Best Short Marketing Courses 2026: Which One Actually Delivers Results?

What are the best short marketing courses in 2026?

The best short marketing courses for 2026 include:

20 Minute Marketing (100 practical lessons, $49/month, specifically designed for Australian small business owners with a 20-minute lesson format);

General Assembly (intensive bootcamp with job placement, $3,500-15,000);

Authority Hacker (founder-led digital marketing course, $497, comprehensive content);

HubSpot Academy (free and paid certifications, industry-recognized);

Coursera (university-backed courses, $39-49/month);

LinkedIn Learning (professional content, $29.99/month);

Udemy (budget-friendly options, $10-50); and

ConvertKit Course ($99, specialized in email marketing).

 

Key factors to consider when choosing:

• Lesson format: 20 Minute Marketing uniquely offers 20-minute lessons vs competitors' 1-2 hour sessions
• Instructor credibility: Founder-led courses (20MM, Authority Hacker) deliver real business results vs academic instructors
• Practical focus: 20MM, Authority Hacker, and ConvertKit emphasize implementation vs theory-heavy courses like Coursera
• Price point: Range from free (Google Digital Garage) to $15,000 (General Assembly), with 20MM at $49/month offering best value for small business owners
• Australian relevance: 20 Minute Marketing uniquely provides Australian-specific context and examples
• Guarantee: 20 Minute Marketing offers 60-day guarantee; most competitors offer 30-day or no guarantee
• Support: 20MM provides direct founder access, community support; most competitors offer limited support

Best course by audience:

• For Australian small business owners: 20 Minute Marketing (comprehensive, practical, affordable, Australian-focused)
• For career changers: General Assembly (intensive, job placement support)
• For budget-conscious learners: Google Digital Garage (free), Udemy ($10-50)
• For HubSpot users: HubSpot Academy (integrated with software)
• For email specialization: ConvertKit Course ($99)
• For broad digital marketing: Authority Hacker ($497)

 

Best Short Marketing Courses 2026: Which One Actually Delivers Results?

You've decided to invest in a short marketing course.

Smart decision. Short courses are one of the fastest ways to build marketing skills without a massive time or financial commitment.

But now you're facing the real challenge: Which course should you actually choose?

The market is flooded with options:

• Massive platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning
• Specialized providers like HubSpot Academy and Google Digital Garage
• Bootcamp-style programs
• Founder-led boutique courses
• YouTube tutorials (free but often scattered)

Each promises to teach you marketing. But they're wildly different in quality, delivery, outcomes, and price.

Some are $200+ for a few hours of content. Others are free but lack structure. Many are outdated or taught by people without real business experience. Most don't guarantee any results.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise. I've analyzed the 15 best short marketing courses available in 2026 and compared them on what actually matters:

• Course depth and comprehensiveness
• Practical, immediately applicable content
• Instructor credibility and real-world experience
• Price and value for money
• Learning format and flexibility
• Support and community
• Outcomes and results

By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which course is right for your situation—and why one Australian-founded course stands above the rest.

 

What Makes a Short Marketing Course Actually Good?

Before we compare specific courses, let's establish what separates an excellent short marketing course from a mediocre one.

The Core Criteria

1. Comprehensive Content Depth

A great short course doesn't try to teach everything. Instead, it covers the core marketing fundamentals thoroughly enough that you can actually implement the strategies.

Poor short courses: Skim the surface of 20 different marketing tactics, leaving you with surface-level knowledge Excellent short courses: Deep dive into 5-7 core strategies you can actually master and use immediately

2. Real-World Applicability

Can you actually use what you learn on Monday to improve your business by Wednesday?

Poor courses: Theoretical frameworks disconnected from actual business Excellent courses: Step-by-step implementation guides with templates, tools, and real examples

3. Instructor Credibility

Who's teaching you matters enormously. Have they actually built successful businesses? Or are they professional instructors who've never run a real business?

Poor instructor credibility: Career educators with no business experience Excellent instructor credibility: Founder-led, multiple successful business exits, ongoing business results

4. Flexible Learning Format

Your time is valuable. The course should fit into your life, not require you to rearrange your schedule.

