Want to boost your digital marketing career? Here are the top 10 paid media courses that will teach you everything from Google Ads to TikTok advertising.
| Course | Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Digital Garage | Free | 40 hours | Beginners |
| Google Skillshop | Free | Self-paced | Platform certification |
| Microsoft Ads | Free | Self-paced | B2B marketing |
| Amazon Advertising | Free | Self-paced | E-commerce |
| LinkedIn Marketing Labs | Free | 4 hours | B2B lead gen |
| TikTok Ads | $200 | 1 hour | Social media |
| Digital Marketing Institute | $1,955 | 30 hours | Career advancement |
| CXL | $300+ | 100+ courses | Advanced tactics |
| HubSpot Social Media | Free | 5 hours | Social strategy |
| Meta Blueprint | $99-150 | Self-paced | Facebook/Instagram ads |
Why take these courses?
- 95% of Digital Marketing Institute graduates get jobs
- Certified pros earn 26% more on average
- Starting salaries around $65,000
- Most top courses are completely free
Quick tip: Start with the free Google and Meta courses. Once you master those, move on to specialized training if you want to advance your career.
The digital ad industry hit $626.86 billion in 2023 and keeps growing. These courses will teach you how to run campaigns on every major platform - from search to social to marketplace advertising.
Related video from YouTube
Paid Media Courses Directory
Here's what you need to know about the top paid media courses:
| Platform | Course Name | Cost | Duration | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ads Search | Free | Self-paced | Yes | |
| Google Ads Display | Free | Self-paced | Yes | |
| Google Ads Video | Free | Self-paced | Yes | |
| Meta | Social Media Marketing | $245 | 5 months | Yes |
| Microsoft | Advertising Expert | Free | Self-paced | Yes |
| Amazon | Sponsored Ads | Free | Self-paced | Yes |
| Semrush | PPC Fundamentals | Free | 5 hours | Yes |
| Coursera | Digital Ad Strategy | $49 | 1 month | Yes |
| Simplilearn | Advanced PPC Training | $999 | 50 hours | Yes |
| Reliablesoft | Marketing Pro | $149 | Self-paced | Yes |
Let's break this down:
Most of these courses (6 out of 10) won't cost you a penny. The paid ones? They start at $49 and go up to $999.
Want to know the best part? You can learn at your own pace with most of these courses. But if you prefer structure, some programs run from 5 hours to 5 months. And yes - you'll get a certificate when you're done.
Here's what each platform teaches:
- Google: Search, Display, and Video advertising
- Meta: Facebook and Instagram ads
- Microsoft: Bing advertising
- Amazon: Marketplace ads
Bottom line: If you're just starting out, grab those free Google courses. Ready to level up? Check out Simplilearn or Meta's programs. Don't worry about outdated content - these courses stay fresh with platform updates.
2. Google Digital Garage: Free Online Marketing Classes
Google Digital Garage's "Fundamentals of Digital Marketing" course gives you everything you need to start with paid media. Here's what's inside:
| Course Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Duration | 40 hours |
| Modules | 26 |
| Cost | Free |
| Certificate | Yes (IAB Europe & Open University accredited) |
| Rating | 4.4/5 |
| Format | Video tutorials + practical exercises |
Each lesson runs about 5 minutes and covers:
- Search engine marketing (SEM)
- Display advertising
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- Analytics and data analysis
- E-commerce strategies
To get your certificate, you'll need to:
- Finish all 26 modules
- Pass the module quizzes
- Get 32/40 or better on the final test
The course teaches you how to:
- Set up a Google business listing
- Market to local customers
- Build display ads
- Look at marketing data
- Track your campaigns
Want something shorter? Try these mini-courses:
| Course Name | Duration | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Promote a Business with Online Advertising | 3 hours | 4.7/5 |
| Make Sure Customers Find You Online | 3 hours | 4.8/5 |
Here's a tip: Take the Fundamentals course FIRST. Then move on to specific platforms like Google Ads or Meta Blueprint. What you learn here will help you with ALL paid advertising.
