Free online marketing courses are a worthwhile pursuit. Marketing not only benefits the individual business professional in many ways, it is necessary for a successful enterprise. The internet marketing student learns to better engage with his clients, and retain and grow his/her current patronage. A good online marketing course has five main objectives.

First, free online marketing courses strive to provide marketers with SEO strategies. The various and growing search engine algorithm changes frequently require new and innovative approaches to website optimization. As part of this process, SEO consultants also work with their clients on strategies that will increase the company’s visibility via related search engines. SEO and digital marketing experts can assist marketers in incorporating relevant keywords into their websites, articles and other communications.

Second, free online marketing courses endeavor to introduce and hone new online marketers to the exciting world of social media. Social media allows marketers to connect with their clients and fans on a personal level. This type of personal connection carries tremendous potential for establishing long term relationships. The potential for viral marketing, or “teaming up,” is highly profitable for companies who apply it correctly. Many successful social media campaigns have been built upon the foundation of several successful marketing campaigns.

Third, free online marketing courses teach marketers how to use search engine optimization and other forms of online advertising to improve the visibility of their company’s website. Search engine optimization increases the rankings of websites in the results pages of major search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. Successful SEO strategies can increase the traffic to websites, which leads to increased sales. Additionally, a well-designed and properly implemented SEO campaign can increase a company’s position within the search results, which leads to higher ranking and more traffic. Online learning courses should include an emphasis on how to implement search engine optimization strategies to increase a company’s profitability.

Fourth, free online marketing courses help introduce marketers to the many types of social media. Social media allows marketers to reach their target market directly, build long term relationships and interact with their customers on an ongoing basis. This type of marketing is growing in popularity, and many marketers are using social media to their advantage. Coursera is one of the few online learning programs that can help a student get a basic understanding of social media and learn the basics of how to effectively use it to their advantage. A basic understanding of social media is necessary to learn what types of campaigns are best suited for each individual customer, and how these campaigns can be implemented.

Finally, free online marketing courses can help teach marketers how to use Facebook and other social media to their advantage. By creating an online presence using Facebook and other social media outlets, marketers can gain new fans and followers. This type of marketing has been effective for companies large and small since it allows for a constant influx of customers to a company’s website. Coursera can help a student understand how to use Facebook to effectively attract customers and retain them once they have become a fan. As a final touch, many courses include a section on how to create a Facebook page, set up a profile and even update information about the company on a daily basis.

Courses available through Coursera are designed to provide students with the knowledge they need to succeed in the ever-changing online marketplace. By providing solid inbound marketing certification courses, these online marketing courses provide students with everything they need to become successful online. By learning from the best practices of successful online business owners, students can avoid common mistakes and bypass areas that could use improvement. Free content marketing certification courses like this are an excellent way to learn all that is required to be successful online.

The popularity of online learning courses is on the rise. More people are finding the need to learn how to become better leaders, create customer loyalty and develop a strong following from their clients. Coursera offers an inbound marketing certification course that works. Utilizing a free course offered through Coursera can allow you to gain the skills you need to become an Internet marketer who is successful. If you have an existing online presence but are not making the profits you desire, consider a course that will show you how to incorporate social media marketing into your overall marketing strategy.