What Are the Best Free Digital Marketing Courses? 7 Options

Enrolling in a top free digital marketing course can be an efficient way to develop valuable skills for career advancement. Whether you’re just starting out, aiming to enhance your resume, or seeking a promotion, these courses can pave the way.

That said, the quality varies, and your goals will influence the best fit for you. Consider the following types of courses:

• Beginner-friendly, hands-on training: Courses that go beyond technical skills, offering soft skills and career support to help with job placement.
• Certification-focused courses: Designed to enhance professional credentials and improve your resume.
• Short, focused lessons: Ideal for professionals looking to quickly gain a specific skill. Some of these courses can be just a couple hours long.

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the options by outlining key factors to consider in a top digital marketing course. We’ll also share a curated list of free online courses to suit various goals, from learning the basics to advancing your career.

But before diving into the list, let’s explore some key questions to help you evaluate your options and choose the right course for your goals.

Find the Best Free Digital Marketing Course: Key Questions

If you’re searching for the best free digital marketing courses, there are plenty of options. However, not all of them are worth your time.

Some offer only surface-level knowledge, lacking the depth needed for career development, while others come with hidden costs or membership fees.

With so many choices, it’s essential to find the course that best fits your needs.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you looking for a general digital marketing course or something more specialized?

Digital marketing encompasses areas like content marketing, SEO, social media marketing, and paid search. If you’re a small business owner managing your own marketing, a general course covering the basics may be ideal. However, if you aim to advance your career in a specific area, a specialized course will provide more targeted knowledge.

(Learn more about different specializations in our in-depth guide.)

2. What learning format works best for you?

Learning formats vary widely, from self-paced programs to live classes. Self-paced courses offer flexibility, letting you study on your own schedule, but can be challenging in terms of staying motivated. Live classes, on the other hand, provide interaction with instructors, real-time feedback, and a structured environment, which is especially helpful for hands-on learners.

3. Is online learning or in-person instruction better for you?

Remote learning offers flexibility, letting you study on your own schedule. In-person or hybrid programs tend to be more interactive but are limited by location. Online classes with a live instructor combine the benefits of both, offering real-time interaction and flexibility to learn from anywhere.

4. Will the course offer an industry-recognized certification?

Certifications from reputable organizations like Google or Meta can enhance your resume, showing employers that you have relevant, validated skills. Whether you’re starting your digital marketing career or aiming for a promotion, certifications can demonstrate both your expertise and commitment to the field.

5. Does the course teach essential soft skills?

In addition to the technical aspects of digital marketing, if you’re just starting out, a course that includes soft skills like professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving can help set you apart. However, if you’re primarily looking to upskill, this may not be as crucial.

6. How long do you want or need to commit to the course to gain the necessary skills?

Some digital marketing courses take a few weeks or months, while others claim to certify you in just hours. However, if you’re a beginner looking to break into the industry, you’ll likely need a longer program that offers enough depth to prepare you for the demands of a digital marketing job.

7. Does the course offer community and career support?

Programs with mentorship, networking, and career resources can boost your chances of landing a digital marketing role. For example, Climb Hire’s digital marketing program provides one-on-one job placement assistance, with over 80% of alumni securing roles within six months.

Now, with these points in mind, let’s explore some of the best free digital marketing courses available:

1. Climb Hire’s Google & Meta Ads Certification Program: A free paid search marketing program for low-income working adults

Best for beginners looking to gain the skills and certifications to launch a digital marketing career.

Climb Hire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income working adults launch careers in tech. Our Google and Meta Ads Certification program covers the fundamentals of paid search marketing, a highly sought-after area within digital marketing.

This course is completely free, with no hidden costs, thanks to funding from government grants and philanthropic support. Climb Hire’s primary goal is to provide comprehensive training that directly leads to job placement.

