We have all heard the terms “online marketing,” “digital marketing,” “content marketing,” and the like. These terms are not new to us. They are a part of our online culture.
I still remember the tingle of excitement I felt when I first heard and acknowledged the phrase “internet marketing” and started to follow the teachings and training that Corey Rudl offered. Ever since that moment, it is like it is just a part of who I am.
However, that may not be the case for everyone. Each day, more and more people are joining us online and learning (or at least hearing) about these phrases. How many of our newbies are wondering what these phrases entail? More importantly, do we realize that it is not just the definition, but it is the mastery of these aspects that will help us move toward a successful online presence?
It is a new year. It is 2017. It is a time when many are looking at their lives, personally and professionally. We are wondering how we can improve upon what we did last year. How can we succeed in 2017? More than that, how we can we exceed the level of success that we reached in 2016 as if we are leaving the past year in the dust and moving on toward bigger and better things?
One thing that is very consistent, when looking around us, is the thought that we want to focus on the positive and move forward with improvement in our lives. And, yet, that is not an unusual thought process or focus at this time of year, where turning over a “new leaf” is commonplace. So, let’s get on with it, shall we?
Time to Put Our Efforts into High Gear >> Make it Matter in 2017!
There are many things that we can do to earn a living online and to sharpen our skills as entrepreneurs and small business owners. However, oftentimes we can become distracted and even confused by all of the options that are available to us.
And, there are a lot of great options available! In fact, here are some free resources from different credible vendors found online. They offer these free resources to help you to get to know them and evaluate whether you want to move forward with their training and/or services and products. It is the “pet the puppy” technique. Even with that, quality products offered for free are helpful in our endeavor to educate ourselves on the path toward the 2017 success.
Some free resources for you to check out in 2017:
- HubSpot Marketing Free – online inbound marketing tool.
- Kelli & Crystal’s Method for Planning for 2017 Blogging (affiliate link). This resource requires the provision of an email address.
- Marketo: Sometimes, after a sign-up with Marketo, you are able to create useful things like landing pages, etc. (I would love to link to it, but their offerings change frequently enough to risk a bad link. But, visit their site and see what you can find for free!)
- GetResponse Free Training – After signing up for a paid account (that has a free trial period with no obligation) there is a free, daily training program to teach email marketing techniques.
- SimpliLearn Free Resources, including articles and very helpful digital marketing ebooks to get you going.
Some of these companies are very familiar and you may even have used their resources in the past. One example is HubSpot, with their periodic downloadable resources (with the provision of an email address).
Today I am taking a look at a newer training option (newer to me) that I did not know about at this time last year. Consider it a mini-review as I learn with you, about this particular company and the training options that the company provides. I started to take a look at this company this past Fall and so far, it seems to be some good stuff that they are offering!
What company? Simplilearn! To get a feel for what they offer, check out the free resource in the list, above, and read the articles and ebooks and see for yourself.
Considering the Cost and Considering the ROI
I probably should have written this in the opposite order. In other words, consider the “return on investment” (ROI). If you are not paying anything for training, and you are finding that 80% of what you are receiving provides a level of high-quality training, then maybe that is a really good ROI. Actually, 80% quality for a zero payment really sounds good, but in that case, the important aspect is that you are able to decipher the 20% that might not be high-quality and possibly should be ignored and not implemented in your 2017 business plan.
Now, please keep in mind that this is not a reference to any particular company. This is a general principle, to learn how to evaluate a resource, like a training program, and determine what you receive out of that program compared to what you put into the program (i.e. time and/or money).
Fortunately, there are programs that provide a high ROI. So far, Simplilearn has demonstrated that it is one of those companies. However, I am like you, still traveling this path and still learning for myself. So, don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself. With that in mind, here are some resources that help to provide information about what Simplilearn has to offer, especially in the area of digital marketing, the very thing that may help you to turn your 2016 successes into even greater 2017 successes.
Simplilearn’s Track Record of Relevant Content
Simplilearn is not a bunch of fluff. They actually cover relevant topics in their digital marketing program, presenting the current tools, how to use them, and how to analyze the data that the tools present. By understanding what resources and tools are available and how to use them, you have taken the first step to becoming an expert in digital marketing. You have taken the step of knowledge and are moving forward toward the application of that knowledge.
Online Learning at its Best
Online learning has been around for a while. Several universities offer it and have developed ways for learners to incorporate traditional methods of learning in virtual (privacy of their own homes) environments.
Simplilearn has done the same thing and offers opportunities for self-paced learning, depending on which program you choose. Also, unlike a brick-and-mortar university, the programs at Simplilearn are put together by experts in the field. These are experts who have been there and done that. Sometimes, with other universities, there is a curriculum and professors/instructors enter the university to teach whatever curriculum is set before them, whether it is effective or not. However, at Simplilearn, the strategies that are taught come from the strategists who have developed the success formulas.
Simplilearn offers training for many programs, including certification programs. Today, I’ve been highlighting the Digital Marketing Certified Associate course. An easy way to think of this course is to think in terms of enhancing your Online Marketing skill set, through qualified, proven training.
But, as I’ve been saying, don’t take my word for it, check out some of the videos that Simplilearn has put together to display the benefits of their program and see for yourself.
From the Simplilearn YouTube Channel: “What Is Online Marketing | Get Certified In Online Marketing | Online Marketing Certifications”
What Are People Saying About the Simplilearn’s Digital Marketing Training?
Gail Gardner, known for her ability to find great deals for online marketers, small business owners, and bloggers (as well as entrepreneurs!) has some great things to say about this program. In fact, it is because of Ms. Gardner’s article that I took a deeper look into the program myself. To read what Ms. Gardner says and what she has researched related to this program, check out her article on GrowMap.com: “Simplilearn Digital Marketing Training: Get Qualified Now for High Paying In-Demand Jobs.”
Another from the Simplilearn YouTube Channel: “Introduction To Digital Marketing Training”
In Conclusion…
Likely, you have already been pondering what you are going to do or change in 2017. It is also likely that one of those list items has to do with your income and success. It seems to me that that is the perfect spot to insert a goal of increasing and improving your skill set in the area of digital marketing. And, that is a goal that has a return on investment (ROI), wouldn’t you say? Check it out for yourself and see what you can do with your entrepreneurial goals and small business dreams when you become that expert digital marketer.
