something else to implement from day one is using a contract for every business engagement (you can send yours if your client doesn’t send one) and including payment terms within.

More of a visual learner? Watch the following video with CareerFoundry’s own Chief Marketing Officer, Ed Wood, who goes over these steps and other insider tips:

2. Freelance digital marketing roles

Freelance digital marketers typically specialize in one of the many digital marketing channels available. Some of the most common freelance digital marketing roles are:

1. Content marketing

Freelance digital marketers specializing in content marketing promote brand awareness using written content. Content marketing encompasses content strategy, copywriting (writing webpage copy), and long-form content writing (like this blog post you’re reading!).

Often, content marketing works in tandem with other digital marketing channels like social media and SEO.

2. Search engine optimization (SEO)

SEO refers to organizing and optimizing content so search engines (like Google, Bing, and Ecosia) recognize it as useful and rank it highly in search results.

Freelance digital marketers specializing in SEO typically work closely with the content team to optimize content for search engines using industry best practices.

3. Social media management

Social media platforms have become a marketing pillar in many industries. Freelance digital marketers specializing in social media management work to improve engagement and growth on social media.

They manage brand accounts, experiment with effective strategies, and monitor growth across platforms.

Curious about social media management? Learn about what a social media manager actually does in this guide, and learn how to become a social media manager here.  

4. Search engine marketing (SEM)

Although similar sounding, SEM is different from SEO. In SEM, the freelance digital marketer focuses on creating, placing, and monitoring ads on search engine results to promote a business.

They research keywords and monitor the performance of pay-per-click (PPC) ads.

Learn more: What is SEM?

5. Video marketing

Video is becoming an increasingly popular and highly valued content format. Videos can be used across marketing channels and shared on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo for greater engagement.

Freelance digital marketers in video marketing conceptualize, script, and oversee video production.

We’ve outlined some areas a digital marketing freelancer might focus on. Essentially, any kind of marketing job that can be done in-house can also be done in a freelance capacity, too!

We’ve rounded up some of the most in-demand digital marketing skills and professions here.

3. Freelance digital marketing salary

Freelancing earnings, in general, vary widely, depending on industry and years of experience. This also applies to freelance digital marketers. Your annual revenue will depend mainly on your specialization and your niche within that specialty.

For example, a study by Peak Freelance showed that over 50% of freelance writers (content marketing) earn less than $30,000 per annum. However, the same survey showed that 27% of writers earn over $50,000 per year.

It also highlighted that all freelancers making over $100K have been writing for at least two years, showing how experience plays into annual income.

Earnings for other digital marketing specialties are slightly different. According to our research, social media managers earn an average salary of $54,874. 

Zip Recruiter reports that freelance digital marketing managers earn $68,970 per year. Other outlets report varying average salaries between $84,000 and $123,000. For comparison, read our full guide to digital marketing manager salaries for in-house roles.

So, how much could you earn? The possibilities are endless. It just depends on what you do and how well you do it. You can learn more about how to price yourself as a freelancer in this guide. 

4. Freelance digital marketing tips

1. Treat it like a business

You’re not just a freelancer; you’re a business owner.

Some ways to treat your freelance career like a business include creating a separate bank account, paying yourself well (set competitive rates), and showing up to work whether or not you’re feeling “motivated” (as long as you’re mentally and physically healthy).

2. Keep learning

Invest in yourself by learning about your industry and updating your skills as much as you can.

It’s tempting to focus on scoring gig after gig, but it is vital to set aside time in your schedule to pour into yourself.

Digital marketing requires creativity, and you can’t draw from an empty well. 

3. Set boundaries

Being your own boss is a double-edged sword. You have the flexibility to work 9-5 hours, but also to overwork yourself and work round the clock with no coworkers to pick up the slack.

It’s easy to overbook yourself or find yourself tethered to your inbox, responding to client requests at all hours.

Set firm boundaries about when you will work and what time to reserve for your hobbies and loved ones.

4. Raise your rates regularly

Be a good boss to yourself by raising your rates regularly. This shows that you value your work and what you do for clients. It also allows you to grow your business (you can’t scale by charging the same rates for years and years).

I raise my rates every six months, and when I was starting out, I raised them with every new client. How you choose to raise yours is up to you.

5. Take breaks frequently

Finally, nourish yourself. Creating a sustainable freelance career depends a lot on how you care for yourself. You are the engine of your business.

Hustling yourself into burnout is the quickest way to ruin all your hard work. So, plan breaks every quarter—or every week! I work a four-day week and try to take one week off every quarter. It’s always worth it.

5. Is freelance digital marketing for you?

In 2020, there were 59 million Americans freelancing, a trend that continued through 2021 and beyond. With the booming freelance economy, many people are considering leaving their full-time jobs and working for themselves.

But is freelance digital marketing the right fit for you?

There are two parts to consider: freelancing itself, and a career in digital marketing. Let’s look into both aspects and help you figure out if this is the best path for you.

Pros and cons of freelancing

On surface evaluation, freelancing can seem like abundant freedom—and it is in some ways. But from experience, I can tell you that there are other aspects to think about first. Here are the pros and cons of freelancing.

Pros

1. Freedom to choose your work projects, niche, and clients based on your preferences
2. A flexible work schedule
3. Ability to scale your business and salary as desired
4. You get all the credit for your work
5. All business profits belong to you

Cons 

1. Unpredictable income
2. You’ll need to wear all the hats and market your business
3. Work-life balance can be challenging to achieve
4. No health or other employer benefits

Now you’re aware of some of the pros and cons of a freelance career, let’s look closely at the skills and qualifications you should master before becoming a digital marketer—freelance or not. 

What to consider before becoming a digital marketer

Before you hand in your resignation and dive into the industry, figure out if this career is the best fit for you, your interests, and your abilities. Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I creative enough to develop marketing strategies across various platforms and media?
• How strong are my writing and editing skills?
• Do I enjoy analyzing campaign results and adjusting strategies until I find the right fit?
• How well do I know SEO? Am I willing to learn more about it?
• Am I tech-savvy?
• Do I have an eye for design?
• How good are my community-building skills?

These questions highlight just a few of the skills you’ll need to possess to excel at digital marketing.

Granted, not every skill is necessary for all facets of digital marketing, but you’ll at least need an understanding of them and why they’re so important to the broader digital marketing strategy and efforts.

If you’re convinced that this is the job for you, perhaps a look at your potential earnings as a freelance digital marketer will seal the deal.

6. Key takeaways

Figuring out how to get started in freelance digital marketing can be tricky. I’ve been there! But I can also tell you that it is possible. As discussed, follow these steps to start your freelance digital marketing career:

1. Choose a niche: Which marketing channel would you rather focus on? And in which industry?
2. Build a portfolio: You can do this by working for free, being your first client, or trying an internship. The one thing you must do? Have a website.
3. Find a network: Build a referral engine by befriending other freelancers and joining communities on and off social media.
4. Promote your business: Tell people what you do on social media and by cold pitching.
5. Make it legal: Make sure your business follows legal guidelines. Treat your work like a real business by starting a separate business account and showing up consistently.

Ready to take the plunge? Start by learning more about digital marketing in our free, 5-day course, or read any of the following recommended articles:

• Should you do a digital marketing degree or a digital marketing bootcamp?
• How to become a digital marketing manager
• The 8 best online courses to learn digital marketing

7. Freelance digital marketing FAQs

1. What does a freelance digital marketer actually do?

A freelance digital marketer is a self-employed individual who uses one or several marketing channels and techniques to help businesses promote their products and services. Freelance digital marketers typically specialize in one of the many digital marketing channels available.

2. How much could you earn as a freelance digital marketer?

Freelancing earnings, in general, vary widely, depending on industry and years of experience. This also applies to freelance digital marketers. Your annual revenue will depend mainly on your specialization and your niche within that specialty.

3. Can I do freelancing with digital marketing?

Yes! Freelance digital marketing is a sustainable career. The nature of work, regardless of specialty, lends itself to a freelance schedule. Just pick a niche!

4. How do I become a digital marketer with no experience?

Learn about the field by taking introductory courses and then practice what you learn in your business. If you want to go into SEO, start an SEO blog and hone your writing skills along the way. Don’t want to invest in a blog of your own? Then help a friend optimize theirs for free or little pay. There’s your experience and first portfolio client.

5. What qualifications do I need for digital marketing?

Digital marketing does not require specific educational qualifications. A degree in marketing or journalism might serve you if you already have one. But if you don’t, you could take an upskilling digital marketing program, then focus on gaining experience as that counts the most. We talk more about whether or not you need a degree to become a digital marketer here.

But with so many different study options available, you might find yourself wondering which bootcamp is going to tick all the right boxes for you.  

To make the search easier, here are the best digital marketing bootcamps out there right now. You’ll find highlighted price points, durations, and study modes for each course at the end of each review, too, so you can compare course details quickly and easily and ensure you find one that meets your needs. 

Of course, if you want to dive right in and see if digital marketing is what you’re looking for, try our free short course.

Want to skip straight to a particular bootcamp? Just use this clickable menu:

1. The best digital marketing bootcamps
   1. CareerFoundry’s Digital Marketing Program
   2. Thinkful Digital Marketing Bootcamp 
   3. BrainStation Online Digital Marketing Course 
   4. Harvard’s Digital Marketing Strategy Course 
   5. Udacity Digital Marketing Nanodegree
   6. General Assembly Digital Marketing On Demand
   7. Digital Career Institute Online Marketing 
   8. Jelly Academy Digital Marketing 6-Week Program 
2. Next steps
3. Key takeaways

By the end of this post, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of the very best of what’s on offer and have some great starting points for your own research into digital marketing bootcamps. 

