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Want to level up your content marketing game but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Many small business owners and solo marketing managers find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of online courses out there. With so many options, it’s hard to know which ones are worth your time—and your money.
But here’s the thing: content marketing is crucial for growing your business. Whether you’re trying to build brand awareness, engage customers, or boost sales, getting your content right is key. It’s not just about writing blog posts; it’s about creating content that connects with your audience and drives real results.
So, to make your life easier, we’ve rounded up a list of free and paid courses that actually teach you something useful—no fluff, just practical tips to help you become a content marketing pro.
The 5 Best Free Content Marketing Courses
1. Content Marketing Certification by HubSpot
What you’ll learn:
In this course, you’ll get a solid foundation in everything content marketing. You’ll dive into crafting effective content strategies, the art of storytelling, how to repurpose content like a pro, and how to measure your success along the way. It’s all about creating content that not only resonates with your audience but also drives real business outcomes.
Who it’s for:
This one’s perfect for beginners. If you’re new to content marketing or just looking for a structured, step-by-step guide, this course will take you through the essentials. From creating content marketing plans and creating content calendars to actually writing the content and monitoring marketing campaigns, you’ll learn in a simple, no-nonsense way. Plus, it’s a great choice if you want a certification to show off on your LinkedIn profile.
Why it’s great:
HubSpot’s Content Marketing Certification is 100% free and completely self-paced, meaning you can go at your own speed without feeling rushed. It’s from HubSpot, one of the most trusted names in digital marketing, so you know you’re getting quality content. Plus, you’ll get a certificate at the end to prove you’ve mastered the skills.
2. Ahrefs: Blogging for Business
What you’ll learn:
This course is all about using content marketing to drive organic traffic and, more importantly, increase revenue. You’ll learn how to set up a blog, create content that actually ranks, optimise your SEO content, and attract the right audience—all using Ahrefs’ tried-and-tested strategies.
Who it’s for:
Perfect for marketers, business owners, or anyone who wants to grow their website through blogging. If you’re tired of writing posts that don’t get traffic, this course will teach you how to create content that Google (and your audience) loves.
Why it’s great:
It’s completely free and packed with practical lessons. With 8 modules covering everything from keyword research to content promotion, you’ll get step-by-step guidance from SEO experts. Plus, each module comes with video tutorials, quizzes, and hands-on tasks to help you put what you’ve learned into action.
3. Copywriting for Beginners by Alison
What you’ll learn:
This course covers the fundamentals of writing persuasive, engaging content that captures attention and drives action. You’ll learn the key principles of effective copywriting, from structuring your message to using the right tone and language to influence your audience.
Who it’s for:
If you find yourself staring at a blank page, unsure how to write copy that actually converts, this course is for you. It’s ideal for small business owners, marketers, or anyone looking to improve their content writing skills without getting overwhelmed.
Why it’s great:
It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and best of all—free! The lessons are straightforward, making it easy to digest even if you have no prior experience. Plus, by the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation to start crafting compelling copy for your website, emails, and ads.
4. SEO Crash Course by Semrush Academy
What you’ll learn:
This course dives into the fundamentals of SEO, covering everything from keyword research to content optimisation. You’ll learn how to create content that ranks, understand search intent, and use SEO tools to improve your visibility on Google.
Who it’s for:
If you’re a content marketer looking to get your blogs, landing pages, or website seen by the right audience, this course is for you. It’s great for beginners and intermediate marketers who want a solid SEO foundation without getting lost in technical jargon.
Why it’s great:
Taught by industry experts, this course goes beyond theory with real-world examples and practical insights. Plus, it’s completely free, so you can upskill without spending a penny. Whether you’re new to SEO or just need a refresher, this course is a valuable resource.
5. Content Marketing Lessons by Digital Marketing Institute
What you’ll learn:
This free collection of micro lessons covers the essentials of content marketing, including strategy, creation, and distribution. It’s a great introduction to the subject, giving you a taste of what more comprehensive courses might offer.
Who it’s for:
Perfect for those just starting out in content marketing or those who want a quick refresher. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing manager with limited resources, this course provides valuable insights to kickstart your efforts.
