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Introduction to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

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ChatGPT for Digital Marketing

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Introduction to CCBA

Upcoming live webinars.

Future-Proof Your IT Career: A Deep Dive into ITIL® 4 Certification

Cyber Analyst vs Ethical Hacker: Choosing the Right Career Path?

Ascend to the Pinnacle of Cloud Excellence with AWS Cloud Architect Masters Program

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Career Masterclass: How to Build the Best Fantasy League Team Using Gen AI Tools

How to Use ChatGPT & Excel For Data Analytics in 2024

Unlock Your Data Game with Generative AI Techniques in 2024

Build a Recession-Proof Cloud Career for 2024 with Caltech PGP Cloud Computing

How 2024's Cyber Attacks Are Boosting the Cyber Job Market?

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SkillUp by Simplilearn is an awesome free learning platform. The courses are very well designed. Thanks, Simplilearn.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is skillup by simplilearn.

SkillUp is a learning platform from Simplilearn where learners can take free online courses. All of the self-learning courses are free of cost, where you can explore and learn in-demand skills on your schedule. This free online course content is prepared by industry experts & top practitioners.

How is it different from a Simplilearn paid offering?

SkillUp is a mobile-friendly, online learning platform where you can take free online courses with certificates . It does not provide live classes, projects, labs, exam vouchers, teaching assistance, or course completion certificates like Simplilearn’s paid offerings. Instead, you can learn online for free with SkillUp, and get an opportunity to explore and identify the upskilling option that works best for your specific career goals. Learners can also opt to earn a certificate by enrolling in the paid courses.

Do I have to pay anything to enroll in these courses?

No, the free courses in the SkillUp program enable you to learn online without any cost.

Who should sign up?

These free online courses are designed for anyone who wants to learn the latest digital skills. We provide courses in the fields of data science, cybersecurity, project management & leadership, cloud computing, digital marketing, and much more. Designed for all professionals, these free courses help students and beginners, as well as experienced developers, engineers, managers, and executives.. The curriculum is designed by renowned industry experts & course advisors. 

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You can sign up with your name, email, or phone number on the SkillUp by Simplilearn website or download our app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. We also provide an option to sign up with your Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, or Apple account. 

How can I earn a course completion certificate?

You will receive a course completion certificate upon completing any free course on SkillUp. These certificates can be unlocked on the SkillUp learning dashboard. As soon as the certificate is unlocked, you will receive a mail with a link to the learning dashboard on your registered mail address. Click on the link to view and download your certificate.

Is there any time duration for completing the free SkillUp courses?

Yes, course access lasts for 90 days.

How many free courses can I enroll in?

You can enroll for any number of these free courses simultaneously. However, access to each course is limited to 90 days from the date of enrollment.

How can I access the free resources available with each course?

We provide free resources such as resume, salary, interview, and career guides which will help you build your career. Our free resources also provide you with the latest trends and insights into today’s digital economy to help guide you in your career. We’ll share some of these to your email during your learning journey with us.

What are the advantages of having an Online Certificate?

The half-lives of skills are declining rapidly. With the emergence of innovative technologies, there is a surge in the demand for highly-skilled professionals. An online certificate is a credible indicator of your newest skill. It echoes a learner's self-motivation and commitment to improvement. It also enhances the marketability of candidates and sets them ahead of competition during the hiring process.   

 What are the free online courses that are in high demand today?

Free online courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Machine Learning, Project Management and Software Development are in high demand today. Learners with skills in these domains have exciting job prospects to look forward to.  

How do I install the Simplilearn SkillUp app?

You can install our Simplilearn app from Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

Can I learn directly from the app?

Yes, all the free courses are available on our app as well.

How will I get the course completion certificate?

Users can unlock the course completion certficate on completion of 85% of the enrolled course.

How can I get a certificate for free courses online on SkillUp by Simplilearn?

You can get free online courses on SkillUp by Simplilearn and unlock the certificate after completing 85 percent of the course

Do free online courses have value?

Free online courses with certificates have as good value as paid courses with certificates when they have a similar course curriculum. At SkillUp, we give high-quality expert-curated content with certification on completion.

Do free online courses look good on CV?

Yes, all skills that are in demand which are available for free can have a good weightage on your CV. We provide free online courses on SkillUp that are in demand that will help you upskill in your career.

Which course is in high demand for 2024?

The Introduction to Digital Marketing Fundamentals Course  is in high demand for 2024.

What are the top 10 online courses on SkillUp?

1. Business Analytics with Excel

2. Applied Data Science with Python  

3. Introduction to Data Analytics Course  

4. Java Training  

5. Introduction to Cyber Security  

6. Python for Beginners  

7. Digital Marketing 101  

8. Introduction to MS Excel  

9. Ethical Hacking for Beginners  

10. Machine Learning

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PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude

Explore the history of navigation, from stars to satellites.

Nonprofit Financial Stewardship Webinar: Introduction to Accounting and Financial Statements

The Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Statements webinars provide a great opportunity to learn the basic principles of nonprofit accounting.

CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.

PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies

An overview of divination systems, ranging from ancient Chinese bone burning to modern astrology.

CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

Learn to use machine learning in Python in this introductory course on artificial intelligence.

Systematic Approaches to Policy Design

This free online course from Harvard Kennedy School introduces approaches to analytical decision-making for policy design.

New Ideas for Nonprofit Leaders Webinar

Professor Arthur Brooks discusses cutting-edge concepts that tie tactics of the most effective nonprofit leaders back to the basics of human connection in this free webinar.

4P Model for Strategic Leadership Podcasts

A Free Podcast Series

The Science of Corresponding with Busy People Webinar

This free webinar from HKS professor Todd Rogers is his take on the five principles for effective communication and how to implement them in your writing.

CS50's Understanding Technology

This is CS50’s introduction to technology for students who don’t (yet!) consider themselves computer persons.

CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

A gentle introduction to programming that prepares you for subsequent courses in coding.

CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

This is CS50’s introduction to computer science for business professionals.

Global News & Technology Leadership in Challenging Times

Join HKS Shorenstein Center Director and former TIME Editor in Chief Nancy Gibbs and colleagues for a panel discussion on the challenges facing global news-industry leaders.

Our Information Emergency: Navigating the Media Environment in 2021

Led by Nancy Gibbs, this video explores the underlying forces that are shaping today’s media environment.

CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

This course picks up where CS50 leaves off, diving more deeply into the design and implementation of web apps with Python, JavaScript, and SQL using frameworks like Django, React, and Bootstrap.

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What is GCFGlobal.org ?

For almost 20 years, the GCFGlobal.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century by offering self-paced online courses. We invite you to utilize our courses, here and on YouTube, and highly recommend making an account to access all of our services, including course tracking, view history, eCoaching, and more!

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From Microsoft Office and email, to reading, math, and more—GCFGlobal.org offers more than 200 topics, including more than 2,300 lessons, more than 2,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games, completely free. We all have outside responsibilities, so we make it easy for you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. Join more than 100 million people from all walks of life who have come to us to learn the essential skills they need to succeed.

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The What/Why Series

What impacts the past, present, and future, and why are these things so important?

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Online marketing for beginners: 10 paid and free courses to start with

In today’s digital marketplace, personalization is king. Hubspot’s The State of Marketing 2024 report underscores this, revealing that 75% of marketers credit personalized experiences with boosting sales and customer loyalty. This strategic focus is reshaping companies’ online narratives, directly influencing a return on investment (ROI) and growth trajectories.

The digital realm demands a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and keeping up with technological trends and advancements. For those carving out a career in digital or online marketing, you’re in an era where science meets creativity. 

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Dr. Jonah Berger, a Wharton School professor at the University of Pennsylvania and bestselling author of books like Magic Words and The Catalyst , views the right digital marketing course as a critical piece in the puzzle of success.

“If you already have your product, a class can teach you how to get it to the right customers,” he asserts. Berger emphasizes the versatility of digital marketing education, noting that it can guide entrepreneurs in everything from product design to startup selection.

He advises prospective students to first identify their needs and desired outcomes before choosing a course. “The more that courses help you address a particular tactical need you have, the better off you’re going to be,” he explains. He encourages focusing on “modern marketing” trends such as customer centricity, highlighting the shift towards prioritizing the customer’s perspective over the product or service.

For Berger, truly successful digital marketing lies in “the marriage of data science and behavioral science.” He stresses the importance of understanding customer decision-making while leveraging data for deeper insights. This approach is paramount in a landscape dominated by search engines, social media, and omni-channel marketing strategies.

For those interested in working in the online marketing industry, taking a course can be an effective way to build a solid foundation. Fortune compiled a list of both free and paid online marketing courses you can take on your home computer to help you add the skill to your digital toolbox. 

5 free online marketing courses

Enrolling in a free course can give you the necessary skills to get started without breaking the bank. These five free online courses teach digital marketing at an introductory level. Each varies on program length but offers generalized coursework. The list is in alphabetical order.

1. CareerFoundry: Digital Marketing Program

This one is for people who don’t have a lot of time but still want to dip their toes in the digital marketing waters. To figure out if digital marketing is right for you, CareerFoundry can send you a free five-day short course to your email inbox. Each lesson takes around 15 minutes, offering barebones instruction to the world of digital marketing and making a career change. It’s worth noting that the content you receive is the beginning lessons of a much more robust, four to seven-month long, $6,900 immersive, should you want to opt for the paid version. 

2. Google: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

This 40-hour course, offered by one of the most popular search engine companies, teaches digital marketing at an entry-level . The 24-module class, accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University, contains hands-on exercises.

Tutorials include topics like making it easy to find a business on the internet and reaching customers through email and video. After passing each tutorial, the course offers one final assessment, and after taking and passing that, you will receive a sharable award to add to your LinkedIn profile.

3. Meta: Blueprint

Facebook’s parent company, Meta, offers 36 free courses in its Blueprint program . The program aims to give learners fast, self-guided digital marketing walkthroughs and training on sites like Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Topics range from bringing your business online and establishing marketing goals to attracting an audience and making creative Instagram Stories. 

