Top Digital Marketing Certificates & Certifications in Miami

The craft of publicizing goods, brands, and services through digital platforms, digital marketing has become a mainstay of modern business.

In a world where customers typically find and follow their favorite brands and businesses online before ever visiting a physical location, digital marketing serves as a kind of bridge between business and customer. With businesses vying against competitors on every corner of the digital sphere, marketing has become a core feature of online spaces. 

Along with the traditional advertisements that float at the side of your webpage, digital marketing also employs a diverse range of other strategies. More covert methods such as search engine optimization (SEO), conversion rate optimization, and paid search allow marketers to impact a webpage’s ranking in search results so that people are more likely to click on it. In addition to wielding a miscellany of digital tools, successful Digital Marketers rely on their familiarity with consumer behavior and prevailing market trends to generate impactful content. Through careful analysis of consumer data, marketers forge content strategies aimed at helping businesses build meaningful connections with customers. 

As a rich and dynamic industry with relevance to every part of life, digital marketing includes numerous career paths, each specializing in a unique aspect of digital marketing. While some Digital Marketers cover the subject more broadly, others hone in on niches like email marketing, data analytics, social media, SEO, or content strategy. 

Enrolling in a comprehensive digital marketing certification course is one of the most effective ways to learn digital marketing skills in preparation for a career. On top of training you in the most cutting-edge tools and methods, your certification will set you apart from less experienced candidates in the job market and open doors to better opportunities. 

Noble Desktop: Digital Marketing Certificate

Key Information: If you’re looking for an expert-led digital marketing program that delivers top-notch skills training via the internet, look no further than Noble Desktop’s Digital Marketing Certificate. With one-on-one guidance from an expert mentor and additional support from Noble Desktop’s lifetime career services program, you don’t need any prior experience to succeed in this course. Pending your choice between full-time and part-time study, it’ll take you between one and six months to complete the course, and you’ll have the freedom to review the course again at no cost should your skills get rusty. Full tuition costs $3,995 and may be paid on a flexible timetable. 

Alongside other peers who share your goals, you’ll participate in interactive live classes designed to equip you with all the tools you need for a successful digital marketing career. The class’s interactive group activities will teach you the best methods for gathering and assessing data to create viable marketing campaigns. Meanwhile, you’ll have plenty of hands-on assignments giving you experience and helping you develop a diversified skill set. In fact, you’ll work with a team of peers to produce real marketing campaigns that are optimized for social media and search engines. At the same time, you’ll be learning a host of other essential skills, including content marketing, email marketing, and paid search. 

As a bonus to everything you learn in class, you’ll also have additional opportunities for growth through mentorship sessions. One-on-one, you can sit down with an expert and work through confusing concepts or polish your portfolio. When you hit the job market, you’ll also have full support from Noble Desktop’s career support services, which support graduates for another six months. 

​​Meta Digital Marketing Associate Certification Exam

Key Information:100% free, the ​​Meta Digital Marketing Associate Certification Exam takes 90 minutes to complete and offers a way for Digital Marketers to authenticate their expertise in running advertising campaigns on Meta platforms such as Facebook. For successful examinees, certification stays valid for two years before renewal is required. For test-takers at different levels, Meta has a variety of different digital marketing certifications. In addition to tests for entry-level Marketers, they proffer several advanced certifications for Digital Marketers with more experience. 

The exam will challenge you on marketing tactics and tools that are vital for effective marketing on Meta platforms, but does not come with formal training. However, Meta does provide a free self-study manual and practice test to assist you in preparing for the exam. Before you can pass, you should have a solid working knowledge of how advertisements function on Meta platforms, including the best techniques for creating and running campaigns. Additionally, you should be prepared to answer questions about growing an audience for a brand or business through Meta. 

Noble Desktop: Social Media Marketing Certificate

Key Information: By focusing solely on marketing on social media platforms, Noble Desktop’s live online Social Media Marketing Certificate simplifies training for aspiring Social Media Marketers. Would you believe that by joining this course as a beginner, you can develop all the skills you need to thrive in a social media marketing career in only 72 hours? If you find yourself in need of a review later on, you can even retake the class at no additional cost. Totaling $2,495, tuition can be funded on a flexible payment plan with no interest. 

