Looking to master programmatic advertising? Here's a quick rundown of the top courses:
- Google DV360 Training: Free, comprehensive, with certification
- Trade Desk Edge Academy: Free until 2024, offers live classes
- Google Ad Manager Training: Free, focuses on ad revenue optimization
- LinkedIn Programmatic Advertising Courses: Varied pricing, B2B focus
- Paid Media Courses Directory: 30+ courses, mix of free and paid options
Quick Comparison:
| Course | Price | Duration | Skill Level | Job Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google DV360 | Free (exam fee) | Self-paced | Beginner-Advanced | High |
| Trade Desk Edge | Free (for now) | Self-paced/Live | Beginner-Advanced | High |
| Google Ad Manager | Free | Self-paced | Beginner-Intermediate | Medium-High |
| LinkedIn Courses | $29.99/month | 1-2 hours each | Beginner-Intermediate | Medium |
| Udemy Complete Course | $84.99 | 11.5 hours | Beginner-Intermediate | Medium |
These courses can boost your skills and earning potential in programmatic advertising. Entry-level jobs start around $88,000, while pros can make $120,000+. Keep learning, get hands-on experience, and stay up-to-date with industry trends to succeed in this fast-paced field.
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1. Google DV360 Training and Certificate
Want to level up your programmatic advertising skills? Google's Display & Video 360 (DV360) training is your ticket.
Here's why it's worth your time:
- It covers everything from basics to pro-level strategies
- You get hands-on practice with the actual DV360 platform
- The certification is a big deal in the digital marketing world
- Google keeps the content fresh and up-to-date
The course is split into five main parts:
- DV360 101: Get to know the platform
- Planning Campaigns: Learn about targeting and choosing inventory
- Creative Strategies: Explore ad formats and best practices
- Optimization: Dive into performance analysis and bidding tricks
- Reporting: Master custom reports and data visualization
What sets this course apart? It's all about real-world application. You'll learn how to run cross-device campaigns - a must-have skill in today's multi-screen world.
The exam isn't a cakewalk. With a 65% pass rate, it shows you really know your stuff. But don't let that scare you off. The payoff can be huge.
Take it from Sarah Johnson, a digital marketing manager at a big company:
"After getting DV360 certified, our team's campaign performance shot up by 30%. We fine-tuned our targeting and optimization, and our clients' ROI went through the roof."
The course is free, but you'll need to pay for the exam. Many folks say it's worth every penny for the career boost it can give you.
Ready to become a DV360 pro? Dive in and start learning!
2. Trade Desk Platform Training
The Trade Desk's Edge Academy is a big deal in programmatic advertising education. Here's why:
What's Covered?
Edge Academy teaches you:
- The basics of programmatic ads
- How to use data for marketing
- Buying and tweaking ads
- Targeting the right people
How You Can Learn
You've got options:
- Go at your own pace online
- Join live classes with a teacher
Certifications That Matter
You can get certified in:
1. Marketing Foundations
What you need to know to get started.
2. Trading Essentials
The nuts and bolts of ad trading.
3. Data-Driven Planning
Using data to make smart decisions.
These look great on LinkedIn, by the way.
It's Not Just Theory
Edge Academy keeps up with what's happening now. You'll learn stuff you can use right away.
It's Free (For Now)
The Trade Desk is offering free access to their updated platform until the end of the year. It's a great chance to learn without spending a dime.
Lots of People Love It
Over 11,000 pros got certified before the recent update. That's a lot of happy learners.
Jeff Green, the big boss at The Trade Desk, says:
"Right now, marketers want ads they can measure and compare. This means everyone in advertising needs to get better at using data, fast."
Why Pick Trade Desk Training?
Here's how it stacks up:
| What to Look For | Edge Academy | Other Online Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Cred | High | Depends |
| What You Learn | A lot | Often less |
| How You Learn | Your choice | Usually just self-paced |
| Price | Free now | Often costs money |
| Certificate | People respect it | Maybe, maybe not |
| Focus on Data | Big focus | Varies |
Bottom line: If you want to get good at programmatic ads, Edge Academy is hard to beat. It's thorough, respected, and free right now. What's not to like?
3. Google Ad Manager Training
Want to boost your ad revenue? Google Ad Manager (GAM) is your ticket. But it's not a simple tool. That's where Google Ad Manager Training comes in handy.
