Picture this: You’re browsing job listings, and “SEO experience required” keeps popping up. As a student, career changer or someone who wants to enhance their digital marketing profile, you might wonder, “What’s the best way to learn SEO?”
The short answer is by practicing SEO. The longer answer depends on your situation, learning style, budget, experience, goals, and available time. This guide is designed to help you find the best learning path for you, from SEO basics to more comprehensive and hands-on SEO education programs.
We’ll explore your learning roadmap, covering suitability, pros and cons, costs, and examples for each option.
Version history
- November 30, 2024: Updated content format for easier consumption. Verified links. Add a section on Google SEO Certification.
- November 1, 2024: Added more examples of cohort-based SEO courses, a learning roadmap, and improved user experience.
- September 20, 2024: Added best practices for self-paced SEO education.
- September 10, 2024: Added version history feature to track key updates.
- August 24, 2024: Added examples of self-paced free learning options.
- August 5, 2024: Updated the list of who to follow in SEO industry.
Table of Contents
Is Google SEO Certification Worth It?
First of all, Google does not offer an official SEO certification. However, Google does offer a more generic Digital Marketing and E-commerce certificate.
A non-certificate resource by Google is Google’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Starter Guide. It’s a great starting point for anyone that wants to learn SEO, as they say, “from the horse’s mouth”.
Regardless of what program you choose to pursue to learn SEO, practice makes not only perfect, but it’s also a requirement in SEO. To do SEO well, you need to practice it.
Roadmap to Learning SEO
SEO programs take students through the following stages to learn SEO step by step.
1. How search engines work
- Crawling, indexing and ranking: How search engines discover, categorize and determine the relevance and authority of web pages.
- SERP anatomy: Understanding the different components of a search engine results page.
- AI and search: Learning how AI is changing how search engines work.
- Core updates and quality raters: how search engines improve the quality of search results.
- Staying updated: Keeping up with the latest search engine algorithm updates.
2. How people search
- Understanding the searcher: Identifying the needs, wants, and behaviors of your target audience.
- Building the searcher’s journey: Mapping out the steps a user takes from becoming aware of the issue to searching for and analyzing options, to making a purchase.
- Conducting keyword research: Identifying relevant keywords and phrases to target.
- Building an SEO strategy: Developing a comprehensive SEO strategy to achieve your goals.
- Content planning: Creating a content calendar to produce high-quality content consistently.
3. How to optimize websites
- Website SEO audits: Assessing the technical health of your website.
- Technical SEO: Optimizing website structure, speed, and mobile-friendliness.
- Content development: Creating high-quality, relevant content.
- Content optimization: Optimizing content for search engines and users.
- Authority building (aka link building): Building backlinks and improving domain authority.
- Measuring performance: Tracking key metrics to measure the success of your SEO efforts.
4. Special cases in SEO
- Local SEO: Learning to improve local search visibility for location-based businesses. Includes Google Business Profile management, citation building and local reputation management.
- SaaS B2B SEO: Learning to improve search engine visibility using content and tools that get customers into trying the product or discovering its benefits.
- eCommerce SEO: Learning about the specifics of optimizing online stores. Includes discussions of product listings, Google Merchant Central, product and category pages, and informational content.
- International SEO: Learn to take your content to the world correctly. Translate your website and inform search engines of the page variations in different languages.
Options to Learn SEO
| Learning Options | Average Cost | Average Time Commitment | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Programs | High (tuition fees) | Long-term (years) | Those seeking comprehensive, structured education with recognized qualifications. |
| Bootcamps and Certifications | Moderate to High | Short-term (weeks/months) | Individuals desiring intensive, practical training with industry-recognized certifications. |
| Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) | Free to Low | Flexible (self-paced) | Self-motivated learners preferring flexible schedules and a variety of topics. |
| Cohort-Based Courses (CBCs) | Moderate | Medium-term (weeks) | Learners seeking structured programs with peer interaction and accountability. |
| Self-Paced Free Resources | Free | Flexible | Independent learners comfortable with curating their own study materials. |
| Content Access Memberships and Subscriptions | Moderate to High | Flexible (self-paced) | This is for those who see SEO as a long-term career path and want to stay current with the ever-evolving landscape of SEO. |
| Internships and Apprenticeships | Free | Months | Career changers and new graduates. Great option because you get the experience and in many cases are getting paid. |
Let’s now explore each one of these options in more detail with examples and best practices.
