google garage digital marketing

Google Garage Digital Marketing: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your Online Skills

Google Digital Garage and Digital Marketing: A Beginner’s Guide

Digital marketing can help businesses reach new customers, build stronger relationships and measure the impact of their campaigns. But for beginners, the range of channels and tools can feel overwhelming. Google Digital Garage has helped make the subject more accessible through free online learning resources designed to build practical digital skills.

What is Google Digital Garage?

Google Digital Garage is a learning initiative created by Google to help people develop digital skills. Its resources have included courses on digital marketing, data, careers and technology. Course availability and formats can change, so it is worth checking Google’s current learning platforms for the latest options.

One of its best-known offerings has been a beginner-level course covering the fundamentals of digital marketing. It introduces core concepts in straightforward language and is designed for people who are new to the subject, as well as business owners who want to improve their online presence.

What can you learn about digital marketing?

A digital marketing course may cover a range of topics, including:

  • Online strategy: setting goals, understanding your audience and choosing suitable channels.
  • Search engine optimisation: making website content easier for people to find through search engines.
  • Search advertising: understanding how paid search campaigns work and how they can reach people looking for particular products or services.
  • Social media: using social platforms to share content, engage with audiences and support business objectives.
  • Email marketing: building an opted-in audience and sending useful, relevant communications.
  • Analytics: using data to understand how people interact with a website or campaign.
  • Content and video: creating and sharing material that informs, entertains or supports customers.

The exact topics depend on the course. Digital platforms and their features change regularly, so learning materials are most useful when combined with current guidance and hands-on practice.

Who is it for?

Google Digital Garage resources are particularly useful for beginners, small business owners, students and people considering a career in digital marketing. They can also help employees broaden their skills or give business owners a clearer understanding of the work involved in promoting a brand online.

You do not usually need specialist knowledge to get started. A willingness to learn, access to the internet and a clear idea of what you hope to achieve are often enough.

Benefits of learning digital marketing online

Online courses offer flexibility: learners can often study at their own pace and revisit topics when needed. Introductory lessons can also provide a useful overview before someone invests in more advanced training or applies the ideas to a live project.

For a business, even a basic understanding of digital marketing can make it easier to set realistic objectives, ask informed questions and assess whether a campaign is delivering value. It can also help identify which channels are most relevant to customers, rather than trying to be everywhere at once.

Is a Google Digital Garage course enough?

A beginner course is a starting point, not a substitute for experience or a complete marketing strategy. Digital marketing involves testing, learning from results and adapting to changes in customer behaviour and technology. A course can introduce the principles, but applying them to a real business takes continued practice.

It is also important to distinguish between a course completion certificate and a professional qualification. Check the course details to understand what any certificate represents, whether it is accredited and how it may be viewed by employers.

How to make the most of a course

  1. Set a clear goal. Decide whether you want to promote a business, improve your CV or explore a new career.
  2. Take notes and put ideas into practice. Try applying each concept to a website, campaign or business example.
  3. Measure what matters. Connect activity to useful outcomes, such as enquiries, sales or sign-ups, rather than focusing only on likes or views.
  4. Keep learning. Use up-to-date resources to build on the foundations and stay aware of changes in the digital landscape.

Getting started

Google Digital Garage has made digital marketing more approachable by offering learning resources for people with different levels of experience. If you are new to the subject, an introductory course can help you understand the main channels, terminology and principles. For the best results, pair structured learning with practical experience and keep checking that the resources you use reflect current tools and guidance.

 

7 Essential Tips for Mastering Digital Marketing with Google Garage

  1. Set clear goals before starting a course.
  2. Choose lessons that match your business needs.
  3. Take notes on useful marketing ideas.
  4. Practise each skill with a small campaign.
  5. Use analytics to track what works.
  6. Keep your website mobile-friendly.
  7. Review and update your strategy regularly.

Set clear goals before starting a course.

Before starting a Google Digital Garage digital marketing course, set clear goals for what you want to learn and achieve. You might want to promote a small business, improve your job prospects or understand how online advertising works. Having a specific aim will help you focus on the most relevant lessons, put new ideas into practice and track your progress.

Choose lessons that match your business needs.

