Drive around the country, and you’ll see gas stations operated by dozens of different brands, with some brands being more instantly recognizable than others. One brand you might have seen more of in recent years has a distinctive logo with a torch in the center. That brand is Amoco, and in March 2026, it celebrated the opening of the 1,000th gas station in its current network. This marks a reversal of fortune for the brand, which until relatively recently was being phased out by its parent company, the British oil giant BP.
Amoco was bought by BP in 1998, but it had been in operation for over 100 years before its acquisition. The company was originally founded as the Standard Oil Company (Indiana) back in 1889, and it quickly grew alongside America’s burgeoning automotive industry. It became known as the American Oil Company in 1961, which was often shortened to Amoco. The company officially became known as Amoco in 1985. After it was acquired by BP in the late ’90s, the Amoco branding of many of its locations was slowly replaced with BP’s branding.
All the while, many Americans continued to remember the Amoco name fondly. The giant Amoco sign that sat atop a gas station in St. Louis had even become a tourist attraction, with locals convincing BP to keep it even when the gas station itself was rebranded. The sign remains in place today, and it’s now arguably one of the coolest old-school gas stations in America.
Amoco’s decline and recent revival
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Eventually, BP decided that phasing out a brand with such strong consumer recognition was hurting the company rather than helping it. In 2017, it announced that it would start bringing back Amoco gas stations, and over the following years, it rapidly added to the network. In recent years, BP has kept the momentum going, adding around 160 new Amoco locations around the country in 2025 alone.
The revival of Amoco isn’t stopping anytime soon either, with BP noting that the brand now forms a key part of its long-term plan for the American market. So, even if you haven’t got a gas station adorned with the famous torch logo near you at the moment, there might be one opening nearby in the future.
Amoco might be one of the most well-known American brands owned by BP, but it isn’t the only one. The British company also owns the ampm chain of convenience stores, the Thorntons chain, and TravelCenters of America.
Digital marketing changes fast. One minute a platform is hot, the next it’s outdated. Consumer habits shift quickly, and the strategies that worked last year might not work today. If you’re trying to stay relevant in this ever-evolving field, the big question is: how can you level up your skills without going back to school?
Whether you’re brand-new to marketing or a traditional marketer moving into digital, here are seven practical (and proven) ways to sharpen your skills, no formal degree required.
1. Take Online Courses That Actually Teach You Something
Not all online courses are equal. The best ones are built by marketers who actually do this stuff every day not just teach theory. These courses blend hands-on learning with real-world projects that help you build skills employers care about.
What to look for:
Instructors with real industry experience
Projects based on actual campaigns
Updated content that reflects current tools and platforms
Want to know what’s working in digital marketing right now? Follow the experts who are already doing it. They share not just tactics but also insights into the strategy behind successful campaigns. If your goal is to become an SEO expert in Nepal, seek out local professionals who are ranking well or leading agencies you’ll gain insights that are specific to your market.
How to get the most from them:
Follow a mix of global and local thought leaders
Subscribe to their newsletters and podcasts
Ask questions and engage with their content
Join their webinars or virtual events
Tip: Pick experts in areas you want to master—SEO, social media, email marketing, or AI tools.
3. Use Free Resources to Explore and Learn
You don’t always have to pay to learn. There’s a ton of free, high-quality content online that covers everything from the basics to advanced strategies.
Top free resources to check out:
Coursera & edX: Free courses from top universities
Google Digital Garage: Solid fundamentals in digital marketing
YouTube: Tutorials, breakdowns, and real case studies
Blogs: Keep up with Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Content Marketing Institute
4. Get Hands-On with Personal Projects
Reading is helpful, but doing is where the real learning happens. Try testing strategies on a personal blog, passion project, or fictional brand.
Simple project ideas:
Start a blog and learn SEO by optimizing your posts
Run a small Instagram or Facebook campaign
Build an email list for a hobby or passion project
Try a basic Google Ads campaign with a tiny budget
5. Join Online Communities and Connect with Others
One of the best parts of digital marketing is the community. There are countless online (and offline) spaces where marketers help each other grow.
Where to find them:
LinkedIn groups: Look for niche-focused communities
Slack groups: Many cities and marketing niches have active ones
Local events: Don’t underestimate the power of in-person networking
6. Get Certified (It’s Worth It)
Certifications show that you’ve taken the time to learn and understand the tools. They’re especially helpful if you’re transitioning from another field or just getting started.
Top certifications to consider:
Google Ads & Google Analytics
HubSpot Inbound Marketing
Meta (Facebook) Social Media Marketing
Salesforce Marketing Cloud (for advanced roles)
7. Analyze Real Marketing Data
Looking at real-world data helps you understand what works—and what doesn’t. Try working with small businesses or nonprofits to get your hands on real campaign results.
Where to find real data opportunities:
Help a local business improve their online presence
Volunteer for a nonprofit’s marketing team
Freelance on small gigs to build a portfolio
Ask your employer to let you assist on a digital campaign
The Skills That Will Make You Stand Out
To be great at digital marketing, you need a mix of creative and analytical abilities. The top marketers are flexible, data-savvy, and constantly learning.
Here’s what to focus on:
Analytics: Know how to read and act on data
Writing and content: Craft messages that get attention and convert
Tech skills: A basic understanding of HTML, email tools, and CRMs
Strategy: Know how to align marketing goals with business objectives
Adaptability: Be ready to pivot with new trends and tools
Start Small, Learn Fast
You don’t need a fancy degree to break into or level up in digital marketing. What you need is consistency, curiosity, and a bit of creativity. Pick one or two of the strategies above that fit your style, and commit to them for the next month.
Most importantly, don’t just learn—apply. Watch a course, then launch a mini-campaign. Read a blog, then try out the strategy on your own site. Digital marketing rewards action, not just knowledge.
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