This course offers a comprehensive study of a narrow topic and was specially designed for learners who want to explore social media marketing without examining other digital marketing topics. In addition to commonly covered platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, this course also explores strategies for platforms like YouTube, and streaming (topics not often covered in other social media courses). As you acquire skills for generating a compelling social media campaign, you’ll investigate how data analytics can be used strategically. 

Centered around skills training, the class offers an interactive online learning environment that not only provides networking opportunities but helps you gain real-world experience. By the time you graduate with a New York State licensed certificate, you’ll have produced a viable social media campaign, giving you plenty of content to add to your portfolio. In addition to expert-guided class activities, you’ll be able to ask for one-on-one help from a personal mentor outside of class and will have access to Noble’s career support services for six months after graduating. 

Miami Ad School: Strategic Planning Boot Camp

Key Information: If you’re a social student who learns best in a face-to-face classroom, consider joining Miami Ad School’s in-person Strategic Planning Boot Camp. Held at their campus in Miami, this part-time course can be completed in ten weeks and requires only about 10 hours of study per week. The full cost of tuition is $5650, but if you already have a college degree, you’ll likely be eligible for a student loan or grant. Because their program is designed around diversity, you can thrive in this course no matter your experience level or background. 

In this course, learning is centered around collaboration and real-world client assignments. Throughout the course, you’ll work with a cross-functional team, allowing you to build teamwork skills even as you establish a multi-disciplinary network. With your team, you’ll learn how to transform raw data into an actionable marketing campaign that you pitch to a real client. In addition to experience-building projects, you’ll benefit from the wisdom of different gurus each week, giving you plenty of unique perspectives to learn from. 

For those who are interested in exploring social media more closely, Miami Ad School also offers several social media strategy programs, including a full-scale Master’s degree. 

General Assembly: Digital Marketing Immersive

Key Information: With no prerequisites necessary for attendance, General Assembly’s Digital Marketing Immersive course is a great option for beginners who want to establish a full professional skill set for a digital marketing career in a short time. Whether you choose to spread your learning out over two months part-time or speed-run the course in one week full-time, tuition is the same. Weighing in at $4,500, class costs can be paid in smaller chunks by the month or even funded by an employer. To align your education with your lifestyle, you can also choose between learning in a flexible live online format or attending traditional classes in-person. 

If you’re a beginner who’s aiming to get a head start, the class offers preparatory materials to get you up to speed on digital marketing basics. Once this highly social class begins, you’ll begin building a network of friends and colleagues that last many students decades. Together, you’ll develop strong foundations in essential skills like marketing optimization, brand establishment, and digital marketing strategy. For clients such as P&G Venture, you’ll create live campaigns that you can proudly display in a professional portfolio. 

Outside of class, you can connect with teachers who gladly offer help during office hours. In addition, General Assembly's career coaching services are available to help you buff your job application packet and improve your odds of netting a job. 

Digital Marketing Institute: Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing

Key Information: The Digital Marketing Institute’s (DMI) Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing is one of just a few training courses that has an industry-recognized certification exam built into the class. Although this asynchronous course is open to beginners, you’ll get more out of the experience if you come into the class with a little know-how, whether from a marketing college degree or several years working in the industry. The variety of flexible tuition plans each total out to $2060, and if you’re not satisfied after 14 days, you can take advantage of the convenient money-back pledge. With your tuition, you’ll get 30 hours of on-demand learning materials, which take an average of nine weeks to complete. 

By combining comprehensive training with official certification, this course prepares students to thrive in the digital marketing industry. Popular subjects covered in this course include SEO, paid search, Google Analytics, social media marketing, email marketing, content strategy, web optimization, and brand development. To cater to multiple learning styles, you’ll have access to a variety of resources, from engaging assignments and practice exams to live online seminars and one-on-one tutoring sessions. 