Quick heads up: Some people have had trouble getting their certificates since Google moved to Skillshop. Download your certificate right after you finish the course.
3. Google Skillshop: Ad Platform Training
Google Skillshop is where you'll get your official Google Ads certifications. Here's what's inside:
| Certification Type | Topics Covered | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Search | Keywords, bidding, optimization | 2-3 hours |
| Display | Visual ads, targeting, placements | 2-3 hours |
| Video | YouTube ads, video campaigns | 2-3 hours |
| Shopping Ads | Product listings, merchant center | 2-3 hours |
| Apps | Mobile app promotion | 2-3 hours |
| Measurement | Analytics, conversion tracking | 2-3 hours |
| Creative | Ad design, formats | 2-3 hours |
| AI-Powered Performance | Machine learning, automated bidding | 2-3 hours |
Each certification comes with video lessons, text guides, practice exercises, and a 50-question final exam.
About the Exams:
- Need 80% to pass
- Multiple choice questions
- Has a time limit
- Open book allowed
- 100% free
- Valid for 1 year
Getting Certified in 4 Steps:
- Create your Google account
- Choose your certification
- Go through the materials
- Pass the exam and get certified
Smart Moves for Success:
- New to Google Ads? Start with Search certification
- Do practice tests first
- Save your certificate immediately
- Mark your recertification date
The platform keeps up with new Google Ads features. You'll get a heads-up email about recertification a month before expiration.
| Learning Path | Best For | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Search + Display | Beginners | 4-6 hours |
| Search + Shopping | E-commerce | 4-6 hours |
| Video + Display | Brand marketing | 4-6 hours |
| Search + Measurement | Analytics focus | 4-6 hours |
Here's the thing: These certifications prove you know Google Ads basics. But nothing beats actual experience running campaigns.
4. Microsoft Ads Training Center
Microsoft Ads packs 7 Learning Paths into their Learning Lab. Here's what you'll find:
| Learning Path | Focus Area | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Search Advertising | PPC Basics | Keywords, bidding, campaign setup |
| Display & Video | Visual Ads | Native ads, video campaigns |
| Retail Advertising | E-commerce | Product feeds, shopping campaigns |
| Retail Media | Marketplace | Store optimization, merchant tools |
| Digital Fundamentals | Core Skills | Account structure, targeting |
| Programmatic | Automated Buying | Real-time bidding, exchanges |
| AI & Automation | Smart Features | Machine learning, auto-bidding |
Want to know the BEST part? Microsoft Ads often beats Google Ads on cost:
| Metric | Microsoft Ads | Google Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Average CPC | $1.54 | $2.69 |
| Click-through Rate | 2.83% | 3.17% |
| Conversion Rate | 2.94% | 3.75% |
| Cost per Action | $41.44 | $48.96 |
Jump Right In:
- Head to Microsoft Advertising Learning Lab
- Select your Learning Path
- Work through the courses
- Pass certification tests
- Add badges to LinkedIn
What You Get:
- Every course is 100% free
- Learn at your own speed
- Hands-on practice
- Official Microsoft certs
- Help via adlrnlab@microsoft.com
Extra Perks:
- Import Google Ads campaigns
- Target LinkedIn profiles
- Track with UET
- Manage shopping campaigns
- Add ad extensions
Here's what makes Microsoft Ads DIFFERENT: It's a goldmine for B2B and high-income audiences. The numbers speak for themselves - automotive ads cost 33% less and insurance ads cost 60% less than Google Ads.
