5 free and paid SEO courses and certificates

Search engine optimization is a constantly changing field, which means that marketers – both new and experienced professionals – can benefit from free and paid SEO courses.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the key skills needed by marketers and business owners. But every day it is more challenging to understand the ins and outs of this art form, which is an essential part of the success of any brand with an online presence.

This article looks at the SEO courses and testimonials that can increase your knowledge and enhance your career.

The Importance of SEO

Nearly 30% of global web traffic comes from search engines, and, according to a Statista report, since Google launched its search engine in 1997, it has dominated the search engine market, retaining 92.47% market share in June 2021. Google’s largest competitor, Bing, has only 7% of the market, and Yahoo captured 2.85%.

Clearly, when brands want to optimize their websites for search, it’s Google for whom they optimize.

Over the years, Google has made thousands of updates to its search engine algorithm, and the SEO techniques that were effective one year may no longer be useful the next. For website developers and marketing professionals, keeping up with the latest changes in SEO is a required part of the job. Fortunately, there are many different SEO courses and certificates available to help one stay informed.

A 2021 HubSpot report revealed that approximately 64% of marketers and 63% of brands are actively investing time in SEO. With the difficulty and challenges of getting a website to appear on the top search results pages (SERPs), there is a lot of pressure to learn as much as possible about SEO tactics and strategies.

Jessica Zhao, CMO of Spacewhite, a provider of low-waste, non-toxic cleaning product, told CMSWire that SEO is something many small business owners don’t think about, but it can make a huge difference in how quickly they grow their business.

“When you’re new to the scene, you have a lot of momentum – push that forward by having proper SEO supporting you from the start,” she said. “For people considering a career in SEO, a free trial course is a perfect way to judge if you’re really interested and excited about the prospect of learning more.”

Related Article: Non-Click Search Results: SEO Debate Continues

Google Garage/Coursera

Google Garage, along with Coursera and the University of California Davis, offers a four-week SEO Fundamentals course, which begins with an introduction to on-page SEO (11 videos), off-page SEO (four videos), technical SEO (seven). videos) and finally, keyword theory and research (six videos).

Unlike many Google Garage courses, which are free, the Coursera SEO course requires membership to Coursera. The platform offers a 7-day free trial and costs $ 59 a month later.

Included with the Coursera subscription are 28 other SEO courses, including:

Greg Rose, chief experience officer at Intellum, a customer education platform provider, told CMSWire that Intellum is partnering with leaders in the technology industry, including Google, Facebook, Amazon and Twitter, to deliver world-class customer education and certification initiatives.

Rose said each of these programs should include:

HubSpot Academy

HubSpot, which offers courses on a variety of topics, including marketing, sales, service and more, is partnering with more than 500 colleges and universities to align its curricula with industry expectations.

“HubSpot SEO Certification is a great choice for content creators, marketers and anyone who wants to strengthen their SEO skills with a tight budget,” said Jon Buchan, CEO of Charm Offensive. “HubSpot Academy is a recognized name for offering certification courses in one of the largest. Range of niches.”

HubSpot’s SEO Certification Course is comprehensive, includes 24 videos and provides marketers everything they need to be proficient in SEO. It is divided into specific topics, starting with an overview and introduction to the course, moving on through the basics, then into more specific aspects of SEO. The course takes about three hours to complete.

The exam includes 60 questions that are randomly drawn from a total of 73 questions, all of which are answered in the videos and transcripts. The exam takes about an hour to complete, although students are given three hours to complete it. Students must answer at least 45 questions (75%) correctly to pass and must wait 12 hours before taking it again if they initially fail.

In the past, students receive a digital certificate and can display the certificate on their LinkedIn profile or their website. The HubSpot SEO certificate is valid for one year.

Related Article: What You Need to Know About HubSpot’s SEO Certification

LinkedIn Learning

While LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, is not free, it is affordable enough that it should be considered by any SEO or marketing student. It offers more than 800 SEO courses, tutorials and videos on the topic of search engine optimization.

The learning platform offers a one-month free trial period. Then, a monthly subscription costs $ 39.99, or you can opt for an annual subscription at $ 26.99 per month.

LinkedIn Learning subscriptions also include LinkedIn Premium, and those who are already LinkedIn Premium subscribers get full access to LinkedIn Learning at no additional cost.

LinkedIn Learning’s Become an SEO Expert program has 10 individual courses, including:

Each individual course includes videos and exercise files. When students have successfully completed each course, they will receive a certificate that can be displayed on their LinkedIn profile.

“Certificates can be a great addition to any educational program, as customers who are proficient in your organization’s tools will likely benefit much more from them, leading to increased retention, loyalty, and advocacy,” Rose said.

Yoast Academy

The Yoast SEO WordPress plugin is used by almost 10 million websites, more than any other SEO plugin for WordPress. Yoast Academy comes from the same people who brought you the plugin and offers free membership with several courses, including two SEO courses:

Yoast’s premier membership, which costs $ 99 per year, also includes courses on Local SEO, Business SEO, SEO Copyright, Website Structure, Keywords, Around SEO, Technical SEO and more.