4. Simplilearn: Digital Marketing Strategy

This free course by Simplilearn consists of seven main modules, each containing a self-paced string of video lessons. It aims to provide learners with an introduction to the digital marketing landscape. 

In two hours, you will learn about customer segmentation and persona, plus you’ll learn how to conduct market research and create a marketing calendar. After each chapter, there is a knowledge check, and after completing the class, you will receive a certificate of completion. According to the site, more than 25,000 people have enrolled in this course.

5. Udemy: Marketing on Instagram 

This introductory course from Three Sixty Academy , offered on the Udemy platform, teaches learners the fundamentals of Instagram marketing and how to increase your follower base and maximize ROI. The course consists of nine tutorials over the course of 40 minutes. According to the site, more than 30,000 students have enrolled in this course. 

5 paid online marketing courses

Taking paid courses can be an effective way to learn marketing concepts and practical applications. By paying for a course, you can access comprehensive content and detailed explanations in a structured learning environment. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and improve your skills. Courses are listed in alphabetical order.

1. Coursera: Introduction to Digital Marketing

Coursera has a beginner-level course that lasts for around nine hours and is taught by Steve Fritzenkotter, a continuing education instructor from the University of California, Irvine. The course covers everything from search engine marketing and two-way communication with customers to storytelling and reputation management. 

According to the site, it’s free to start, but after a seven-day trial period, you’ll be required to pay $49 monthly. The subscription gives you access to all of the lectures, assignments, knowledge checks, discussion forums, and even a certification of completion. Lastly, the course has more than 10,500 enrollees. 

2. eCornell: Assessing Opportunities in Paid Digital Media

eCornell’s online paid media course covers the basics of search engine marketing, email marketing, and video marketing through a paid lens. The course tackles topics like social media and mobile ads and will guide you through the process of drafting a paid media marketing plan. 

This two-week, fully online, instructor-led course is targeted towards marketing managers who want to understand the role digital marketing plays in an organization. The course is priced at $1,199 and is part of eCornell’s Digital Marketing program, which is priced at $3,699 and includes four courses. After completing the entire program, you will have earned a certificate.

3. Harvard Business School: Digital Marketing Strategy

Harvard Business School Online’s digital marketing course is seven weeks long, self-paced, and contains six modules. The key concepts taught are the evolution of marketing, different approaches to budget allocation, and customer engagement techniques like storytelling and personalization. 

The featured exercises include building a practice budget, calculating a customer’s lifetime value, and advising a real-life company on its marketing plan. The course costs $1,750, and the application is free, but you must be at least 18 years old to apply. 

4. LinkedIn Learning: Advance as a Digital Marketing Specialist

LinkedIn Learning’s digital marketing career path is a comprehensive program with nine courses. Each one is more than ten hours long and is designed to teach learners how to create effective customer touchpoints, develop content strategies, and gain expertise in SEO and analytics. Upon completing the program, students receive a certificate that can be added to their LinkedIn profile.

The lectures are delivered by industry experts Brad Batesole, who teaches part-time at California State University Northridge, and Marta Dapena-Baron, a former marketing lecturer at the University of Michigan and Cornell University.

To access this course path, users must subscribe to the service. The subscription costs $379.88 per seat per year, with a two-seat minimum requirement for teams.

5. Udemy: The Complete Digital Marketing Course—12 Courses in 1 

This $199.99 course offered by Udemy teaches students how to master digital marketing strategy and the fundamentals of social media, SEO, YouTube, email, X (formerly Twitter), Quora, and Facebook marketing. Taught in 17 languages over 22.5 hours of videos and articles, it also teaches you copywriting, making a website, and performing market research. 

According to the site, the course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it caters to three target audiences: individuals who wish to enhance their skills for job opportunities, website owners looking to boost their traffic and sales, and pre-launch business owners who are unsure where to begin.

Things to consider before enrolling in an online marketing course

If there’s one takeaway from this article, it’s that there are a lot of options in terms of the kinds of courses you can take. An overwhelming number of options can lead to analysis paralysis, so it’s important to remember that while some courses might sound great, they might not give you the exact results you’re looking for. 

Before spending your hard-earned cash or wasting your time with any marketing course, consider these factors:

• Hands-on practice : According to a report by the U.S. Department of Education ,  the term “hands-on approach” refers to guided instruction through experience. “It’s one thing to hear somebody say something. It can be quite another to make sure you can apply that thing,” Berger says. “It’s important to learn from others, but you need to make sure you can apply those learnings as well.” 
• Reviews : Berger says that word of mouth is another powerful tool in determining what you should spend your money and time on. “When I am making a tough decision, I turn to others—either looking at reviews online or talking with people offline—to understand what other people think and help make better decisions.” Sites like Udemy and Simplilearn provide ratings on the front pages of courses. 

So, what is the best online marketing course to take?

The best online marketing course is the one that best suits your needs. While you can scroll through thousands of TikTok and YouTube videos to pick up key information, a structured course can give you the backbone you need to improve your digital marketing skills. 