Ready to compare and contrast the best digital marketing bootcamps of 2022? Then let’s get started!

The best digital marketing bootcamps in 2023

1. CareerFoundry: Digital Marketing Program

• Mode of study: Online 
• Duration: 30-40 hours per week full-time, or 15-20 hours per week part-time
• Price: $6,900, with a 5% discount available if paid up-front.
• Ideal for: Those who want a deep dive into all things digital marketing, with support when the time comes to look for a job
• USP: Dual mentorship from a mentor and tutor, as well as career support and a Job Guarantee program

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a faster-than-average growth rate in the industry, there’s been no better time to work in the field of digital marketing.  The Digital Marketing Program from CareerFoundry equips students with all the skills and knowledge they’ll need to get a job in the field, with topics covering market research, branding and buyer personas, on-page SEO, social media marketing strategy, multi-channel marketing, among others. 

CareerFoundry is so sure of its product—and your ability to use your studies to jumpstart your career change—that it offers a Job Guarantee—get a job in the field within 180 days of graduating from the program, or your money back. In order to set you up for success, they’ll also provide you with the aid of a dedicated career specialist, who will help you with everything from updating your resumé to interview preparation!

Interested in learning more about what it’s like to get into digital marketing as a career? Get some insights into the field from Ed, our very own CMO, in the following video:

2. Thinkful: Digital Marketing Bootcamp

• Mode of study: Online 
• Duration: 15-20 hours per week for 3 months 
• Price: $4,900 which can be paid upfront, monthly, or after landing a job. 
• Ideal for: Those who need to fit their study around other commitments. 
• USP: Flexible, high-quality learning from expert online education providers 

Thinkful’s part-time digital marketing bootcamp has flexibility at its core. This fully online course, which includes live video mentoring and self-paced lessons for 15-20 hours per week, is a great option for students who need to balance life with learning. The course’s flexibility also extends to its payment options, which include monthly installments or paying once you’ve been hired. 

Providing a mixture of online course materials, peer group interaction, career coaching and personal mentoring, students finish the course with a completed portfolio, extensive interview experience, and the tools needed to navigate the job market and excel in a variety of digital marketing jobs.  

Overall, this course works best for those who are looking to balance work, life and study commitments, with a firm eye on launching a digital marketing career.  

3. BrainStation: Online Digital Marketing Course

• Mode of study: Online and in-person courses 
• Duration: 5 x 8 hour classes, or 10 x 4 hour classes 
• Price: $3,250
• Ideal for: Upskillers with some experience
• USP: Graduates of the course receive an industry-recognized professional certificate

BrainStation’s Online Digital Marketing Course is the full bootcamp experience in a part-time package. Designed for those who already have some experience in the field, students are taught how to master the latest tools and technology, while receiving an all-round education in digital marketing. With modules in building digital marketing strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media, and email marketing, upskillers come away proficient in the abilities they need to transform into confident digital marketing professionals. 

The course is led by seasoned industry experts who instruct and guide students in developing online marketing strategies and building a professional marketing portfolio. Courses are structured to take place on one full day a week for five weeks or half a day for ten weeks, allowing students to study alongside other commitments while retaining the immersive bootcamp experience.   

4. Harvard: Digital Marketing Strategy Course

• Mode of study: Online (there is also a longer, on-campus version) 
• Duration: 7 days 
• Price: $3,250
• Ideal for: Junior digital marketers who are looking to get more senior digital marketing strategy positions
• USP: Ivy league university 

The Digital Marketing Strategy Course from Harvard is an interactive program designed to immerse students in a proven framework for designing, implementing, and managing a successful digital marketing strategy. 

Just one week long, this online bootcamp is shorter than others currently on the market, but still packs a considerable amount of teaching into seven days. It does this via a mixture of lectures, videos, case studies, articles, interactive exercises, and team activities. At the end of the week, students are expected to present their digital strategies to their instructors for extensive feedback.

For students looking to study at an accredited university, the course offers part of the Harvard experience at a fraction of the on-campus price. Additionally, marketing professionals who are short on time but need to sharpen their strategy skills fast are likely to find this very short course to be the perfect solution.

5. Udacity: Digital Marketing Nanodegree

• Mode of study: Online
• Duration: 3 months 
• Price: €359 per month, or €927 upfront 
• Ideal for: Those seeking an all-round education in digital marketing 
• USP: Co-created with Facebook 

Udacity offers a full time, online Digital Marketing Nanodegree designed for those who want to learn the foundational skills needed for an eventual career in tech. The program’s offerings are split into three categories: class content, student services, and career services, with highlights including the building of real-world projects reviewed by experienced marketers, technical mentor support, a GitHub review, and optimization of each student’s LinkedIn profile. 

Taking place over three months, the custom learning program enables you to learn at your own pace, and manage monthly payments to fit your budget. 

Courses are run by technical experts, and course content is co-created with Facebook, giving you the chance to learn from those who have succeeded in the digital marketing space and master the sought-after skills that tech companies and startups are looking for. 

6. General Assembly: Digital Marketing On Demand

• Mode of study: Online
• Duration: Up to 12 months access to course materials 
• Price: $950
• Ideal for: Self-motivated, independent learners who need flexibility 
• USP: Expertly crafted grounding in digital marketing

A crucial component of General Assembly’s Digital Marketing On Demand course is self-motivation. Unlike other digital marketing bootcamps with a focus on peer-learning or mentorship, the GA course relies primarily on students independently accessing and completing the 53 lessons that are available to them over a 12-month period.

The course content on GA is expertly-crafted and covers everything you’ll need to know to launch a career in digital marketing. You’ll learn techniques in segmentation, customer insight, CRM, analytics, automation, and much more, with skills easily and quickly applicable to real life work or passion projects. As well as a bonus “Certification Assessment”, GA also gives students a letter of completion which can be presented as part of job applications or during interviews for digital marketing positions.

While this so-called ‘self-led’ format—punctuated by five one-to-one mentor sessions—offers a great deal of flexibility to students, it may not be ideal for those who need more guidance or encouragement. This thorough grounding in digital marketing from GA will most likely suit those who can power through the extensive course content largely unsupervised. 

Are you debating whether to do a digital marketing bootcamp or a digital marketing degree? We weigh up the pros and cons of each here.

7. Digital Career Institute: Online Marketing

• Mode of study: Online
• Duration: 12 months, full time 
• Price: Numerous funding options
• Ideal for: Students based in Germany, due to financial aid and a German language option 
• USP: Students act as digital marketing consultants for real companies during the course

Digital Career Institute’s online marketing course is aimed at those who hope to apply for their first junior online marketing positions upon completing the program. Rigorous job preparation training is included in the course, consisting of regular career workshops, assistance with resumes and online profiles, and personalized career mentoring from experienced Institute Counselors.

The course offers students the unique opportunity to act as digital marketing consultants for real companies throughout the 12 months of the program, providing students with collaboration and learning opportunities within working digital marketing teams. 

The course is likely to appeal to those who want an extremely thorough grounding in digital marketing—with job experience included—but do not want to do a three year digital marketing degree. As a fulltime, 12-month course, it won’t be for everybody, but for those taking time out to shift careers, this is a truly immersive bootcamp covering every aspect of digital marketing and finding a job in the field. 

8. Jelly Academy: Digital Marketing 6-Week Program 

• Mode of study: Online 
• Duration: 6 weeks 
• Price: $4,000 with scholarships available for women and BIPOC community members
• Ideal for: Beginners and upskillers
• USP: Additional spotlight on PR 

Created by Vancouver-based agency, Jelly Digital Marketing and PR, Jelly Academy offers a 6-week, online digital marketing bootcamp to train up aspiring digital marketers who have limited previous experience in the field.

Neatly packaged into six sessions, this program is an easy-to-digest run-through of all the digital marketing essentials, including social media marketing, public relations, SEO, Google Ads & Analytics, and Facebook & Instagram Ads, all taught by industry experts. Students learn the ins and outs of each of these branches of the industry, as well as how to use the tools needed to execute and measure successful campaigns.

In addition to live bootcamp sessions which are hosted via Zoom, students are encouraged to utilize 22 additional hours of instructional time provided via readings and video training.

A good option for complete beginners or those wanting to refine their expertise, Jelly Academy provides both a solid overview of the core pillars of digital marketing and a deeper dive into the specifics of each space. 

2. Choosing the best digital marketing bootcamp: Next steps

Now that you’ve got some clarity on what the market leaders in digital marketing bootcamps have to offer, how do you decide which option is right for you? With so many different factors to take into account, selecting the right school or institution can be a little overwhelming. 

We’ve put together this short list of features for you to consider when choosing your bootcamp to help you make the right decision for your budget, time frame, and unique career journey. 

Your schedule 

When choosing your digital marketing bootcamp, whether in-person or online, it’s important to consider how it’s going to fit in with your current schedule. Are you in full-time work? Do you have family commitments? Or do you have some free time and flexibility in your current routine? 