5. Amazon Advertising Basics
Amazon Ads Academy helps you learn how to advertise on Amazon - for free. Here's what they offer:
| Ad Type | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsored Products | Show up in search results | Individual product promotion |
| Sponsored Brands | Display brand logo and products | Brand awareness |
| Sponsored Display | Appear on product pages | Retargeting customers |
| Stores | Custom brand pages | Full product catalog |
Want to get certified? Here's how:
- Sign up: Create your Amazon Learning Console account
- Choose: Pick your certification path
- Learn: Watch videos and read guides
- Test: Complete the assessment
- Earn: Get your digital badge
Here's what it costs to advertise:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum Keyword Bid | $0.10 |
| Average Cost Per Click | $0.35 |
| Campaign Budget Minimum | $100 |
The training covers these core areas:
| Topic | Skills Covered |
|---|---|
| Campaign Setup | Budget setting, targeting options |
| Keyword Research | Match types, negative keywords |
| Performance Tracking | Analytics, reporting tools |
| Bid Management | Manual and auto-bidding |
| Product Optimization | Listing quality, images |
You'll get access to 13 certification paths. Each one includes:
- Video lessons
- Interactive courses
- Study materials
- Practice tests
- Performance tracking
"Google has search data, and Facebook knows interest levels, but Amazon has real power because it knows what people are buying and how they're doing it." - Shareen Pathak, Digiday
Let's talk numbers:
- 300 million active Amazon users
- 80 million U.S. Prime members
- Amazon ads cost LESS than Google ($0.35 vs $2.69 per click)
The courses show you how to:
- Build campaigns that work
- Pick the right keywords
- Stay within your budget
- Track your results
Ready to start? Head to Amazon Learning Console, pick your topic, and jump in.
sbb-itb-c5831c6
6. LinkedIn Ads Training
LinkedIn Marketing Labs gives you free B2B advertising courses. Here's what they pack into each one:
| Course Topic | Duration | Skills Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to LinkedIn Ads | 45-60 min | Campaign basics, targeting options |
| Campaign Manager Deep Dive | 1h 14min | Advanced bidding, budget control |
| Lead Generation | 32 min | Message ads, sponsored content |
| Analytics and Reporting | 45 min | Performance tracking, ROI measurement |
| Brand Awareness | 30 min | Content strategy, audience reach |
Let's look at WHO you'll reach on LinkedIn:
| LinkedIn Audience Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Users | 760 million |
| Users Making Purchase Decisions | 80% |
| Users Earning $75k+ Annually | 45% |
| Core Age Group (25-34) | 60% |
Each course comes with:
- Tests to check your starting point
- Video lessons
- Hands-on practice
- Progress tracking
- Final certification
"We use LinkedIn every day to drive business outcomes for the world's leading B2B brands. Our team's LinkedIn Marketing labs certifications show that we're experts in using LinkedIn's robust data and tools." - Brian Jones, EVP, Integrated Strategy at Just Global, Inc.
Here's what you'll learn:
| Skill Area | What You'll Master |
|---|---|
| Campaign Setup | Budget settings, ad formats |
| Audience Targeting | Job titles, company size, skills |
| Bid Management | Cost control, bid optimization |
| Content Strategy | Ad copy, creative formats |
| Performance Analysis | Metrics, A/B testing |
Over 100,000 marketers have finished these courses. Pass the tests, and you'll get certificates for your LinkedIn profile.
Ready to start? Just go to LinkedIn Marketing Labs and pick your first course. It doesn't matter if you're new to ads or been running them for years - there's something for everyone.
7. TikTok Ads Learning Center
TikTok's training program teaches you everything about running ads on their platform. Let's break it down:
| Course Module | Duration | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign Basics | 10 min | Account setup, objectives, budgeting |
| Ad Creation | 10 min | Format selection, creative guidelines |
| Targeting | 10 min | Audience settings, placement options |
| Performance Analysis | 10 min | Metrics tracking, optimization |
| Advanced Features | 10 min | Pixel setup, retargeting |
| Best Practices | 10 min | Content tips, platform trends |
You'll get a 124-page guide and can take the certification exam for $200. Pass it, and you're certified for 2 years.