Whether you want to learn for free or for money, there’s an option for everyone. But if you’re still on the fence about taking an online marketing course, hear Berger’s advice: 

“Marketing touches almost everything we do—we all have a customer. Brand managers sell products, B2B companies sell services, leaders sell ideas, doctors convince patients to take medicine, lawyers try to convince their clients to take action, and employees try to convince their bosses.”

He explains that whether we interface with our customers, spouses, or children, we aim to understand them and meet them where they are. “It’s about understanding who you’re interacting with and delivering them value.” If that sounds interesting to you, then digital marketing could be a good career path. 

Fortune outlined the path you need to take to become a digital marketer , and we also compiled a list of 16 entrepreneurial classes you can take online now .

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5 free digital marketing courses to study in 2024.

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A career within digital marketing is extremely lucrative and in high demand over the next few years

If you have expertise in digital and social media marketing, your skills could be worth $1.5 trillion by 2030 , according to Coursera's Job Skills of 2024 report. In fact, research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that marketing occupations are soaring in demand by as much as 6% yearly, which is faster than the average for job growth.

Digital marketing has rapidly accelerated the success of marketing and advertizing campaigns. With billions of social media users, and billions using the web to search for topics, answers to questions, conduct shopping, and loads more of everyday activities, digital marketing is full of potential and is certainly an in-demand skill worth investing in.

The investment in developing this skill, whether it is financial or time expenditure, is certainly proving to be well worth it. With a career in digital marketing, such as a digital marketing manager, you can expect to realize earnings of as much as $124,000. And of course, the more you learn and develop yourself professionally, and the more senior-level your role, the more you increase your earning potential.

Here are five free digital marketing courses you should seriously consider embarking on so you can launch a successful digital marketing career in 2024:

1. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning has a learning path called "Master Digital Marketing," which contains courses taught and led by industry experts handpicked by LinkedIn. The course content within the learning path ranges from mastering SEO, to marketing on LinkedIn and other social media platforms such as TikTok, to even learning marketing with AR (augmented reality).

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Although perhaps not 100% free in every sense of the word, courses on LinkedIn Learning are free with a 30-day free trial of LinkedIn Premium subscription. Otherwise, with a Premium subscription you can access all the courses without any extra cost.

2. Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage has now moved to Google Skillshop, part of the Grow With Google initiative, and it hosts a range of courses including Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, which are totally free of charge to you. After completing the course, you're able to gain a certificate which you can showcase on your LinkedIn profile and to employers.

3. PPC University

This website hosts a range of informative content, via courses and guides such as PPC 101, totally free of charge. These cover topics such as PCC (pay-per-click advertizing), and Facebook ads. Although it does not cover all aspects of digital marketing, this can be a helpful resource if you're seeking to zone in on PPC as a digital marketing skill.

Another free digital marketing course provider is HubSpot, which is already known to be a leader in the digital marketing industry. Their learning arm, HubSpot Academy, provides several courses for all levels from beginner to the more advanced, such as its Digital Marketing Course: Get Certified in Digital Marketing, which also comes with a free certificate.

Meta offers a range of courses and certifications, paid and free, for those aspiring to build digital marketing skills. One free course is the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate, offered via Meta Blueprint. It is essential to bear in mind that although the study materials are free, obtaining the certification may cost you.

Undertaking a digital marketing course, and even paying for the certificate if necessary, is well ... [+] worth the time and financial expenditure

All five of these are examples of what courses are available to you if you are passionate about upskilling (or reskilling as the case may be) and taking your professional development to the next level by pursuing a digital marketing career. Learning something new doesn't need to cost much. Through these five free digital marketing courses, you can prove your value to employers, become a trusted expert, and even work as a freelance digital marketing manager.

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5 courses from MIT ranked among the most popular of 2024 — and all time

Five courses from mit ranked among the most popular of 2024 — and all time, class central recognized mitx’s free online courses among the 250 most popular of all time and 100 most popular of 2024..

By Katherine Ouellette

Four MITx courses are ranked among Class Central’s list of 250 Most Popular Online Courses of All Time for 2024. Another MITx course is recognized as one of the 100 Most Popular Free Online Courses of 2024 . Class Central, a resource for curating and rating online courses, compiled these lists based on the number of enrollments reported across more than 200,000 online courses aggregated in its catalog.

Discover why these free and low-cost online courses on aerodynamics, computer programming, and supply chains are so popular with tens of thousands of learners. Start learning from MIT faculty today!

Introduction to Aerodynamics

Discover the basic fluid dynamic concepts behind aircraft analysis and design.

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python

An introduction to computer science as a tool to solve real-world analytical problems using Python 3.5.

Machine Learning with Python: from Linear Models to Deep Learning

An in-depth introduction to the field of machine learning, from linear models to deep learning and reinforcement learning, through hands-on Python projects. Part of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science , developed jointly with the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society .

Supply Chain Analytics

Master and apply the core methodologies used in supply chain analysis and modeling, including statistics, regression, optimization, and probability. Part of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management , developed jointly with the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics .

