When it comes to learning search engine optimization (SEO), it is not enough to stick with the basics.
Although you will need these to build a foundation for your SEO training, continually learning new stuff is equally important to stay on top of the always-evolving SEO landscape. On the other hand, jumping from one mediocre course to another might only lead you to waste precious time and effort.
Getting an SEO course is an investment, so you need to find the best SEO course that’s right for you.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the number of SEO courses online, so here’s a quick guide on how to select an SEO training for your current needs.
Almost anyone can put up an SEO course online, so you need to be discerning and look for someone who knows what s/he’s doing.
What kind of experience does the instructor have? How long has s/he been doing SEO? Most importantly, what are the results?
It is also helpful to check out the reviews from past students and how the course helped them improve their SEO knowledge.
White hat SEO techniques refer to good practice methods to achieve high search engine rankings, while black hat SEO involves techniques that are not approved by search engines and are akin to deception.
Steer clear of any SEO courses that offer to teach you black hat methods, like deceptive clocking techniques or buying links. Search engines regularly update their algorithm, and it is only a matter of time before your site gets banned from practicing these illegal strategies.
The important thing is to learn how to implement white hat SEO like improving meta tags, increasing content quality, and optimizing your site’s navigation.
As previously mentioned, Google’s algorithm constantly changes, so what was effective before may not work now.
Aside from choosing a current SEO course, you should also make sure to take a class every couple of years just to keep in step with the latest strategies and techniques.
Now that you know what to look for in an SEO course, here are three of our top recommendations:
As one of the biggest players in the SEO world, SEMrush offers some of the best SEO courses out there.
It has a suite of 20 programs that cover a variety of SEO topics, like fundamentals, keyword research, competitive analysis, link building, on-page SEO, technical SEO, and site audits.
All of these are 100% free, including the certifications.
If you’re using WordPress, you might already be familiar with the Yoast SEO plugin that’s ranked as the best SEO plugin for the platform.
Its beginner-friendly SEO courses are also one of the reasons why it’s extremely popular. Ranging from $39 to $349 per course, Yoast Academy covers topics like keyword research, site structure, SEO copywriting, content SEO, structured data, and multilingual SEO.
You can also opt to subscribe for $41.58 a month (billed annually) to get access to newer SEO courses.
Another SEO leader, Moz offers a variety of SEO training programs that you can avail as single modules or in packages.
Moz training programs cover stuff like fundamentals, keyword research, page optimization, backlink basics, SEO reporting, local SEO, technical SEO, backlink audit and removal, SEO client prospecting, and sales pitch presentations.
All of these courses are great for beginners and intermediate students alike. They will even teach you how to land SEO clients.
The price range of the modules is pretty affordable, too, at $49 to $199.
Looking for an affordable course that will teach you the fundamentals and at the same time provide you with personalized guidance? SEO Leverage’s SEO Success Coaching might be the best choice for you.
Costing $69 a month, you get access to a suite of courses that includes SEO Fundamentals, Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Google Tag Manager. You also gain access to a membership forum containing best SEO practices, online marketing specials, and monthly webinars on what works for clients right now.
Best of all, it comes with private coaching sessions with Gert Mellak, the founder of SEO Leverage.
While taking these courses can give you a boost in your SEO knowledge, you shouldn’t rest on your laurels. Take an SEO course every couple of years or so to master the field and ensure that your website will always rank high on search engines, no matter what the algorithm is.