Why it’s great:
It’s free and offers a variety of bite-sized lessons to quickly get you up to speed. Plus, you’ll get a feel for the more advanced, paid courses Digital Marketing Institute offers. While the free lessons are short, they pack a punch and set you up for success.
The 5 Best Paid Content Marketing Courses
1. Content Marketing Masterclass: Create Content That Sells by Brad Merrill on Udemy (££)
What you’ll learn:
This course gives you a complete breakdown of content marketing—from strategy and writing to promotion and analytics. You’ll learn how to create high-quality content, distribute it effectively, and measure its success to keep improving your results.
Who it’s for:
Ideal for business owners and marketers who want a step-by-step guide to content marketing. If you’re looking for a structured, A-to-Z approach that covers everything in one place, this course has you covered.
Why it’s great:
With a one-time payment, you get lifetime access—meaning you can revisit the lessons whenever you need. Plus, Udemy regularly offers discounts, so you can often grab it at a bargain price. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your strategy, this course is packed with actionable insights.
2. The Copy Cure by Marie Forleo (£££)
What you’ll learn:
This course teaches you how to write copy that connects, persuades, and converts. You’ll learn how to find your unique brand voice, craft compelling messages, and use psychology-driven techniques to make your words more impactful.
Who it’s for:
If you struggle with writing in a way that truly represents your brand—or if your copy just isn’t converting—this course is for you. It’s perfect for business owners, marketers, and creatives who want to level up their writing skills.
Why it’s great:
Marie Forleo is known for her engaging, no-nonsense teaching style, and this course is packed with practical, psychology-backed copywriting techniques. It’s on the pricier side, but if you’re serious about mastering the art of persuasive writing, it could be well worth the investment.
3. Content Marketing Research Course by CXL (£££)
What you’ll learn:
This course is all about mastering content research to create high-authority, high-impact content. You’ll learn how to:
- Identify your areas of expertise to establish credibility.
- Develop a repeatable process for researching topics that matter.
- Follow professional publishing standards to boost content quality.
- Align your content with business goals while keeping it relevant to your audience.
- Measure and prove the success of your content marketing efforts.
Who it’s for:
Perfect for marketers who want to take their content game to a pro level. If you’re looking to build a research-driven content strategy that actually moves the needle, this course is for you.
Why it’s great:
CXL is known for its in-depth, no-fluff marketing training, and this course includes hands-on exercises and real-world applications. While it’s on the pricier side, the insights and frameworks you’ll gain can help you create content that drives real business results.
4. Content Marketing Certification Course by the Content Marketing Institute (£££)
What you’ll learn:
A deep dive into content strategy, audience building, content creation, and ROI measurement. You’ll also get insights from industry leaders on how to develop a scalable content marketing framework.
Who it’s for:
Marketing professionals and business owners who want a structured, strategic approach to content marketing.
Why it’s great:
It’s taught by some of the biggest names in content marketing and provides a well-recognised certification to boost your credentials.
5. The Strategy of Content Marketing by UC Davis on Coursera (£)
What you’ll learn:
This comprehensive course covers the core strategies used by content marketers to attract and retain customers. You’ll learn how to:
- Develop, organise, and implement an effective content marketing strategy with stellar content ideas.
- Analyse and measure the success of your content efforts.
- Write compelling copy using a strategic framework.
- Build your professional brand and authority through content marketing.
Who it’s for:
This course is ideal for content marketers, business owners, and anyone looking to take a strategic, professional approach to content marketing. It’s perfect if you want to go beyond the basics and learn how to use content to build lasting relationships with your audience.
Why it’s great:
Offered through a partnership with Copyblogger and UC Davis, this course provides a deep dive into the strategic side of content marketing. It combines expert insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies, plus a certification upon completion to boost your credentials.
Time to Get Learning and Start Creating!
There you have it—your guide to the best content marketing courses, both free and paid. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, there’s a course for every stage of your journey. Remember, the world of content marketing is always evolving, so keep learning and experimenting with what works best for your business.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a course, get stuck in in, and start creating content that gets noticed! And who knows, in no time, you might just be the one teaching others how it’s done.
Happy learning!
Article by
Samantha Hops
