CXL Institute Review 2024: Minidegree, Certifications & More

If you are looking for marketing and Business Development courses, then CXL is the right platform for you. 

CXL (formerly known as ConversionXL), founded by Peep Laza, is a leading platform in online education.

The CXL offers training for professionals in digital marketing, business development, and advanced technical skills.

The platform claims that on CXL, you can learn from the top 1% of digital marketers, gain practical knowledge, and experience hands-on learning.

But is the platform worth it?

Here is an in-depth, honest CXL review of CXL’s courses, mini-degrees, pricing, and other key features to help you understand if it is the right fit for you.

What Is CXL?

CXL is an online training institute specializing in digital marketing, conversion optimization, Growth Optimization, and analytics. The courses taught here are taught by 1% of the industry’s top practitioners.

It offers over 100+ online courses and certifications covering growth marketing, digital psychology, and content strategy.

The platform has an easy-to-navigate user interface with one unified Dashboard where you can keep track of all the courses you are taking and the ones you have completed.

Before you start each course, you can also review the course details and instructor descriptions with course reviews to assess its quality. Well-regarded certification is also provided after the end of each course on the platform.

It is one of the only platforms where you can learn business and marketing from the top marketing giants in the world, such as Patrick Campbell, the CEO of Profitwell, Sean Ellis, the founder of Growthhackers, or Flavilla Fongang, the Brand Growth Expert and brand Advisor of BBC.

With CXL, you can upskill at your own pace with courses available on demand on your device that fit into your tight schedule. Each course consists of 15-20-minute bite-sized lessons complemented by playbooks and tests.

The Top categories of courses on the platform include:

• Marketing Analytics
• Brand Management
• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
• E-commerce
• Growth Marketing
• Product Marketing
• Marketing Strategy & Management
• Technical Marketing
• SEO
• PPC

What sets CXL apart from other online learning platforms is that it only offers advanced, high-quality courses taught by industry experts from well-known companies like Google, IKEA, Hilton, Profitwell, and GrowthHackers.

Thus, the CXL minidegree and certificate are well recognized and reputed in the industry.

Is CXL Worth It? 

This is the question I get asked the most. The simple answer is yes.

If you are serious about developing practical skills in digital marketing and willing to invest time and money, CXL is one of the best platforms for you to do so.

Its entire library of 120+ courses on the platforms is made by experienced marketers or professionals and offers industry-standard content.

Looking to move into specialized roles? CXL is worth considering since all the courses taught here are by industry experts who have already accomplished a certain level in their field.

If you are still wondering whether CXL is the right fit for you, you can also try out the platform for free for 7 days.

However, The free trial is only available to teams, not individual users. Decide for yourself.

How Does CXL Work?

CXL is an online training platform that lets you take individual courses or enroll in comprehensive “Minidegrees.”

These mini-degrees consist of a curated series of courses designed to help users master a specific skill set, such as Growth Marketing or Digital Psychology.

With every course, as you progress through video lessons, hands-on exercises, and practical projects are also given to make your learning more structured and test your knowledge.

Upon completing a minidegree or course, you will also receive a CXL certification, but you must score 90% on the test. This can be a valuable addition to a professional resume or LinkedIn profile.

The best part of CXL courses is that you do not have to purchase individual courses or mini degrees. On CXL, courses are available as part of a membership plan that gives unlimited access to all the courses.

CXL also gives personalized live classes called sprints.

You can sign up for one of 3 membership plans to get access to all 120+ courses on the platform.

CXL Review: Growth Marketing Courses

ConversionXL’s growth marketing courses are among the platform’s most popular offerings. They are also among the best entry-level courses on the market. Growth marketing Is measured with KPIs (revenue, revenue per user, ROI, lifetime value)

If you are interested in learning about growth marketing, here are the details. These courses on the platform is divided into two categories:

Demand Creation Courses: This teaches you how to build a brand and availability. Popular topics in this category are

• Growth strategy
• Brand
• Organic Content

Demand Capture Courses: This teaches you how to harvest the demand. Popular topics of courses in this category are:

• SEO
• PPC

I have completed two of ConversionXL’s growth marketing courses: Content Marketing Research and Marketing Strategy, and here is what I feel after testing out other platforms as well.

• The CXL Course descriptions were true to their words, and the short classes covered all topics fluently.
• The CXL courses were more practical and had hands-on exercises compared to other platforms like Google Academy and Udemy.
• While the All-acess plan was costly but, the number of courses that I was able to complete in a year made it worth the experience
• All instructors at CXL Institute are leaders and business owners. They not only teach the basics but also give personal insights and experiences, making the institute a great place to learn.
• Unlike many other platforms like Skillshare and MasterClass, CXL courses ultimately come with certificates. Earning the certificate is also score-based, and you have to score above a specific grade to earn a certificate, making it worth it and valuable in the industry.
• Each course also has additional learning materials like slide templates, extra reading materials, a transcript, and more that further enhance your learning on CXL.

Growth Marketing Minidegree (I Tried & Loved It)

The CXL’s Growth Marketing Minidegree programs are also available, and they provide a comprehensive program that covers the entire growth marketing funnel.