Choose lessons that match your business needs, rather than trying to cover every digital marketing topic at once. If your aim is to attract more local customers, focus on lessons about local search and online visibility; if you want to improve repeat sales, explore email marketing and customer engagement. Starting with the skills most relevant to your goals helps you put what you learn into practice sooner and make better use of your time.

Take notes on useful marketing ideas.

Taking notes on useful marketing ideas can help you turn what you learn through Google Digital Garage into practical action. Record key points, examples and questions as you work through each lesson, then note how an idea might apply to your business or goals. Organising your notes by topic—such as SEO, social media or email marketing—makes them easier to revisit when planning a campaign.

Practise each skill with a small campaign.

Practise each skill by putting it to work in a small, manageable campaign. For example, create a short social media promotion, write a simple email newsletter or improve one page of your website for search. Set a clear goal, decide how you’ll measure success and review the results afterwards. Small experiments help you build confidence, spot what works and learn from mistakes without committing a large budget.

Use analytics to track what works.

Use analytics to track what works. Reviewing website and campaign data can show how people find your business, which content they engage with and what leads to enquiries or sales. Focus on a few relevant measures linked to your goals, such as visits, sign-ups or purchases, and use what you learn to refine your marketing. Check results regularly, but allow enough time and data before deciding whether a change has made a difference.

Keep your website mobile-friendly.

Keep your website mobile-friendly so visitors can use it easily on smartphones and tablets. Make sure pages load quickly, text is readable without zooming, buttons are easy to tap and navigation is simple. Test your site on different screen sizes, and fix any features that are slow or difficult to use. A smooth mobile experience can help people find what they need and encourage them to get in touch or make a purchase.

Review and update your strategy regularly.

Review and update your digital marketing strategy regularly to keep it aligned with your business goals, audience needs and changes in the online landscape. Check your results using relevant measures, such as website visits, enquiries or sales, and identify what is working well and what needs improvement. Use these insights to adjust your content, channels and budget, then keep testing and learning so your strategy stays effective.

google digital marketing garage

Google Digital Marketing Garage: A Guide to Free Online Training

Google Digital Marketing Garage: A Guide to Google’s Free Online Training

Google Digital Garage has helped people and businesses build their digital skills through free online training. Its courses cover topics such as digital marketing, online business and career development, making the platform a useful starting point for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of the digital world.

Course names, content and availability can change over time, so check Google’s official learning platforms for the latest information before signing up.

What is Google Digital Garage?

Google Digital Garage is the name commonly associated with Google’s digital-skills training. It has offered online courses designed for beginners as well as people looking to develop existing skills. Lessons typically combine written guidance, videos and practical activities, allowing learners to study at their own pace.

Digital marketing has been a key area of interest. Training in this field can introduce learners to the main ways organisations attract and engage customers online, from search engines and social media to websites and email.

What can you learn?

Depending on the courses available, subjects may include:

  • Search engine optimisation (SEO): How to improve a website’s visibility in organic search results.
  • Search advertising: The basics of paid search campaigns and reaching people who are looking for particular products or services.
  • Social media marketing: How businesses can use social platforms to share content and connect with audiences.
  • Content marketing: Planning useful, relevant content that supports a business’s goals.
  • Email marketing: The fundamentals of communicating with customers by email.
  • Analytics: Understanding website and campaign data to assess performance and inform decisions.
  • Online business strategy: Setting goals, identifying audiences and choosing suitable digital channels.

Courses may also cover wider digital skills, such as using online tools, presenting a business on the web or preparing for work in a digital role.

Who is it for?

Google’s digital marketing training can be useful for small-business owners, freelancers, students, jobseekers and people considering a career change. It may also suit marketing professionals who want to refresh their understanding of core concepts or explore a new area.

Because introductory courses are generally designed to be accessible, previous marketing experience may not be necessary. However, the best results come from applying what you learn to a real project, such as a business website, a campaign idea or a portfolio exercise.

Are the courses free, and do they provide a certificate?

Google has offered free training through its digital-skills initiatives, but course access and certificate arrangements can vary. Some programmes may provide a certificate after completing the required lessons or assessments; others may not. Check the course details on Google’s official site to confirm the cost, eligibility requirements and whether a certificate is included.

A certificate can show that you have completed a course, but it is not a substitute for practical experience. Employers and clients may also want to see examples of your work and how you have used your skills to solve a problem.

