Is The Hubspot Digital Marketing Certification Course Worth It?

I’ve been working in digital marketing for a while now, and I’m always on the lookout for good resources to brush up my skills.

HubSpot Academy’s Digital Marketing Certification Course is one of the free options out there that many professionals rave about. Digital marketing skills are in high demand these days, and it’s hard not to wonder if this free course can help build a solid foundation.

The real question remains: Is the Digital Marketing Certification Course by HubSpot Academy worth it, or should you explore other options?

So, I signed up with the Hubspot Academy. I went through some of the course lessons and came to one of their quiz sections. Stick around, and I will share more of what I think about the Hubspot Digital marketing course.

What is the HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification Course?

HubSpot Academy is well-known for its free, accessible training on a wide range of marketing topics. Their Digital Marketing Certification Course is designed for anyone looking to understand the basics of digital marketing.

The lessons are split up into video modules, and the learning experience is interactive – with quizzes sprinkled in and a final certification exam to test your knowledge.

The course is structured to cover a broad set of topics that introduce beginners, entrepreneurs, or even career changers to digital marketing principles without any cost. This can be appealing if you’re just starting out or if you’re curious whether digital marketing could give a boost to your career.

Recommended Reading: 7 Best Internet Business Ideas For Beginners: Start Earning Online Today!

What Does the HubSpot Digital Marketing Course Cover?

The course has a clear structure that walks you through the essential areas of digital marketing. Here’s a snapshot of the primary topics:

• Content Marketing: Learn how to create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
• SEO & Blogging: Understand the basics of search engine optimization and how to boost your blog’s visibility.
• Social Media Marketing: Explore the strategies that make social platforms a powerful tool for business growth.
• Email Marketing: Stumble upon ways to craft attractive email campaigns that drive conversions.
• Paid Advertising Basics: Get a glimpse into managing small-scale paid campaigns to understand the fundamentals of online advertising.

Each module is crafted to be beginner-friendly and digestible. The content is presented in bite-sized chunks that include video lessons, interactive elements, and short quizzes that reinforce learning.

The modules are not that long, and for someone like me who has a hearing problem, I am grateful that there is a caption option for all of their training videos.

On average, you can complete the course in about 5 to 7 hours, making it an efficient way to get a good overview of the field.

My Experience From Doing Some of the HubSpot Lessons

So the digital marketing course that I enrolled for would cover the following topics:

• Welcome to the course (8 mins)
• Digital Marketing Fundamentals (30 mins)
• Building a Content Creation Framework (31 mins)
• How to Find the SEO Strategy that Fits Your Business (19 mins)
• Improving Website Performance (29 mins)
• Creating Quality Blog Content That Your Loves To Read and Share (1 Hour)
• How To Create a Successful Video Marketing Strategy (31 mins)
• Developing a Social Media Strategy (1 Hour)
• Introduction To Paid Search Advertising (18 mins)
• Creating a High-Performing Email (35 mins)
• Next Steps to Certification Course (11 minutes)
• EXAM – 1 hour

I stopped at the Content Creation Framework. It was informative and even though I have been doing affiliate marketing for a long time, there are still some nuggets I could pick up.

To be honest, I was impressed with their free resources section, and how much they gave out to help folks to get started with their online business.

Take a look at my next screenshot to see what I mean.

These were the resources that were available with the Content Creation lesson. I highlighted some resources that I found to be cool and helpful in ones digital marketing journey.

The Blog Ideas Generator. Simple, fun, and a handy tool.

The “Make My Persona” tool was pretty cool. With this tool you can create as many Persona’s or Avatars on whom you are going to market to along your journey.

The other tool is the Campaign URL Builder.

This allows you to customize your links which will give you a bird’ eye view of which campaign your audience is converting. Always helpful stuff for the digital marketer.

Most of the lessons are theoretical. They don’t show you how to go about creating content or using any of these tools.

I think that it’s a good start to overall digital marketing. However, let’s say that if you want to learn something like affiliate marketing, you can use the fundamentals taught here, but I don’t see them teaching you the nitty gritty stuff.

If you want to learn affiliate marketing, then check out my number recommendation called Wealthy Affiliate. They have a starter membership that you can join.

Pros and Cons of the HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification

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When evaluating any educational offering, it’s important to look at both the advantages and the drawbacks.

Here’s what I’ve learned about this course:

Pros

• Completely Free: There are no hidden fees, making this a risk-free way to begin learning.
• Recognized Certification: HubSpot is a trusted name in the marketing world, and its certification is recognized by a wide range of employers.
• Beginner-Friendly: The course does not require any prior marketing experience, so it welcomes anyone looking to get started.
• Covers Essential Topics: It introduces many core components of digital marketing, from content to social media and beyond.

Cons

• Not In-Depth for Advanced Marketers: If you already have a good understanding of digital marketing, the course might feel too basic.
• Limited Practical Assignments: While the course is packed with theory and quizzes, there aren’t many hands-on projects to practice what you learn in a real-world context.
• Certification Value May Vary: The recognition of the certification can depend on the employer or industry. For some, a free certification might not carry the same weight as a paid one.

Is the HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification Recognized by Employers?