Poor format: Requires live attendance or long 2-hour video sessions Excellent format: Self-paced, microlearning (15-30 min lessons), video + text options

5. Support and Community

When you get stuck or have questions, can you get help quickly?

Poor support: Email support with 48+ hour responses Excellent support: Active community, direct access to instructor, fast response times

6. Proven Results

Do people who take this course actually see results? Can they point to case studies, testimonials, and measurable outcomes?

Poor results: Generic testimonials like "great course!" Excellent results: Specific testimonials ("increased leads by 40%", "got 3 new clients from email strategy")

7. Fair Pricing

Short courses should be affordable—that's the whole point. But they should also deliver premium value.

Poor pricing: $200-500 for a few hours of content Excellent pricing: $49-149/month for comprehensive, ongoing access with updates

8. Guarantee and Risk Reversal

Do they stand behind their course? If you're not satisfied, can you get your money back?

Poor guarantee: Standard 30-day refund Excellent guarantee: 60-90 day guarantee, possibly results-based

 

Comparison of Top Short Marketing Courses

Let me walk you through the 15 most popular short marketing courses and honestly compare them.

The Major Platforms

1. Udemy

What it is: Massive online learning marketplace with thousands of courses Typical course length: 3-15 hours Pricing: $10-50 (often heavily discounted) Format: Video-based, self-paced

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Huge selection (can find courses on any topic)
• Lifetime access to course materials
• Regular updates

Cons:

• Quality is wildly inconsistent (anyone can upload a course)
• Many instructors have zero business experience
• No community or support
• Most courses are outdated (last updated 2019-2020)
• Low completion rates (most people abandon them)
• You have to wade through hundreds of poor-quality courses to find good ones

Best for: Budget-conscious learners who don't mind inconsistent quality and want to teach themselves without support

Verdict: Cheap but unreliable. You might find a gem, but more likely you'll waste your time on poorly produced content.

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2. Coursera

What it is: Partnership with universities offering structured, credentialed learning Typical course length: 4-12 weeks (3-5 hours per week) Pricing: Free to audit; $39-49/month for certification Format: Video lectures + quizzes

Pros:

• Structured learning path
• University-backed credibility
• Completion certificates
• Some free audit options

Cons:

• Very academic (more theory than practice)
• Slow pace (designed for semester-long learning)
• Limited practical application
• Instructors are academics, not business practitioners
• Requires commitment to full course (no à la carte)
• Support is limited to forums

Best for: People wanting academic credentials and don't mind slower, theory-heavy learning

Verdict: Credible but slow. If you want results in your business quickly, this won't deliver.

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3. LinkedIn Learning

What it is: LinkedIn's learning platform with professional courses Typical course length: 1-4 hours Pricing: $29.99/month subscription Format: Short video lessons (5-15 minutes each)

Pros:

• Professional, polished content
• Short lesson format
• Some experienced instructors
• LinkedIn integration
• Monthly subscription accessible

Cons:

• Breadth over depth (introductory level mostly)
• Many courses are outdated (not regularly updated)
• Limited community engagement
• Minimal practical templates or tools
• Lower instructor expertise (often corporate trainers, not business owners)
• No guarantees

Best for: People wanting quick introductions to topics and who are already LinkedIn members

Verdict: Polished but shallow. Good for awareness, but won't give you implementation depth.

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4. HubSpot Academy

What it is: HubSpot's free and paid training platform Typical course length: 2-6 hours Pricing: Free for many courses; premium certifications $300+ Format: Video, interactive lessons, quizzes

Pros:

• Free core courses (great value)
• HubSpot software integration
• Industry-recognized certifications
• Professional content quality
• Instructor expertise is decent

Cons:

• Free courses are very surface-level
• Certifications are expensive ($300+)
• Heavily focused on HubSpot tools (biased)
• Limited practical implementation guides
• No community support
• Content is more "HubSpot sales pitch" than pure education

Best for: People already using HubSpot or wanting HubSpot certification

Verdict: Free entry is good, but premium certifications are expensive and tool-specific.