You may be lucky enough to have an employer who allows you to fit your work around your new course, or perhaps you’re freelance and can juggle your projects as you please. Whatever your situation, think long and hard about what is realistic for you. If putting in an additional 3 hours of study on top of an 8-hour working day sounds exhausting, it may be worth considering a weekend-only course, or asking to reduce your working hours for the duration of your study program.

Our tip: Don’t just think about the next days or weeks; try to be realistic about your long-term schedule, too. Ask yourself how your energy and motivation levels might look when studying over a longer period of time. 

Cost

As we’ve seen, the prices of digital marketing bootcamps can vary considerably. While some have zero costs, others can go up to thousands of dollars for course materials, tuition, and certification. 

However, when looking into the courses you want to study, always read the small print: many institutions offer alternative ways to pay, such as staggered monthly payments or full fees only once the student has landed a job. Others go so far as to offer full scholarships to specific groups or work with local employment agencies to enable those out of work to study for free. 

Our tip: Dig into the details to see if you’re eligible for financial aid or a scholarship. 

Student-to-mentor contact 

The amount of input and guidance a student will need when taking part in a bootcamp will vary wildly from person to person. Are you someone who likes to work independently, or do you thrive when you have regular check-ins with an expert or peer group? 

Think carefully about how you have learned skills in the past and how much encouragement, motivation, feedback, and guidance you have needed to reach previous goals. 

How much digital marketing experience you already have will also play a role here. If you’re completely new to the field, you will probably have a lot of questions, whereas if you’re just brushing up on your skills, you may be more than comfortable with a “self-led” learning approach.

Our tip: Pay close attention to how many hours of mentor time you will get over the entire duration of the course. 

3. Key takeaways

There are some great opportunities on the market to learn the skills you need to launch a successful career as an in-demand digital marketer.

Once you know what’s top of your list, do some reading into different schools and institutions, using this guide as a starting point for your research (and perhaps continuing on to our round-up of the best online digital marketing courses). Read reviews from former students of different bootcamps on CourseReport, or contact schools yourself with a list of specific questions you need answered before you commit. 

Want to learn more? Have a chat with one of our digital marketing program advisors.

If you enjoyed this article, try these:

• What does a social media specialist do? 
• Digital marketing internship vs a digital marketing course: Which should you do?
• What does a digital marketing manager do?

Search engines are a significant source of traffic for brands and organizations. This is no longer a secret, seeing how businesses seek out SEO specialists. Becoming an SEO expert requires experience, but the first step is to know all there is to know about the subject. 

In this introductory guide, we’ll answer the question: what is SEO? We will give you a brief rundown of what SEO means and how it works. Use this clickable menu to skip to the section that interests you the most.

1. What is SEO?
2. Why is SEO important?
3. How does SEO work?
4. How can I learn SEO?
5. What is SEO? Key takeaways

Ready to learn all about search engine optimization? Let’s get started!

1. What is SEO?

Search engine optimization, as the name implies, is the process of improving a website to make it easier to find via search engines like Google and Bing. It makes it more likely for the search engine to recommend it for relevant search words so that users can find you when it matters most.

SEO is a long game marketing channel that requires cumulative action to be successful. There are three main types of SEO:

What is SEO? On-page SEO

On-page SEO involves optimizing elements on your webpage to improve its search engine rankings. These elements include blog post headers and images, web copy, and internal links. On-page optimization includes actions like including keywords in your headings and subheadings to help the search engine recognize what your page is about.

What is SEO? Off-page SEO

This involves elements outside your website that help it rank for users’ search queries, such as backlinks and social media shares. For example, creating buzz about your website content on social media will increase the number of social shares and writing high-quality content with unique insights and engaging visuals will increase the chances of people linking to their content.

What is SEO? Technical SEO

These are the technical elements of the website that affect its ranking, such as the site loading time, search engine indexing, mobile friendliness, website structure or architecture, and the presence of sitemaps.

Want to learn more about the basics of SEO? We’ve got a complete beginner’s guide to SEO in this article.

2. Why is SEO important?

SEO is an integral part of digital marketing for the following reasons:

Increased visibility 

With 29% of web traffic generated via search engines (second only to direct web traffic) it is an important channel for increasing visibility. 

The role of SEO is to increase your chance of ranking highly on search engine result pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords. If your site is optimized correctly, it can be the first organic search result and have an average click-through rate (CTR) of 27.6%. 

Most people don’t go past the first page of search engines like Google, so pages ranking on the first page see the highest increase in traffic and a greater chance of conversion. 

Quality traffic

Organic search traffic tends to be high quality because content ranks for relevant search queries. As a result, conversion rates are higher, especially for bottom-of-the-funnel content that directs customers to convert—whether that means a sale of a product or signing up for a service. 

For example, if a blog post about a list of shoes for wide feet ranks highly in a search for shoes for wide feet, it will appeal most to readers who are ready to buy.  

Cost-effective

SEO can be laborious and time-consuming, but it is a cost-effective marketing method. Good SEO may require upfront costs like paying for keyword research tools, but once you get your site to rank, additional traffic comes at no cost. 

Cost is a key difference between search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). Although they use search engines as marketing channels, SEM is paid advertising.

Find out more about the differences between SEO and SEM in this article.

3. How does SEO work?

SERPs typically show paid search results and organic search results on the same page (you can tell the difference easily by formatting, and paid search will often include an Ad tag). The focus of SEO is for your site to rank organically. These organic results are chosen based on the search engine assessment of their relevance to the search query and the quality of their content. 

SEO works by optimizing your site to provide a good user search experience and provide content that matches the search intent. You need to understand the search needs of your audience and how search engines work. The job of a search engine is to produce relevant results for its users quickly, and it does so in the following way: 

Crawling

Crawling is when a search engine sends its bot, called a crawler or spider, to read the content of the pages of a website to find out what it is about. These crawlers use parameters like keywords and associated digital content and links to determine whether a page contains valuable information to be in its index.

The generic name of Google’s web crawler is Googlebot, while the name of Bing’s web crawler is Bingbot. 

Indexing

Indexing is the next process, where information from crawling is stored in the search index. An index is a digital library of information about web pages. When a web page is added to the search index, it can come up on SERPs.

Ranking

Ranking is the position the search engine gives a website page on its SERPs for a particular keyword. The way search engines rank pages remains undisclosed, but we know some factors that affect the user’s experience and appeal to the bots. They include:

• Backlinks
• Freshness
• Usability of site
• Quality of content
• Mobile-friendliness
• Website loading time
• Fulfilling search intent
• Technical SEO

The search engine algorithm is constantly changing because of the changes in user behavior and demands. Therefore, understanding how the algorithm works and ranks pages and creating strategies to please the users and search engine is how to win in SEO.  

To get started, read this article on SEO tips for beginners.

4. How can I learn SEO?

SEO is both an art and a science. While there are things you’ll get to do instinctively, there are techniques you must learn.

Learn the basics

The first step to learning SEO is to get a fundamental understanding of the theories. You will need to learn how search engines work and the skills needed to optimize sites for favorable ranking. These skills include keyword research, SEO copywriting, and link building.

Universities do not typically offer degrees in SEO because it is a constantly changing field. However, there are many online resources in the form of blog posts, free and paid online courses, and boot camps. We rounded up a list of the best free SEO courses you can take.

If you’re changing career paths, you can opt for self-paced courses to keep learning while you’re still at your current job. 

Learn by doing

With SEO, just like every other subject, the best way to learn is by doing. So, after you learn the basics, practice your new skills. 

You can start by experimenting with a blog and executing the SEO strategies you’ve learned. Try them out, measure their impact and analyze the results. The results will show you lapses in your skill and push you to improve. Your practice blog can be a portfolio to submit to employers or clients if you choose to freelance. 

You may also immediately intern in a digital marketing or SEO agency. You will learn on the job as you help them carry out their SEO strategies for various clients.

Keep learning

With SEO, you have to keep up with the trends or get left behind. So be aware of the new tools and techniques and stay abreast of the latest happenings and industry updates. You can do this by reading SEO blogs, listening to podcasts, or joining an active community of SEO experts. 

Read this comprehensive guide on how to become an SEO expert. 

5. What is SEO? Key takeaways

We hope you found this introduction to SEO helpful and that it has excited you to delve deeper into the field. 

Some people believe that SEO is difficult because it is a fast-paced field with constant changes. We agree that there are by far less challenging career paths, but if you love innovation and excitement, you’ll enjoy it. It’s also incredible how many different fields it intersects with, including UX design. 

It is also a financially rewarding path.

Some of our key takeaways:

• SEO is a field that requires you to keep learning as you go.
• Since all the search engine ranking factors are unknown, you must make multiple iterations and updates to get SEO right.
• In the end, SEO is about creating content and adjusting your site for humans and search engines.

To take a step further in your SEO learnings, check out this list of SEO courses you can take for free.

SEO is only one of many career paths in digital marketing. Find out more about  the different types of digital marketing in this free, 5-day intro to digital marketing course.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

• How to create a social media marketing strategy
• What is social media marketing?
• The beginner’s guide to digital marketing

Over 80% of industry experts are already integrating some form of AI into their marketing activities, with a particular focus on ad targeting.

So, if you’re considering a career in digital marketing, understanding and utilizing ChatGPT prompts for marketing is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

To help you navigate this new frontier, we’ve compiled the 21 best ChatGPT prompts for various marketing activities.