1. University Programs
Some universities offer programs that include SEO courses. While these provide a comprehensive education, they can be time-consuming and expensive.
Best for you if
- You value a comprehensive, structured education
- You’re looking for a recognized qualification
- You have the time and financial resources for a long-term commitment
- You thrive in traditional academic environments
Pros
- In-depth knowledge
- Networking opportunities
- Recognized qualifications
- Job placement programs
Cons
- High cost
- Time-intensive
- May not always reflect the latest industry trends
Costs
The costs vary depending on the program. From $2,750 for 5 courses (100 hours) program at the University of Calgary to $3,602 for 8 courses (126 hours) at the Mount Royal University to $7,354 for a 2-term program consisting of 10 courses at the Bow Valley College in Calgary.
Examples
Here are some examples of such programs around Calgary, Alberta, Canada:
- Digital Media Marketing Extension Certificate at the Mount Royal University
- Digital Marketing Certificate at the University of Calgary
- Digital Marketing Post-Diploma Certificate at the Bow Valley College
Thanks to Doug Lacombe for suggesting these local programs.
You will find similar programs at most of the traditional universities and colleges in your area.
2. Bootcamps and Certifications
Bootcamps offer intensive, short-term training in SEO and digital marketing. Many also provide SEO certifications upon completion.
Best for you if
- You prefer intensive, hands-on learning experiences
- You’re looking to quickly transition into an SEO career
- You learn well in a structured, fast-paced environment
- You value industry-recognized certifications
Pros
- Focused, practical learning
- Shorter duration than university programs
- Often more affordable
- Certificate of completion
Cons
- Can be intense and fast-paced
- May lack the depth of university programs
Costs
Depending on the program it will cost you anywhere from $1500 to $4500. Many education partners offer financing.
Examples
Here’s a few examples of bootcamps:
I should mention that I’ve been instructing SEO and Google Ads sessions with Jelly Academy since February 2023. It’s a great bootcamp program and I encourage you to consider it.
3. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs offer flexible, often self-paced learning options for SEO education.
Best for you if
- You appreciate flexibility in your learning schedule
- You’re comfortable with self-directed learning
- You’re looking for a cost-effective way to gain knowledge
- You enjoy learning from a variety of instructors and institutions
Pros
- Flexible scheduling
- Wide range of courses available
- Often free or low-cost
Cons
- Lack of personalized feedback
- Requires self-discipline
Costs
The cost varies from $10 (if you get it at discounted pricing, which is not uncommon) to $199 per course, which is more affordable than other options.
Examples
Here are a few of places to get MOOCs:
These learning platforms have a lot of courses. The quality of courses and course creators vary. So, the trick is to find the one that works for you.
My advice is 1) choose the creator you can trust (reviews, brand recognition), 2) choose the creator that “speaks to you” (watch their intro videos).
4. Cohort-Based Courses (CBCs)
Not all can self-organize and motivate. Many of us need external stimuli of an instructor, group or timeline. That’s where CBCs shine. Similar to traditional university class but online and taught by experts in their field.
Best for you if
- You value peer interaction and networking opportunities
- You prefer a blend of structure and flexibility in your learning
- You’re motivated by deadlines and group accountability
- You learn best through discussions and collaborative projects
Pros
- Peer interaction and networking
- Structured learning with deadlines
- Often include practical projects
- More focused than the above options
Cons
- Can be more expensive than self-paced options
- Fixed schedules may not suit everyone
Costs
These tend to be more expensive than MOOCs because they offer live instructions and office hours with instructors. A 1-2 week course ranges from $500 to $1500 per student. A good thing is that you can ask your employer for a reimbursement. Just make sure your boss is ok with that before taking the course.
