Do you need the skills to run and grow an online business? You can easily get them from the comfort of your home. You only need a personal computer and a stable internet connection to access online courses and certifications in eCommerce. They cover many topics that might cater to your interests, from digital marketing to sales data analytics. But are these opportunities worth your time? Can they truly help you succeed as an entrepreneur or secure your entrance into the eCommerce job market? Let’s find out!
Learning Benefits
eCommerce is a dynamic industry that never stops developing. It has to adapt to changes in technology and customer behavior. This means that you must constantly invest in your skills, improving those you already have and learning new ones. You can’t afford to lag behind as a professional. When you’re a student, you can think “I wish someone would write my coursework for me” instead of doing it yourself. You won’t have such shortcuts when you’re running an online store. So what can you learn from eCommerce courses to help you?
Comprehensive learning. Online courses cover all the essential topics, leaving no gaps in your understanding. You can learn about website design and content management, social media marketing, search engine optimization, payment gateways, and so on! These courses will make sure that you know what eCommerce is about. And you can always discover something new even when you have years of experience under your belt.
Up-to-date content. Online courses update to reflect the latest trends. They will help you keep your knowledge fresh and relevant, especially if you’re struggling to keep up with the industry. You will get insights about real-world challenges and best practices. And these insights come from industry experts who know what they are talking about.
Practical skills. Many courses don’t stop at theory. They can teach you how to use software like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Google Analytics. You can also learn how to build your email lists, set up paid advertising campaigns, or predict demand. It all depends on which course you choose, but you will definitely end up knowing exactly what you are supposed to do.
Career Opportunities
Do courses and certifications guarantee your professional success? No, but they will give you exactly what you need to be prepared for the job market. If you’re feeling lost when you think about your career, they can guide you. They can be especially useful if you’re looking to pivot into eCommerce from another industry. You will get the knowledge and credentials to make a seamless transition and stand on equal ground with longtime professionals. If you have no work experience, courses will give you a perfect starting point.
Another important benefit is that certifications will boost your resume. They will make you more attractive to potential employers because you’ll be borrowing credibility from respected platforms. Are you struggling to get a job? Are you worried that your resume doesn’t look impressive enough? Online courses might be just what you need to help you stand out in this insanely competitive industry. But make sure to check that you’re learning from credible sources. Unfortunately, eCommerce’s popularity has become a breeding ground for scammers, so beware.
Accessibility
Online learning is usually more comfortable and accessible than its traditional counterparts. You don’t have to waste time commuting to your classes. Your choices aren’t limited to local opportunities because you can pick any course you want even if you live somewhere like a rural town. There are many other benefits that will make your life easier, so let’s overview them all to give you a clearer picture.
Learn at your own pace. You can combine learning with other responsibilities! Maybe you have a demanding job, or children, or a lot of beloved hobbies you refuse to give up. It won’t stand in the way of your education because online courses let you study whenever it fits into your schedule. It can also be useful if you’re already working in eCommerce and simply want to polish your skills without getting too distracted.
Find exactly what you need. Online learning erases geographic limitations. It doesn’t matter if a student from a third-world country wants to take a course at Harvard. You will have access to knowledge from top institutions and experts anyway. You will also be able to learn through different formats. Maybe you would rather have short tutorials than in-depth lectures. Maybe you don’t have the energy to interact with other learners and want to focus on your own thing. Online courses can and will adjust to you, not the other way around.
Get what you can afford. Are you worried about the cost? You will be thrilled to find out that online courses are generally more affordable than traditional education. If you’re only looking to boost your skills and don’t need certifications, you can even go for free options. Certifications tend to be costly, but they will give you great returns on investment. Having stronger credentials can double your salary, so you will earn back everything you spent and then some.
Key Topics
We mentioned some of the key topics you can learn with online courses, but let’s delve into specifics. Feel free to skip this part if you already know exactly what you want to learn. But if you’re wondering about possible opportunities, read more and see if any of these options interest you.
- eCommerce fundamentals
Are you a beginner with no prior experience and knowledge about this industry? Don’t worry, everyone has to start somewhere. There are courses that cover the basics, including eCommerce business models, trends, and the online retail landscape. They will adapt to your level and explain everything to you in simple terms. They can also introduce you to popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.
- Website development
It’s important to know how to maintain user-friendly websites that appeal to your target audience and work well on different platforms. Even if you don’t intend to create websites yourself, you need the knowledge to judge your online content from a professional standpoint. Online courses can enlighten you and also teach you how to use content management systems like WordPress.
- Digital marketing
Do you want to know how you can make your sites more visible and drive organic traffic? You can learn about effective strategies like search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising. Many online courses also explore social media marketing, which is a must in our digital culture. Become better at engaging your customers and spreading awareness about your product.
- Data-driven decisions
You will have to learn from available metrics to succeed in eCommerce. It’s not enough to have information about things like website traffic and user behavior. You will have to analyze and interpret this information to make the best possible decisions. Online courses can boost your analytic skills and introduce you to important metrics like customer lifetime value (CLV), average order value (AOV), and cart abandonment rate.
- Customer relationship management
Do you want to make sure that your customers keep coming back? You can learn about best practices for handling their inquiries and complaints to improve satisfaction. There are also strategies for creating personalized shopping experiences that make customers feel welcome. Use this knowledge to fulfill their every need and you will have their loyalty.
- Payment systems
Online payment processing is a tricky subject that can make or break a business. You need to understand how to work with different payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, and digital wallets. What’s more, you have the responsibility to keep all transactions secure and protect customer data. Don’t worry, you can find courses that cover these concerns and can make your business more reliable.
- Supply chain
You need to understand the logistics around your business. Regardless of your role, you will be better at eCommerce if you have in-depth knowledge about order processing, shipping, and returns. You can also learn must-have techniques for managing the supply chain, such as tracking inventory levels and predicting demand.
What Is EcomBalance?
EcomBalance is a monthly bookkeeping service specialized for eCommerce companies selling on Amazon, Shopify, Ebay, Etsy, WooCommerce, & other eCommerce channels.
We take monthly bookkeeping off your plate and deliver you your financial statements by the 15th or 20th of each month.
You’ll have your Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement ready for analysis each month so you and your business partners can make better business decisions.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a call with our CEO, Nathan Hirsch.
And here’s some free resources:
- Monthly Finance Meeting Agenda
- 9 Steps to Master Your Ecommerce Bookkeeping Checklist
- The Ultimate Guide on Finding an Ecommerce Virtual Bookkeeping Service
- What Is a Profit and Loss Statement?
- How to Read & Interpret a Cash Flow Statement
- How to Read a Balance Sheet & Truly Understand It
So is it worth it?
In the end, only you can answer this question. We don’t know your situation and needs, so the best we can do is give you some pointers. If you’re still in doubt, you can ask yourself:
- Are eCommerce skills relevant to your current or future job responsibilities?
- Are your current or potential employers asking for certifications? Which certifications specifically are in demand in your niche?
- Do you need to develop specific skills like platform management or web analytics?
- Do you have the time to commit to learning?
- Does the cost work with your budget or will it hit your finances?
- Do the topics covered in the course align with your needs?
- Do instructors have strong credentials and industry experience?
- Are you self-motivated enough to learn independently in an online environment? Or do you need more guidance that only comes with traditional learning?
It’s your choice, but we hope that we have made it easier for you. The demand for eCommerce professionals is constantly growing in our technology-based world. This industry will only have more opportunities in the future, so make sure to take advantage of it if you’re interested. We wish you luck!