This is what we’ll cover:

• Top 18 ChatGPT prompts for marketing
  1. ChatGPT prompts for email marketing
  2. ChatGPT prompts for social media campaigns
  3. ChatGPT prompts for video scripting
  4. ChatGPT prompts for content curation
  5. ChatGPT prompts for on-page SEO
  6. ChatGPT prompts for PPC campaigns
• Closing thoughts

1. Top 18 ChatGPT prompts for marketing

Wondering where ChatGPT can make the most impact in your digital marketing strategy? We’ll explore seven key channels, each with its own set of starter prompts.

We’ll also provide you with contextual cues and follow-up queries to consider when creating your own personalized AI instructions.

So, let’s dive in.

1. ChatGPT prompts for email marketing

With ChatGPT for marketing, crafting compelling emails goes from tedious to exhilarating. A marketer could use ChatGPT to address issues like cart abandonment by creating personalized emails tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

You do, however, need to collect data on the common reasons for cart abandonment, such as high shipping costs or complicated checkouts. Input this data as context when using ChatGPT to ensure the content assistant produces the most relevant solutions.

1. Prompt: “Create an email to address cart abandonment issues.”
   Follow-up: “What incentives can we offer, such as free shipping or a one-time discount?”
2. Prompt: “Generate personalized subject lines based on customer purchase history.”
   Follow-up: “How can these lines increase open rates?”
3. Prompt: “Analyze user interaction with our previous emails to suggest layout improvements.”
   Follow-up: “What are the click-through hotspots?”

2. ChatGPT prompts for social media campaigns

Social media campaigns are a dynamic chess game where every move counts, and the rules keep evolving. ChatGPT acts as your social media strategist, helping you maneuver skillfully.

Before utilizing AI, gather data on hashtags that have previously worked well, engagement patterns, and seasonal trends. This information helps ChatGPT generate highly relevant and engaging hashtags for your campaign.

1. Prompt: “Generate trending hashtags for our Christmas Twitter/X campaign.”
   Follow-up: “Which hashtags are most likely to go viral within our target demographics?”
2. Prompt: “Critique our last Facebook ad to suggest A/B test variations.”
   Follow-up: “What types of images have historically led to higher engagement?”
3. Prompt: “Provide an Instagram posting schedule based on historical engagement data.”
   Follow-up: “What are the best times to post to reach young adults aged 18-24?”

3. ChatGPT prompts for video scripting

UX writing, including the art of video scripting, requires a captivating storyline and compelling dialogues. Suppose you’re creating a tutorial series to reduce customer service queries.

In that case, ChatGPT can be programmed to analyze hundreds of FAQs and customer feedback, generating a script that addresses most user pain points in a single go.

In this case, you’ll need to collate customer queries and complaints and any existing video metrics like watch times to provide context to the AI assistant.

1. Prompt: “Draft a script focusing on the top 10 user pain points for our product.”
   Follow-up: “Which user testimonials can we incorporate?”
2. Prompt: “Create a storyboard outline for our brand awareness video.”
   Follow-up: “What kinds of imagery will best illustrate our brand ethos?”
3. Prompt: “Help tighten a draft script for our new product launch video.”
   Follow-up: “Which of the following features should be highlighted for maximum impact?”

4. ChatGPT prompts for content curation

Curating content goes beyond aggregation; it’s about creating a valuable resource center for your target audience. This becomes more challenging with the daily flood of digital content.

A nutrition blogger may spend hours sifting through research, articles, and trends to stay relevant. ChatGPT and its web-based browser extensions, in particular, automate this process by filtering articles and identifying content gaps.

To offer thoughtful content curation, ChatGPT needs data from past campaigns and insights on engaging content. It’s also helpful to provide parameters like desired tone, brand aesthetic, and content type and length. 

1. Prompt: “Help categorize and organize our content library based on user engagement metrics.”
   Follow-up: “What are the top three categories we should focus on for boosting user interaction?”
2. Prompt: “Analyze our content repository and list topics we haven’t covered but are trending in our industry.”
   Follow-up: “How do these gaps align with our branding strategy?”
3. Prompt: “Evaluate the evergreen potential of our current content based on analytics and market trends.”
   Follow-up: “What kinds of evergreen content can we produce that would synergize with our existing materials?”

5. ChatGPT prompts for on-page SEO

On-page SEO is crucial for improving website visibility. With AI prompts from ChatGPT, you can optimize your content, conduct keyword research, and enhance website performance. 

ChatGPT can analyze multiple data points, from page speed to keyword relevance, providing nuanced suggestions. To get started, give ChatGPT Google Analytics data, heatmaps, and user surveys to generate informed recommendations.

1. Prompt: “Analyze high-exit pages to suggest user experience improvements.”
   Follow-up: “What are common elements in these pages that could be causing user exit?”
2. Prompt: “Improve meta descriptions incorporating long-tail keywords.”
   Follow-up: “Which long-tail keywords have low competition but high relevance?”
3. Prompt: “Evaluate the effectiveness of our current internal linking strategy.”
   Follow-up: “What other high-authority pages can we link to?”

6. ChatGPT prompts for PPC campaigns

Pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns are dynamic, with many moving parts. AI assistance goes beyond basic analytics by identifying where your PPC campaigns are faltering and suggesting real-time solutions.

This means, instead of you second-guessing why a campaign underperformed during a critical product launch, ChatGPT could instantly evaluate the ROI, giving actionable insights on ad sets to scale and demographics to target.

If you already have campaigns that performed exceptionally well in the past, feed that data into ChatGPT. Likewise, having a list of high-performing keywords and an understanding of your target demographics will provide the chatbot with the tools it needs to help you soar.

1. Prompt: “Assess the ROI of our new feature launch PPC campaign.”
   Follow-up: “Which ad sets and demographics are most profitable?”
2. Prompt: “Evaluate our existing keyword performance to identify areas for improvement.”
   Follow-up: “Which new keywords should we test for better ROI?”
3. Prompt: “Generate ad copy that incorporates our product’s unique selling propositions and matches the emotional tone of our brand.”
   Follow-up: “How does this new ad copy compare in performance to our existing one?

2. Closing thoughts

AI tools like ChatGPT are setting new standards in digital marketing, offering nuanced and automated interactions that can significantly enhance user engagement and campaign efficacy.

This article has provided actionable prompts across seven key marketing channels to integrate this transformative technology into your strategy.

As you start working with ChatGPT prompts, consider these tips:

• Test variations: Use different prompts to test how ChatGPT responds and then refine your choices based on performance.
• Be contextual: Always include relevant context to get more accurate and tailored outputs.
• Analyze and adapt: Regularly review the analytics to see how the ChatGPT-powered campaigns are performing.

Keen to enter the world of digital marketing? Our free 5-day course is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of this dynamic field. It’s the perfect way to get hands-on experience and gain the skills you need for a successful tech career.

Enjoyed this article? We think you’ll like these, too:

• 7 Great Coding Prompts for ChatGPT: A Beginner’s Guide
• ChatGPT for UX Design: The Top 15 Prompts
• 11 of the Best ChatGPT Data Analysis Prompts You Should Know

But, with so many options on the market, which digital marketing certification programs are actually worth considering?

To help you out, we’ve done our market research and compiled a shortlist of the best digital marketing certificates available right now. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your existing skills or break into digital marketing as a complete beginner—these certifications will help you on your way. 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. The 10 best digital marketing certificate programs
   1.1 CareerFoundry
   1.2 Kellogg School of Business
   1.3 Udemy (Google)
   1.4 Digital Marketing Institute
   1.5 Duke University
   1.6 Brainstation
   1.7 Columbia Business School
   1.8 LinkedIn Learning
   1.9 Google Skillshop
   1.10 Hubspot
2. Is a digital marketing certificate worth it?
3. What jobs can you apply for with a digital marketing certification?
4. Key takeaways and next steps
5. FAQ about digital marketing certificates

Of course, if you want to jump right in, try our free digital marketing short course. 

1. The 10 best digital marketing certificate programs

If you do a Google search for “digital marketing certification,” you’ll no doubt end up with a surplus of options. We’ll help you separate the wheat from the chaff when choosing the best digital marketing certification program to satisfy your unique needs.

1.1 CareerFoundry’s Digital Marketing Program

CareerFoundry is known for its top-quality instructors and mentors, up-to-the-minute curriculums, and students who graduate with a rock-solid understanding of course concepts. While completing the Digital Marketing Program, aspiring digital marketers will get exposure to real topics that professionals deal with every day, helping them to decide if digital marketing is a career path that suits them.

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online, self-paced
• Best for: Those interested in a career change into digital marketing
• Duration: Four months studying full-time or up to seven months studying part-time
• Price: $6,900 (with discounts available if paying up-front and other payment options available)

Course description

The CareerFoundry Digital Marketing course teaches you all the fundamental skills, tools, and processes required to become a digital marketing expert. Working with an industry expert mentor and tutor, you’ll build projects that you can use in your digital marketing portfolio, preparing you for a career change into the field.

CareerFoundry is so confident in its approach and curriculum that it also offers a Job Guarantee: land a job in your desired field within 180 days of graduating from your program or get your money back.

All of CareerFoundry’s programs are self-paced, meaning there are no scheduled lectures or seminars to attend. Instead, you can choose to work part-time at 15-20 hours a week for seven months or full-time at 30-40 hours a week to graduate in four months.

Interested in learning more about how to start a career in digital marketing? Learn more in the following video featuring experienced digital marketing professional Ed Wood.