Here's the scoop:
GAM training is available on Google's Skillshop platform. It covers everything from ad management basics to advanced targeting and revenue optimization. You'll even learn about reporting and analytics.
Why should you care? Because GAM is used by publishers of all sizes. Whether you're running a small blog or managing ads for a major news outlet, knowing GAM inside and out can seriously pump up your ad game.
The best part? It's FREE and flexible. Learn at your own pace, covering both the basics and the advanced stuff.
Now, here's something to keep in mind: Google offers two flavors of Ad Manager:
1. GAM (Free)
- Cost: Zero
- For: Small to medium publishers
- Support: Community forums
- Features: Limited advanced options
2. GAM 360 (Paid)
- Cost: Depends on your business needs
- For: Larger publishers
- Support: Direct from Google
- Features: Full access (think special ad units, in-banner video)
Does this training actually work? You bet. While we don't have specific case studies, many publishers see big improvements after mastering GAM. Picture this: a mid-sized news site could see their ad revenue jump by 20-30% just by using the advanced targeting and optimization tricks they learned.
Want to show off your new skills? Take the exam after training and become Google Ad Manager certified. It's a great way to beef up your resume, especially if you're eyeing a career in digital advertising or publishing.
Bottom line: If you're serious about programmatic advertising, especially on the publishing side, you NEED this training. It's free, thorough, and can make a real difference in your ad performance. Whether you're a newbie or a pro looking to sharpen your skills, Google Ad Manager Training has something for you.
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4. LinkedIn Programmatic Advertising Courses
LinkedIn has evolved into a B2B marketing powerhouse. Their programmatic advertising courses are a goldmine for marketers. Here's why they're worth your time:
LinkedIn Learning: Programmatic Basics
LinkedIn Learning's "Programmatic Advertising Foundations" course is perfect for newbies:
- Taught by Matt Bailey, a digital marketing expert
- Just 1 hour and 14 minutes long
- Boasts a 4.8/5 rating from 1,408 users
You'll learn:
- How to use first- and third-party data
- Audience targeting based on behavior, location, and context
- Ad fraud detection and prevention
It's programmatic advertising 101, all in a compact package.
LinkedIn Ads Certifications: Skill Boosters
LinkedIn offers a range of certifications to level up your skills:
1. Fundamentals Certification
Covers campaign basics, from launch to optimization and reporting.
2. Marketing Strategy Certification
Teaches you how to build comprehensive LinkedIn marketing strategies.
3. Content and Creative Design Certification
Focuses on crafting effective paid and organic content.
These self-paced certifications come with practice tests to help you prepare.
The LinkedIn Ads Course: B2B Focus
For B2B marketing specialists, "The LinkedIn Ads Course" is a must-try. It covers:
- Advanced audience targeting techniques
- Retargeting strategies
- Various ad formats
Course instructor Phil Smith says:
"This course equips learners with the tools to generate demand and drive business growth through LinkedIn Ads."
LinkedIn Ads Fanatics: Expert Insights
AJ Wilcox's "LinkedIn Ads Fanatics Course" offers:
- Weekly group coaching calls
- Deep dives into different ad types
- Campaign organization strategies
With 12 years of experience and a 4.7/5 rating, AJ's course delivers real value.
The LinkedIn Ads Advantage
Why focus on LinkedIn Ads? The numbers speak for themselves:
- LinkedIn's user base is set to hit 942.84 million in 2024
- LinkedIn users have 2x the buying power of average web users
- LinkedIn ad revenue is projected to reach $10.35 billion by 2027
Mastering LinkedIn Ads could give you a serious edge in B2B marketing.
5. Paid Media Courses Directory
The Paid Media Courses Directory is a goldmine for programmatic advertising skills. Here's what makes it special:
Learning Hub
It's packed with over 30 programmatic advertising courses for 2024. From newbie to pro, there's something for everyone:
| Course Type | Count | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 23 | 20 offer it |
| Paid | Varies | All do |
Skill Levels Covered
- Newbies: Get the basics
- Mid-level: Dig into targeting and campaign management
- Pros: Tackle data analytics and real-time tweaks
Top Picks
1. Intro to Programmatic Advertising (Udemy)
Ben Silverstein breaks down how programmatic fits into your strategy.