Supply Chain Fundamentals

Learn fundamental concepts for logistics and supply chain management from both analytical and practical perspectives. Part of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management , developed jointly with the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics .

5 courses from MIT ranked among the most popular of 2024 — and all time was originally published in MIT Open Learning on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

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9 Websites to Learn Skills for Free

Posted: April 24, 2023 | Last updated: June 26, 2023

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder .

You’ve heard the affirmations about learning as a lifelong journey. But if you’ve ever tried to pick up a hobby or learn something new, you’ll realize the path to perfecting new skills is an expensive one.

Whether it’s an investment in equipment, paid courses or sessions with a pro, the cost to begin learning in-demand skills can be a significant financial barrier.

If you’re looking to upskill for a career move or explore a craft you’ve always admired, there are ways to learn skills for free if you know where to look.

From free online courses that let you progress at your own pace to workshops that hone creative skills, there are plenty of ways to learn new stuff for free or for cheap.

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Maybe that’s why the wealthy use investment pros and why you should too. How? With SmartAsset’s free financial adviser matching tool . In five minutes you’ll have up to three qualified local pros, each legally required to act in your best interests. Most offer free first consultations. What have you got to lose? Click here to check it out right now.

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While these platforms aren’t offering online courses with graded assignments, these websites and mobile apps provide ways to learn online or explore a new skill in your own time.

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1. Learn Anything on YouTube

There’s a reason YouTube is Gen Z’s preferred online learning platform and their favorite social media app . From how-to videos on home renovations and crafts to crash courses in string theory, YouTube has something for everyone.

Here are a few popular education channels to check out:

• Crash Course

If you’re looking for more practical skills training, such as refinishing furniture or playing the piano , YouTube is the best place to start because it’s completely free, and you can get unlimited access to videos without an account.

2. Get Schooled on Khan Academy

Khan Academy started with Sal Khan filming videos to tutor his cousin in math and science. Since then, it has grown into one of the most transformative educational resources on the internet.

Its library of free courses covers everything in the K-12 curriculum as well as SAT prep, AP courses and even life skills such as financial literacy and growth mindsets.

Related: 3 Easy Ways to Get Laundry Soap for Nearly Nothing

3. Expand Your Thinking With TED

Like the viral TED Talks highlighting industry experts, TED has free resources and short online courses. These are usually less than an hour and provide a quick introduction to things like data science or social media marketing.

If you want a deeper dive, you can sign up for TED’s online courses on topics like public speaking or nurturing your imagination.

The self-paced online lessons are done as part of a cohort of students and cost $49 per course.

4. Find Creative Inspiration on Skillshare

Looking to explore your creative side? Skillshare is the space for you. It offers hands-on free courses for and by creators in areas like graphic design, photography, creative writing, art, music and more.

The downside to Skillshare is that if you want to use it for free, you’ll have to be a quick learner. Your trial lasts only seven days before you get charged for a $32 monthly membership to keep accessing most courses.

5. Learn a Language with Duolingo

Learning a language for free sounds too good to be true, but Duolingo’s 500 million users prove you can learn in-demand skills without paying a dime.

Duolingo offers 100 courses across 40 languages, plus it provides fee waivers for low-income students looking to take the English proficiency test.

6. Earn a Free Certificate with Grow Google

Google is much more than a search engine. Grow Google offers free classes for high-demand digital skills.

If you’re serious about upskilling to build your resume, Google Digital Garage has free certificate programs in business skills, machine learning, customer service and web development.

7. Find Free Resources at HubSpot Academy

Another great place to upskill for free is HubSpot Academy .

You can earn an online certificate for expanding your digital marketing skills with HubSpot’s free courses on topics like content marketing, business writing, web design and project management.

8. Get Technical Skills at Codecademy

Coding and other computer science qualifications are some of the most coveted resume skills. Start a new career path with the right course in JavaScript, HTML and more at Codecademy .

There’s a three-day free trial for beginners and a yearly membership for future programmers with student-friendly pricing.

9. Upskill at Alison

Study for the job you want, not the one you have. At Alison , in-demand skills are just the start of advancing your career.

You can create an account and browse the 4,000 free courses on topics like business management, information systems, health care and more.

Where to Find Free Online College Courses

Want to get beyond in-demand skills and take courses from leading institutions online? You can access high-quality courses free online from top universities.

If you want to get a peek at course materials from some of the top colleges in the country, Coursera is a good place to start.

Some of the free courses hail from America’s top Ivy League schools such as Yale. And Coursera helps connect students with low-cost online options to earn a bachelor’s degree or professional certificate.

Related: Stop Overpaying for These 10 Common Purchases

With over 160 member universities and big names like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, UC Berkeley and more, edX offers 2,800 online courses in computer science, business management, data science, language, humanities and engineering.

While you can audit a free course, you’ll have to pay the enrollment fee if you want to earn credit and submit graded assignments.

Stanford Online

Stanford University’s online platform has a free online course section where you can dip your toes into a bunch of topics free of charge.