1.2 Kellogg Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing

The prestigious Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University offers a digital marketing certification as part of its executive education program. 

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Best for: Serious professionals with a few years of work experience 
• Duration: 6 months (estimated 15-20 hours per week)
• Cost: $6,950

Course description

This comprehensive program covers all the main digital marketing channels, including search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click display ads (PPC), and email. The curriculum includes hands-on experience with common marketing channels, a capstone project focusing on real-world applications, and professional help building a marketing resume and online portfolio.

Students will learn from a series of live webinars broken down into 20 modules and even have the option to join office hours for additional tutelage from esteemed digital marketing experts. 

1.3 Google Analytics Certification

Udemy’s Google Analytics Certification course will get you in fighting shape to pass your Google Analytics exam and earn a certificate that will help set you apart from your peers in the digital marketing sector. 

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Digital marketers interested in becoming an expert in Google Analytics 
• Duration: Courses are on-demand and can be done at your own pace
• Price: $21.99 for the course or $29/month for access to Udemy’s full library

Course description

Google Analytics is one of the most common and critical tools for a digital marketing professional to master. GA novices and experts will benefit from the course’s two hours of on-demand video instruction, downloadable resources, and 200 practice questions.

There’s even a practice exam you can take to help you prepare to earn your official Google Analytics certification. Even if you aren’t planning on taking the test, this course will boost your knowledge of Google Analytics—which can only improve your ability as a digital marketer. 

1.4 Digital Marketing Pro Certification from the Digital Marketing Institute

This digital marketing certification is a collaborative effort between the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). Students who pass the exam will be dual-certified with two professional credentials: the PCM® Digital Marketing and Certified Digital Marketing Professional. 

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Newbie to intermediary digital marketers looking to improve their expertise in the field and burnish their credentials 
• Duration: 30 hours of on-demand courses
• Price: $1,368

Course description

Having conferred over 30,000 certifications since its inception in 2009, the Digital Marketing Institute is recognized as one of the top issuers of digital marketing certificates worldwide. The Digital Marketing Pro dual-certification promises to boost the skills of entry-level to intermediate marketers thanks to a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses on content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, digital marketing strategy, SEO, and more.

Former students rave about the program: 92% agree that the course had a “positive impact on their career,” and 81% of graduates snagged a promotion after successfully completing the course. 

1.5 Duke University Digital Media & Marketing certification

This professional-level online course will prepare you to take the Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) exam to earn the highly-valued certification. 

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Digital marketing professionals with a few years of experience 
• Duration: Recommended 350 hours of self-paced instruction/study time that students can complete over a 12-month period (spending 5-10 hours per week)
• Price: $3,195

Course description

Duke University offers this course for professionals interested in attaining the industry-leading OMCP certification. Students must pass the Digital Marketing Certified Associate (DMCA) module and receive that certification before moving on to the advanced modules, which cover topics like mobile marketing, SEO, paid search, and content marketing in more depth.

They’ll also be exposed to popular digital marketing tools like Hootsuite (social media), Mailchimp (email marketing), and Google Ads (paid search). Hands-on work through labs that include access to Mimic Pro and Mimic Social allows students to hone their skills without needing access to real platforms.  

1.6 BrainStation’s Digital Marketing Certification

BrainStation offers both online and on-campus bootcamps and courses for those looking to learn in-demand tech skills. Their online digital marketing certification promises to teach cutting-edge skills and accelerate your digital marketing career. 

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online, live
• Ideal for: Digital marketing professionals and newcomers alike
• Duration: 10 weeks, 5 hours per week
• Price: $3,250

Course description

The BrainStation digital marketing certification course has five units: marketing strategy foundations, attracting and engaging audiences, digital marketing analytics, social media marketing, and email marketing. The lessons are taught online, at set times, in a live classroom environment, and the project-based nature of the course will have you working on a real-world project for your marketing portfolio. Upon completing the course, you’ll get a professional certificate to share with your network. 

1.7 Columbia Business School Digital Marketing Certificate Program

The digital marketing certification offered by Emeritus and Columbia Business School provides a comprehensive initiation to the field of digital marketing. 

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Entry-level marketing professionals 
• Duration: 3 months, 2-4 hours per week
• Price: $1,250

Course description

If you’re looking for a course that’s a little more in-depth but won’t take you the best part of a year to complete, the Columbia Business School offers a digital marketing program spanning just three months, requiring as little as two to four hours of study per week. Taking place entirely online, the curriculum is divided into fourteen modules, covering topics such as key marketing channels and principles, customer behavior, content marketing and messaging, and digital marketing metrics.

The content is delivered through live online teaching sessions and Q&As, discussion groups, and video lectures. You’ll also try your hand at real-world applications and simulations. In all, this is a highly interactive, comprehensive course that will give you a credible digital marketing certification for your CV.

1.8 Become a Digital Marketing Specialist (LinkedIn)

Taught by various experienced professionals, LinkedIn’s online course provides a no-pressure environment for entry-level marketers wishing to build their knowledge of digital marketing.  

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Entry-level marketing professionals 
• Duration: Almost 20 hours of on-demand videos broken down into 11 modules
• Price: $29.99/month or $19.99 paid annually for access to all LinkedIn Learning courses

Course description

This is an ideal course for people with little to no experience with digital marketing. It provides a comprehensive overview of all the leading digital marketing channels, including Google Ads (PPC), SEO, email, and social media.

Students will also get a basic introduction to Google Analytics, content marketing, Facebook, and Instagram, and even learn the fundamentals of graphic design using Adobe products. Each video module includes a quiz to test how much you’ve learned, and you’ll receive a certificate upon completion of all the modules. 

1.9 Google Ads Skillshop

Google offers several free certifications for its tools through its Skillshop, including one for Google Ads.  

At a glance

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Digital marketers looking to specialize in search engine marketing (SEM) or brush up on their existing knowledge 
• Duration: Each of the six Google Ads courses ranges in length from an estimated 2.6 to 4.7 hours long to complete
• Price: Free!

Course description

If you’re keen to become an expert in any of Google’s ad formats (e.g., pay-per-click, display, Shopping, etc.), these mini modules are the perfect way to achieve your goals. Google has broken down each course into easy-to-digest articles with interactive components, like flip cards and a short quiz at the end.

Students even get additional context for how to use each ad type through real-world case studies. A digital marketing certification that credibly proves your competence in the top SEM platform will ensure your resume stands out from the rest in today’s competitive job market. 

1.10 HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification Course

Hubspot Academy has a wide variety of marketing certifications that will benefit digital marketers at any stage of their careers. The digital marketing certification course is geared towards both experienced digital marketers looking to upskill, and newcomers looking for an introduction to the field.   

At a glance:

• Mode of study: Online
• Ideal for: Marketers looking to build out their skillset or get an introduction to the field
• Duration: Four hours (comprising 9 lessons, 37 videos, and 11 quizzes)
• Price: Free!

Course description

HubSpot’s free digital marketing certification course will take you through the fundamentals of digital marketing, with modules covering content creation, SEO strategy, website performance, social media, and an introduction to paid search advertising and email marketing. Although you’ll get a certificate of completion, it’s important to note that this is a free course that provides a high-level overview of the field.

If you’re taking a digital marketing certification program in order to get a job in the field, you’ll need a more comprehensive offering. Still, this is a great place to start if you’re just dipping your toe in and aren’t quite ready to commit to a more intensive program of study. 

2. Is a digital marketing certificate worth it?

It’s a smart move to consider a career in digital marketing, given that experts estimated the global digital marketing spend topped $450 billion in 2021. Even better, they expect this number to increase by 40% by 2024. And guess what? Companies will need digital marketers to manage those billions. 

If you’re considering a career change, a digital marketing certification can be an enormous help. Here’s why:  

A digital marketing certification program will get you job-ready

One of the best ways to learn new skills is through a structured learning environment. Yet, unlike a traditional degree, a digital marketing certification program will focus only on digital marketing and will not take nearly as much time to complete.

Depending on your chosen provider, a digital marketing certification program can offer the complete career-change package, taking you from complete beginner to job-ready in a matter of months. It’s a great option if you want to change careers but don’t have the time, money, or patience to spread it out over years and years! 

It will help with networking and mentorship

Many digital marketing certification programs include mentoring as part of the services students receive for their tuition. Mentorship is beneficial for everyone, no matter what stage you’re at in your career. Especially if you’re new to digital marketing, a mentor will give you advice and feedback on your work, share tips and insights about the industry, and potentially open up doors for you when it comes to making connections and looking for jobs.

Networking is another benefit. When you take a digital marketing certification program, you’re not alone. You may have the opportunity to work on group projects and get to know other students, widening your social circle. Even if you study online, most programs will provide access to an online community space.

You never know who might introduce you to the hiring manager for your next role! Aside from that, it’s extremely motivating to be studying alongside other upskillers and career-changers from all over the world.

A digital marketing certificate program will help keep your skills up-to-date

Even seasoned digital marketers need to keep on top of new trends, platforms, and technology, as change is the only constant in this field. Digital marketing certifications often offer more up-to-the-minute curriculums than traditional degrees. Getting a certification is an excellent way to show employers that you’re keeping up with the industry (if you’re already in the field) and, if you’re brand new to digital marketing, that you’ve followed a structured learning path to master all the necessary skills and know-how. 