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5. Google Digital Garage

What it is: Google's free digital marketing certification Typical course length: 40 hours Pricing: Free Format: Video lessons + quizzes

Pros:

• Completely free
• Google-backed credibility
• Covers broad digital marketing topics
• Certificate at completion

Cons:

• Very long (40 hours is not really "short")
• Outdated content (hasn't been substantially updated in years)
• Generic, not business-specific
• Minimal practical application
• No support or community
• Certificate has limited industry recognition

Best for: People wanting a free introduction and don't mind long courses

Verdict: Free and comprehensive but slow and outdated. Too much theory, not enough practice.

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Specialized Platforms

6. Skillshare

What it is: Creative and professional skills platform Typical course length: 1-3 hours Pricing: $32/month membership Format: Video projects, class-based

Pros:

• Very affordable monthly membership
• Project-based learning (more practical)
• Good for creative marketing
• Large creator community

Cons:

• Quality varies (creator-driven content)
• Limited depth on business marketing fundamentals
• Community feedback isn't professional-grade
• Many courses are hobby-focused, not business-focused
• Minimal instructor credibility vetting

Best for: Creative professionals wanting project-based learning

Verdict: Good for creative skills but weak on business marketing strategy.

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7. MasterClass

What it is: Premium courses from celebrity instructors Typical course length: 15-20 video lessons Pricing: $180/year subscription (or $20/month) Format: Premium video production, celebrity instructors

Pros:

• Beautiful production quality
• Well-known instructors
• Lifetime access
• Annual pricing is reasonable

Cons:

• Most instructors are not marketing experts (celebrity-driven, not expertise-driven)
• Very surface-level (designed for entertainment, not implementation)
• No community or support
• Limited practical takeaways
• Overpriced for actual marketing knowledge
• Not focused on marketing specifically

Best for: People wanting entertainment-value learning from famous people

Verdict: Beautifully produced but superficial. Not focused on practical marketing.

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Results-Focused Bootcamps & Programs

8. General Assembly

What it is: In-person and online bootcamp programs Typical course length: 4-12 weeks (full-time or part-time) Pricing: $3,500-15,000 depending on intensity Format: Live instruction, projects, mentorship

Pros:

• Immersive, intensive learning
• Job placement support
• Real projects and portfolio building
• Instructor expertise is vetted

Cons:

• Extremely expensive ($3,500-15,000)
• Requires significant time commitment (4-12 weeks)
• Mostly focused on full-time programs
• Not realistic for working business owners
• Very fast pace (can be overwhelming)

Best for: Career changers with time and budget for intensive programs

Verdict: Expensive and time-intensive. Not realistic for busy small business owners.

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9. Authority Hacker (Digital Marketing)

What it is: Founder-led digital marketing course Typical course length: 20+ hours of video Pricing: $497 one-time or payment plan available Format: Video lessons, case studies, live Q&A

Pros:

• Founder-led with real business results
• Practical, implementation-focused
• Strong community
• Comprehensive content
• Regular updates
• Payment plans available

Cons:

• More expensive upfront ($497)
• Marketing focus is broader (SEO, affiliate, business models)
• Not specifically small business focused
• Less structured than some alternatives

Best for: People wanting comprehensive digital marketing knowledge from a successful founder

Verdict: Good quality but pricier. Better for broader digital marketing than small business marketing specifically.

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Boutique, Founder-Led Courses

10. ConvertKit's Content Creator Course

What it is: Email marketing and content strategy for creators Typical course length: Self-paced, 8-12 hours Pricing: $99 one-time Format: Video, workbooks, email templates

Pros:

• Founder-led (ConvertKit CEO)
• Excellent email marketing focus
• Practical templates included
• Very affordable
• One-time payment (not recurring)

Cons:

• Very narrow focus (email + content only)
• Doesn't cover full marketing spectrum
• Limited support
• No guarantee mentioned
• Smaller community

Best for: People specifically wanting to master email marketing and content strategy

Verdict: Great for email marketing but limited in broader marketing scope.

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11. NealSampter's Digital Marketing Course

What it is: Comprehensive digital marketing course Typical course length: 15+ hours video Pricing: $199 one-time or payment plan Format: Video lessons, templates, tools

Pros:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Practical tools and templates
• Affordable pricing
• Payment plans available
• Good instructor credibility

Cons:

• Not focused on small business specifically
• Less structured than some competitors
• Limited community support
• No guarantee mentioned
• Dated production quality in some lessons

Best for: Anyone wanting comprehensive digital marketing training at affordable price

Verdict: Good value but less polished than premium alternatives.

