For anyone looking to start a career in digital marketing, there are several excellent free online courses that not only provide a solid foundation but also offer a clear path to "earn while you learn." The "earn while you learn" component is typically achieved by applying the skills you gain in the course to freelance work, affiliate marketing, or a new job.

Here are some of the best free online digital marketing courses for beginners:

1. Google's Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
This is one of the most comprehensive and highly-regarded free resources available. Offered through Coursera, the course is designed and taught by Google employees.

What you'll learn: It covers a wide range of essential topics, including search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, and e-commerce strategy.

How it helps you earn: The skills you gain are directly applicable to high-demand jobs. The certificate is a strong credential to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile, which can help you secure an entry-level position as a social media manager, SEO specialist, or digital marketing coordinator. You can also use the knowledge to start a freelance business on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

2. HubSpot Academy
HubSpot is a leading platform for inbound marketing, and its academy offers a vast library of free, high-quality certification courses.

What you'll learn: The Digital Marketing Certification Course is an excellent starting point, covering everything from content creation to paid advertising. They also offer specialized courses and certifications in content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and more.

How it helps you earn: HubSpot certifications are highly recognized in the industry. By obtaining a few of these, you can showcase expertise to potential employers or freelance clients. The courses teach you how to set up and manage marketing campaigns, which is a key skill for starting your own side hustle or landing your first job in the field.

3. Coursera Guided Projects
While some of Coursera's larger programs require a subscription for the certificate, they offer many "Guided Projects" that are free and provide hands-on experience.

What you'll learn: These short, project-based courses teach a specific skill. For example, you can take a guided project on "Create a Promotional Video using Canva" or "Increase Engagement to your Instagram Business Profile."

How it helps you earn: The "earn while you learn" aspect is very direct here. After completing a project, you will have a tangible output (like a professionally designed social media ad or a basic website) that you can immediately add to your portfolio to attract clients.

4. Semrush Academy
Semrush is a major player in the SEO and digital marketing tool space. Their academy offers a variety of free courses, often with certifications, that are focused on practical, tool-based skills.

What you'll learn: Courses on SEO, competitive analysis, and content marketing are taught by industry experts. A key offering is the "SEO Fundamentals Course with Greg Gifford," which provides a strong understanding of how to optimize a website to rank on Google.

How it helps you earn: The skills learned in Semrush's courses are directly related to tasks that companies and individuals will pay for. Knowing how to use SEO tools and conduct keyword research can immediately make you a valuable freelance professional or a more competitive job applicant.

The "Earn While You Learn" Strategy
To make the most of these courses and start earning, follow these steps:

Choose a Niche: Don't try to master everything at once. Start with one area, like social media marketing or content creation, and become an expert.

Build a Portfolio: As you complete courses and projects, create a small portfolio. This could be a simple website or a PDF document showcasing your new skills and the projects you've worked on.

Offer Freelance Services: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even your local community social media groups to offer your services for a low introductory rate. This will help you get testimonials and real-world experience.

Practice on Your Own Projects: Start a blog, a social media account, or an e-commerce store for yourself. This will give you a sandbox to practice your new skills, generate data, and demonstrate your abilities.