Here's what TikTok looks like by the numbers:
| Platform Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Active Users | 1+ billion |
| US Users | 170 million |
| US Businesses | 7 million |
| Minimum Ad Spend | $50 |
| Daily Budget Minimum | $20 |
The course covers these key areas:
| Skill Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Structure | Set up 1-999 ad groups per campaign |
| Budget Control | Daily and lifetime budget settings |
| Targeting Options | Age, gender, location, interests |
| Ad Formats | In-feed, Brand Takeover, TopView |
| Measurement | Pixel tracking, conversion tracking |
"The businesses that are willing to dedicate the time and the resources and are committed to continuous improvement are the ones that solidify their position as thought leaders on TikTok and as industry leaders overall." - Mark Wallrapp, Team Lead at TikTok
Want to get certified? You'll need:
- 1+ year agency experience
- Media buying background
- TikTok campaign management skills
This program fits perfectly if you're:
- Just starting with TikTok ads
- Moving from Facebook ads to TikTok
- Part of a marketing team learning TikTok
- An agency pro seeking certification
Each module combines video lessons with practical exercises. You'll work on real campaigns and learn everything from basic awareness ads to advanced conversion campaigns.
8. Digital Marketing Institute: Paid Media Course
Here's what DMI's paid media course offers:
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 hours |
| Modules | 10 core modules |
| Certification Cost | $1,955 |
| Access Period | Lifetime |
| Free Bonus Modules | 6 additional modules |
The course covers these main areas:
| Module Focus | Key Learning Points |
|---|---|
| PPC Fundamentals | Google Ads setup, campaign creation |
| Display Advertising | Ad formats, placement strategies |
| Campaign Management | Budget control, bid optimization |
| Analytics | Tracking, measurement, reporting |
| Landing Pages | Design, optimization, testing |
| Search Strategy | Resource planning, cost management |
DMI's track record? They've trained 30,000+ professionals since 2009, building a community of 160,000+ members worldwide.
Here's what you'll get:
| Course Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Learning Format | Video lessons + practical exercises |
| Support | Online portal access |
| Updates | Regular curriculum updates |
| Resources | Downloadable materials |
| Extra Learning | Analytics, GDPR, UX essentials |
But don't take our word for it:
"This is a great online course. DMI sets the curriculum for many colleges in Canada and around the world. After completing the course, I knew enough about PPC campaigns, social media marketing and SEO to launch my own small business from home." - Colin Campbell, DMI Graduate
"Great practical assignments offered through a very easy to use online learning system. Honestly, look no further if you want to truly learn digital marketing." - Sam Hunter, DMI Graduate
Who's it for?
| Role | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Perfect for starting in digital marketing |
| Current Marketers | Ideal for skill expansion |
| Business Owners | Good for understanding digital basics |
| Agency Staff | Strong for certification needs |
The course mixes theory and practice. You'll create REAL campaigns in Google Ads and learn how to track their performance. No fluff - just practical skills you can use right away.
9. CXL Paid Media Training
CXL's paid media training focuses on advanced advertising skills. Here's what you get:
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Courses | 100+ courses |
| Minidegrees | 11 specialized tracks |
| Course Cost | $300 per individual course |
| Monthly Access | $295 |
| Quarterly Access | $540.10 |
| Annual Access | $1,530.47 |
| Trial Period | 7 days for $1 |
The platform packs everything you need:
| Learning Materials | What's Included |
|---|---|
| Course Format | Pre-recorded lessons |
| Resources | Downloadable slides |
| Templates | Campaign setup guides |
| Extra Materials | Reading lists |
| Live Options | Interactive Sprints |
Want to get started? Here's how:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Test with $1 trial |
| 2 | Review course descriptions |
| 3 | Check instructor qualifications |
| 4 | Download learning materials |
| 5 | Join interactive Sprints |
Pick the plan that works for you:
| Plan Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Individual Courses | Single-topic focus |
| Monthly Access | Short-term learning |
| Quarterly Access | Mid-term projects |
| Annual Access | Full skill development |
Here's the thing: CXL isn't for marketing newbies. You'll need some basic marketing knowledge before jumping in.
What makes CXL different? It's ALL about practical skills. You won't just learn theory - you'll get:
- Step-by-step campaign guides
- Real-world examples
- Hands-on exercises
- Direct implementation steps
Bottom line: If you want to master paid advertising, CXL shows you EXACTLY how to do it. No fluff, just practical tactics you can use today.