Related Article: How to Use Keyword Denson in Modern SEO Strategy

Alison Courses

Alison provides more than 4,000 courses, all for free, and covers business, sales and marketing, health, language and construction. Alison offers several SEO courses with certificates, including:

Each course includes several modules with several topics. The Fundamentals of YouTube Marketing and Search Engine Optimization, for example, include four modules:

After each course is completed, students will have the option to purchase a digital (or printed) certificate, which they can share on social media, LinkedIn, and more.

Final Thoughts

Search engine optimization is a skill that has become an art form over the last two decades. As SEO evolved, professionals sought SEO courses and certifications to keep their skills up to date, as well as to provide value to current and prospective employers.

With free and high-quality courses available for all skill levels, both SEO students and professionals can learn at their own pace.

According to the Coursera Student Outcomes Survey, 82% of Google certificates reported a positive career outcome within six months. The ability to network and grow together with your peers is a huge draw for traditional graduate management education programs.

Can I teach myself SEO?

It is possible to learn how to do SEO on your own, you don’t have to be an SEO specialist or an expert. The first thing to do is convince yourself that SEO is not difficult. If others can do it, so can you. All that is needed is the willingness to learn and time.

How can I practice SEO on my own? The depth of experience for many SEO experts goes like this: â € œOptimize your title tags, make sure your site loads quickly, and then write lots of blog posts, ask for a few links back to your site, and you will. see if your website gets better.â € Even if these SEO experts tell you that more is needed than this and …

Can I learn SEO for free?

You can learn how to do Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, for free. All you need is strong resources written or created by SEO experts. We’ve compiled a list of 50 of the best SEO blogs, courses, videos, podcasts, conferences and tools to get you started.

How much does it cost to learn SEO?

If you can learn SEO for a few hours every day, then you can master the basics of SEO within 4-8 weeks and get your first SEO job done in 3-6 months. If you can learn SEO full time, then you can master the basics even within 1-2 weeks.

How do I start learning SEO?

Here are the steps to teach yourself SEO in 6 steps:

• STEP 1 – Find a resource for beginners. …
• STEP 2 â € “Practice! …
• STEP 3- Find a mentor. …
• STEP 4 – Join SEO Group. …
• STEP 5 – Know what’s going on in the SEO world. …
• STEP 6 – Rinse & Repeat.

How can a beginner learn SEO?

Here are the steps to teach yourself SEO in 6 steps:

• STEP 1 – Find a resource for beginners. …
• STEP 2 â € “Practice! …
• STEP 3- Find a mentor. …
• STEP 4 – Join SEO Group. …
• STEP 5 – Know what’s going on in the SEO world. …
• STEP 6 – Rinse & Repeat.

How does it take to learn SEO?

It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to 5-8 years to learn SEO depending on factors such as the level you want to reach, the amount of time you are willing to spend learning SEO, your current experience, how persistent. you are, what resources you use, and more.

How do I start a career in SEO?

10 Steps to Start a Career in SEO

• Build your SEO skills.
• Improve your writing skills.
• Acquire basic developmental skills.
• Build your Analytical Skills.
• Learn how to use SEO tools.
• Become an expert in Google Webmaster Guidelines.
• Get practical, build your SEO experience.
• Become Certified on Google Ads.

What qualification is needed for SEO? Qualification and Skills Required for SEO Professionals A graduation or diploma after 10 2 is the minimum qualification required to become an SEO Professional. However, to work in an SEO domain, you not only need a diploma, but also require a variety of skills that cannot be defined by the traditional exams.

How do I become a SEO Specialist with no experience?

No specific background experience is required for you to become an SEO Specialist. People often transition to jobs working in SEO from a variety of fields, including marketing and communication, business and IT.

Can you get an SEO job with no experience?

Although there are several ways to become an SEO expert, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Many SEO professionals started their careers in traditional marketing roles before concentrating on SEO, but this is not a difficult and fast rule. To become an SEO specialist, you do not need a specific background experience.

How long does it take to become an SEO specialist?

How long does it take to become an SEO specialist? The basis of search engine optimization should take at least three months to master. But when it comes to the advanced concepts, it can last anywhere from six to 12 months. It all depends on the platform you choose for your training.

Is SEO a good career 2020?

But according to a report published in Statista, the perceived level of ROI generated by SEO was much higher than other digital marketing channels. Thus, SEO has proven to be a promising digital marketing channel for businesses to invest in, as well as a lucrative career opportunity for many individuals.

Is SEO a Waste of time?

Focusing on SEO to increase your traffic at the cost of building real relationships with your audience is a waste of time. Worse, you never know what kind of SEO mistakes you make unless you acquire some basic SEO skills. You could be penalized for keyword stuffing or building bad backlinks.

Why is SEO a waste of money? â € œThe money spent on SEO is a complete waste. The first page rankings for keywords in my business are too competitive. The main results include corporations, news agencies and other insurmountable websites.

Is SEO worth it 2020?

The short answer is SEO is very effective – not only to generate traffic but also leads and sales. Don’t worry. The long answer includes research and data, not just empty statements. Most SEOs get too caught up in search-specific metrics like SERPs (search engine results page), rankings, and organic traffic.