Here are the 10 Minidegree programs available on the platform that you can take any time you want with a CXL All Access Pass:

1. Brand Marketing (Duration: 33h 07min)
2. Conversion Optimization (Duration 62h 16min)
3. Digital Analytics (Duration 54h 54min)
4. Digital Marketing (Duration 51h 36min)
5. Digital Psychology & Persuasion (Duration 37h 34min)
6. E-commerce Marketing (Duration 36h 19min)
7. Growth Marketing (Duration 83h 29min)
8. Product Marketing (Duration 29h 30min)
9. Technical Content Marketing (Duration 49h 23min)
10. Technical Marketing (Duration 54h 40min)

There is one more, a CRO minidegree. These are unique because they provide theoretical knowledge and practical, actionable insights that you can immediately apply to your work. The mini-degree programs are well structured and include a collection of courses.

At the end, you will receive a specialized certification that will display your knowledge and expertise in the subject.

CXL Course Structure And Content Is Like?

Now, let’s discuss the details of each course on CXL and its topic. When you visit CXL and click on the course button, you will find all courses grouped categorically according to their topic.

You can choose a course from any topic and quickly review it.

Each course page opens up to a description page where you can look into:

1. About The Instructor
2. Course Duration
3. Course Overview
4. What you will Learn in the course
5. Skills you will master

I have found that the course description, why the reason why you should take the course, and how it will help you, as written on the website, is on point and is not just an advertisement.

You will get a quick glimpse of what you will learn and understand the outcome of taking this course.

CXL Institute courses are divided into bite-size classes. At the end of each course, you will receive a CXL-labelled certificate that you can display on LinkedIn.

And to top it off, you also have the reviews of students who take courses on the CXL institute at the bottom of the page. However, CXL courses are not rated if you are looking for any rating system.

To sign up for any course, click the Buy This Course or Get All Access Plan button on the top of the page and get started in a few steps.

What Are The Top 3 Courses On CXL?

I have been subscribed to CXL for a year now. I first joined the platform with a 7-day free trial and upgraded to an annual all-access plan after loving the quality of the courses.

Based on user reviews and course details, I have completed a few courses on the platform that I loved and highly recommend.

1. A/B Testing Mastery

Taught By: Ton Wesseling

Wesseling is an expert in A/B testing. He is been in this industry for more than 20 years

Course Duration: 5h 10min with 19 lessons

Rating: 4.7/5 stars

A/B testing methodologies and best practices: I learned this in my first course on CXL.

I gained a strong understanding of how to set up, execute, and analyze A/B tests for website optimization and conversion rate improvements.

This course has drastically helped me increase the impact of the campaigns I run online and attract and convert more visitors into customers.

2. Advanced Facebook Ads

Taught By: Curt Maly

Curt Maly owns Black Box Social Media, is an expert in Facebook ads, and owns multiple marketing businesses.

Course Duration: 5h 48min with 23 lessons

Certificate Included

Advanced Facebook Ads: this course helped me use my A/B testing abilities to set up and manage Facebook (Meta) Pixel and Conversions API and maximize the ROI from my Facebook ad campaigns.

It also covered topics like advanced targeting strategies, ad copy creation, and campaign optimization techniques. You’ll also learn how to manage ad budgets, target the right audiences, and analyze ad performance for better ROI.

3. Google Tag Manager for Beginners

Taught By: Chris Mercer

Mercer is a co-founder of Measurement Marketing and an expert with GA and GTM. He guides marketers and agencies to unlock the power of these super-useful Google tools.

Course Duration: 8h 43min with 22 lessons

Certification Included

This is an introductory course on using Google Tag Manager (GTM) to manage website tags. It covers tag creation, triggering rules, and event tracking, and I am currently learning it.

This course is great for digital marketing professionals who want to enhance their analytics setup without relying on developers. It teaches you how to track events, set up conversion tracking, and integrate with other tools.

Who Is CXL For?

If you want to become ridiculously skilled at data-driven marketing, then this is the right platform for you. CXL is made for a target audience. It provides courses specifically designed for digital marketers and finance individuals.

If you are looking for a platform with a broader category of courses, CXL is not for you. So, who is CXL made for?

• Marketing Professionals: Those who want to expand their skills in areas like growth marketing, conversion optimization, and analytics.
• Business Development Managers: Professionals looking to use data-driven strategies to increase company growth.
• Entrepreneurs: Those who want to learn practical digital marketing techniques to grow their businesses.
• Advanced Marketers: Experienced digital marketers who want to learn new skills or upskill

The platform is made for those who already know some digital marketing or are interested in it. Beginners may find the material challenging or the courses tough.

Still, if you’re willing to put in the effort, CXL is a kind platform that provides you with the necessary practical knowledge and well-structured programs for upskilling.

What Do I Get From CXL After Finishing a Minidegree?

After completing my CXL Analytics Minidegree, I received a CXL certification, which showed my expertise in a specialized area such as growth marketing, digital psychology, or content strategy.