10. HubSpot Social Media Ads Course
HubSpot packs everything about social media advertising into a 5-hour, 19-minute course. Here's what's inside:
| Course Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Lessons | 10 lessons |
| Video Content | 38 videos |
| Practice Tests | 29 quizzes |
| Final Exam | 70 questions (timed) |
| Cost | Free |
The course covers 5 main areas:
| Topic | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|
| Strategy Development | How to build social campaigns that work |
| Content Planning | Making content for each platform |
| Monitoring | How to listen and respond to your audience |
| Ad Management | Setting up and improving your ads |
| ROI Tracking | Getting the numbers that matter |
You'll get these practical tools:
| Learning Materials | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Platform Guides | Step-by-step ad setup instructions |
| Free Resources | Tools to make graphics and videos |
| Campaign Templates | Ready-to-use social plans |
| Measurement Tools | Ways to track your success |
"This course helps experienced marketers see social media in a new light, especially with all the platform changes happening right now." - Hannah Smith, Marketing Student at Oregon State University
Here's why people love it:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| University Recognition | Counts toward Northeastern University master's credit |
| Industry Standing | 4.5/5 stars (121 G2 reviews) |
| Annual Reach | Over 60,000 certifications per year |
| Global Impact | Used by 165,000+ professionals |
Getting certified is simple:
- Make a free HubSpot account
- Finish all 10 lessons
- Pass the 70-question exam
- Get your certification
Whether you're in B2C or B2B, you'll learn the exact steps to launch campaigns, measure results, and fix common issues. No fluff - just practical, hands-on knowledge you can use right away.
Conclusion
Want to make more money in digital marketing? Paid media courses can help. Here's what the numbers tell us:
| Career Impact | Results |
|---|---|
| Salary Potential | OMCP certification = 26% more money |
| Job Success Rate | 3 in 4 Digital Marketing Institute grads get promoted |
| Starting Salary | $65,000 on average with certificates |
| Job Placement | 8 in 10 grads land jobs within 6 months |
Digital marketing now takes up 56% of marketing budgets. That means big companies are ALWAYS hiring:
| Companies Hiring | What You Could Do |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Analyst | |
| Meta | Social Media Manager |
| Amazon | Digital Marketing Specialist |
| Disney | Paid Media Coordinator |
| TikTok | Campaign Manager |
| Fitbit | Marketing Associate |
Here's how to get started:
- Start with free stuff: Jump into Google Digital Garage or HubSpot Academy
- Get platform certs: Master Google Ads and Meta
- Level up: Take specialized courses from DMI or CXL
- Show it off: Put your certs on LinkedIn and your resume
The best news? You don't need to spend much to start:
| Platform | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Google Digital Garage | $0 | 40 hours |
| HubSpot Academy | $0 | 5-6 hours |
| Meta Blueprint | $99 (just the exam) | Your pace |
| Google Skillshop | $0 | Varies |
Bottom line: With digital marketing pros making $70,000+ and jobs everywhere, these courses are worth your time. They don't just teach you stuff - they get you hired.
FAQs
What is the best course to learn Facebook ads?
Meta offers the top Facebook ads courses - and they're free. Here's what you need:
| Course Name | Platform | Focus | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta Social Media Marketing | Meta | Full platform overview | Free |
| Advertising with Meta | Meta | Ad campaign mastery | Free |
| Facebook Ads Campaign Setup | Coursera | Hands-on campaign creation | Free |
| Facebook Ads Manager Guide | Coursera | Platform navigation | Free |
| Small Business Marketing | Coursera | Local business focus | Free |
Want a certification? Take the Facebook Blueprint exam ($150). It shows you know your stuff across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger ads.
Here's the smart way to do it:
- Take Meta's free courses first
- Practice what you learn
- THEN decide if you want the certification
The Blueprint program gives you:
- Study guides
- Practice tests
- Online modules
- Real-world exercises
Here's the deal: Don't rush into the exam. Most people study for 2-3 months to pass it. It's NOT easy - but that's what makes the certification worth having.