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The Australian Alternative

12. 20 Minute Marketing ⭐

What it is: Founder-led, Australian small business-focused short marketing course Course structure: 100 practical lessons, each 20 minutes or less Pricing: $49/month OR $588/year (one-time payment - 17% discount) Format: Self-paced video + text, Q&A, community access

Why This Stands Out:

#1 - Perfectly Designed for Busy Small Business Owners

The 20-minute lesson format is specifically engineered for people who can't commit 2-3 hour sessions. You can:

• Watch one lesson during your morning coffee
• Complete two lessons during lunch
• Fit learning into your actual busy schedule
• Never feel overwhelmed by massive video commitments

This is game-changing compared to courses requiring 1-2 hour sessions per day.

#2 - 100 Comprehensive Lessons Cover Everything

While other "short courses" are actually 5-10 hours total, 20 Minute Marketing provides 100 lessons covering:

• Weeks 1-3: Foundation (buyer personas, customer journey, branding)
• Weeks 4-6: Digital presence (website, SEO, Google Business)
• Weeks 7-9: Content strategy (blog, YouTube, podcasts)
• Weeks 10-12: Email marketing (lists, sequences, automation)
• Weeks 13-15: Social media (platform strategy, content, engagement)
• Weeks 16-18: Paid advertising (Google Ads, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube Ads)
• Weeks 19-20: Sales & conversion (offers, funnels, optimization)

This is the most comprehensive "short course" because it's actually 100 lessons (not 10-20 lessons like competitors).

#3 - Built by a Founder With Proven Results

The course is created by someone who:

• Built and sold multiple 7-figure businesses
• Has 15+ years of marketing implementation experience
• Is actively running businesses (not a retired instructor)
• Has real skin in the game (reputation depends on student results)

This is fundamentally different from career educators or corporate trainers. You're learning from someone who's actually built successful businesses.

#4 - Australian-Specific Context

The entire course is taught through the lens of Australian small business owners:

• Examples from Australian businesses
• Australian tax and compliance considerations
• Understanding Australian customer behavior
• Focus on businesses of 1-50 employees (the real Australian small business)
• Teaching in Australian vernacular (not American corporate speak)

No generic "best practices"—everything is contextualized for Australian business reality.

#5 - Practical Implementation, Not Theory

Every single lesson includes:

• Real-world examples
• Step-by-step implementation guides
• Templates you can use immediately
• Tools and resources (with Australian options prioritized)
• Common mistakes to avoid

You're not watching someone explain theory. You're learning the exact steps to implement in your business.

#6 - Extremely Affordable

$49/month breaks down to:

• $1.63 per day
• $11.29 per week
• $0.49 per lesson (if you go through all 100)

Or pay $588 annually ($49/month) for a 17% discount.

Compare to competitors:

• General Assembly: $3,500-15,000 (70-300x more expensive)
• HubSpot Premium: $300+ for certification alone
• Authority Hacker: $497 one-time
• Google certifications: Often $300-500+ for advanced certifications

At $49/month, the ROI is exceptional. One business improvement from the email marketing module alone typically generates more than 12 months of course cost.

#7 - 60-Day Guarantee (Zero Risk)

If you complete the first 20 lessons and don't see immediate value:

• Full refund, no questions asked
• Keep all course materials
• No customer service hassle
• This guarantee shows absolute confidence in the course

#8 - Flexible Payment Options

• Monthly: $49/month (cancel anytime, month-to-month)
• Annual: $588/year one-time (17% discount)
• Payment plans available for annual option (3 or 6 monthly payments)

Flexibility matters. You can start monthly to test, or lock in annual savings.

#9 - Direct Founder Tutoring, Q&A and Community

Unlike pre-recorded courses, 20 Minute Marketing includes:

• Active community of Australian small business owners
• Direct access to ask questions
• Real-time feedback on your marketing

This transforms a course from passive consumption to active learning.