This certification will help you stand out as a professional in the job market and potentially secure higher-paying roles.

In addition to certification, you will also get the following:

• Applicable Practical Knowledge: CXL courses emphasize real-world application. To earn a certification, you not only have to complete the video lessons but also take and clear their tests and workbooks so that you gain practical knowledge of the subject and implement it in your career.
• Networking Opportunities: The CXL community is one of the significant things you gain with a CXL all-access pass. The CXL community includes peers, instructors, and industry leaders who can provide valuable connections and insights into the job market and how you can be successful in this competitive market.
• Lifetime Access to Course Content: As a CXL student, you can revisit the course material anytime. Once you have downloaded the materials, you have lifetime access to them.  

How Much CXL Cost In 2024? (Explained)

What is the Pricing of CXL?

Firstly, let me tell you that CXL pricing plans are flexible for its users. You can sign up for individual courses or Degree programs on the platform. The cost of this will be between $200 and $1000 for a one-time fee and lifetime access.

But I have some advice for those who are looking for long-term learning: CXL membership plans are better value for money. With a subscription plan, you have unlimited access to all the courses on the platform and the flexibility to cancel at any time.

This means that with one payment, you can earn as many certificates as you want on the platform. If you are still not sure about investing on the platform, you can look for a CXL coupon where you can claim up to 50% on all plans.

CXL For Individual User

Cxl offers 3 plans for individual users: monthly, quarterly, and annually.

• The monthly membership is priced at $289.
• The quarterly membership is available for $529 ($177 per month with a 35% discount)
• The annual membership costs $1499 ($125 per month with a 55% discount).

CXL For Team – What Is CXL team membership?

CXL Institute also offers a team membership option for teams with approximately 50 seats. 

• The monthly membership is priced at $950.
• The quarterly membership is available for $2160 ($720 per month with a 25% discount)
• The annual membership costs $7499 ($625 per month with a 40% discount).

Additionally, there is a 7-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

Does CXL Offer a Refund?

Yes, CXL does have a refund policy. You can request a refund within 7 days of purchasing a course or subscription, provided that you have not completed more than 20% of the content. 

You will not be given any refund if you complete your course and then request a refund. Make sure you sign up after reviewing the platform’s terms and conditions.

CXL Alternatives For Beginners

And if you feel that CXL is not meeting your needs, I have a list of some other platforms that I have tried and liked. 

• Udacity: I took a course from IBM on business strategy on the platform and enjoyed it on Udacity. The platform has project-based nano degree programs in technical and business-related fields, including digital marketing, data science, artificial intelligence, and software development. This platform partners with top-tier companies like Google and IBM to provide a top-notch curriculum that meets industry demands. It also has career services like resume reviews and interview prep, making it a preferred platform. 
• Coursera: Coursera offers courses, specializations, and even degree programs developed in collaboration with top universities worldwide, such as Stanford, Yale, and the University of Michigan. With a wide range of topics from business strategy to advanced data science, Coursera is one of the best platforms if you are looking for academic-quality content and certificates from recognized institutes. 
• LinkedIn Learning: If you are looking for certificates to display on your resume, this is the best place to do it. LinkedIn Learning integrates with LinkedIn profiles, allowing you to display completed course certificates directly on your profiles. With its personalized course recommendations and large content library, LinkedIn Learning is one of the best places to develop skills and advance in your career. 
• DataCamp: For those looking for programming and data science courses, DataCamp is a good option. DataCamp is a specialized platform that focuses on data science and analytics, with Python, SQL, machine learning, and more courses. The platform has hands-on coding practice and interactive exercises that help you build skills through applied learning. These skills are in demand in today’s world, and this platform may be a good place to start at only $149/year. 

Skillshare: Skillshare is a diverse platform known for offering short, project-based classes in creative fields like design, arts, marketing, and business, appealing to learners who prefer hands-on, skill-specific courses. It is a community-driven model and encourages students to engage with peers and instructors, creating a collaborative learning experience. The platform is especially for those who want to learn creative skills rather than those who want to earn certificates online.

Conclusion On CXL Reviews

At first, I was confused about whether CXL was a good brand where I could start my learning journey. But I must say it was worth every penny I spent on it.

I believe CXL is an excellent online learning option for marketers who want to learn practical, high-level skills in digital marketing and business development from experienced marketers and successful businesses worldwide.

The courses are structured and challenging, making them worth the investment if you are looking to upskill. But if you are looking for courses in topics other than business and finance, CXL is not the platform for you.

I have learned so much about A/B testing, statistics, and psychology, and I am currently pursuing a CXL CRO mini degree. However, this mini-degree doesn’t teach In-product experiments.

CXL courses are really good since they provide comprehensive tools and materials to level up your digital marketing skills, it is an overall great platform for learning and growing business.

CXL reliability can be measured by top-tier companies like Google, Cisco, and Amazon which see the platform as go-to institute to train and certify their staff.

Sign up for their all-access plans to start learning, or try out the team plan in their 7-day free trial to see if they’re a good fit for you.

I hope this CXL review helps.

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