The self-paced online course offerings cover a wide spectrum of skills and interests, from child nutrition and cooking to quantum mechanics.

Open Yale Courses

Like Stanford, Yale University has open courses where you can drop in and learn for free.

The course topics span a wide swath of knowledge, including philosophy courses on death and economic classes on emerging financial markets.

6 Steps to Learn New Stuff for Free or Cheap

Maybe you promised yourself to learn to skydive or knit this year. Or you’ve decided to go back to school to make your passion your profession.

Either way, there are plenty of free or cheap opportunities to get some practice with local organizations or businesses.

1. Start With Community College

Community colleges are great places to explore a new degree path without committing big bucks to a diploma program.

And they can offer a good conduit to local business owners and entrepreneurs.

2. Consider Volunteering

There’s nothing that proves time really is money like volunteering. If you’re looking to pick up a new skill, consider volunteering for an organization where you can pitch in and help your community.

In exchange for your time, you’ll get real-world experience.

3. Look for Continuing Education Programs

Continuing education programs come in all flavors, but they’re usually associated with a local school district, trade school, community college or university system.

Start by searching city or county websites as state or local governments often fund these programs.

4. Find a Makerspace

Want to learn to weld or make book sculptures for craft fairs?

Consider finding a makerspace that offers access to tools and equipment, training and affordable workshops.

5. Search for Local Workshops

Picking up a new hobby or even a career skill is as easy as finding a free or cheap local workshop on your community calendar.

Choose from artist collectives that offer painting and pottery classes to parenting classes or first aid certifications sponsored by city governments.

6. Ask a Local Business

It sounds simplistic, but ask a local business specializing in the skill or hobby you’re learning.

For instance, local ski resorts offer free skiing lessons for the same reason craft stores offer painting classes or Home Depot teaches workshops on making furniture. It’s an investment in cultivating lifetime customers.

How Much Money Can You Make Learning a New Skill?

If you’re trying to earn extra money picking up a new skill for a side hustle or upskilling to get a promotion, it can be hard to tell what’s worth your time.

The best way to learn something that will make you bank is to invest in skills employers want or try an in-demand side hustle.

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Today’s work landscape is constantly evolving, making it challenging to stay a step ahead and successfully differentiate yourself as the “best candidate” for that promotion or new position.

Early and mid-career professionals need to keep their skills and industry knowledge up to date, acumen sharp, and build connections that will help them excel in their field and achieve their career goals. And they need the ability to do it on their own time–while working full time and enjoying home life–without settling for a lower quality education.

Clarkson’s online master’s, certificate and micro-credential programs offer the high-quality and reputable education we’re known for – taught by experienced faculty with decades of teaching and industry experience – in a flexible and easily accessible format.

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Clarkson University’s fully online degree programs, courses and continuing education options allow you to advance your career through every stage — whether you’re new to the workforce and looking to set yourself up for future opportunities or a seasoned professional looking to land a promotion.

We created our online graduate programs with professionals in mind. As you have unique lives and personal objectives for advancing your education, our online programs offer maximum flexibility so you can earn a reputable degree that fits into your daily life. 

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How to Start an E-commerce Business: A 2024 Guide

Build the e-commerce business of your dreams with help from this handy how-to guide.

Starting your own e-commerce business is an exciting venture, especially if you’ve dreamed about the freedom of being your own boss. If you are crafty or have a knack for selling, then the entrepreneurial route could be a great choice for you.

Lifting a business off the ground is hard work. It requires business acumen, creativity, and discipline to take the necessary steps to put your idea out there. But it can be a very worthwhile and rewarding journey. Global e-commerce sales are expected to reach US$6.3 trillion in 2024, according to Shopify, and the Canadian e-commerce market is expected to grow by 17.5 per cent from 2022 to 2023 to US$1.6 million [ 1 , 2 ]. Canada is the ninth-largest e-commerce market in the world, and there is huge potential to profit from e-commerce.

This article offers a step-by-step guide to starting your online business, including costs and tips for success.

How to start an e-commerce business

E-commerce is on the rise, so you’ll need to consider how to stand out because everyone can use digital marketing for their business. Despite the competition, there is a bright future ahead for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Research e-commerce models and decide what to sell.

Today's e-commerce space is vast, with plenty of competition, so it is important to consider your e-commerce business model. There are four basic types:

Business-to-consumer (B2C): A common business model in which a business sells to consumers, anything from spices to shoes. B2C brands can sell different brands under one umbrella, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba.

Business-to-business (B2B): In B2B models, businesses sell products or services to other businesses. Orders tend to be recurring purchases. Examples include Amazon Business, Alibaba, and Rakuten.

Consumer-to-consumer (C2C): C2C models are typically online marketplaces connecting consumers to exchange and sell goods and services. Online C2C businesses include Craigslist, Etsy, and eBay.

Consumer-to-business (C2B): With C2B, individuals sell their goods and services to companies. A good example is Upwork, which enables businesses to hire freelancers.

