Getting into the SEO industry involves learning about various aspects such as keyword research, content optimization, link building, and the use of analytical tools like Ahrefs, Google Search Console, SEMRush, and more to monitor website performance. Here are several free and paid resources and courses that can help someone get started and become and expert in the SEO industry:
Free SEO Resources
Google’s Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide
Overview: A comprehensive guide directly from Google that covers the fundamentals of SEO.
Link: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo-starter-guide
Learn some quick tips about Google search straight from the source:
Moz Beginner’s Guide to SEO
Overview: A well-rounded introduction to the core concepts of SEO, including how search engines operate, keyword research, and link building.
Link: https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo
Fun tip & challenge. Use a backlink checker tool like Ahrefs and look at the amount of links pointing to that exact URL. That article is a masterclass in earning natural backlinks. (It just got another link from me here in this article).
Ahrefs SEO Training
Overview: Learn how to get organic traffic from search month after month. Learn how to apply the basics of SEO like keyword research, on-page SEO, and link building to rank higher in search engines.
Link: https://ahrefs.com/academy/seo-training-course
HubSpot SEO Academy
Overview: Offers free video courses and tools for learning SEO basics, creating content strategies, and more.
Link: https://academy.hubspot.com/courses/seo-training
SEMrush Academy
Overview: Known for its digital marketing tools, SEMrush also offers detailed free courses and certifications in SEO.
Link: https://www.semrush.com/academy/
Yoast SEO Blog
Overview: Provides extensive articles and tutorials focused on all aspects of SEO, particularly useful for those using WordPress. You will find that many sites use WordPress for their CMS.
Link: https://yoast.com/seo-blog/
Search Engine Journal
Overview: A popular source for the latest SEO news, trends, and best practices.
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/
Paid SEO Courses
Moz Academy
Overview: Offers a variety of professional courses and certifications in SEO, ranging from the basics to advanced techniques.
Costs: Courses range from $49 to $595.
Link: https://academy.moz.com/
Udemy SEO Courses
Overview: Hosts a wide range of SEO courses covering topics from beginner to expert levels. It’s a great platform to find specific niches within SEO.
Costs: Prices vary, but are often affordable especially with frequent sales.
Link: https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=seo
Coursera (Search Engine Optimization Specialization)
Overview: This covers SEO techniques, optimization strategies, and the evolution of SEO.
Costs: Subscription-based, typically around $39-79/month.
Link: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/seo
Bonus Advice For Becoming an SEO Expert
Start your own website and try to rank it! That may be easier said than done, but building your own website and creating content, setting up analytics, setting up and checking Google Search Console data, monitoring keywords, and doing many other areas of SEO is a great way to give yourself real world experience (and see real results).
Use What Is Best For You To Learn SEO
Those resources offer a broad range of learning materials suited to different levels of expertise and learning styles, from complete beginners even to advanced SEOs. Think you’ve learned enough from these resources? Challenge yourself with my free SEO quiz for beginners.
I hope this helps you get started in SEO!