Confused about how to market on the Internet? This six-week certificate program will provide practical guidance and hands-on experience with simple, low-cost Internet marketing tools and techniques. Since 2006, this program has helped to meet the needs of career changers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketing professionals who aspire to leverage the power and affordability of the Internet.
Practical Internet Marketing will prepare you to act both strategically and tactically - utilizing the web, social media tools, video, email, and more to engage with your audience and sell your products and services. You will discover how to use analytic tools to gauge the effectiveness of your campaigns and communicate meaningfully with your audience.
This program provides hands-on experience that will explore both the best practices of Internet marketing and how to use simple, low-cost Internet tools. Basic computer experience on either a Windows or a Mac OS platform is expected. Each class will feature a combination of presentation, instruction, and class discussion, and will end with an exercise due the following week. The program will culminate in-class presentations.
This certificate program is offered in a Flex format. A Flex course is taught in a technology-enhanced classroom that allows students and guests to remotely connect via Zoom and actively participate with students and faculty in the physical classroom. This modality is highly desired by students who enjoy learning in the classroom but want the flexibility to connect online when work or family responsibilities prevent them from traveling to campus. You can attend Practical Internet Marketing on campus or remotely via Zoom. You don’t need to commit to one particular mode of attendance – you can choose the day that works best for you.
"Taking this class has been a very positive experience, as the instructor was able to present complex information in a way that was interesting, comprehensive and motivating. The class provided many tools, apps, suggestions, and innovative ideas that would assist any business, small or large achieve SEO goals otherwise unattainable within every corporate budget. The class created a curiosity and excitement that has left a lasting impression with me and I'm confident moving forward with great success because of this experience."
-Carla Montgomery
"This class is a must for everyone who is responsible for marketing or communications as part of their job. It covered a broad range of Internet, Social Media and Web 2.0 tools using traditional and digital teaching formats.
Our instructor, James, is very dedicated, personable and an all-things-web guru. His knowledge, a unique combination of marketing and technology, enables him to discuss strategy on high-tech topics which enhance your learning experience. He is very cutting edge, yet approachable, and kept the class moving. DePaul University has a gem on their hands!"
-Kimberly Young
Who Should Attend
This course is intended to demonstrate practical and low-cost techniques for small businesses and individuals. You should have a general degree of comfort working with computers, including the ability to install software, browse the Internet and perform word processing.
The following are just some of the audiences that will benefit from this course:
Career changers
Entrepreneurs
Freelancers
Guerilla marketers
Marketing professionals
Nonprofits
Small businesses
Benefits
Hands-on experience: You will learn best practices in Internet marketing as well as how to use the software tools to communicate effectively.
Cutting-edge curriculum: The program will present innovative, proven Internet marketing techniques as well as practical, current insights. Each time the class is taught the content is updated to include new developments and materials.
Feedback and peer review: You will receive constructive feedback from your instructor and classmates.
Online enhancements: Face-to-face sessions are accompanied with an online course that includes PDF handouts, discussion, quizzes, videos, downloads, links and more.
Topics/Syllabus
Week One
The Internet: History, and how it works
Website design and planning
Visual design
Introduction to social media
Week Two
Search engine marketing: Search engine optimization and paid search
Week Three
Effective use of social media
Metaverse and virtual worlds
Innovation: Interactive marketing, augmented reality, virtual reality, cryptocurrencies and gaming
Mobile Marketing
Week Four
Website tracking and analytics: Key performance indicators, cookies, canvas fingerprinting, web server log files, page tagging, urchin tracking parameters, session IDs, network data, offline reporting and more
Digital advertising: Banner advertising, programmatic advertising, native advertising, ad blocking, A/B (split) and multivariate testing, and research
Week Five
Email marketing: Best practices, MIME, bulk-personalized email
Digital security
The dark web
Privacy
Copyright
Stock photography
Week Six
Wrap-up
Extra topics
Final student presentations
FAQ
What is Flex?
A Flex course is taught in a technology-enhanced classroom that allows for students and guests to remotely connect via Zoom and actively participate with students and faculty in the physical classroom. This modality is highly desired by students who enjoy learning in the classroom but want the flexibility to connect online when work or family responsibilities prevent them from traveling to campus. You can attend Practical Internet Marketing on campus or remotely via Zoom. You don’t need to commit to one particular mode of attendance – you can choose on the day what works best for you.
Can I attend remotely?
Yes. You can attend remotely for all classes over the six weeks, or for some. You will need a computer (webcam, microphone, speakers) running the current version of Zoom to connect.
Can I attend on campus?
Yes. You can attend on campus for all classes over the six weeks, or for some.
Are there course materials?
There are no required books for this program. Comprehensive handouts will be distributed each class. Handouts and video lessons can be found in the D2L Learning Management System. Each PDF handout is approximately 60-100 pages in length. Each class is recorded and made available as streamed video.
Is there required software?
Projects will require the use of free software. Instructions on how to download and use the software will be provided in class.
Is this class very technical?
Some of the topics are technical but are described in a way that a non-technical person can understand. At every stage, theory is integrated with the technology – we aim to provide insight for technical and non-technical participants.
Do I need a computer?
You will need access to a computer (Windows or Mac OS) to complete class projects. You may bring a laptop to class if you wish, but it is not required.
How big is the class?
Class size is limited to allow for a more interactive environment in the classroom. Most classes have about 15-20 students.
Will I have to write papers and take exams?
You will have an optional assignment each week, which will not be graded, but you will receive feedback on each of your assignments. At the end of the course, you will have a project presentation. You must successfully complete the project presentation to receive the certificate.
Do I get DePaul credit for this class?
No, but some DePaul CPE courses have been approved for continuing education units (CEUs). These classes are professional education classes with different requirements than courses taken for academic credit.
Does this program qualify for financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?
In order to find out if you qualify for financial assistance, you must first contact Workforce Development. As a certified program under the ILLINOIS workNet initiative, this program has been approved for workforce training grants for those who are eligible. Funding may be available for those receiving unemployment benefits. Please contact Workforce Development for more information.
What are the requirements for the Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate?
To receive the IMC certificate, students must successfully complete three required courses and two elective courses plus one seminar. Follow the link to learn more about the IMC Certificate and review the list of courses.
What are the requirements for the Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate?
To receive the Digital Marketing Strategy certificate, students must successfully complete four required courses and two elective courses. Follow the link to learn more about the Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate and review the list of courses.
What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?
A certificate is earned after completion of a course or a series of courses. Certificates are usually awarded by a training provider or an educational institution. Certification typically includes an experience, an educational component and requires passing an exam. Certifications are awarded by governmental and/or professional agencies and often require recertification to remain certified.
Dates: 4/14/2025 - 5/19/2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Flex/Loop Campus, 14 E. Jackson #407 (see FAQs) Cost: $1,495.00 Registration Deadline: 04/7/2025 - a $75 late fee will be assessed after this date for late registrations Final Deadline: 04/14/2025
