Digital marketing is booming right now, making it a hot industry to break into. But with so many options out there, choosing the right digital marketing course can be daunting.
In this article, I’m going to review the Google Digital Marketing Professional Certificate. As someone who’s been in the digital marketing game for a while, I know what beginners need to focus on and what makes a good course.
By the end of this article, you’ll know:
So, let’s get started!
Google Digital Marketing Professional Certificate Overview:
This professional certification program is part of Google Career Certificates, available on Coursera. It’s crafted by senior practitioners at Google to give you the latest digital marketing skills without any prior knowledge or experience.
It consists of seven series of courses that cover a spectrum of topics crucial to mastering the intricacies of digital marketing and e-commerce, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, analytics, and more.
With a blend of interactive video lectures, readings, quizzes, and hands-on projects, the program ensures an engaging and immersive learning experience for learners.
Upon successful completion of the certification, you receive a prestigious credential from both Google and Coursera, validating your expertise in the field. This certification not only enhances your professional credibility but also opens doors to diverse career opportunities in the ever-expanding digital landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a career in Digital Marketing or just out of curiosity you want to dive into the world of SEO, SEM, and Advertising, the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certification offers a transformative learning journey that can propel your career to new heights.
My Experience with the Program:
As mentioned earlier, I’m already a digital marketer. I enrolled in the Google Digital Marketing and E-commerce program simply to explore it and write a thorough review.
So, here’s what I found, the good and the bad, about this program…
What did I like about the program?
What did I dislike about the program?
Other User Experiences: Insights from Certified Professionals
I have also reached out to many users who have completed this professional certificate to take their thoughts on this program and whether they’d recommend it to others…
Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate: 6/10
“In the program, I liked the exposure to various learning methods that easily resonated with me and gave practical insight into every aspect of E-Commerce and Digital Marketing.
However, it didn’t include a predesigned Capstone project, which left me feeling disappointed. I did learn different ways to optimize various online platforms for Digital Marketing.
In my opinion, the program felt more like a compilation of self-study materials rather than a structured curriculum aimed at enhancing one’s profile. It lacked organization and a cohesive structure. In a nutshell, the program provided an opportunity to learn several separate skills in one place.”
My experience with Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate:
“The program covers all major aspects of digital marketing, including various types and strategies. It also provides a foundation on how to effectively list and advertise products on e-commerce platforms to boost online sales.
There are no significant drawbacks to the course, as it offers numerous assignments and discussions that enhance knowledge acquisition.
Throughout the course, I acquired knowledge of marketing funnel and various digital marketing techniques such as SEO, SEM, SMM, Email marketing, PPC models, Google ads, and analytics. By incorporating practical assignments, the course enables hands-on experience with different platforms, providing an introduction to the digital marketing world.
Obtaining the Google Professional Certificate through this course can significantly benefit your career and job prospects. I highly recommend this professional certification to individuals seeking to pursue a career in digital marketing and e-commerce.”
Now let’s dive into the course curriculum and what it includes…
Course Structure and Curriculum Overview:
As I mentioned in the beginning, this program consists of seven series of courses that cover all essential digital marketing skills from scratch.
These 7-series courses are:
- Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
- Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing
- From Likes to Leads: Interact with Customers Online
- Think Outside the Inbox: Email Marketing
- Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics and Measurement
- Make the Sale: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: Develop Customer Loyalty Online
On average, the complete course takes 3-6 months to finish by learning 16 hours a week. It completely depends on you and your learning speed.
Let’s dive into each series course…
1. Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
The first course covers Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, explaining their definitions and evolution. In the first week, instructors will introduce themselves and their expertise.
You’ll grasp the significance of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce for businesses and how they add value. Understanding the marketing funnel and customer journey, vital in digital marketing, will also be covered.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to foundation of digital marketing and e-commerce | 4 hours |
| 2. The customer journey and the marketing funnel | 4 hours |
| 3. Digital marketing and e-commerce strategy | 11 hours |
| 4. Measure performance success | 3 hours |
Additionally, you’ll dive into case studies and access free resources, like a Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Glossary.
Towards the end, you’ll learn job search preparation, finding opportunities, and building confidence. These topics will be emphasized in the final part of the program.
2. Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing
In this course, you’ll dive into Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) – two of my favorite topics in Digital Marketing. I’m passionate about teaching and discussing them. If you stumbled upon this article through a Google search, that’s likely because of SEO.
Ever wondered how websites or blogs climb the ranks on Google? That’s the magic of SEO or SEM.
SEO is the natural way to draw users to a website, blog, or landing page, while SEM involves advertising on search engines to boost rankings and attract traffic.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to attract and engage customers with digital marketing | 6 hours |
| 2. Understand Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | 3 hours |
| 3. Apply SEO | 5 hours |
| 4. Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and display advertising | 6 hours |
I’m excited that this course will not only teach you the ins and outs of SEO but also guide you in applying it to enhance Google Search rankings for a website.
3. From Likes to Leads: Interact with Customers Online
In this course series, you got to grips with SEO and SEM, which are vital for boosting traffic and conversions on search engines like Google.
Now, we’re shifting gears. This time around, you’re diving into the world of social media platforms to amp up business engagement.
You’ll explore how to make the most of various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and others to effectively promote a business. Plus, you’ll pick up tips on crafting campaigns tailored for these platforms to boost conversions and sales.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to form likes to leads: interact with customers online | 3 hours |
| 2. Social media strategy, planning, and publishing | 6 hours |
| 3. Social media analytics and reporting | 8 hours |
| 4. Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and display advertising | 4 hours |
| 5. Paid social media | 5 hours |
Moreover, You’ll delve into measuring social media analytics, using analytical tools, and making sense of gathering data to track progress and make improvements. In the final leg of the course, we’ll zero in on teaching ads.
(If you’re keen on delving deeper into paid social media marketing, consider signing up for the META Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate course. It’s a fantastic next step!)
4. Think Outside the Inbox: Email Marketing
Have you joined my newsletter yet? If not, why wait? Just head to the homepage, enter your email and name, and snag the free e-book. Voila! You’re part of our Studelp community.
Once you’re signed up, you won’t just get the e-books, but also our latest articles and promos. That’s what we call Email Marketing.
Did you know Email Marketing has a high ROI and is more effective for sales than social media? (reference)
This course covers everything about Email Marketing, from how it works to its types, tools, lead magnets, and creating campaigns.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to email marketing | 4 hours |
| 2. Types of email marketing | 4 hours |
| 3. Useful tools for email marketing | 7 hours |
| 4. Collect and analyze email campaign data | 3 hours |
| 5. Run your own email marketing campaign | 5 hours |
Further, you’ll get to know terms like conversion rate, bounce rate, and click-through rate. Sounds like a great learning opportunity, right?
5. Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics and Measurement
To boost your digital marketing success, it’s important to regularly review your analytics to spot errors and find ways to improve.
This series zeroes in on analytics and measurement. You’ll dive into using tools like Google Analytics and Google Ads to figure out the ROI or ROAS of your marketing efforts.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to Assess for Success: Marketing Analytics and Measurement | 6 hours |
| 2. Use metrics from Google Analytics and Google Ads | 5 hours |
| 3. Measure the success of marketing campaigns | 5 hours |
| 4. Share metrics and insights with stakeholders | 8 hours |
You’ll also master A/B testing to fine-tune your campaigns for better results. This skill is key for crafting winning marketing strategies.
6. Make the Sale: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores
So far, you’ve tackled digital marketing, but now let’s dive into e-commerce!
In this course, you’ll master the art of selling products online. We’ll cover everything from launching your own e-commerce venture to checking out various online stores. You’ll also get the lowdown on running ad campaigns to connect with customers and clinch those online sales.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to Make the Sale: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores | 6 hours |
| 2. Learn about online stores | 5 hours |
| 3. Ads and Campaigns in e-commerce | 6 hours |
| 4. Engage customers with an online store | 5 hours |
You’ll get hands-on experience with Shopify. They will also help you set up a dummy store where you can create and manage product listings.
7. Satisfaction Guaranteed: Develop Customer Loyalty Online
This is the final series course, relevant for e-commerce stores. It teaches the importance of loyalty and building customer relationships in e-commerce.
| Modules | Avg. time to complete |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction to Satisfaction Guaranteed: Develop Customer Loyalty Online | 4 hours |
| 2. Analyze trends for an online store | 7 hours |
| 3. Prepare for jobs in digital marketing and e-commerce | 12 hours |
| 4. Certificate review | 2 hours |
You’ll also learn to gather and analyze data to boost conversions and sales online.
