Top Free Marketing Courses on Coursera: Most Viewed & Highest Rated (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Learning marketing online has become incredibly accessible thanks to platforms like Coursera. You can enrol in high‑quality courses created by top universities and leading companies at no cost. But with hundreds of options, it’s helpful to know which courses other learners love the most. In this guide we rank the most viewed and highest‑rated free marketing courses on Coursera as of 2025. Each of these programmes has attracted hundreds of thousands of students and earned strong reviews from past participants, so you can feel confident investing your time.

1. Foundations of Digital Marketing & E‑commerce

• Provider: Google
• Enrolments and rating: Over 1.5 million learners and an impressive 4.8/5 rating.
• Duration: Around 140 hours (about seven months if you study a few hours per week).
• What you’ll learn: This course lays the groundwork for digital marketing and e‑commerce. You’ll explore marketing analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), email and display advertising, and how to build a comprehensive online marketing strategy. Because it’s part of Google’s Professional Certificate, you can continue into advanced specializations if you find it valuable.

2. Small Business Marketing Using YouTube

• Provider: Coursera Project Network
• Enrolments and rating: About 717,000 learners with a 4.7/5 rating.
• Duration: A short guided project lasting 1–2 hours.
• What you’ll learn: This hands‑on project walks you through setting up a YouTube channel, creating eye‑catching thumbnails and descriptions, and using analytics to optimise your videos. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business with engaging video content.

3. The Strategy of Content Marketing

Provider: University of California, Davis

Enrolments and rating: Approximately 686,000 learners and a 4.5/5 rating.
from leading brands and assignments that help you build a portfolio of content marketing assets.

4. Introduction to Social Media Marketing

Provider: Meta

Enrolments and rating: About 615,000 learners with a 4.8/5 rating

Duration: Roughly 15 hours.

What you’ll learn: This course introduces key social media platforms, teaches you how to create a social media strategy, and explores topics like community management, influencer partnerships and paid advertising. It’s perfect for beginners who want to build a strong foundation across multiple networks.

5. Marketing in a Digital World

Provider: University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign

Enrolments and rating: Over 582,000 learners with a 4.7/5 rating.

Duration: About 29 hours of video and quizzes.

What you’ll learn: This widely loved course examines how digital tools are reshaping marketing. You’ll learn about the network effects that platforms like Facebook and Uber leverage, how digital products differ from physical goods, and why user‑generated content can be more persuasive than traditional advertising.

6. Brand Management: Aligning Business, Brand and Behaviour

Provider: University of London & London Business School

Enrolments and rating: Roughly 494,000 learners and a near‑perfect 4.9/5 rating.

Duration: Around 23 hours over several weeks.

What you’ll learn: You’ll explore how to build a compelling brand identity, align internal culture with brand promises, and deliver consistent experiences across all touchpoints. The course uses real‑world examples and encourages you to develop a brand strategy for your own project.

7. Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content

Provider: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)

Enrolments and rating: Over 320,000 learners with a 4.8/5 rating.

Duration: Just 4 hours.

What you’ll learn: Professor Jonah Berger shares the science behind why people share ideas and products. You’ll learn the STEPPS framework (social currency, triggers, emotion, public, practical value and stories) and practise crafting messages that inspire sharing.

8. An Introduction to Consumer Neuroscience & Neuromarketing

Provider: Copenhagen Business School

Enrolments and rating: Around 208,000 learners and a 4.7/5 rating.

Duration: Approximately 10 hours.

What you’ll learn: This fascinating course explores how insights from neuroscience can be applied to marketing. You’ll learn about brain imaging techniques, the neural basis of decision making, and ethical considerations when using neuromarketing. The lessons help you design marketing campaigns that tap into subconscious drivers.

How These Courses Advance Your Career

Enrolling in these top free courses can significantly boost your career prospects. You’ll build a well‑rounded skill set spanning digital strategy, social media, video marketing, brand management, viral content and neuromarketing. Possessing knowledge across these areas makes you more adaptable and attractive to employers or clients. Many of these courses are part of professional certificates or specializations, so you can stack credits toward a credential while learning for free. Plus, Coursera provides shareable certificates you can add to your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise.

Tips to Maximise Learning on Coursera

Set a schedule: Treat each course like a regular class. Block off consistent time each week so you don’t fall behind.

Take notes and do the assignments: Hands‑on projects and quizzes cement new information. The more you participate, the more you’ll retain.

Engage with the community: Use the discussion forums to ask questions, exchange ideas and network with fellow learners. Peer feedback can help you refine your understanding.

Apply what you learn: Try implementing new tactics on a side project or at work. Real‑world practice solidifies your knowledge and demonstrates ROI to employers or clients.

Conclusion

Coursera’s free marketing courses offer a treasure trove of knowledge without breaking the bank. The eight programmes above are the most popular and highly rated among millions of learners. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced marketer seeking fresh inspiration, there’s something here for you. Enrol today, commit to your learning plan, and watch your marketing skills – and career opportunities – flourish.

Duration: Around 19 hours spread over several weeks.

What you’ll learn: You’ll discover how to plan a content marketing strategy, develop your brand voice, and measure the impact of your content. The course features case studies.