We put ourselves first because this course checks all the boxes for what a great beginner’s digital marketing program should include:

• Comprehensive curriculum: Gain essential technical skills for an entry-level paid search marketing role. The hands-on training prepares you to apply real-world tools in real scenarios.
• Google and Meta Ads certification: Our four-month course culminates in two highly respected certifications: Google Ads Certification and the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate. These are highly valued by employers and will boost your resume.
• Remote, instructor-led classes: Attend interactive, real-time classes from anywhere in the U.S. Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning while engaging with instructors and peers.
• Soft skills development: Learn essential workplace communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, key for career success.
• Dedicated job placement support: You’ll be paired with a Career Development Advisor who will guide you through resume building, cover letter crafting, and interview preparation to help land your first job.
• Strong peer community: Learn alongside like-minded individuals in “pods,” creating a supportive environment for growth and networking. 77% of alumni consider the Climb Hire community the most valuable part of their experience.
• Access to a broad professional network: Upon graduation, you’ll be connected to Climb Hire’s extensive network of industry professionals and employers, giving you a competitive edge in your job search.

As a result of our free job training programs, more than 80% of Climb Hire alumni secure jobs within 6 months, typically earning a starting salary of $50k or more. Our graduates have found success at leading companies like Google, Tesla, Salesforce, and IBM.

Plus, our alumni have great things to say about their experience at Climb Hire:

 

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• “I honestly thought I would be trapped within the restaurant industry and would never be able to get into a career, but after completing Climb Hire’s Paid Search Marketing program, I received an offer with StarCom as a media buyer.”
  – Kia Scales, Climb Hire graduate

• “Through the program, I became more confident in public speaking, learned how to grow my network, how to job search, and the key to acing an interview. With everything I learned, I was fortunate enough to land a new role as a Marketing Coordinator for Praxis Labs. I am so thankful for the lifelong connections I made with my fellow climbers and everything I learned on this journey.”
  – Genevieve Atiefu, Climb Hire
• “Climb Hire was something I signed up for on a whim after being in the job search process and feeling that my prospects weren’t really where I wished they were. It ended up being one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had, and I now consider the people I met in the program as extended family. There aren’t enough good things I can say about the company and I would recommend Climb Hire to anyone and everyone.”
  – Anonymous, Climb Hire graduate

2. Google Skillshop: Self-paced courses across multiple digital marketing tracks

Best for self-motivated beginners, professionals looking to upskill in specific areas, or anyone seeking to expand their digital marketing expertise.

Google Skillshop offers free courses to help you build knowledge in areas like pay-per-click (PPC), data analytics, email marketing, and conversion rate optimization (CRO).

These self-paced programs allow you to study on your schedule, providing flexibility for independent learners who thrive without a structured class format.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Industry-recognized certifications: Earn certifications in Google Ads, Google Analytics, and more to strengthen your qualifications in various digital marketing niches.
• Comprehensive content: Access up-to-date, reliable resources directly from Google to prepare for the industry.
• Flexibility: Learn at your own pace and on your schedule, allowing you to study when and where it’s most convenient.
• No cost: All courses and certifications are completely free, making this a budget-friendly way to develop digital marketing skills.

While these courses offer valuable benefits, there are some drawbacks:

• Requires strong self-discipline: Without a structured schedule, live instructors, or a supportive community of peers, staying motivated and on track can be challenging for some learners.
• Lack of instructor guidance: Without live instructors to explain complex topics or answer questions in real time, learners may struggle to overcome obstacles or fully understand the material.
• No career support: Unlike comprehensive tech training programs like Climb Hire, these courses don’t offer soft skills training, job search assistance, resume building, interview preparation, or access to a professional network to accelerate job placement.

Still, Google Skillshop is a solid option for learning various areas of digital marketing, especially for self-starters who can manage their own learning without requiring frequent guidance.

3. Meta Blueprint: Self-guided digital marketing courses focused on social media

Best for self-motivated beginners, those looking to upskill in social media marketing, or anyone wanting to stay current with the latest tools and techniques.

Meta Blueprint offers free, self-guided courses that focus on digital marketing across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and social media strategy.