How to get the most from a digital marketing course

  1. Set a clear goal. Decide whether you want to learn the basics, promote a business or prepare for a particular role.
  2. Study actively. Take notes, complete the activities and look up unfamiliar terms.
  3. Practise on a project. Apply each topic to a website, campaign or sample business idea.
  4. Review the results. Use suitable data to see what is working and where improvements are needed.
  5. Keep learning. Digital platforms and marketing practices change, so treat an introductory course as a foundation rather than a final qualification.

Is Google Digital Garage worth exploring?

For anyone seeking an accessible introduction to online marketing, Google Digital Garage and Google’s related learning resources can be a useful place to begin. They can help learners understand key terms, channels and techniques without needing to commit to a lengthy programme at the outset.

The most valuable approach is to combine structured learning with hands-on practice. Explore the current courses through Google’s official learning pages, choose a subject that matches your goals and put the ideas to work on a project of your own.

 

Exploring Google Digital Marketing Garage: Answers to 7 Common Questions

  1. Does Google offer free training?
  2. Is Google Digital Garage actually free?
  3. What does Google digital garage do?
  4. Does Google Digital Garage give you a degree?
  5. What is Google Digital Garage used for?
  6. Is a Google Digital Garage certificate worth doing?
  7. Is Google Digital Marketing Course worth it?

Does Google offer free training?

Yes, Google offers a range of free online training through its learning platforms, including courses on digital marketing and other digital skills. Course content and availability can change, so check Google’s official training pages for current options and whether a particular course includes a certificate.

Is Google Digital Garage actually free?

Yes, Google Digital Garage courses have generally been free to access, including many introductory digital marketing lessons. However, course availability and certificate options can change, and not every Google training programme is necessarily free. Check the course details on Google’s official learning site before enrolling to confirm any costs and whether a certificate is included.

What does Google digital garage do?

Google Digital Garage provides online training to help people develop digital skills, including digital marketing, search engine optimisation and online business. Its courses are designed for learners at different experience levels and can be studied at your own pace. Course content, availability and any certificates may change, so check Google’s official learning pages for the latest details.

Does Google Digital Garage give you a degree?

No, Google Digital Garage does not award a university degree. It offers online learning resources and, for some courses, a certificate of completion. These can help you develop digital marketing skills and demonstrate your learning, but they are not equivalent to a degree or formal academic qualification. Check the details of the specific course to confirm whether a certificate is available.

What is Google Digital Garage used for?

Google Digital Garage is used to help people develop practical digital skills through online training. Its courses have covered topics such as digital marketing, search engine optimisation, social media, online advertising and analytics, making them useful for beginners, business owners and anyone looking to strengthen their digital knowledge. Course content and availability can change, so check Google’s official learning pages for the latest options.

Is a Google Digital Garage certificate worth doing?

A Google Digital Garage certificate can be worth doing if you’re new to digital marketing and want a structured introduction to the basics. It can help demonstrate initiative and give you useful knowledge to apply to a business or personal project. However, a certificate alone is unlikely to secure a job or prove advanced expertise; practical experience, examples of your work and up-to-date skills are important too. Check the current course details, as certificate availability and requirements may change.

Is Google Digital Marketing Course worth it?

Yes, Google’s digital marketing course can be worth it if you’re new to the subject and want a structured introduction to key concepts and online tools. It can help you build foundational knowledge at little or no cost, although course content and certificates may vary. It’s not a substitute for hands-on experience or more specialised training, so you’ll get the most from it by applying what you learn to a real project and checking that the course matches your goals.

cim digital marketing

CIM Digital Marketing: Skills, Qualifications and Career Opportunities

CIM and Digital Marketing: Building Skills for a Changing Industry

Digital marketing has become an essential part of how organisations attract customers, build relationships and grow. From search engines and social media to email, content and paid advertising, businesses need people who can bring digital channels together and use them effectively. The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) offers professional learning and qualifications to help marketers develop the knowledge and skills to meet that challenge.

What is CIM?

The Chartered Institute of Marketing is a professional body for marketers. It provides training, qualifications, resources and opportunities for professional development. Its courses are designed for people at different stages of their careers, from those starting out to experienced marketers looking to strengthen their strategic capabilities.

