October 5, 2023
Gaming and esports are not just about the players. There is an intricate mechanism of collaborating roles behind the scenes to bring us breath-taking games and exciting competitions. The marketing field is one of them, and it is one of the most sought-after roles in the industry. Moreover, marketing skills are needed in many professions, from content creation to community management.
Several online learning platforms have been created as technology and our industry continue to develop. They offer resources to match the skill needs of growing job markets. Such courses are handy for marketing-related jobs as these often entail diverse responsibilities. However, paying subscription fees is optional if you are looking for learning opportunities. Instead, consider my resource recommendations!
Google Digital Garage
Google Digital Garage is a hub full of free online resources designed by the digital giant and its partners. In the section for Digital Marketing, you can find introductory marketing courses and in-depth knowledge. Each course consists of videos and quizzes, offering real business skills that match market needs. My recommendations are:
- Fundamentals of digital marketing
- Content, Advertising & Social IMC, and
- Marketing in a Digital World.
But of course, choose whatever meets your individual career needs!
On top of its courses, Google Digital Garage offers webinars. These are free live presentations you can sign up for beforehand. Topics include Social Media Strategy, Google Analytics, and more!
HubSpot Academy
Similar to Google’s platform, HubSpot has its own learning hub, HubSpot Academy. However, its offering is broader and contains more specialized skills. HubSpot has been a leading CRM site for many years, so its courses are of high industry relevance. Furthermore, marketers can specify their course search with various filters. Here are my top picks:
- Digital Marketing
- Hot to Build and Advanced Twitter Strategy
- SEO
These are just three highlights from the 25 pages filled with marketing courses. You are almost guaranteed to find something that boosts your career!
Canva
Canva is primarily an inexpensive graphic design tool for content creators and small businesses. But in its Learn section, you can find niche gems providing valuable marketing insights. Marketers can choose between Canva’s Blog, Design School, and Events. The Blog consists of articles featuring insights and inspiration related to Design, Marketing, Branding, and Nonprofit. The Design School offers more formal courses about graphic design and Canva’s products. Finally, the Events section features live webinars. Browse through sessions like Video editing part 1 and Brand a business and register for those that spark your interest!
Canva’s offer might not be as formal as the courses from Google and HubSpot, but this makes it a laid-back learning experience. I also recommend Canva’s YouTube channel, which uploads bite-sized information and updates. My favorite content there includes:
Blogs and Newsletters
Well-written, relevant blogs are learning treasures! Thankfully, many marketing professionals share their experiences with their community. These contain authentic insights into the working life of experienced marketers that you can harness for your career.
For example, Victoria Tran, Community Director for Innersloth (the makers of Among Us), posts articles about her Twitter strategy, Failure Marketing, and more on her website. Additionally, she sends out monthly newsletters to interested individuals.
Quicksprout has a section dedicated to marketing knowledge. Their articles teach Email Marketing, SEO, and Content Marketing.
For esports insights, I can recommend Esports Insider’s The Esports Journal. Although it does not exclusively focus on marketing, esports marketers can discover authentic campaign and branding stories therein. For instance, Polished Chain unravels the story behind 100 Thieves’ collectible campaign.
YouTube and Podcasts
Marketers can find lots of value from field-related YouTube channels or podcasts. These may present a singular subject visually or feature a detailed conversation with an expert. Either way, videos, and podcasts represent a convenient learning method that easily fits into a busy schedule. For instance, I like to watch Brand Master Academy’s shorts for quick insights into branding. For gaming and esports marketing, I love Hitmarker’s Make Your Mark and the Business of Esports podcast. But feel free to explore other channels and shows suiting your preferences!
Extra
My final advice is to always look out for learning opportunities. In our digital age, information is widely accessible. Whether from Twitter threads, online events, or LinkedIn connections, you can gain tons of marketing insights by simply staying open-minded!
How to Choose the Right Resource
Now that you are familiar with some resources, you might feel overwhelmed by all these options. Moreover, you might wonder which resource is the best for you. Let me help you. Take a breath and ask yourself the following questions:
- What kind of knowledge benefits you most? Basics or in-depth?
- Is there a specific subject you lack knowledge of (e.g., SEO or Instagram)?
- How much time do you have to learn? Enough for a ten-hour course or only for a short blog post?
- What way of learning suits you most? Do you prefer visual input or listening to a podcast?
Afterward, you will have a decent overview of your situation and the best next steps!
Final Thoughts
Education should not be gated by financial status. Thankfully, you have various free yet insightful options to choose from. Small habits, such as listening to a podcast while cooking or reading a monthly newsletter, can make a huge difference in your career of lifelong learning. And if you have the time and motivation to do so, you can pull out the intense courses.
Good luck with your learning!