Examples
Here’s a few examples of top cohort-based courses in SEO:
- Mastering SEO Services by Search Friendly
- News SEO Playbook by Vahe Arabian
- SEO Masterclass for Marketers by Ryan Morgan
- SEO for Product Managers by Eli Schwartz and Kevin Indig
I’m working on the new cohort-based course with Maven. Stay tuned.
5. Self-Paced Free Resources
There are many great resources to learn SEO free from scratch (see examples below), including blogs, YouTube channels, newsletter sequences, and podcasts.
Best for you if
- You’re well-organized and can manage your own learning
- You don’t require group work or formal instruction to learn effectively
- Your budget is limited or you’re exploring SEO before committing to paid options
- You enjoy curating your own learning path from various sources
Pros
- No cost
- Wide variety of perspectives
- Can be accessed anytime
Cons
- Quality can vary
- Lack of structured learning path
- No certifications or diplomas
Costs
There’s no direct cost associated with this SEO learning option. However, it’s highly encouraged to look into an SEO mentor. Joining a mastermind is also a great option to enhance your self-paces SEO learning.
Free guides are great, but having a coach with experience in your niche will make your learning so much more productive.
Examples
Here are a few examples of reputable free SEO resources:
- SEO Starter Guide by Google;
- SEO certifications by SEMrush;
- SEO courses by MOZ Academy;
- SEO certification by HubSpot Academy;
- SEO training course by Ahrefs;
- Local SEO for Beginners by Search Friendly.
A resource that deserves a mention outside of the bullet-point is LearningSEO.io. It’s a learning roadmap tool. Choose what you want to learn and get a list of related articles from verified experts on the topic.
Best practices for self-paced SEO learning
If you’re interested in self-paced SEO education, here are a few best practices to help you.
- Follow trustworthy sources on SEO. Check the list of who to follow below.
- As you read articles, pay attention to the comments section. In many cases, comments provide more real-life insights than the articles themselves.
- Learn by experimentation. More on that below. Set up your own website and optimize it. You can even set up test websites and optimize them for non-competitive terms to view results quicker and adjust.
- Participate in SEO communities. There’s a lot of practical knowledge in there. The drawback is that there’s also plenty of useless content. But you will learn to filter it out with practice.
- Keep track of changes in search engine technology by following reputable sources like Google Central and Bing Webmaster Blog. Try to understand yourself, and be cautious of others speculating on those changes. There’s a lot of that going on.
6. Content Access Memberships and Subscriptions
Getting access to SEO content and subscribing to future updates is another viable SEO learning option. Such programs include access to PDF documents, videos, slides, FAQ videos, LIVE monthly Q&A, eBooks, mini-courses, discussion forums and tools. Exact content varies by vendor.
Best for you if
- You prefer ongoing access to up-to-date SEO information rather than a one-time course
- You value a mix of beginner and advanced content to support your growth over time
- You appreciate regular updates on SEO trends and algorithm changes
- You’re comfortable with self-directed learning but want curated, reliable content
- You’re willing to invest in your education on a recurring basis
This option is particularly beneficial for those who see SEO as a long-term career path and want to stay current with the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization. It’s a great middle ground between completely self-directed learning and more structured course formats.
Pros
- Focused on SEO
- Often provides practical, actionable advice
- Can be more cost-effective than formal education
Cons
- Limited depth of knowledge
- May not provide a comprehensive understanding
- Lack of interaction with peers and instructors
- No certification or diploma
Costs
Membership program costs tend to vary depending on the program authorship and his/her authority in the industry. For example, Yoast SEO training costs $229/year (USD), whereas Bruce Clay’s SEO training membership costs $1495/year (USD).
Examples
Here’s a few examples of subscription-based programs for learning SEO.
- SEOtraining.com by Bruce Clay
- Yoast SEO training and tools
- IMG.courses – Netflix for learning SEO
7. Internships and Apprenticeships
Hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships can be invaluable in learning SEO.
