Marketing Cloud Foundations (MCF100)

5 Day Class
Runs 9am - 4pm Monday thru Friday

Quick overview of this course

Why Enroll in the Marketing Cloud Foundations Course?

If you’re looking to gain a deep understanding of Salesforce Marketing Cloud without the need for a technical background, this course is designed for you. Blue Cloud University’s Marketing Cloud Foundations course is crafted to guide you through the powerful tools and capabilities of Marketing Cloud, helping you master the art of personalized, data-driven marketing. Whether you’re a digital marketer, content strategist, or business leader, this training will equip you with the skills needed to create impactful campaigns, streamline your marketing processes, and drive better results for your organization.

With a focus on practical, real-world applications, this course covers everything from foundational data management to advanced automation and personalization techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like Automation Studio, Journey Builder, AMPscript, and Intelligence Reports, ensuring you have the confidence to manage and optimize campaigns effectively. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to leverage the full power of Salesforce Marketing Cloud to connect with your audience in meaningful, personalized ways.

Course Outline: —Needs to be dressed up a little—images?

Getting Started

• Introduction to Blue Cloud University’s training approach for non-technical learners

• Overview of the Marketing Cloud ecosystem

• Key learning outcomes and expectations for the course

• Preparing your workspace and accessing essential tools

Lesson 1 - Meet Marketing Cloud

• Understanding the structure of Marketing Cloud

• Overview of key components: Email Studio, Journey Builder, Automation Studio, and Intelligence Reports

• Introduction to key concepts like subscriber data, data extensions, and sending methods

• How Marketing Cloud connects with the broader Salesforce ecosystem

Lesson 2 - Setting Clear Marketing Strategies & Goals

• Understanding the role of strategic planning in effective email marketing

• Identifying target audiences and setting measurable goals

• Using personas to refine messaging and approach

• How to align Marketing Cloud tools with overall marketing strategy

Lesson 3 - Data Planning & Management

• Understanding the importance of data for effective marketing

• Creating and managing Data Extensions

• Data import strategies and data hygiene best practices

• Setting up and managing subscriber lists and preferences

• Understanding data retention and compliance considerations

Lesson 4 - Email Design & Creation Foundations

• Fundamentals of effective email design for maximum engagement

• Using Content Builder to create and manage email templates

• Building reusable content blocks for efficient design workflows

• Understanding responsive design and mobile optimization

• Introduction to personalization and dynamic content basics

Lesson 5 - Email Testing, Sending, and Analytics

• Importance of email testing for deliverability and engagement

• Using A/B testing and multivariate testing for optimization

• Understanding send classifications and send definitions

• Reviewing email performance with built-in Marketing Cloud reports

Lesson 6 - Email’s Evolution & Deliverability Best Practices

• Understanding the evolution of email as a marketing channel

• Factors that impact email deliverability and inbox placement

• Best practices for building sender reputation and avoiding spam filters

• Using DMARC, SPF, and DKIM for email authentication

• Strategies for ongoing deliverability optimization

Lesson 7 - Data Management using Automation Studio

• Introduction to Automation Studio and its role in data management

• Creating data filters and segmentation strategies

• Automating data imports, exports, and data cleansing tasks

• Using automation to support complex marketing campaigns

Lesson 8 - Advanced Email Personalization using AMPscript & Content Blocks

• Introduction to AMPscript for dynamic, personalized email content

• Building personalized experiences with Content Blocks

• Using AMPscript to create decision splits and conditional content

• Advanced personalization techniques for targeted campaigns

Lesson 9 - Email Sending using Automation Studio

• Setting up triggered sends for real-time, automated messaging

• Using data-based triggers to drive personalized email experiences

• Understanding the interaction between data extensions and Automation Studio

• Testing and troubleshooting automated sends

Lesson 10 - Smart Analytics Using Intelligence Reports

• Overview of Intelligence Reports and their role in measuring success

• Key metrics for evaluating email performance

• Using Intelligence Reports to refine strategy and optimize future campaigns

• Understanding dashboards and data visualization tools

Lesson 11 - Data Management & Intro to SQL

• Introduction to SQL for managing Marketing Cloud data

• Using SQL to build custom queries for segmentation and reporting

• Understanding the SQL workflow within Marketing Cloud

• Best practices for efficient data retrieval and management

Lesson 12 - Creating Landing Pages and Interactive Emails Using Cloud Pages

• Using Cloud Pages for lead capture and interactive content

• Building personalized landing pages for targeted campaigns

• Integrating forms and data collection elements

• Best practices for mobile-first, responsive design

Lesson 13 - Advanced Sending using Journey Builder

• Using Journey Builder for multi-step, personalized customer journeys

• Understanding entry sources, activities, and goals

• Using decision splits, waits, and exits to control journey flow

• Optimizing journey performance through testing and iteration

Lesson 14 - Exploring Journey Builder Analytics

• Using Journey Builder analytics to assess customer engagement

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) for multi-step journeys

• Visualizing customer paths and optimizing journey performance

Lesson 15 - Exploring Einstein for Email Tools

• Introduction to Einstein tools within Marketing Cloud

• Using AI for predictive content, engagement scoring, and personalization

• Understanding send time optimization and journey intelligence

Lesson 16 - Final Project

• Applying everything learned to a real-world marketing scenario

• Building a complete end-to-end campaign using Marketing Cloud tools

• Group collaboration and practical exercises

Lesson 17 - Wrap Up

• Course summary and key takeaways

• Preparing for certification (if desired) and next steps

• Q&A and course evaluation

Course Format/Delivery: Live online and on location training.

Downloadable workbooks and Slide Decks.

Scenario driven using a fictional brand to guide the process.

5 days. Limited to 6 hours of instruction each day (9am to 4pm). Registered learners get access to bonus lessons and downloads

• Ask about our special discount for participants who work in education