CIM’s digital marketing learning covers the principles and practices behind online marketing. Depending on the course and level, this may include planning digital activity, understanding audiences, creating content, using data and evaluating campaign performance.

What does digital marketing involve?

Digital marketing is the promotion of products, services or organisations through online channels. It can include:

  • Search engine optimisation (SEO): improving a website’s visibility in organic search results.
  • Paid search and digital advertising: reaching audiences through paid placements across search engines, websites and platforms.
  • Social media marketing: using social platforms to share content, engage audiences and support business goals.
  • Content marketing: creating useful and relevant material to inform, attract or retain customers.
  • Email marketing: communicating with subscribers and customers through targeted email campaigns.
  • Analytics and measurement: assessing results to understand what is working and where activity could improve.

These channels are most effective when they support a clear strategy. That means understanding the audience, setting measurable objectives, choosing suitable channels and reviewing performance regularly.

Why study digital marketing with CIM?

A structured course can help learners build a broad understanding of digital marketing rather than focusing on a single platform or tactic. CIM study may be useful for people who want to:

  • develop practical marketing knowledge;
  • understand how digital channels contribute to wider business objectives;
  • improve their ability to plan and evaluate campaigns;
  • strengthen their professional credentials; or
  • prepare for a move into a marketing role or a new area of responsibility.

Courses and qualification requirements can change, so prospective learners should check the current CIM website for details of available programmes, entry criteria, assessment methods and approved study options.

Skills that matter in digital marketing

Digital tools and platforms change frequently, but several underlying skills remain valuable. Marketers need to communicate clearly, think critically and understand how customer needs shape decisions. They also benefit from being comfortable with data, able to test ideas and willing to adapt when results or circumstances change.

Strategic thinking is especially important. A strong campaign is not simply a collection of posts or adverts; it has a defined purpose and fits the organisation’s wider marketing activity. Marketers should be able to explain what success looks like, choose appropriate measures and use the findings to make informed improvements.

Choosing the right learning path

The best route depends on your experience, career goals and preferred way of learning. Before enrolling, consider your current knowledge, the time you can commit and the areas you want to develop. Compare course content and assessment formats, and check whether the programme suits your role or intended career direction.

It is also worth considering how you will apply what you learn. Practical projects, workplace experience and regular reflection can help turn course concepts into useful skills. Digital marketing changes quickly, so ongoing learning is often just as important as gaining a qualification.

Conclusion

CIM digital marketing study can provide a structured way to develop marketing knowledge and build confidence across online channels. For aspiring and established marketers alike, the value comes from combining recognised learning with practical experience, curiosity and a commitment to measuring results. In a fast-moving industry, those foundations can help professionals make more informed decisions and create digital activity that supports real business objectives.

 

Understanding CIM Digital Marketing: Answers to 8 Common Questions

  1. Is CIM Level 6 a degree?
  2. Is CIM digital marketing worth it?
  3. Is CIM equivalent to a degree?
  4. What is CIM qualification?
  5. How much does a CIM course cost?
  6. What is CIM qualification equivalent to?
  7. What is CIM marketing qualification?
  8. Is CIM hard to pass?

Is CIM Level 6 a degree?

No. A CIM Level 6 qualification is not a university degree, but it is set at the same level as a bachelor’s degree on the UK qualifications framework. It provides advanced professional marketing knowledge and may support career progression, but it does not award a bachelor’s degree. Check the specific qualification and its recognition with CIM or the relevant education provider.

Is CIM digital marketing worth it?

CIM digital marketing qualifications can be worthwhile if you want structured learning, a recognised professional credential and a stronger understanding of how digital channels support wider marketing objectives. They may be particularly useful for people starting a marketing career or looking to build on practical experience. The value depends on your goals, budget and preferred way of learning, so compare the course content, costs and assessment requirements with other options before enrolling. A qualification can strengthen your knowledge, but practical experience and keeping up with changes in the digital industry remain important.

Is CIM equivalent to a degree?

CIM qualifications are professional marketing qualifications, not university degrees, so they are not generally considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Some awards may be positioned at a comparable level within a qualifications framework, but that does not make them the same qualification or guarantee they will meet a university or employer’s degree requirements. Check the specific CIM award and the criteria of the organisation you are applying to.