Once you’re ready you’ll take a certification exam that’s proctored by a third party. If you pass, you’ll earn a globally recognized certificate that validates your aptitude as a Digital Marketer, making you a more competitive job applicant. In their survey of new alumni, the DMI found that more than 50% now earn higher wages, and upwards of 80% have advanced to a higher rank. 

Northwestern University: Kellogg Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing

Key Information: The Kellogg Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing is 100% live online, meaning you don’t have to be a Northwestern University student to apply. The program welcomes students of all backgrounds and experience levels, but to get the most out of your studies, Northwestern University recommends working in the digital marketing industry for a few years before joining. This part-time program spans roughly six months and only demands about 10-15 hours of study each week. If you’re worried about cost, Kellogg’s many flexible payment plans, discounts, and outside funding options make it easier to fund the course’s $6,950 tuition. In addition to taking advantage of group discounts, you can earn a price reduction when you refer friends to the program. 

This course was designed for mid-career professionals looking to gain experience working with progressive tools and practices. Similar to the DMI’s training course, Kellogg’s certificate merges experiential training with certification. You’ll have the chance to authenticate your skills on a variety of leading-edge skills, including SEMrush SEO Toolkit, Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing, and Social Media. 

Before you take your exams, you’ll have plenty of time to expand your current skill set through practical assignments, including a real-world capstone project. In the meantime, you can learn essential career skills such as negotiating a fair salary or giving a great elevator pitch in the course’s many virtual seminars. You’ll also get the chance to work with a professional development mentor who can help you craft an articulate cover letter and identify your personal brand. To add even more support to your ranks, the course maintains an exclusive Slack channel where you can network and socialize with peers. 

Thinkful: Digital Marketing Bootcamp 

Key Information: Because Thinkful created their asynchronous Digital Marketing Bootcamp with busy lives in mind, you can learn digital marketing when and wherever you want. Thanks to flexible scheduling, you can choose between a 6-week full-time schedule and committing just 5-20 hours per week for three months as a part-time student. While full-time students pay $7,500 in tuition, part-time students only need to finance $5,341. Regardless of your track, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to flexible payment plans and are guaranteed a full refund if you aren’t offered a job within six months of graduating. 

Tailored for future marketing professionals, this course utilizes pre-recorded content and practical assignments to help you acquire entry-level expertise and experience. You’ll cover a variety of grounds from digital marketing at large, to more focused skills such as social media marketing, SEO, email marketing, and brand development. While most on-demand courses don’t offer many resources for support, Thinkful’s class provides live office hours where you can get feedback from an expert. In addition, you can increase your chances of success in the job market by participating in one-on-one career coaching sessions, where you can polish your resume and become a stronger interviewee. 

FAQ for Digital Marketing Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

While both certificates and certificates are commonly used as a way to measure aptitude, they are actually two separate things. In addition, because certificates and certifications both quantify aptitude by distinct means, they’re typically regarded differently by the professional community. Certifications typically earn a greater degree of respect and are most likely to qualify you for the highest-paying opportunities.

Seen as easier to obtain, certificates are granted by numerous educational programs as recognition of course completion. Usually, this comes with the assumption that you’ve likely mastered the skills taught in their course, but isn’t universally seen as a guarantee. Inversely, certifications act as official verification of your expertise and are only bestowed by industry-accredited professional organizations such as the Digital Marketing Institute and the American Marketing Association. 

To earn a certification, you’ll need to pass an official exam proctored by an appropriate organization. The test will challenge your practical understanding of digital marketing concepts and skills including content marketing, paid search, website optimization, and Google Analytics. Outside of some basic self-paced learning materials, most tests don’t provide training and anticipate that test takers will receive training elsewhere. In addition, because digital marketing tools and strategies are updated every few years, the majority of certifications expire after a given period, giving you a reason to come back and catch up on new changes. 

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

When it comes to choosing whether to take an exam or join a certificate course, it helps to think of your long-term goals as guideposts. Because certificates and certifications each satisfy distinct objectives, it’s best to choose the option most suited to helping you achieve the next step in your career advancement. 

