The internet is steadily reaching even the most remote places in the world. In India alone, there are nearly half a billion internet users and the numbers are growing every day. The digital medium, which was thought of as a phase that will burn out quickly, has been unstoppable and a force to reckon with. It has been augmenting and cementing its place in the lives of people due to the constantly evolving technology and the internet. Businesses have understood the importance of the digital medium and have started to incorporate this into their activities and customer engagement processes. This has led to the growth of digital marketing and the investments made on it. While traditional marketing cannot be done away with or replaced, but digital marketing cannot be ignored if businesses want to thrive in today’s day and age. Digital marketing includes components like email marketing, social media marketing, SEO, SEM, etc.

There is a soaring demand for skilled digital marketers and experts in specific aspects of digital marketing. This demand is unmet still and has, accordingly, led to opulent remunerative packages for those who specialize in aspects of digital marketing. The salaries for senior marketers with digital marketing skills are as high as Rs.12-20 lakhs per annum and mid-level executives earn as higher as Rs. 7 lakhs per annum. Professionals with expertise in aspects like SEO, SEM, etc. earn between Rs. 3-7 lakhs per annum. The academia and the industry have responded with many digital marketing online courses and on-campus courses to arm interested professionals, freshers and graduate students with knowledge, skills, tools and tricks required to effectively strategize and plan digital marketing efforts.

Why earn a digital marketing certificate?

Skill set and necessary tools: A mentioned earlier, digital marketing online courses for certification empowers learners with an in-depth understanding of theoretical frameworks and core concepts in digital marketing. It provides a nuanced understanding of the different components of digital marketing such as email marketing, content marketing, SEO, SEM/ PPC, social media management, advertising, data analytics, e-commerce marketing, digital display and so on. It equips skills, tactics and tools required to frame effective marketing strategies that optimize the use of various digital platforms in the constantly evolving market and economic conditions. Digital marketing online courses enable organizations and marketers to reap high ROI.

Authority: Certification accords authority to individuals, especially freshers, as professionals capable of handling digital marketing functions. It tells the employers that the marketer is equipped with the necessary skills to strategize and make the best ROI. It improves the job opportunities available to individuals tremendously. Even individuals who do not have educational qualifications in marketing or mass communication can take these certifications and turn into marketers. These courses render credibility to such individuals.

Networking: Through a digital marketing online course, marketers, freshers and entrepreneurs (taking the course) can network with senior academics, industry experts and stalwarts and fellow marketers. This will help them to collaborate with them on future projects and learn about the current trends and best practices in the field.

Why is it an essential tool in any economy?

Before discussing why a digital marketing certification is an essential tool for any economy, let us look at why digital marketing is important for an economy.

• Digital marketing is inexpensive and cost-effective when compared to traditional means of marketing such as magazines, TV ads, newspaper ads, etc. for a similar kind of reach. Due to this, it provides equal opportunities for businesses of all kinds and sizes to reap the benefits of marketing. Startups and small businesses will also be able to gain visibility, build a unique brand image, generate brand loyalty and flourish due to digital marketing. When all businesses flourish, it will generate greater national income and led to economic development.
• Targeted and hyper-personalized marketing and promotional activities are possible through digital marketing which, in turn, leads to greater lead conversion and a higher return on investment. So, promotions on digital media will go beyond just giving visibility to the brand and help to build brand awareness and loyalty that converts leads to sales.
• Digital marketing provides opportunities for brands to humanize themselves through engagement with customers in terms of putting out content about the brand, conduct contests for their target audiences, etc. They can build a brand reputation for themselves and engage in trust-building activities too.

By earning digital marketing certification, professionals and entrepreneurs earn credibility, authenticity and authority in the field. They can engage in data-driven marketing that is based on current trends and best practices in the field. They will develop marketing strategies that will lead the business to success, growth and sustainability.

If you are an aspiring marketer or an entrepreneur or a senior marketer, earn certification in digital marketing will give your resume and career a forward push.