As the world of digital continues to evolve, more and more people run their lives, and indeed businesses, online.

Dubbed as the 'fourth industrial revolution', we are in an age where having digital skills could mean the difference between success and failure, which means that if you already haven't, it might be time to get skilled and get certified.

Marketers are not confident in their digital ability. Only 48% say they feel highly proficient in digital marketing. If you're looking to get ahead this year and you don't know where to start, perhaps these five essential digital marketing courses or events will help you take a giant leap in the right direction.

 

Simplilearn’s Full Stack Digital Marketer Masters Program

This industry recommended digital marketing course from Simplilearn is widely acclaimed across the globe which means that it will make landing a top marketing job overseas a whole lot easier.

The course claims to help you become a complete digital marketing champion through a steady and logical learning path, and according to a host of student testimonials, it certainly delivers on its promise, helping to broaden digital knowledge and increase career prospects by up to 50%. This one-year course is almost entirely based online, so it's possible to fit learning around your schedule; all students also benefit from access to over 35 professional online instructors.

The complete course offers certification for five recognised digital marketing disciplines including a Digital Marketing Certified Associate module, as well as Advanced Web Analytics, Advanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Advanced Pay Per Click (PPC), Advanced Social Media - an essential arsenal of skills.

 

HubSpot Academy’s Digital Marketing Courses

Not only is HubSpot an invaluable resource when it comes to keeping up with digital marketing trends and brushing up on digital learning gaps, but its accessible approach to digital marketing has now been applied to a complete set of digital education programmes.

Based entirely online, it is possible to learn at your own pace and the best part is, each programme is free - all you need is the motivation and desire to learn. There are up to five focused courses from which to choose, including content marketing, inbound marketing, and email marketing, each packed with informative videos, easy to understand literature and a host of interactive learning resources.

The Hubspot Academy series is especially valuable for freelancers looking to upskill and gain professional certification as it’s free, flexible, and widely recognised as an official industry authority across the UK, Europe and North America.

 

Advertising Week Digital Marketing Conference

It may be true that some digital marketing conferences are tiresome, overcrowded with people bombarding attendees their best sales pitches, and filled with unnecessary jargon, but the Advertising Week is an exception.

Advertising Week, or AW as its commonly known, is incredibly popular both in New York, Mexico City, Tokyo, and London. The conference's next instalment, AWEurope, is coming to London in 2017 from March 20th to 24th and it's set to be the biggest and best one yet, with more global events to follow throughout the year.

AW attracts the world's most cutting-edge keynote speakers, offering priceless industry insights on a variety of areas such as emerging technologies, VR storytelling, digital branding, and content marketing, among others. As such a well-respected and efficiently run event, it provides one of the world's best networking opportunities for those working in the digital realm and if that isn't enough, there's also a chance to try some of the most inspiring gadgets on the planet at one of the conference's many exhibits.

 

The Institute of Digital Marketing's Diploma in Digital Selling

The Institute of Digital Marketing offer a comprehensive range of digital marketing courses, but the organisation’s Diploma in Digital Selling is perhaps the most innovative to date.

Digital Selling is the process of engaging more online with business and social networks while leveraging the digital sales tools available to drive more conversion opportunities - and in this modern world, those with skills in this discipline will gain an all-important competitive edge.

Split into four clear-cut modules including Digital Research, Sales Enablement, Engagement, and Direct Sales Messaging, this 30-hour long course is validated by the likes of Google, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Curated by industry leaders, the digital selling course gives students a firm grasp of fundamental digital marketing techniques, in addition to more specialist skills that are known to enhance career prospects and boost confidence.

Like many other top courses, it's possible to complete the course and gain certification online at a pace that suits your lifestyle while benefiting from a world-class support network of technical engineers and extremely knowledgeable tutors.

 

SXSW Interactive Festival

Dubbed as one of the globe's most innovative digital and tech events, SXSW is much of a visual spectacle as the music event that shares its name. If you can get yourself to Texas in March, you will not be disappointed; if you can't make the event in person, you will be able to enjoy live feeds, information, notes, and videos from the event online.

SWSW's seemingly infinite selection of exhibitions and keynote speeches are cutting-edge, attention grabbing, and geared towards learning. The creative section offers a chance to try out the latest in tech innovations, including 3D printing and biohacking software.

One of the most striking elements of SXSW is the networking opportunities. Not only are there a host of conference lounges to choose from, but there is also a chance to schedule physical meetups and connect with other participants online, via the website as well as a specially developed app; this is future of digital marketing gatherings.

The world of digital waits for no one and those who take action today will reap the rewards tomorrow - so kick start your career and start learning today. And for more insights into digital learning, check out these four in-demand digital programmes.

Written by Dan Hughes

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