The courses help you understand Meta’s advertising tools, with lessons that cater to both beginners and advanced learners.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Industry-recognized certifications: Complete the courses to earn Meta’s official certifications, showcasing your expertise in creating social media marketing campaigns.
• Focused content: Learn how to build, manage, and analyze ads effectively on Meta’s platforms with clear, step-by-step lessons.
• Flexibility: You can study whenever and wherever it fits into your schedule.
• Free access: All courses are free, making it an affordable way to enhance your skills.

While Meta Blueprint is a valuable resource, it has a few downsides:

• Narrow focus: The courses are limited to Meta platforms, offering little variety if you’re seeking broader social media marketing knowledge or tools beyond Facebook and Instagram.
• Self-discipline required: The self-paced format demands high motivation and independence, which may challenge some learners without live support or a structured environment.
• No career support: The courses focus on technical skills without providing resources like soft skills training, professional networking, or job search assistance, which are crucial for career advancement.

Meta Blueprint offers strong courses for those specializing in social media advertising on Meta’s platforms, but may not be ideal for those seeking a broader social media marketing education or a more structured learning experience.

4. Ahrefs’ Blogging for Business: A pre-made content marketing course to study at your own pace

Best for content marketers at any stage in their career who want to advance their skills.

Ahrefs’ Blogging for Business is a self-paced course designed to teach effective blog creation and management. It covers strategy, keyword research, and content optimization, making it ideal for those looking to integrate blogging into their content marketing. The course includes five hours of video lessons that you can work through at your own pace.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Learn from an expert: Ahrefs’ CMO, a leader in content marketing, created this course, providing valuable insights into industry standards and best copywriting practices.
• Actionable strategies: Dive into proven methods for creating blogs that attract traffic and engage readers.
• Self-paced learning: You can fit modules into your schedule, learning at your own pace.
• Free access: The course is free, offering excellent value for anyone looking to develop or enhance their content marketing skills.

However, this course has some limitations:

• Lessons aren’t live: The course is pre-recorded, so there’s no opportunity for real-time interaction or feedback from an instructor. This lack of support can make it harder to stay motivated and on track.
• No certifications: While you’ll gain valuable skills, there’s no certification upon completion, so you won’t have an official credential for your resume.
• No career support: Ahrefs isn’t a job training program. It doesn’t offer soft skills training, professional networking, or job placement assistance, which are important for securing a job after completing the course.

Ahrefs’ Blogging for Business course is great for developing content creation and marketing skills. However, it lacks the broader support and resources typically offered by more comprehensive programs.

5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization: A self-paced SEO course created by industry professionals

Best for beginners and those looking to upskill or deepen their SEO expertise.

Offered by UC Davis through Coursera, SEO Specialization is a self-guided course focusing on both the technical and content aspects of search engine optimization.

Created by industry experts, the program helps you understand how search engines rank content and how to optimize your site for better visibility. While self-paced, it’s recommended to commit 10 hours a week for three months to complete the course.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Curriculum created by experts: Designed and led by UC Davis faculty, ensuring the material is reliable and informed by both academic and industry expertise.
• Comprehensive content: Covers both basics and advanced topics, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building. Assignments allow you to apply your learning in practical scenarios.
• Flexibility: All lessons are pre-recorded, so you can learn on your own schedule, making it ideal if you’re balancing work and study.

While the course excels in delivering SEO knowledge, it has a few downsides:

• It’s not entirely free: You can access courses on Coursera for a week with a free trial, but after that, you’ll need a $59 monthly Coursera Plus subscription.
• ​​No live instruction: Since all lessons are pre-recorded, there’s no real-time interaction with instructors, meaning you won’t get immediate feedback or have the chance to ask questions as you learn.
• No career support: Like other self-paced courses, it lacks soft skills training, job placement assistance, or networking support.

If you’re looking to develop or advance your SEO skills, this course offers significant value. However, it may not be the right fit for every type of learner due to a few key limitations.