For example, if you’re still early in your career and need to cultivate your digital marketing skill set and portfolio, certificate courses provide the perfect training ground. Taught by experts, these courses are designed around skill development and often provide one-on-one help with portfolios, resumes, and career launches. On the other hand, if you already have plenty of digital marketing experience and training, taking a certification exam is an excellent way to officially validate your prowess. After obtaining a certification, you’ll likely advance to a more senior digital marketing position with higher pay. 

To more effectively reach your goals, it’s important to determine any inadequacies in your skill set, along with what skills don’t need relearning. If you find you’re fully up to snuff and don’t need any additional training, signing up for that certification exam may be the only thing holding you back from higher-paying jobs. If, on the flip side, you discover you’re lacking in one or two needed skills such as Facebook marketing, you know what niche to cover in your next certificate course. Once you’ve patched any holes in your training, passing your certification exams becomes a piece of cake. 

In addition to preparing you to pass certification exams, certificate courses can help you transform a feeble job application packet into a solid win. After adding real-world projects to your portfolio, you’ll stand out from job candidates without training. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

With digital marketing at the heart of the modern economy, demand for qualified individuals is high in every industry. Nonetheless, it’s not hard to find jobs that don’t require certification, especially if you can demonstrate you’re qualified with a strong portfolio. There are, however, some positions that require specific certifications to ensure sensitive consumer data is handled responsibly. In addition to qualifying you for these and other advanced roles, earning a certification can boost your salary. 

Not quite ready to pass a certification exam? Attending a certificate training program is a sure way to grow your skill set, strengthen your portfolio, and gain rapport with experts. Owing to the increased efficiency and skills your training will bring to your workplace, your employer may even be willing to foot the cost of classes and exams. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

It can feel daunting to sift through the hundreds of digital marketing training courses on the market today. To make your decision process easier, it often helps to identify your learning goals. In addition, consider your current needs such as time constraints, disabilities, and whether you have a strong preference for in-person over online learning. 

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

Neither format is inherently better than the other, but if you’re like most people, you’ll likely find that one style of class is better equipped to help you succeed in your current phase of life. Both class styles provide skills training from experts but cater to different learning styles, schedules, and social preferences. 

If you’re a people person who loves to participate in face-to-face class discussions and connect with peers outside of class, you’ll likely thrive in an in-person digital marketing course. Bear in mind, however, that in-person courses typically demand more time and energy for commuting to and from your physical classroom. 

For more flexible training and zero commute, you can enroll in virtual digital marketing courses, which come in two forms: live online, and asynchronous classes. To participate in interactive activities, connect with peers, and receive expert feedback in real-time, sign up for a live online course. Alternatively, if you have less energy for socializing and want to study at a slower pace, you can explore the on-demand learning materials offered by asynchronous courses. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes

Online and asynchronous courses both allow you the flexibility of advancing through your digital marketing education from home, but that’s about all they have in common. In truth, each style is designed with different needs in mind, and if you can match your learning needs to the right class style, you’ll be much more likely to succeed. 

Much like their in-person counterparts, live online courses are highly interactive, and offer plenty of opportunities for both experiential learning and connecting one-on-one with instructors. These courses allow you to learn from any location but require attendance at scheduled class meetings where you’ll participate in live discussions and activities. To give you the best shot at success, live online courses provide an abundance of resources such as career development workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and alumni job support. 

Further down on the spectrum, asynchronous courses place flexibility above all else, allowing you to learn when and where you please. Rather than watching a live lecture, you’ll be able to enjoy pre-recorded lectures, videos, and other on-demand learning content designed to help you develop skills on your own. In general, asynchronous digital marketing classes don’t offer assistance from instructors or career support, but are a great alternative for stop-and-go learners who need to fit short bursts of learning into a hectic schedule. 

As you consider which virtual course is right for you, establish which class attributes are most critical to your success. Apart from how much free time you have, be sure to appraise your career goals and learning style. The following questions may spark helpful insights:

• Am I easily susceptible to procrastination when left to learn on my own? 
• Does having additional time to process information on my own aid in my learning process?
• Would added guidance and feedback from a mentor help me learn more than I could on my own?
• Is the ability to pause and unpause my learning schedule as needed essential for my current lifestyle?