Now let’s look at the careers that a digital marketing certification can help with. 

3. What jobs can you apply for with a digital marketing certificate?

You already know that digital marketing is a rapidly expanding field. Part of the reason why is that there are so many roles that fall into this category. One of the biggest benefits of a digital marketing certification program is that it’ll prepare you for a career in the field. So what jobs can you apply for once you’ve got your certification?

We’ve outlined the top digital marketing jobs in this guide, and we’ll highlight them briefly here, too:

• Digital marketing analyst
• Digital marketing specialist
• Digital marketing manager
• Social media manager
• Social media specialist
• Email marketing specialist
• Director of digital marketing

More specific job titles include that of the SEO specialist, performance marketing manager, content marketing manager, and copywriter—to name just a few. Essentially, the route you take depends on where your interests lie and whether or not you want to specialize or generalize. 

Either way, a digital marketing certification program will lay a solid foundation for your career in digital marketing, teaching you the fundamentals you’ll need for any role. From there, you can build up your skills to focus on a particular area of digital marketing. 

4. Key takeaways and next steps

Whether you’re keen to go all-in through an intensive program that will facilitate a career change or simply interested in keeping your existing skills fresh, you’ll be sure to find the perfect digital marketing certification with all the potential options available to you. Your next step is to determine your goals, budget, and time frame for completion, and you’ll be good to go! 

If you’re interested in taking a digital marketing course but want to try one out obligation-free, try out our free, 5-day short course.

To learn more about starting a career in digital marketing, check out these guides:

• Is a digital marketing bootcamp worth it?
• Do you need a digital marketing degree to start a career in the field?
• Is digital marketing a good career to get into?

5. FAQ about digital marketing certificates

1. Is a digital marketing certification worth it?

It’s a smart move to consider a career in digital marketing, given that experts estimated the global digital marketing spend topped $450 billion in 2021. Even better, they expect this number to increase by 40% by 2024. And guess what? Companies will need digital marketers to manage those billions.

2. What jobs can you apply for once you’ve got a digital marketing certification?

A digital marketing certificate can help you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the field. However, it’s important to note that a certificate alone may not be sufficient to secure a job in digital marketing. Practical experience, a strong portfolio, and networking can also be important factors in securing a job in this competitive field.

3. Is a digital marketing certificate hard?

The difficulty level of a digital marketing certificate program can vary depending on the program and your prior experience. However, with dedication and effort, anyone can successfully complete a digital marketing program and earn a certificate.

But as a newcomer, the sheer diversity of digital marketing careers can be overwhelming. Digital marketing isn’t a one-size-fits-all career path, after all. 

Our digital marketing quiz is designed to help you find the perfect digital marketing role.

Whether you have a flair for social media, are fascinated by search engine optimization, or prefer creative copywriting, our quiz will unveil your core digital marketing persona. 

Ready to find out which digital marketing role is right for you? Let’s do it.

Which data role is right for you? The digital marketing quiz

Our digital marketing quiz consists of 10 multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate your interests, skill areas, and their relevance to various digital marketing roles. You should be able to complete the test in about 5 minutes.

The digital marketing job quiz focuses primarily on your strengths, interests, responses to work problems, and soft skills. With a little effort, many of the hard skills for each role can be learned, but the capabilities described are most important as they are more inherent to an individual’s way of working and will inform your suitability for different roles.

With all that in mind, let’s jump into the quiz!

Next steps

Well done for completing our digital marketing quiz. You should now have insight into the types of digital marketing careers that suit you. It’s an incredible field, and with job demand in marketing expected to increase by 10% by 2026, it’s a great time to get started, whichever your perfect role. 

Although this is just a starting point, consider the following steps to help launch your digital marketing career.

1. Explore the specific digital marketing roles that interest you in more depth. Do they align with your interests and skills?
2. Enhance your digital marketing skills through online courses and practical projects. Would you prefer learning online via free tutorials and YouTube videos or bootcamps? There are a lot of great options. 
3. Build a portfolio to showcase your digital marketing accomplishments. Which areas interest you most, and what projects can you carry out?
4. Network with professionals in the industry through events and online platforms. What advice can you find about job hunting and skills specialization?
5. Gain practical experience through internships or freelance work. Are you ready to take the plunge into the workplace? If not, what skills do you still need?
6. Stay ahead of industry trends and advances to keep your knowledge fresh. Not just the areas that interest you, but the ones that seem to be making a big splash!

Remember, whatever your path in digital marketing, it should align with your personal aspirations and career objectives.

While our quiz can provide guidance, the ultimate decision is yours. Whether you’re a creative character or have a more analytical streak, one thing’s for sure—you’ll find a role that’s right for you.

Ready to find out more about different digital marketing jobs? Sign up for this free 5-day digital marketing short course, speak directly with a program advisor, or check out the following articles:

• How To Become a Digital Marketing Manager
• What Is the Digital Marketing Salary? 2023 Guide
• The 9 Best Online Courses to Learn Digital Marketing in 2023

For aspiring digital marketers and tech career changers, it’s a wild professional ride out there with so much change and uncertainty. But don’t be alarmed; we’re here, ready to navigate you through the future of digital marketing with well-informed insights.

The 2020 Deloitte global survey of early AI adopters revealed that marketing-oriented goals are at the forefront of AI applications. Specifically, the objectives of enhancing products and services, fostering innovation and nurturing customer relationships ranked in the top five.

As AI capabilities mature, businesses are liberated from the time constraints of human work rhythms. AI-powered organizations are riding the data wave and deploying AI in smart ways, nabbing a competitive edge, always innovating, and making things better for customers. It’s pretty clear AI is set to be the star player in the marketing game plan of the future.

But while the power of AI in digital marketing is undeniable, many are left wondering, what exactly does this mean for the field? What changes can we anticipate, and how will they transform the way we approach marketing strategies?

In this article, we’ll explore the impacts and potential applications of AI in the digital marketing space, guiding you through the impending revolution. 

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

• How will AI impact digital marketing?
  1. Impact of AI on customer service
  2. AI in advanced customer segmentation
  3. Enhancing UX design with AI
  4. The role of AI in targeted and predictive content
• 5 ways to use AI in digital marketing
  1. Chatbots: A new way to interact
  2. AI-powered image recognition
  3. AI-assisted ads optimization
  4. AI in content creation
  5. Predictive analysis with AI
• Potential and challenges in using AI in digital marketing
• Key takeaways

Feel free to use the clickable menu to jump to the sections you’re most interested in. With that, let’s jump right in!

How will AI impact digital marketing?

Paul Roetzer, founder and CEO of the Marketing AI Institute and author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence, argues that the marketing world is on the brink of a seismic shift thanks to artificial intelligence. He posits that while AI may not lead to self-running, autonomous marketing systems, even a small application of AI can significantly improve productivity, efficiency, and performance.

By effectively sifting through the ever-increasing data noise, AI provides actionable intelligence, giving marketers the edge they’ve been waiting for.

Now that we’ve outlined the big picture of AI’s potential, let’s move into the specifics—the practical ways this new technology can revolutionize digital marketing. We’ll explore the influence of AI on customer service, delve into its role in predictive content creation, and discover how it can dramatically enhance user experience. 

Impact of AI on customer service

AI’s advancement in the customer service realm marks a turning point for marketing professionals. Here’s how it redefines the game:

• Smart automation provides a continuous flow of customer support.
• Personalized experience crafts individualized customer interactions.
• Deep insight enhances business understanding of consumer requirements.
• Optimized productivity increases performance by accomplishing tasks faster.
• Uninterrupted service guarantees customer help is available around the clock.

These advancements not only elevate customer satisfaction but also recalibrate digital marketing strategies. The new focus? Delivering personalized, efficient, and always-available service, thereby creating a stronger connection with consumers and fostering loyalty.

AI in advanced customer segmentation

Have you ever launched a marketing campaign based on traditional segmentation only to discover your audience’s interests and motivations don’t align with your assumptions? Digital marketers can now overcome these hurdles by tapping into the power of AI and Machine Learning (ML). 

Here is how it works: artificial intelligence, equipped with sophisticated algorithms, can sift through massive customer data sets, revealing hidden psychographic and behavioral patterns essential to accurate predictions. With real-time insights and improved scalability, AI and ML open the door for agile, data-driven strategies.

Whether it’s supervised learning, guided by predefined rules, or unsupervised learning, which identifies intricate customer clusters, AI-enhanced customer segmentation is poised to revolutionize your marketing approach.

Enhancing UX design with AI

Another area where AI is making a significant impact is in the realm of UX design, leading to an array of powerful enhancements and opportunities. Consider the following:

• Data-Driven Insights: designers can use AI algorithms to extract valuable insights from voluminous user data to support design decision-making.
• Tailored User Experiences: AI-powered predictive models foster personalized digital products, echoing individual user behavior.
• Automated Workflows: using AI for repetitive tasks like data validation or feature creation expedites the design process.
• Sophisticated Prototyping: AI tools aid user testing and prototyping, highlighting potential behavior patterns for better iterations.

In this way, AI and UX design are intertwined, opening up limitless possibilities for creative problem-solving. However, the integration of AI does not negate the designer’s role. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of human and AI collaboration for enriched user experiences.

The human designer’s ability to empathize and intuitively understand users’ needs complements AI’s precision and efficiency, creating a synergistic environment that enhances the UX design process.