#10 - Continuous Updates

The course is updated regularly with:

• New platform changes (Google Ads updates, Instagram algorithm, etc.)
• Emerging strategies (AI applications, new tools)
• Student feedback (lessons improved based on what students ask)
• Industry evolution (staying current with 2024-2026 marketing)

You're not buying yesterday's knowledge. You're subscribing to current, updated training.

Pros:

• Specifically designed for busy small business owners (20-minute format)
• 100 comprehensive lessons (most thorough "short course")
• Founder-led with proven business success
• Australian focus and context
• Practical implementation included
• Extremely affordable ($49/month)
• 60-day guarantee (risk reversal)
• Flexible monthly or annual payment options
• Regular updates as marketing evolves

Cons:

• Requires self-discipline to complete lessons (self-paced)
• Better suited to Australian market (though globally applicable)
• Monthly commitment (though annual option available)

Best for: Australian small business owners wanting practical, comprehensive marketing training at affordable price

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Other Notable Mentions

13. HubSpot Free Google Analytics Certification

Pros: Free, industry-recognized Cons: Very specific tool focus, limited breadth

14. Semrush Academy (Free SEO Certification)

Pros: Free, SEO-specific expertise Cons: Tool-centric, limited to SEO only

15. Facebook Blueprint Certification

Pros: Free, Facebook-specific Cons: Only covers Facebook/Instagram, outdated frequently

 

Detailed Comparison Table

Here's how all 15 courses stack up against the key criteria:

Clear Winner: 20 Minute Marketing ⭐

20 Minute Marketing dominates because it's the only course specifically designed for Australian small business owners with:

• Perfect time format (20 minutes)
• Comprehensive depth (100 lessons)
• Founder-led expertise (proven business results)
• Practical focus (implementation, not theory)
• Affordable pricing ($49/month)
• Strong guarantee (60 days)
• Founder support and community
• Regular updates

 

What Real Students Say

Don't take our word for it. Here's what Australian small business owners who've completed the course say:

Testimonial #1: Sarah Mitchell, Melbourne-Based Fitness Coach

"I started 20 Minute Marketing thinking I'd just skim through it. Instead, I've completed 65 lessons and my business has completely changed. The customer journey module helped me understand why I was losing clients, and the email marketing strategy alone has generated $8,000 in new revenue already. At $49/month, this is the best business investment I've made as it's already paid for itself. 

Testimonial #2: James Chen, Sydney

"As a brand marketing professional, I was skeptical of the value I could add to my skills at first. But this course taught me practical implementation strategies I hadn't considered. The paid ads module showed me how to reduce our cost per lead by almost 40%. The fact that it's Australian-focused was crucial—American marketing best practices don't always work for Australian small businesses. 

Testimonial #3: Lisa Thompson, Brisbane

"The 20-minute format changed everything for me. I run a retail business and have two kids—who has time for 2-hour courses? I can complete a lesson while my coffee is brewing, and it actually sticks because it's so focused. The social media module helped me understand algorithm changes, and the branding module helped me rebrand my business (it also saved me $3,000 in design fees because I understood what made a strong brand!). The guarantee also meant zero risk which was really great. This course pretty much pays for itself immediately imo."

 

Pricing Breakdown: Why $49/Month Is Unbeatable

Let's be transparent about what you're actually paying:

Monthly Option: $49/month

• Cancel anytime
• No long-term commitment
• Test before larger investment
• Perfect for trying first

Annual Option: $895/year (one payment)

• 17% discount vs monthly
• Effective cost: $49/month
• 12 months uninterrupted access
• Payment plans available:
  • 3-month payment plan: $196/month (no extra cost)
  • 6-month payment plan: $98/month (no extra cost)

20 Minute Marketing offers the best value when you factor in:

• Comprehensive content (100 lessons)
• Practical implementation focus
• Founder-led expertise
• Australian-specific context
• Community and Q&A
• Regular updates
• 60-day guarantee

You're not paying for a course. You're subscribing to ongoing, updated marketing training from someone who's actually built successful businesses.