At the same time that you're considering your business model, you'll also want to explore the delivery method you'll use to distribute your goods or services. Generally, you'll use one of the following delivery methods:

Direct-to-consumer (D2C): You sell your own products directly to customers without the help of wholesalers or retailers.

Dropshipping: You set up a storefront (website) so customers can pay by credit card or PayPal, sourcing from a supplier that manages inventory and packaging. Dropship businesses are quick and inexpensive to start.

Wholesaling: You purchase products in bulk at a discounted rate from a retailer to sell on your website.

White label: You put your own name and brand on a generic product that you purchase from a distributor.

Private label: You hire a manufacturer to create a product to be sold exclusively by you.

Subscription: You deliver products, such as pet food or fresh vegetable boxes, on a monthly or weekly basis to loyal customers who prioritize convenience.

To find your niche, you’ll want to consider what type of product you want to sell, to whom, and how you will distribute it. Whether you sell your own hand-crafted products or source generic ones, you make all the decisions when you start a business—and you get to decide what works best.

Step 2: Write a business plan.

After you establish the foundation of your business, you’re ready to draft a business plan. This written document details your objectives and roadmap for finance, operations, and marketing. You can use it to get organized and attract potential investors.

Do some research to figure out the current competitors and market landscape for your product or service. Determine your target market and how you might sell to them. Plan the logistics, including when, where, and how you will proceed in the coming months. 

Step 3: Choose a business name and start building your brand.

Next, your business needs a name and brand identity. For those starting white-label e-commerce businesses, the brand is especially crucial to its success. 

Choosing a business name can be fun, but it requires some strategic thinking. In addition to a unique yet uncomplicated name that clearly explains your product, you’ll want to check if the web domain, social media handles, and legal name are available. Do your research to ensure it translates well across cultures, especially if you aim to go global.

In building your brand, you’ll need to design a logo that will be placed on all packaging, website design, and marketing materials. Eventually, you may want to hire a designer who can translate your brand’s ethos into beautiful web visuals.

See this video for ideas on branding in e-commerce.

Step 4: Register your business.

Before you begin selling, you must register your business by choosing a legal structure, applying for a Canadian Business Number, and obtaining other permits and licenses specific to your chosen business model. 

Once you’ve decided on a business name, search the national name databases to make sure it is available. You will need to choose your legal structure, a business entity type that will determine the legal and financial guidelines of your online business—typically, you can select from a partnership, corporation, sole proprietorship, or co-operative. Consider consulting a legal professional to ensure the right choice for your business.

Next, you can apply for a Canadian Business Number. Registering for this business tax ID can be done online for free from the CRA website. This nine-digit number allows you to separate your business and personal finances.

After receiving your CBN, check what other business licenses and permits you need to operate in your city, territory, or province. You may need to register your business with the territory or province you’ll be headquartered in. Many e-commerce businesses are home-based, so they don’t need as many licenses as brick-and-mortar stores, but you might need a home occupation permit that states your business doesn’t contribute to traffic or noise. Your business registration requirements will differ depending on your region, industry, and business type.

Step 5: Create your e-commerce business website.

With the paperwork signed and your business officially registered, the next step is to create an e-commerce website. The website is the “storefront” for your business, where customers can arrive, browse, and place items in their shopping carts. Your business website and its functionality are critical to your success.

To start, you’ll need a domain name that matches your business name. Then, select an e-commerce platform that suits your bandwidth for creating and maintaining the online store. The two most common types are all-inclusive software (like Shopify) and open-source platforms (like Magento), where you will conduct business operations such as managing inventory, shipping orders, and more.

Here are just a few e-commerce platforms to choose from:

Shopify: This popular e-commerce platform is all-inclusive and user-friendly, with plenty of customization options. With this hosted, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, you can choose from several subscription options depending on your business needs.

Squarespace: Known as a platform for building websites with modern templates, Squarespace also offers e-commerce capabilities. It is user-friendly but does not offer as many customizable e-commerce features as Shopify.

WooCommerce: WooCommerce is an open-source plug-in that you can add on to start selling on your WordPress site. It is free to download and offers a wide range of e-commerce tools, best for entrepreneurs with prior technical experience.

Magento: If you’re tech-savvy, you might want to use Magento, an open-source platform that allows you (or a hired developer) to customize every element of your online store.

After you’ve selected an e-commerce platform, you can move forward with building, customizing, and launching your online store. You’ll decide on the template design, create a wireframe, add your product inventory, and write out descriptions to introduce your business.

Step 6: Source and develop your products or services

Once you’ve set up a website prototype, you can add your product names, descriptions, and photos. You’ll also need to obtain your products, whether you go into production to develop them or source them from a wholesaler.

If you are a craftsperson, you’ll want to produce enough inventory to last the first few months. That might mean creating one of each colour and size of a clothing line, or 20 of each ceramic pot. This number will vary depending on your labour bandwidth and your marketing strategy, like how much traffic you’re driving to your website’s launch.

Then, you’ll need to arrange logistics such as branded packaging, warehousing, inventory management, and shipping.