What is CIM qualification?

A CIM qualification is a professional marketing qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). It helps learners develop practical knowledge and skills in areas such as marketing strategy, planning and digital marketing. Qualifications are available at different levels, so the right option depends on your experience and career goals; course content, entry requirements and assessments vary by programme.

How much does a CIM course cost?

The cost of a CIM course varies depending on the qualification, study centre and learning format. You may also need to budget for registration, assessment and membership fees, which may be charged separately, as well as VAT where applicable. Check the latest fees with CIM or an approved study centre, and ask whether payment plans or funding options are available.

What is CIM qualification equivalent to?

A CIM qualification’s equivalent depends on its level. In the UK, CIM qualifications are mapped to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF): for example, Level 4 is broadly comparable in level to the first year of undergraduate study, while Level 6 is at bachelor’s-degree level and Level 7 is at postgraduate level. This describes the level of learning, not an automatic equivalence to a university degree or the same subject-specific credits. Check the details of the particular CIM qualification with CIM or the relevant awarding body.

What is CIM marketing qualification?

A CIM marketing qualification is a professional qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, designed to develop practical marketing knowledge and skills. CIM offers programmes at different levels, from introductory study to advanced qualifications, covering areas such as marketing strategy, customer insight, planning and digital marketing. The right option depends on your experience and career goals, so check CIM’s current course details for entry requirements, assessments and available study routes.

Is CIM hard to pass?

CIM can be challenging, but it is achievable with consistent preparation. The difficulty depends on your experience, the qualification and its assessment format, which may include assignments, case studies or exams. Make sure you understand the syllabus and assessment criteria, set aside regular study time and practise applying marketing concepts to real business situations. With a clear plan and steady effort, many learners find the workload manageable.

digital marketing google garage

Digital Marketing: A Practical Guide to Google Digital Garage

Digital Marketing and Google Digital Garage: A Practical Guide

Learning digital marketing can feel daunting, especially if you are new to online advertising, search engines and analytics. Google Digital Garage has helped make the subject more accessible by offering online learning designed to build practical digital skills. Whether you run a small business, are looking to improve your CV or simply want to understand how online marketing works, its resources can provide a useful place to start.

What is Google Digital Garage?

Google Digital Garage is Google’s digital-skills learning initiative. It has offered courses and learning resources covering topics such as digital marketing, online business and career development. Course availability and formats can change, so it is worth checking Google’s current learning platforms for the latest options.

Digital marketing courses typically introduce the main ways organisations reach and engage people online. Depending on the course, this may include search engine optimisation (SEO), paid search advertising, social media, email marketing, content creation, online measurement and e-commerce.

What can you learn about digital marketing?

A digital marketing course can help explain how different channels work together. For example, a business might publish useful website content to attract visitors from search engines, promote that content on social media and use analytics to understand which pages are most effective.

  • Search engine optimisation: Learn the fundamentals of making website content easier for search engines and people to understand.
  • Online advertising: Explore how paid campaigns can reach specific audiences and how budgets and results are measured.
  • Social media: Understand how businesses can use social platforms to share content and build relationships with customers.
  • Content marketing: Discover how helpful articles, videos and other resources can support a brand’s marketing goals.
  • Analytics: Learn how website and campaign data can help identify what is working and where improvements may be needed.

Who might benefit?

Google’s learning resources can be useful for beginners, small-business owners, students and people considering a career in marketing. They may also help business owners who want to understand the basics before choosing an agency or investing in advertising.

For those starting out, structured online learning offers a way to explore key concepts at their own pace. For more experienced marketers, introductory material can provide a refresher or help fill gaps in knowledge.

How to get the most from a course

Digital marketing is best learned by putting ideas into practice. As you study, try applying each concept to a real project. This could be your own website, a small business, a community group or a sample campaign.

  1. Set a clear goal. Decide what you want to achieve, such as attracting more website visitors or improving your understanding of SEO.
  2. Take notes and test ideas. Use the course concepts to make small, measurable changes to a website or campaign.
  3. Measure the results. Look at relevant data, such as visits, enquiries or sales, rather than relying only on likes and impressions.
  4. Keep learning. Search engines, advertising platforms and social networks change regularly, so digital marketing skills need ongoing development.