One common question I often encounter is whether employers value this certification on a resume.

In many cases, having a recognized certification like HubSpot’s can boost your profile. Marketing agencies, digital marketing departments, and even startups are familiar with the brand name and know that it represents a solid base of knowledge.

However, in larger corporations or competitive job markets, advanced certifications from platforms like Google Digital Garage or paid courses on Coursera and Udemy might be seen as more all-in-one.

The key here is how you present the certification; include it alongside practical examples of your work or real-world applications, and it can bolster your resume quite well.

You may find that employers appreciate the initiative of completing any certification, as it indicates a commitment to continuous learning.

Still, it’s good to keep in mind that some hiring managers might look for more hands-on experience if you’re applying for mid-level or senior roles.

How Does the HubSpot Digital Marketing Course Compare to Other Online Courses?

Comparing HubSpot’s free course to other digital marketing courses can help you decide which one fits your needs best. Here are a few comparisons that I’ve noticed:

• HubSpot vs. Google Digital Garage: Both of these platforms offer free introductory courses. While HubSpot opts for a more marketing-specific approach, Google Digital Garage covers a broader range of digital skills. If you’re solely interested in marketing strategies, HubSpot might be the better fit.
• HubSpot vs. Coursera Specializations: Coursera often partners with universities to provide more in-depth courses. These typically come at a cost and go into detail on strategy and practical assignments, which may be more appropriate if you’re looking to advance your skills further beyond foundational knowledge.
• HubSpot vs. Udemy Courses: Udemy offers a range of courses with varying levels of detail and pricing options. HubSpot’s course is entirely free and better suited for beginners, whereas Udemy might cater to a mix of beginner and advanced learners depending on the instructor.

If you’re just starting, a free, concise option like HubSpot’s course can provide that initial spark. As you progress, you might find that investing in a more intensive, paid course offers the depth and practical application you need to excel in the field.

Take a look at my number one recommendation which is called Wealthy Affiliate, and you can even start with their free membership here.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for a wide range of people. It’s designed with beginners in mind, and it serves as a great introduction to the world of digital marketing. Here’s who might benefit the most:

• Beginners & Freelancers: Those just getting started in digital marketing will find the content easy to digest and immediately valuable.
• Entrepreneurs: If you’re running your own business, understanding digital marketing is key to promoting your offerings and reaching a wider audience.
• Job Seekers: Updating your resume with a recognized certification can help you stand out when applying for entry-level marketing positions.

On the flip side, if you’re already well-versed in digital marketing concepts or have extensive hands-on experience, you might find that the course covers familiar territory.

In such cases, more advanced, specialized training might be the better route for further professional development.

Final Verdict – Is the HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification Course Worth It?

After reviewing all the aspects, here’s my take on the course. If you’re looking for a free, accessible way to get introduced to digital marketing, HubSpot’s course is a solid choice.

There is a lot of theory going on, and if you are new to the world of digital marketing, then you might be taking a lot of notes.

However. the course does cover key areas you need to know and provides an easy-to-follow structure that works well for beginners. The only drawback is that most of the time after learning the theory, you have to go out there and implement things by yourself.

In other words, its not a course where there is in-depth training, and where you will have an interactive community or mentorship to help you every step of the way. It’s also in my opinion, not the course for someone already comfortable with digital marketing fundamental.

At this point, if you are a beginner or an advanced marketer, who wants more tools, training, a one of a kind community, then I would recommend you check my review of Wealthy Affiliate.

This is a platform that helped me get started back in 2015, and perhaps they can help you out as well.

Extra Tips for Aspiring Digital Marketers

Start by identifying free tools and communities online that allow you to apply the lessons in a real-world setting.

For example, you might consider trying out various content management systems or scheduling software to see which ones sync up best with your workflow. The more you experiment, the more you can fine-tune your skills.

Furthermore, don’t hesitate to look into online forums, webinars, and local meetups dedicated to digital marketing. These platforms not only provide valuable insights from peers and industry experts, but they also offer the chance to ask questions and get quick feedback on your projects. Often, the practical knowledge you gain in these communities can fill in the gaps left by formal courses.

Another important strategy is to set small, measurable goals for yourself. Whether it’s improving your blog’s SEO or launching your first email campaign, each accomplishment serves as a building block in your digital marketing career.

Over time, these achievements can accumulate into significant professional milestones. In addition, maintaining a personal blog or portfolio where you document your experiments can be a fantastic way to track your progress and showcase your talents to potential employers.

Lastly, always keep yourself updated with emerging trends in digital marketing. The digital landscape is constantly switching up, and staying in tune with the latest changes can give you a competitive edge.

Continue to explore new tools, techniques, and strategies, and remember that every bit of learning you undertake now paves the way for greater opportunities in the future.

Your Next Steps To Starting Your Digital Marketing Business

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification Course.

Have you taken it already, or are you considering it?

Sharing your experience can help others decide if this free course fits their learning style.

If you’re looking for more resources, or considering exploring related topics on digital marketing, feel free to get your FREE 4-Step Ultimate Checklist to Getting Started Online.

Wishing you everything of the best in your digital marketing success.

Regards and Take Care

Roopesh