Before You Take That Online Course: Here’s A Better Way to Improve Your Marketing Skills
If you’ve ever tried to learn marketing online, you’ve probably come across courses promising "growth hacks" or "quick wins." But these shortcuts teach you how to grab attention, not marketing
Marketing is everywhere, but learning how to do it well? That’s another story.
If you’ve ever tried to learn marketing online, you’ve probably come across courses promising "growth hacks" or "quick wins." But here’s the problem: these shortcuts teach you how to grab attention—not how to truly connect with people.
And connection is the heart of marketing.
The best marketers understand human behavior, emotions, and communication. They go beyond tactics and learn what drives people to act. If you’re ready to take your marketing skills to the next level, here’s a better way to learn, complete with actionable tips and resources to get you started.
1. Learn How to Write (Copywriting Specifically)
Writing is the backbone of marketing. Whether it’s an ad, an email, or a website headline, great copy grabs attention, sparks interest, and drives action. The best part? Copywriting is a skill you can develop with practice and by studying examples.
Resource:
Check out Harry Dry’s Marketing Examples (marketingexamples.com). It’s packed with real-world examples that break down the art of writing copy in simple, actionable ways.
How It Applies to Marketing:
Writing compelling copy helps you articulate the value of your product or service.
It teaches you how to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.
2. Understand Basic Human Psychology
Marketing is about understanding people. Specifically, you need to know why people act the way they do when they want something. Behavioral psychology can help you uncover these patterns and guide your strategy.
Resource:
Read Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely or Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. These books offer insights into how people make decisions and how marketers can use this knowledge ethically.
How It Applies to Marketing:
You’ll learn how to design offers that align with human motivations.
You’ll better anticipate objections and address them in your messaging.
3. Master Communication (Especially Active Listening)
Marketers often focus on crafting the perfect pitch, but the best communicators are listeners first. Active listening allows you to understand what people want and reflect that understanding in your marketing.
Resource:
Explore You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy. It’s a practical guide to improving your listening skills.
How It Applies to Marketing:
Active listening helps you discover your audience’s true pain points and desires.
It ensures your messaging mirrors your audience’s needs, not just what you think they want.
4. Develop Empathy (Especially Emotional Awareness)
Emotion drives action. To connect with your audience, you need to understand their feelings and how your product or service impacts their lives. Empathy allows you to move beyond features and into the emotional benefits your offering provides.
Resource:
Consider Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It by Roman Krznaric. This book dives into the power of empathy in relationships and communication.
How It Applies to Marketing:
Empathy helps you craft messages that resonate deeply with your audience.
You’ll shift from selling features to emphasizing the emotional outcomes your audience craves.
5. Learn Design (Especially Visual Communication)
People process visuals faster than text. If your marketing doesn’t look appealing, it won’t capture attention. Understanding design principles ensures your visuals and copy work together to tell a compelling story.
Resource:
Follow Canva’s Design School for free tutorials on creating visually appealing graphics, even if you’re not a designer.
How It Applies to Marketing:
Eye-catching visuals make your content more shareable.
Consistent design builds trust and strengthens your brand identity.
Bonus! I teach marketing and conduct free workshops on various topics every month, sign up here and join our community.
The Bottom Line
Learning marketing isn’t about chasing trends or hacks—it’s about mastering timeless skills that connect you with your audience. When you invest in writing, psychology, communication, empathy, and design, you’ll build a foundation for marketing that doesn’t just grab attention but creates genuine connections.
Start small. Pick one skill from this list and commit to learning it deeply. Over time, you’ll see how these pieces come together to transform your marketing approach—and your results.
What skill will you start with? Share in the comments!
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@MO MarTech or @MoniOloyede on all social channels.