Is a Google Digital Garage certificate enough?

A certificate can show that you have completed a course, but it is only one part of a strong marketing profile. Employers and clients may also look for practical experience, clear communication skills and evidence that you can use data to make informed decisions.

Consider building a small portfolio alongside your studies. You could write a search-friendly article, create a content plan or explain how you would improve a website’s user experience. Be clear about what you did and what you learned, particularly if you are using a practice project rather than work for a client.

Learning is the starting point

Google Digital Garage has helped introduce many learners to digital marketing through accessible online education. Its courses can provide a solid grounding in essential topics, but the greatest value comes from combining learning with practical experience and regular review.

Before enrolling, check Google’s current learning platforms for available courses, course length, assessment details and any certificate information. Then choose a topic that fits your goals and put what you learn into practice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Digital Garage and Its Digital Marketing Courses

  1. What is Google Digital Garage and how does it relate to digital marketing?
  2. Is Google Digital Garage free to use?
  3. Does Google Digital Garage offer a digital marketing course?
  4. Can I earn a certificate in digital marketing through Google Digital Garage?
  5. How long does the Google Digital Garage digital marketing course take?
  6. Is the Google Digital Garage certificate recognised by employers in the UK?
  7. What topics are covered in Google Digital Garage’s digital marketing training?
  8. Can beginners learn digital marketing through Google Digital Garage?
  9. How do I enrol in a Google Digital Garage digital marketing course?

What is Google Digital Garage and how does it relate to digital marketing?

Google Digital Garage is Google’s online learning initiative, offering courses and resources to help people develop digital skills. Its digital marketing content introduces topics such as search engine optimisation (SEO), online advertising, social media and analytics, helping learners understand how businesses can reach and engage audiences online. Course availability may change, so check Google’s learning platforms for the latest options.

Is Google Digital Garage free to use?

Yes, Google Digital Garage has offered free online courses and learning resources, including training in digital marketing. Course availability and formats can change, so check Google’s current learning platforms for the latest details, including whether a course or certificate is free.

Does Google Digital Garage offer a digital marketing course?

Yes, Google has offered a free online Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course through Google Digital Garage, covering topics such as search, social media, content and analytics. Course availability and certification details can change, so check Google’s official learning platforms for the latest information.

Can I earn a certificate in digital marketing through Google Digital Garage?

Yes, Google Digital Garage has offered a certificate in digital marketing for learners who complete the relevant course and pass its final assessment. Course availability and certification requirements can change, so check Google’s current learning platform for the latest details before you enrol.

How long does the Google Digital Garage digital marketing course take?

The Google Digital Garage Fundamentals of Digital Marketing course was designed to take around 40 hours to complete. It is self-paced, so you can study in shorter sessions and fit the learning around your schedule. Course availability and content may change, so check Google’s current course listing for the latest details.

Is the Google Digital Garage certificate recognised by employers in the UK?

The Google Digital Garage certificate can be a useful addition to your CV in the UK, as it shows that you’ve completed introductory digital marketing training. However, it isn’t a formal qualification, and recognition varies between employers; many will also look for practical experience and evidence of relevant skills. For the strongest application, pair the certificate with examples of your work and check that the course and certificate are currently available.

What topics are covered in Google Digital Garage’s digital marketing training?

Google Digital Garage’s digital marketing training covers a range of core topics to help learners understand how to promote a business online. Depending on the course, subjects may include search engine optimisation (SEO), paid search advertising, social media, content and email marketing, online shopping, website performance and analytics. Course content can change, so check Google’s current learning platform for the latest syllabus.

Can beginners learn digital marketing through Google Digital Garage?

Yes, beginners can learn the fundamentals of digital marketing through Google Digital Garage’s online learning resources. Courses may cover topics such as search engine optimisation, social media, online advertising and analytics, making them a helpful starting point for building digital skills at your own pace. Course availability and content can change, so check Google’s current learning platforms for the latest options.

How do I enrol in a Google Digital Garage digital marketing course?

To enrol in a Google Digital Garage digital marketing course, visit Google’s current online learning platform and search for available digital marketing courses. Choose a course that suits your needs, then follow the prompts to sign in or create an account and begin learning. Course availability and enrolment steps can change, so check the details shown on Google’s official website before you start.