Step 7: Launch and market your business

Congrats! Once you have successfully launched the business, you can begin monitoring your metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) as your business grows. Continue experimenting with different types of digital marketing to drive traffic to your brand. 

Amid the inventory management, logistics, and marketing, you’ll want to ensure that your shipping and fulfillment go smoothly for every customer. It is wise to prepare contingency plans in case anything goes wrong. 

How much does it cost to start an e-commerce business?

Starting an e-commerce business is an investment that can reap generous profits, especially if a large consumer base connects with your brand. However, it also requires time: It can take up to two years to get an online business off the ground and start earning a profit.

Here are some upfront costs to consider:

Licenses and permits: Your legal documentation, such as licenses and permits, will depend on your business entity type, your state/location, and the products you sell. Fees can vary between territories and provinces. 

E-commerce platform, domain name, and hosting: Software such as Shopify will cost $38 CAD a month for just basics and $99 for a regular plan. Open-source platforms are free to download, but you’ll need to consider hosting and developer fees. Some platforms include a domain name and hosting, while others must be purchased separately—a domain can cost as little as $1 a year, while hosting can range from a few dollars to $700 per month.

Product inventory: Inventory might be your biggest and most strategic expense, since you’ll want to have enough to sell but don’t want to waste money on items that won’t sell. You may also need warehouse space and equipment.

Shipping: Shipping costs will vary depending on your products, sales, shipping services, speeds, and methods, and whether it is an add-on to your e-commerce platform. You may choose to outsource the entire shipping process if you want to focus on the products and other business operations.

Marketing: When starting, you may want to invest more in marketing and advertising. The Business Development Bank of Canada advises B2B companies should spend between 2 and 5 per cent of their revenues towards general marketing activities, raising that to 5 to 10 per cent for B2C firms [ 3 ]. However, some new e-commerce businesses spend up to 30 per cent on customer acquisition [ 4 ]. Using free resources and experimenting at first is recommended.

Employees: Depending on how big your company is and how fast it grows, you may be running the show for the first few months or even years. Some experience rapid growth and need to hire employees shortly after launching the business, while others remain solopreneurs.

Generally, there are fewer costs associated with e-commerce than brick and mortar. With rent prices and inflation escalating and a behavioural shift in the way consumers shop, e-commerce might just deliver a higher return on investment (ROI). Going online has many attractive benefits and a bright future for anyone interested in starting a business.

The initial start-up can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars. New business owners can choose to self-fund, rely on support from friends and family, or take on loans.

Tips for starting an e-commerce business

The journey to creating a successful e-commerce business requires motivation, strategy, passion, and a stroke of luck. Starting a business can feel similar to the birth of a child—hard work, but extraordinarily rewarding. Here are some tips when you’re just starting out:

Start small. You don’t have to invest in hundreds of products at first. If you’re a craftsperson, create an Instagram account and simple branding to gauge interest. If you’re sourcing products, give yourself a timeline to procure items, create a simple website, and a soft launch with targeted Google or Facebook ads. Then, build your business from there.

Keep up with trends. Sustainability is important to consider, as it was one of the biggest trends in e-commerce in 2023, including ethical practices, reducing waste, and efficiency, along with immersive experiences. For example, it is probably a better idea to start a subscription service for organic veggies or vegan meals, rather than a fast-fashion business.

Experiment with marketing. People won’t know about your business unless you promote it. Thankfully, there are many ways to conduct A/B testing on platforms like Google Ads with fewer dollars before launching a major campaign.

Take advantage of partnerships and multi-channel strategies. Even though D2C sales are trending, your brand awareness and sales can benefit from featuring your products on channels like large online retailers like Amazon and Etsy. Social media partnerships, including influencer and affiliate marketing, and public relations (featured in select publications) can also help you get noticed and gain traction.

Start-up with Coursera.

If you're starting a new business, consider setting yourself up for success by taking a cost-effective online course through Coursera. Gain strong marketing skills for your next online business, consider professional certificates from industry leaders Meta or Google in Social Media Marketing or Digital Marketing & E-commerce . No degree or experience is required. Learn at your own pace with Coursera .

Article sources

Shopify. “ Global Ecommerce Sales (2020–2025) , https://www.shopify.com/blog/global-ecommerce-sales#:~:text=Global%20ecommerce%20sales%20are%20expected,increasingly%20lucrative%20option%20for%20businesses.” Accessed April 17, 2024.

EcommerceDB. “ The eCommerce market in Canada , https://ecommercedb.com/markets/ca/all.” Accessed April 17, 2024.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). “ What is the average marketing budget for a small business? , https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/marketing-sales-export/marketing/what-average-marketing-budget-for-small-business” Accessed April 17, 2024.

Boldist. “ Planning Your Ecommerce Digital Marketing Budget , https://boldist.co/marketing-strategy/ecommerce-digital-marketing-budget/.” Accessed April 17, 2024.

Semrush. “ What Ecommerce Trends Will Define 2022? , https://www.semrush.com/blog/ecommerce-trends-2022/.” Accessed April 17, 2024.

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