2. The Complete Programmatic Advertising Course
Alex Vasileiadis covers it all:
- How online ads evolved
- Who's who in programmatic
- Putting ideas into action
3. Programmatic Advertising with Tools (Udemy)
Ovais Ahmad gives you hands-on practice:
- Programmatic basics
- DV360 UI walkthrough
Why It Matters
Programmatic ads are BIG business:
- $200+ billion spent in 2023
- Heading for $300 billion by 2026
- Over half of media budgets go here
Dmitrii Anikin, the directory's founder, says:
"We're linking marketers with top-notch programmatic courses to keep them ahead of the game."
Find Your Perfect Course
- Use filters (certification, level, time, language)
- Check if it covers platforms you use (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
- Look for practical exercises and real-world examples
Course Comparison Guide
Let's compare the top programmatic advertising courses to help you pick the best one for your needs and career goals.
| Course | Price | Duration | Skill Level | Job Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google DV360 Training | Free (Exam fee applies) | Self-paced | Beginner to Advanced | High |
| Trade Desk Edge Academy | Free (until end of 2024) | Self-paced or live classes | Beginner to Advanced | High |
| Google Ad Manager Training | Free | Self-paced | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium to High |
| LinkedIn Programmatic Advertising Courses | Varies ($29.99/month for LinkedIn Learning) | 1-2 hours per course | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
| The Complete Programmatic Advertising Course (Udemy) | $84.99 (often discounted) | 11.5 hours | Beginner to Intermediate | Medium |
Google DV360 vs. The Trade Desk
Google DV360 and The Trade Desk are big players in programmatic advertising, but they're not identical twins:
Google DV360:
- Perfect if you're all-in on Google's ecosystem
- Plays nice with Google Analytics 360 and Google Ads
- Nails multi-touch attribution and conversion tracking
The Trade Desk:
- Flexibility is its middle name
- Agencies love it for big, multi-channel campaigns
- Pricing? Clear as day
Skills and Career Paths
1. Entry-Level Jobs:
Think Media Buying Specialist or Digital Ads Sales Account Manager:
- You could be looking at $88,000 - $89,000 (2023 median)
- Must-have skills: Excel wizardry and basic programmatic know-how
- Courses to consider: Google DV360 Training or Trade Desk Edge Academy basics
2. Mid-Level Positions:
Eyeing roles like Demand Planning and Buying Manager?
- Salary ballpark: $113,000 - $116,000 (2023 median)
- Skills you'll need: Advanced analytics, campaign optimization, and strategic thinking
- Course combo: Complete Programmatic Advertising Course + platform-specific certs
3. Advanced Roles:
For the Programmatic Trading Specialist or Data Scientist in you:
- Salary potential: $120,000+ (location and experience dependent)
- Skills required: Math genius, SQL and JavaScript pro, data analysis tools master
- Learning path: Mix technical courses (data science) with advanced programmatic training
Time to Learn
1. Quick Start (1-2 weeks):
Kick things off with LinkedIn Learning's "Programmatic Advertising Foundations" (1.25 hours). Then dive into Google DV360 or Trade Desk Edge Academy basics.
2. Deep Dive (1-3 months):
Conquer The Trade Desk's Edge Academy certs, add Google Ad Manager Training, and if possible, get your hands dirty with real campaigns.
3. Career Boost (3-6 months):
Collect platform certs like Pokemon (DV360, Trade Desk, LinkedIn). Sprinkle in some data analytics and marketing strategy courses. Top it off with hands-on experience through internships or entry-level gigs.
Final Thoughts
Programmatic advertising is changing the game in digital marketing. If you want to boost your career, here's what you need to know:
Keep Learning
The programmatic world moves fast. To stay on top:
- Take courses and get certifications
- Go to industry events and webinars
- Follow the experts and read industry news
Get Your Hands Dirty
Books are great, but nothing beats real-world experience:
- Try to land internships at ad agencies
- Start with entry-level jobs to learn the ropes
- Work on your own projects to practice
Be a Jack-of-All-Trades
The best programmatic pros know a bit of everything:
| Skill | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Data Analysis | To figure out if your ads are working |
| Creative Thinking | To come up with clever ad ideas |
| Tech Skills | To use different ad platforms |
| Communication | To explain complex stuff to clients |
Know What's Hot
The programmatic world is always changing. Keep an eye on:
- New tech like AR and VR in ads
- Data privacy rules (they're always updating)
- AI and machine learning for better ads
Show Me the Money
Programmatic advertising can pay well:
- Newbies can make around $88,000 a year
- Pros can earn $120,000+
- Lots of freelance and consulting gigs out there