The role of AI in targeted and predictive content

AI also excels at content targeting. Drawing from vast datasets, AI can decode user behavior patterns, interests, and preferences, crafting content tailored to each individual’s unique persona.

AI-powered targeted content becomes a laser-focused messaging tool. Utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP), AI analyzes user-generated content, distilling key themes and sentiments to deliver content that resonates with the user’s interests and attitudes.

Whether it’s social media posts, news articles, or product reviews, AI can skillfully weave its way through a sea of text, discerning patterns and meaning, and thus, inform content creation in a truly customized manner.

In addition, AI ventures into the realm of predictive analytics. By examining data trails such as search history, purchase patterns, and social media activity, AI can anticipate content users will likely find engaging. This predictive prowess allows marketers to preemptively serve users with engaging, relevant content, allowing them to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

5 ways to use AI in digital marketing

It’s one thing to understand the theory behind AI’s impact on digital marketing, but how will it be applied in practice? Here are five ways we expect AI to be used in digital marketing in the coming years.

1. Chatbots: A new way to interact

Chatbots like ChatGPT represent a groundbreaking means to interact. They leverage AI to provide real-time, personalized responses to enhance customer service.

Whether guiding users to desired products or resolving queries around the clock, chatbots streamline the customer journey and enrich user experience. 

For a detailed dive into the transformative power of AI bots, check out this Search Engine Journal resource about different use cases and opportunities you should be aware of as a digital marketer.

2. AI-powered image recognition

Revolutionizing marketing, AI-powered image recognition automates the formerly tedious process of photo sorting and analyzing imagery for trends. Tech-savvy marketers now use this AI feature to tailor ads, monitor social media, refine product suggestions, and optimize ad content, reducing manual labor and boosting marketing efficiency.

3. AI-assisted ads optimization

AI tools are reshaping advertising strategies by fine-tuning ads, focusing on individual interests, behaviors, and past interactions.

In fact, Statista reports that in 2022, the expenditure on advertising facilitated by artificial intelligence stood at an impressive $370 billion. Forecasts indicate a substantial surge in AI-powered advertising spending, with predictions of it escalating to $1.3 trillion by the year 2032. 

From recommending products to predicting buying behaviors and customizing ad content, AI offers a triple-edged advantage: 

• Precise targeting
• Personalization
• Scalability

These components make it possible to optimize ads in real time and reach the right people with the right message at the right time.

4. AI in content creation

In today’s content creation economy, AI is a game changer. It allows you to:

• Craft engaging blogs with human-like language
• Develop social media posts that hit the right chord
• Create personalized email campaigns to foster customer relationships
• Produce innovative visual content driven by AI-powered content ideation tools
• Pinpoint and optimize keywords for SEO, boosting content visibility

While AI may stir fears of job displacement, its role is increasingly seen as an assistive tool for human creators, not a threat—a balance that’s vital to strike. 

For more information on which AI tools you should be using, check out our article on the best AI tools for digital marketing.

5. Predictive analysis with AI

If integrated with predictive analytics models, AI can offer up-to-the-second data vital for real-time decision-making. In the dynamic post-pandemic environment, these accurate predictions can optimize supply chains.

For instance, AI can help digital marketers forecast customer behavior, product demand, or potential website traffic fluctuations. Accurately predicting such factors enables better resource allocation and campaign planning.

Potential and challenges in using AI in digital marketing

Embracing AI in digital marketing also means navigating various challenges and risks.

For example, ethical dilemmas are prevalent in content targeting. Privacy is a hot-button issue, with user data serving as the fuel for AI algorithms. Its mishandling can lead to breaches, trust erosion, and reputational damage. 

Moreover, if trained on biased data, these algorithms can perpetuate, even amplify, discrimination or exclusion, fostering a lack of fairness in content targeting. Transparency, too, is paramount; users deserve to understand why they see certain content and what decisions led to its presentation.

But despite these hurdles, the transformative potential of AI in digital marketing is remarkable. AI can catapult customer engagement and business growth to unprecedented levels when used ethically and responsibly.  

So, while challenges exist, don’t underestimate the future-altering power of AI in marketing and start familiarizing yourself with its vast capabilities.

Key takeaways 

Ready to ride the wave of the future in digital marketing? AI has been a game-changer, revolutionizing the way we engage customers, dissect data, and craft meaningful content. By deploying AI correctly, your marketing efforts can reach new heights of personalization and precision. 

So, what’s the next step? If you’re new to the field, check out our free, 5-day introductory course to digital marketing—it’s the perfect starting point to gain a solid foundation and discover if the profession is right for you. 

Or, if you’d like to keep reading, you might enjoy our other articles on related  topics: 

• What Are the Different Types of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
• How To Become a Digital Marketer (Is It a Good Career Fit?)
• Why AI Won’t Replace Web Developers Anytime Soon

Indeed, marketers have long sought innovative ways to enhance their strategies, save time, and stay ahead of the competition. 

The arrival of AI has opened up a new realm of possibilities, allowing digital marketers to streamline their efforts, make fast, data-driven decisions, and deliver unique and personalized customer experiences to their target audience.

But what are the best AI tools for digital marketing? In this post, we’ll explore the 20 best AI tools for digital marketing professionals, including those that will help optimize your campaigns, others to improve customer engagement, and even those that can help shape your overall strategy.

Since accessibility is key, we’ve ensured that our curated list includes some of the best free AI tools for digital marketing. Harnessing the power of AI needn’t break the bank, as we’ll see. 

We’ll cover:

1. What is an AI digital marketing tool?
2. The 20 best AI tools for digital marketing
3. Closing thoughts

Ready? Then let’s dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence!

1. What is an AI digital marketing tool?

Before we reach our top 20, it helps to ensure we all know what we mean by “AI digital marketing tools”. Simply put, an AI tool is a piece of software or a platform that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize otherwise complex or menial tasks—in this case, those related to digital marketing.

Whether we’re talking about social media advertising, content strategy, SEO, or affiliate marketing, AI tools can help.

Learn more: What are the 9 types of digital marketing?

While all digital marketing activity requires human oversight, AI tools specializing in data analysis, image or natural language processing (and more) can eradicate much of the heavy lifting associated with these tasks.

For example, there are tools to help with everything from ad strategy to influencer marketing. And despite occasional doom-mongering in the media, these tools are not here to replace humans. 

They are here to make our jobs easier and more productive. In turn, this allows us to focus our efforts where they’re most needed (and spoiler alert: that’s usually on the fun and creative tasks!) 

While there’s little doubt that AI tools will transform digital marketing, we could say the same about any digital innovation over the past 20 years. 

Artificial intelligence may play an increasingly prominent role in our lives, but it simply means our jobs will evolve—admittedly in unexpected ways—to match. This comes with uncertainty but it also makes it an exciting time to be a digital marketer!

2. The 20 best AI tools for digital marketing

While we may think of artificial intelligence as being highly sophisticated—which in many ways, it is—it’s also still in its infancy. As such, you can expect many more sophisticated tools to emerge in the coming months and years.

With the present moment in mind though, let’s explore 20 of the best AI tools for digital marketing that are available right now.

Content is, of course, king, so you’ll notice many of the tools on our list relate one way or another to creating or optimizing various types of content. Let’s take a look.

1. Jasper.ai

Launched: 2021

Used for: Content production

Pricing: $39 (individuals) and £99 (teams)

Jasper.ai is a cutting-edge AI-powered content generation and optimization tool designed for augmenting content production. Using advanced natural language processing algorithms, the platform allows you to effortlessly tackle multiple content-related tasks, such as crafting blogs, social media posts, ad copy, and other compelling marketing content.

Its focus on marketing-specific content distinguishes it from more generic content generation tools.

2. Surfer SEO

Launched: 2008

Used for: SEO management

Pricing: From $19 to $249

A well-established SEO tool that recently incorporated AI into its functionality, Surfer SEO is designed to help digital marketers optimize content for search engines. It now uses automated data-driven recommendations for improving on-page SEO, such as keyword usage, content structure, and meta tags. 

Using detailed analysis and competitor insight, you can also use the tool to automate the trickier aspects of SEO itself, allowing you to concentrate on the important stuff: namely, creating high-ranking, search engine-friendly content that packs a punch!

3. Grammarly

Launched: 2009

Used for: Content editing

Pricing: Free to $15 per month

Grammarly is probably one of the best free AI tools for digital marketing professionals looking to streamline their editing tasks.

Think of it as being a bit like an AI version of MS Word’s grammar tools; it detects and corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style errors (just like MS Word) but also offers enhanced, real-time suggestions for improving sentence structure, word use, and tone of voice. 

Better yet, most of its functionality is free, and even if you fork out for the premium version, it won’t break the bank.

4. Brand24

Launched: 2013

Used for: Social listening

Pricing: $69 to $349

Use Brand24 to monitor and analyze online mentions of your brand, products, and broader industry trends.

Offering real-time insights from social media, news articles, blogs, and other content, Brand24 can help you track customer sentiment, identify influencers you might want to work with and offer additional tips and insights to help you engage your audience better.

And by automating data analytics tasks, the tool also gives the comfort of staying on top of your online reputation using reliable recommendations you can trust.

5. MarketMuse

Launched: 2011

Used for: Automated content marketing strategy

Pricing: Free to $399 for teams

MarketMuse is an AI-driven content auditing platform. It assists digital marketers in creating high-quality content that achieves the holy grail of being both relevant to end users and meeting organic SEO requirements.