In conclusion, there are interactive activities based on explored concepts and acquired skills. Plus, guidance on job searching and interview skills is provided.
By the end of the course, you might earn the Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate.
Benefits of Enrolling in the Certification Program:
The program offers a lot of benefits for learners. By investing in this program, trust me, you won’t have any regrets.
How Much Does Google Digital Marketing Certification Cost?
The Google digital marketing and e-commerce professional program costs $49 per month. The total cost depends on how quickly you complete it. Finish in 4 months, and it’s $196 in total. This also comes with a 7-day free trial.
Costs might differ based on your location. For instance, if you’re in India, it’s just INR 3263 for 3 months of access (studying 16 hours a week), much cheaper than elsewhere.
If you can manage your time flexibly, go for the 3-month option for effective learning at a lower cost. If you are an academic student or have a 9-5 job, you may consider opting for a 6-month course access.
Another option is Coursera Plus memberships which only cost $59 per month ($399 per year), giving you unlimited access to 7,000+ courses, including Google and Meta certifications. For more information, you can read my Coursera Plus review.
7 Tips to Successfully Complete This Program:
I have seen many students enroll in this program but a few of them actually complete it and earn the certificates.
Consider following the below tips so that you won’t just complete the program on time but also make the most out of your certification journey…
Alternatives to Google’s Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Professional Certificate:
If you’re looking to dive into digital marketing and e-commerce, know that Google’s certification isn’t your only option.
Let’s explore some other programs worth considering:
1. Udacity Digital Marketing Nanodegree:
I have also shared my thoughts on the Udacity Digital Marketing Nanodegree, alongside feedback from other users.
Similar to Google Digital Marketing Certification, this program zeroes in on digital marketing, covering all the basics essential for landing an entry-level role.
What sets it apart is the personalized feedback, hands-on projects, and various resources like ad campaigns and SEO implementation. Instructors evaluate your work, ensuring you meet their standards before moving forward.
While the course can be a tad pricey, the investment is worthwhile. For more information, you may read the complete review for this program.
2. Introduction to Digital Marketing by Great Learning:
If you’re still on the fence about a digital marketing career and simply want to dip your toes into the field, consider Great Learning’s free 2-hour course.
It’s akin to Google’s introductory course, offering fundamental knowledge at no cost with lifetime access, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
3. Udemy Digital Marketing Course:
Udemy, a popular online learning platform, boasts a plethora of digital marketing and e-commerce courses catering to beginners and experts alike.
However, keep in mind that these courses are created by individuals, making it tricky to sift through for the best ones. Check out my Udemy review for guidance on navigating the platform and selecting the most suitable courses.
Read also: Best Digital Marketing Courses for Beginners in 2024
Conclusion:
In conclusion, diving into mastering digital marketing and e-commerce through the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certification offers great potential for personal and professional growth.
From grasping SEO intricacies to excelling in email marketing and customer engagement, the program provides a thorough curriculum to arm learners with essential skills.
Moreover, earning a certification from Google and Coursera can significantly boost career prospects, unlocking various opportunities in digital marketing and e-commerce.
As you ponder the insights shared here, I urge you to consider enrolling in the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certification. Whether you’re a seasoned pro aiming to upskill or a new entrepreneur navigating the digital realm, this certification guarantees a transformative journey toward success in the digital age.
More Certifications that Are Offered by Google:
As mentioned before, the Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Certification is one of the Google Career Certificates.
These certificates, made by experienced professionals at Google, aim to train people for entry-level jobs in popular fields like cybersecurity, project management, UX design, digital marketing, and others. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to join these programs.
In this review, I’ve discussed the Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce Certificate, giving important details about the program. Check out the reviews of other Google certifications and courses.
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate Review
- Google UX Design Professional Certification Review
- Udacity Digital Marketing Nanodegree review
- Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate Review
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate Review
Let me know if you want me to review any other certification programs.
(To support my blog, we may use affiliate links in this post. Rest assured, they don’t affect our honest reviews.)