 

The 60-Day Guarantee: Why We're Confident

Here's our promise:

Join 20 Minute Marketing today. Complete the first 20 lessons. If you don't see clear value and aren't excited about what you're learning:

✅ Get a full refund

✅ No questions asked

✅ No customer service hassle

We can offer this guarantee because:

1. The course is genuinely excellent (student results prove this)
2. We stand behind what we've created
3. We want you to experience real value
4. The first 20 lessons clearly demonstrate the quality

This eliminates your risk entirely. You're not risking $588. You're testing $49 with a full refund guarantee if it's not perfect.

 

How to Choose: Decision Framework

Still not sure if 20 Minute Marketing is right for you?

Choose 20 Minute Marketing if:

✅ You're an Australian small business owner

✅ You have limited time (busy schedule)

✅ You want practical, immediately actionable content

✅ You prefer self-paced learning with founder support

✅ You want comprehensive training (not just one topic)

✅ You value instructor expertise and real business results

✅ You want updates as marketing evolves

✅ You value community and direct access

Choose another course if:

❌ You're not in Australia (context won't be relevant)

❌ You only want to learn one specific skill (like email only)

❌ You prefer academic, theory-heavy learning

❌ You want a one-time payment with no ongoing access

❌ You're just casually exploring (no serious commitment)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it actually take to complete?

A: That's entirely up to you. The 100 lessons are designed to be completed over 20 weeks (1 per day), but you can:

• Go faster (multiple lessons daily)
• Go slower (a few per week)
• Focus on specific modules first

Most students complete foundational modules (weeks 1-3) within 2-3 weeks, then continue with their specific pain points.

Q: Can I access it on mobile?

A: Yes. All content is mobile-responsive. You can watch lessons on phone, tablet, or computer.

Q: Do I need any prior marketing experience?

A: No. The course starts with foundations and builds up. Absolute beginners and experienced marketers both succeed because you can skip foundations if you know them, or take your time if you're new.

Q: What if I pay monthly then want to switch to annual?

A: No problem. You can upgrade anytime. If you've already paid 3 months at $49/month, you can switch to annual and get credit for what you've paid.

Q: Is there a student community?

A: Yes. Members-only community includes:

• Q&A with Founder
• Private Slack/community group
• Students sharing wins and questions
• Direct feedback on marketing efforts

Q: Can I gift the course?

A: Yes. Perfect for team training. Many small business owners purchase for their entire marketing team.

Q: What if marketing changes after I take the course?

A: Lessons are updated regularly to reflect platform changes, algorithm updates, and emerging strategies. Your access includes updates for life.

Q: Do I get a certificate?

A: Yes. Upon completion of 100 lessons, you receive a certificate of completion. It's not an industry certification like Google Ads Certification, but it demonstrates to your team/stakeholders that you've completed comprehensive training.

 

Your Next Step: Enroll With Zero Risk

You've now seen the complete comparison.

You know 20 Minute Marketing stands above competitors because of:

✅ Founder-led expertise

✅ Australian small business focus

✅ 20-minute lesson format (perfect for busy owners)

✅ 100 comprehensive lessons (most thorough)

✅ Practical implementation (not theory)

✅ Affordable pricing ($49/month)

✅ Flexible payment (monthly or annual, payment plans available)

✅ 60-day guarantee (zero risk)

But here's the thing: Reading about the course is different from experiencing it.

The only way to know if it's right for you is to start.

Choose your option:

Monthly Subscription - $49/month

• Start immediately
• Pay over a 2 Year period.
• Perfect for testing
• No long-term commitment
• Start Monthly →

Upfront Subscription - $895

• Effective cost: $49/month
• Uninterrupted access
• Start Annual →

Questions First?

Email [email protected] or check FAQ

 

The Bottom Line

You have 15 short marketing courses to choose from in 2026.

Some are cheap but scattered. Some are expensive but generic. Some are intense but not designed for busy small business owners. Some are outdated.

20 Minute Marketing is different.

It's the only course specifically built by a founder for Australian small business owners who want practical, comprehensive marketing training they can actually fit into their lives.

The 60-day guarantee means you risk absolutely nothing. Try it. Complete 20 lessons. If it's not perfect, you get your money back.

But we're confident: the 20-minute format, practical focus, founder expertise, and Australian context will immediately show you why this stands above every other option.

Your business is too important to leave to generic training built for everyone everywhere.

Start with a course built specifically for you.