Best eCommerce courses for entrepreneurs

Taking an eCommerce course is worthwhile for someone looking to set sail for success in the digital world. These courses not only teach you the foundations of business but the latest digital trends.

Digital marketing is a fast-paced and ever-changing field. As the internet continually grows, the way people use the internet shifts every year. Knowing how your customers are shopping online, where to advertise to them, and how to convert sales, are a few areas to study to increase your eCommerce revenue.

Tips for choosing a course:

Paid courses

Paying for an eCommerce course is a good investment, especially for those that want in-depth content and to achieve a recognised qualification. Here is a list of courses in no particular order:

1. Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

CIM is internationally recognised and an accredited institution. Certificates from CIM are professional qualifications. Start from Foundation Certificate Level 3 for digital marketing with a diploma course also available. Prices start from £220 plus a membership fee of £65. CIM offers courses for UK and non-UK residents.

2. Digital Marketer

Trusted in the industry, Digital Marketer is based in the US and offers many courses for eCommerce and digital marketing. The founder, Ryan Deiss, wrote the official book Digital Marketing for Dummies. Prices start from $495 for their certifications and mastery courses.

3. Udemy

Headquartered in the US, this online course provider has a huge selection dedicated to eCommerce. Prices for their paid courses start from €14.99 and are useful for learning about the latest methods of business online. Udemy certificates aren't accredited however, this shouldn't matter if you aren't planning to be employed as a digital marketer.

4. SkillShare

The online learning website, SkillShare, has over 850 courses available when you search under eCommerce. Based in the US, the site has short tutorials up to 8 hours long. These are great for learning specific skills and only committing to bitesize lessons. Membership is $32 per month or $168 annually.

5. edX

Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have come together to create this online learning platform. edX courses are hosted by reputable universities around the world including The University of Edinburgh, Berkeley, and The University of Hong Kong. Paid eCommerce courses can range from €300 to €1,500.

Free courses

More expensive doesn't mean better. You can find some incredible material hosted by well-respected institutions and providers without digging into your pockets. Here are some of the best free eCommerce courses we have found:

1. Google Digital Garage

One of the best free resources is Google Digital Garage. They offer courses such as "Fundamentals of digital marketing," which includes a certification accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University. Scroll to the bottom of the webpage to select your country.

2. Google Skillshop

Another fantastic free learning platform from Google is their Skillshop. Master how to use Google's tools such as Google Marketing Platform, Google Ads, and Analytics Academy.

3. HubSpot Academy

HubSpot sells marketing and sales software in the US but is well-known for its free and credible digital marketing content. Their learning platform, HubSpot Academy, has an array of short courses up to 4 hours long. These are perfect for those with busy schedules.

4. Shopify Learn

Shopify is a popular eCommerce platform for online stores. Based in Canada, they also have free eCommerce training aimed at beginners via Shopify Learn. Educational content includes SEO, email marketing, and Facebook Ads.

5. Coursera

Coursera was founded by Stanford University professors in 2012. Browse a selection of eCommerce courses hosted by top institutions. Training labelled as a course is free. "Guided projects," "specialisations," "professional certificates," and "MasterTrack certificates" are paid options.

6. Udemy

As mentioned for their paid courses, you can also make the most of Udemy's free training modules. Typically 1-3 hours long, you can learn how to create a Shopify store, build an eCommerce business on WordPress, and build a webshop using Wix.

7. edX

Another training provider we recommended for their paid courses, edX has a great selection of free educational material. Learn about online marketing strategies, marketing fundamentals, and digital strategy without any cost.

8. Alison

Founded in Ireland, Alison is a free educational platform. Once courses are completed, there is the option to purchase an accredited certificate. Diplomas are also available. Courses include drop shipping and digital marketing.