6. Merit America’s Data Analytics program: A remote, instructor-led course where you only pay if you find a job

Best for beginners who want to specialize in data analytics.

Merit America is a nonprofit organization that offers a Data Analytics program designed to help you build skills in this highly technical digital marketing field.

This 19-week, fully remote training program lets you complete coursework on your own weekly schedule, as there are no live, instructor-led classes. While the program doesn’t offer real-time classes, you’ll have access to personalized support from experts who can assist with questions and provide guidance throughout your learning experience.

The course is not free, but you pay nothing upfront. Tuition fees are due only once you secure a job earning at least $40k. If you don’t find a job within two years, you won’t owe anything.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Personalized support: Access to personalized guidance from experts who can assist with questions and offer feedback throughout the course.
• Comprehensive curriculum: Covers key data analytics skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.
• Industry-recognized certification: The program culminates with Google Data Analytics certification, a valuable credential that verifies your skills to hiring managers.
• Job placement assistance: Live meetings with a personal career coach to help craft resumes, cover letters, and prepare for interviews.

While the program has some great benefits, there are a few downsides:

• Cost: Although the program doesn’t require any upfront payment, it isn’t free. The total cost is $5,700, and repayment begins once you secure a job earning $40k or more per year.
• Lack of live classes: There are no real-time opportunities to ask questions or engage in discussions with peers or instructors. This format may be challenging for those who thrive in interactive learning environments.

Overall, Merit America’s Data Analytics program is a solid option for those looking to break into the field, though the $5,700 cost may be a barrier for those seeking a free or more affordable option.

7. LinkedIn Learning: Short courses in various digital marketing niches, ideal for upskilling

Best for digital marketing professionals looking to quickly enhance skills in specific areas or develop niche expertise.

LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of short, skill-specific online courses and tutorials in areas like SEO and social media marketing. These courses are not designed to comprehensively cover all the skills needed to start a digital marketing career, but are more suited for digital marketing professionals looking to upskill or quickly update their knowledge.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Flexible learning: Access courses on-demand, allowing you to learn at your own pace and focus on areas of interest.
• Certifications: Receive a professional certificate upon completion, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your new skills.
• Focused content: Short, targeted lessons designed to teach specific topics, ideal for honing in on particular skills or addressing knowledge gaps.

However, there are a few limitations to consider:

• Cost: The first month is free, after which you’ll need to pay a monthly fee of $29.99 to access the courses.
• Courses aren’t comprehensive: These short, focused courses won’t provide the in-depth digital marketing education you’d need if you’re new to the field.
• No live instruction: Without live classes, you miss the opportunity for real-time interaction with instructors or peers, meaning you won’t get immediate clarification if you’re unsure about any topics.

LinkedIn Learning is a great option for professionals looking to enhance their skills, but it lacks the depth needed for someone starting a digital marketing career.

Jumpstart Your Career with Climb Hire’s Free Digital Marketing Course

Climb Hire’s free digital marketing course in paid search marketing will equip you with the skills needed to launch a fulfilling career in just a few months. This course is perfect if you’re new to digital marketing and looking to develop strong technical skills, earn recognized certifications, and benefit from career support that will help you land a job.

Here’s why Climb Hire stands out among free digital marketing courses:

• Our digital marketing programs are completely free, with no additional costs or membership fees down the road.
• You’ll earn industry-recognized certifications from Google and Meta, boosting your resume and helping you stand out to employers.
• Our training offers hands-on experience with real-world marketing tools, preparing you for the tasks you’ll encounter in a digital marketing role.
• Our course provides personalized job placement support to help you prepare for and secure a job after graduation.

Over 80% of Climb Hire alumni land roles within six months of completing the course, many starting at salaries above $50k. This demonstrates the real-world impact of our programs.

Ready to take the first step toward a fulfilling digital marketing career? Sign up to be notified when our Google and Meta Ads Certification course opens for enrollment.