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Learn e-commerce

Around the world, large and small businesses rely on e-commerce to reach more buyers, compile customer analytics, and personalize shopping experiences at a low cost. Take courses in e-commerce to learn how to scale an online business.

What is e-commerce?

When most people think of e-commerce, they think of purchases made on the internet through a marketplace or retail store. But e-commerce is more than that. Often used interchangeably with e-business, e-commerce encompasses mobile commerce, business to business sales, data collection, and online stock trading transactions. E-commerce platforms include software products that enable businesses to build storefronts for selling merchandise and completing financial transactions, such as paying taxes. Popular e-commerce systems include Shopify, Uber, Alibaba, Groupon and WordPress e-commerce. 

E-commerce marketing dates back to the 1960s and has rapidly evolved since the introduction of broadband internet in the 2000s. Now, with consumers able to browse the web faster than ever before, many businesses rely on e-commerce to grow their business and reach new markets.

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Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

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On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

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E-commerce course curriculum

Online e-commerce courses teach business management and marketing strategy skills, which are key to successfully operating an online business with an e-commerce storefront. Professionals in this field may need knowledge of accounting, finance, and analytics. And, digital marketing is necessary to attract visitors to an e-commerce site. Courses focused on digital marketing typically cover social media strategy, content marketing, email marketing, search engine optimization, Facebook ads, digital advertising, affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and virality. 

Some learners supplement courses in these areas with design and programming classes. A well-designed, user-friendly website or mobile app can help attract buyers and drive sales. HTML fundamentals form the foundation of coding the look and feel of a website, while computer programming allows learners to alter that code.

The path to a career in e-commerce may start with a related degree program or a combination of short courses and digital marketing boot camps.

Careers in e-commerce

E-commerce jobs can be found in various industries, from entertainment to IT. E-commerce managers, strategists, and marketing specialists research effective web layouts and features, provide recommendations for upgrading an e-store platform, and review sales insights, all in an effort to improve the customer experience. Learn more about this dynamic area of business and explore how online courses with edX can advance your personal and professional goals.

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