Before investing in paid training, several free official resources let you build a solid foundation in digital advertising.
Skillshop, Google’s training platform
Skillshop offers free modules covering Google Ads, Analytics and all of Google’s advertising products, with certifications included. It’s the go-to resource for learning directly from the platform’s publisher.
Meta Blueprint
Meta’s equivalent, with modules dedicated to Facebook and Instagram Ads, including dedicated tracks for e-commerce, lead generation and brand awareness.
Official help centers
Often overlooked, Google Ads and Meta Business Suite help centers contain precise, regularly updated technical documentation on every feature — a more reliable resource than many outdated third-party content pieces.
Webinars and workshops hosted by the platforms
Google and Meta regularly host free online sessions on specific topics (product updates, industry best practices), accessible with no prerequisites.
Channels and blogs from recognized practitioners
Beyond official resources, following consultants who publicly share their methods and results helps confront official theory with field realities, which are often more nuanced.
Communities and specialized forums
Exchanges between practitioners on concrete cases, including failures, often bring a level of practical detail absent from formal training.
When paid training becomes worthwhile
Free resources cover the fundamentals well, but structured paid training with personalized coaching can significantly speed up skill development for anyone aiming at a career change toward media buying.
To explore this career path, see our becoming a media buyer guide.