MarketMuse goes beyond the basic keyword analysis offered by many tools, also identifying content gaps, providing strategic recommendations, and empowering data-driven decision-making.

6. Seventh Sense

Launched: 2013

Used for: Email marketing

Pricing: $64 or $360 per month, depending on platform integration

Seventh Sense is a cloud-based AI tool that simplifies email marketing campaign management, analysis, and associated business intelligence.

Designed to integrate with the marketing platforms HubSpot and Marketo, it automatically analyzes recipients’ email engagement patterns, determining the optimal time to send emails for maximum open and click-through rates.

By sending customized emails to each customer, you will ultimately improve deliverability and conversion rates, all with minimal effort.

7. Brandwatch Influence

Launched: 2022

Used for: Influencer marketing

Pricing: On request

In 2022, the social listening provider Brandwatch acquired the LA startup, Paladin, before relaunching it as Brandwatch Influence. With a database of over 30 million influencers and supporting all the big social media platforms, you can use it to efficiently manage your influencer networks and discover the best influencers for your brand.

The tool utilizes AI for audience and product analysis, as well as for measuring the impact and ROI of influencer campaigns, an automation that would not have been possible just a few years ago.

8. Zapier

Launched: 2011

Used for: Task automation

Pricing: Free to $750

Zapier is undoubtedly one of the best AI tools for digital marketing professionals wanting to improve workflow management. This AI-powered platform helps streamline workflows, connecting various apps and automating repetitive tasks.

Beyond merely automating, you can create custom workflows, known as “Zaps”, which trigger actions in one app based on events in another. Examples include things like data synchronization, lead generation, social media posting, and more.

9. Drift

Launched: 2015

Used for: AI chatbot

Pricing: $2,500 per month

Drift is a conversational AI platform that helps businesses provide chat assistance and answer common questions from their website visitors.

By engaging with visitors in real time, the tool vastly speeds up lead generation, freeing human marketers to handle more complex tasks, such as answering specific questions or providing custom quotes.

With personalized messaging and seamless integration with various platforms, Drift can transform how businesses interact with their visitors, making the experience more positive and productive for all involved.

10. Ocoya

Launched: 2021

Used for: Social media automation and content generation

Pricing: $15 to $159 per month

Ocoya is a social media automation and AI-driven content generation tool that digital marketers can use to create (and post) compelling social media content. Outputs include posts, captions, blogs, hashtags, and gifs, to name a few.

With over 10,000 preexisting customizable templates, you can quickly create unique branded content without having to resource a graphic designer or content writer every single time. It also integrates with many popular social media platforms and other social media scheduling suites, making it a fantastic time-saver.

11. ManyChat

Launched: 2015

Used for: Chat marketing

Pricing: Free to $15 a month

ManyChat is an AI chatbot platform aimed not at websites (like Drift) but at Facebook Messenger. Using a simple drag-and-drop interface and offering many templates, you can create chatbots for digital marketing, sales, and customer support purposes.

It automates your conversations, sends targeted messages, collects leads, and drives user engagement on Facebook, all with minimal effort. Ultimately, this sets you up to go, allowing you to focus more time on complex strategic tasks such as customer segmentation and campaign performance management.

12. Tidio

Launched: 2013

Used for: Automatic customer service

Pricing: Free to $29 per month

Another AI chat and customer service tool, Tidio stands out for its multichannel support, allowing you to create chat interfaces on websites, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. Its intuitive interface means digital marketers can easily customize their chatbots without any coding knowledge. 

It also offers live chat services, directing visitors towards human-to-human interactions when required. On top of that, its customer analytics and helpdesk support are excellent for those moments when even state-of-the-art tech can’t do it all!

13. Smartly.io

Launched: 2013

Used for: Branded social media ads

Pricing: Demos/pricing on request

Smartly.io is an AI-powered advertising platform designed to optimize and automate social media ad campaigns. Smartly has an array of advanced tools, such as creative automation, ad optimization, and precise audience targeting, and supports advertising across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Leveraging its analytics functionality, you can also scale your social media advertising efforts right up, without any impact on campaign performance, ultimately helping you achieve higher returns on investment.

14. DeepL

Launched: 2017

Used for: Language translation

Pricing: From free to $49.99 per month

DeepL is one of the best free AI tools for digital marketing professionals looking for quick, accurate language translations. By using neural networks, DeepL typically offers more accurate and context-specific translations than mainstream alternatives such as Google Translate. 

While it doesn’t offer quite as many languages as Google, it regularly introduces new ones and currently has around 30 in its arsenal. Its ability to manage colloquialisms and unusual turns of phrase makes it helpful for digital marketers who need to translate or localize content, ads, or customer communications. And while you can pay for additional features, the basic version is free. Bonus!

15. Hemingway App

Launched: 2013

Used for: Content editing

Pricing: Free online/ $19.99 for the desktop app

Similar to Grammarly, Hemingway App is an AI writing tool that helps digital marketers improve the clarity and readability of their content. Input your article or blog post, and it highlights complex sentences, excessive adverbs, and cases of passive voice; while suggesting revisions for better readability. 

The tool’s readability scores are based on US high school grades, allowing you to assess how easily different age groups will understand your writing. You can then adjust your text accordingly, ensuring it is comprehensible to your intended audience.

16. HubSpot

Launched: 2006

Used for: Digital marketing platform

Pricing: $800 to $3,600 per month

HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing automation platform that has been around since 2006, making it an industry veteran. Although AI has only gained traction more recently, in March 2023, HubSpot launched ChatSpot.ai, as well as a content assistant tool. 

Now, in addition to features such as lead generation, email marketing, social media analytics, and CRM integration, HubSpot enables you to implement chatbots on websites and generate content for digital marketing campaigns, social media posts, and so on. We think this may be a tool to watch.

As AI continues to evolve, you can bet HubSpot will introduce even more AI-driven tools, making it an ideal solution that caters to all your digital marketing needs.

17. PhotoRoom

Launched: 2020

Used for: Photographic editing

Pricing: Free to $9.99 per month

Yes, OK, end-to-end, all-bells-and-whistles solutions that will knock your socks off can be great. But sometimes, you just want to fix a photo in a hurry! PhotoRoom is an AI-powered mobile and browser app that allows digital marketers to quickly and accurately remove backgrounds from images and make other minor edits. 

It uses computer vision technology to detect objects and people in photos, making it easy to create professional-looking product images and other visual content.

Although the tool is quite straightforward, its output is surprisingly professional-looking, saving you time with manual image editing when you need it in a pinch!

18. DALL·E

Launched: 2021

Used for: Text to image generation

Pricing: $15 for 115 credits (one credit per prompt)

Brought to you by Open AI, the organization behind the now ubiquitous ChatGPT, DALL·E is one of several emerging text-to-image generation tools slowly being adopted by digital marketers. Simply enter a text prompt, and the tool will output a handful of images you can abandon, further refine, or use as they are. 

While the technology is still relatively new (and its output can be a little questionable at times) some organizations are already using it in their digital marketing efforts. 

19. Albert.ai

Launched: 2014

Used for: Digital advertising

Pricing: On request

Albert.ai uses machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data that can then help you automate ad purchasing and optimization, delivering personalized social media advertisements to users based on their unique digital profiles and demographics. 

While similar tools are available, Albert.ai’s website boasts that it covers 90% of platforms that offer biddable advertising, making it ideal for those looking to expand or scale up their paid search to a much wider audience.

20. Browse AI

Launched: 2021

Used for: Web monitoring and scraping

Pricing: $19 to $249 per month

Much of digital marketing involves creating compelling content, as our list has shown. But alongside this, there is the more practical issue of collecting and analyzing data—a must for any well-informed strategy. Enter Browse AI. Use this tool to monitor and extract data from any website (that permits you) using easily programmable web scrapers, which require no special coding knowledge to customize. 

Whether you’re tracking login information or want geolocation data, the tool is adaptable to various digital marketing needs, making it one of the best AI tools for digital marketing professionals who want to expand their databases.

It might not be as flashy as an image generation tool, but it’s still very valuable!

3. Closing thoughts

So there we have it. In this post, we’ve explored 20 of the best AI tools for digital marketing. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget ChatGPT. Read our full guide on the best ChatGPT prompts for digital marketing.

As we’ve seen, the recent surge in artificial intelligence capabilities has resulted in many new AI tools emerging. These tools can now cover an array of functionalities, from content production to search engine optimization, copyediting, social listening, email marketing, influencer marketing, chatbots, photographic editing, text-to-image generation, language translation, and much more.

The main thing to remember is that, despite occasional concerns to the contrary, AI tools are exactly that: tools. They are intended to assist human marketers in streamlining their tasks and improving productivity, thereby freeing up more time for areas where machine learning is less effective, such as creative strategy, critical thinking, and relationship building. 

Although digital marketing is changing, it’s also exciting times ahead as we learn to leverage AI in unexpected new ways that will help us achieve exceptional results. To learn more about the impact of AI in digital marketing, read our full guide on the subject.

Want to learn more about digital marketing? Then sign up for this free, 5-day digital marketing short course. 

Alternatively, check out the following related guides:

• The 9 Best Online Courses to Learn Digital Marketing in 2023
• What Is the Digital Marketing Salary? 2023 Guide
• 12 Digital Marketing Tools You Should Know About in 2023