Best for you if
- You learn best through hands-on, real-world experience
- You’re looking to build professional connections in the industry
- You value mentorship and direct feedback on your work
- You’re willing to start at entry-level positions to gain experience
Pros
- Real-world experience
- Networking opportunities
- Potential for job offers
Cons
- May be unpaid or low-paid
- Competitive to secure positions
- No certification or diploma
Costs
There’s no direct cost in this option either. In my experience, this is the best option to go if you can find the right company that’s willing put their trust in you.
In fact, I followed this path at Critical Mass when I joined as an intern. After a year of hard work, amazing mentors, I was offered a permanent position.
Examples
Check job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn for SEO internship opportunities. Make sure you check SEOjobs.com, an SEO-focused job board by Nick LeRoy.
Another good SEO jobs resource is by SEOFOMO Jobs. Many of the posts are for high-level SEO positions, but there are some SEO intern positions too.
Experimentation
No matter what path of learning SEO you choose, you must experiment. You should create a website (it can be a test site on wordpress.com) or your own business or personal interest website.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. That’s why it’s essential to put your knowledge into practice and stay updated with the latest trends.
Make sure you practice a) understanding your audience, b) mapping customer journey in search engines, c) identifying the topics, d) creating the content, e) indexing your pages, f) monitoring the progress, g) optimizing your pages and articles.
Who to Follow
There are many SEO professionals that share amazing content. But following all of them will take all of your time.
So, make sure you find an SEO professional or a few in your niche to follow. Here’s a few great examples:
- Growth Memo by Kevin Indig
- Eli’s Newsletter by Eli Schwartz
- Search & AI Digest by Ann Smarty
- SEOFOMO by Aleyda Solis
- SEO Notebook by Steve Toth
I also recommend you keep an eye on the news from search engines themselves via Google Search Central Blog and Bing Webmaster Blog.
At Search Friendly, we understand the challenges of learning SEO. That’s why we offer SEO coaching and training services tailored to career changers and students. Our hands-on approach ensures you gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn SEO?
The time it takes to learn SEO varies depending on your learning method and dedication. You can grasp the SEO basics in a few weeks, but becoming proficient typically takes several months of consistent study and practice. Remember, SEO is an ever-evolving field, so learning never really stops!
Do I need a degree to work in SEO?
Nope! While a degree can be helpful, it’s not a must-have in the SEO world. Many successful SEO professionals are self-taught or have learned through non-traditional means. What matters most is your skills, knowledge, and ability to drive results.
Are SEO certifications worth it?
SEO certifications can be valuable, especially when you’re starting out. They demonstrate your commitment to the field and can give you an edge in job applications. However, practical experience and a solid portfolio of results are often more important to employers than certifications alone.
Can I learn SEO for free?
Absolutely! There’s a wealth of free resources available online, from blog posts to YouTube tutorials. While paid courses often provide more structure and support, it’s entirely possible to learn SEO without spending a dime. Just be prepared to put in the effort to curate your own learning path.
What’s the best way to practice SEO while learning?
The best way to practice SEO is by doing it! Start a blog, volunteer to help a local business, or work on your own website. Experiment with different techniques, analyze your results, and learn from both successes and failures. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience in the world of SEO.
What is the best way to learn SEO?
The short answer is – by practicing it. The longer one is that it depends on your situation, learning preferences, budget, experience, future aspirations in the field and time you can dedicate to it. I structured this article to help you choose the right way to learn SEO for you.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a university program, an SEO bootcamp, or decide to embark on a self-learning journey, the key is to start and stay committed. SEO is a dynamic field that rewards curiosity and continuous learning.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual preferences may vary. It’s often beneficial to combine multiple learning methods to get a well-rounded SEO education.
Next Steps
Ready to kickstart your SEO journey? Begin by exploring the options that best fit your learning style, budget and schedule. Consider starting with free resources to get a feel for the field, then progress to more structured programs as you define your goals.
Remember, the best SEO education combines theory with practice, so experiment with your own projects as you learn. Your future in SEO awaits!