Is it worth paying for SEO?

SEO is worth it if you have the right strategy and work with a partner who knows how to get results. About 93% of online experiences start with a search engine, and the next index of SEO leads is much higher than that of traditional marketing. So, SEO provides an impressive return on investment (ROI).

Does SEO Still Work 2020?

While some traditional marketing methods may become obsolete, SEO is here to stay in 2020. Whether you have invested early in SEO or are just starting out, it can still be a major driver of traffic and leads to your website.

Is SEO worth it for a small business?

Even if you choose to invest money in SEO, the ROI can more than double if the marketing campaign is well orchestrated. So, the simple answer is ‘yes’, SEO is worth it for any small business, even those that don’t work online.

Is search engine optimization a waste?

Basically, the answer is no, but that also depends a lot on your budget and goals as a company, which is a topic we’ll cover in a future post centered around finding the best SEO company versus the most affordable one.

Does SEO Still Work 2020?

While some traditional marketing methods may become obsolete, SEO is here to stay in 2020. Whether you have invested early in SEO or are just starting out, it can still be a major driver of traffic and leads to your website.

Who benefits from Search Engine Optimization?

SEO has important benefits for websites and can lead to long-term exponential growth. Brands that invest in SEO can build credibility and trust with audiences, making it a pivotal part of a digital marketing strategy.

Is SEO still relevant in 2021?

So, is SEO still a good investment in 2021, and beyond ?! Short answer: YES! SEO is more important than ever! It is still one of the most powerful digital marketing strategies that leads to long-term results.

Is SEO relevant in 2022?

Will SEO still be important in 2022? Yes of course. Although some SEO tactics that have been effective in the past have ceased to work, SEO has continued to evolve. Constantly reinventing itself to try to better match the user’s intent, cutting out the spamming, ineffective tactics to get better.

Is SEO important in 2021?

2021 was a huge year for SEO. This is partly due to the rapid growth of digital markets, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also responsible are massive Google algorithm updates. Undoubtedly, the trend in prominence and relevance in SEO continues in the new year.

How has SEO changed 2021?

The final and latest update will come in March 2021, when Google will start making mobile indexing first the default option for all websites. This means that the way your site is indexed and the content considered could change in March.

Is SEO difficult?

Basically, SEO is difficult because search engines are always changing and updating. It could be anything from Google changing the way it looks at a certain type of link, including a new major update to their algorithm, or even recognizing something new as a ranking factor.

How long does it take to learn SEO? If you can learn SEO for a few hours every day, then you can master the basics of SEO within 4-8 weeks and get your first SEO job done in 3-6 months. If you can learn SEO full time, then you can master the basics even within 1-2 weeks.

Is Learning SEO difficult?

Learning SEO is difficult because there is a lot of information to read about search engines and how optimization works, and this can be overwhelming at first.

Can I teach myself SEO?

There is no better resource I have found as a starting point for learning SEO than Moz’s Guide for Beginners on SEO. It’s free, and it starts answering the most basic questions like â € œWhat is SEO? Â € Read the entire guide once and you’ll know more than the people who send you those spam SEO emails every day.

Is Learning SEO worth it?

The short answer is SEO is very effective – not only to generate traffic but also leads and sales. Don’t worry. The long answer includes research and data, not just empty statements. Most SEOs get too caught up in search-specific metrics like SERPs (search engine results page), rankings, and organic traffic.

Is SEO good for beginners?

If you seriously want to improve search traffic and don’t know SEO, we recommend reading the Beginner’s Guide to SEO front-to-back. We have tried to make it as concise and easy to understand as possible, and learning the basics of SEO is an essential first step to achieving your online business goals.

When should I start doing SEO?

Regardless of whether you are launching a brand new website or launching a redesign for an existing website, the short answer to the question “When should I start SEO for my new website?” is the same – before it launches. . Or as an old Chinese proverb says: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

Is SEO good to learn?

Businesses have different marketing goals, but every company shares the desire to increase revenue – and that’s the overall goal of SEO. Improving your website with SEO allows you to rank at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs), triggering revenue-generating traffic.

Is SEO easy to learn?

The answer is simple. Learning SEO is difficult because there is a lot of information to read about search engines and how optimization works, and this can be overwhelming at first.

Is SEO a good career?

‘Yes. SEO is a good career choice because it is among the most sought after careers in the field of Digital Marketing. There are several organizations around the world, hiring SEO professionals to generate better content and therefore produce more business leads.

Is SEO a good career 2021? Regardless of the pandemic out there, SEO is now here to stay. As more and more customers get used to looking for products online, 2021 is the year to start a good career in Digital marketing and SEO. SEO is an art where you tailor featured content to rank better and appear faster on search engines.

Is SEO in high demand?

SEO professionals are in high demand as companies need search engine optimization to compete in most niches.

Is SEO a good career 2020?

But according to a report published in Statista, the perceived level of ROI generated by SEO was much higher than other digital marketing channels. Thus, SEO has proven to be a promising digital marketing channel for businesses to invest in, as well as a lucrative career opportunity for many individuals.

Is there demand for SEO?

Yes, SEO is a growing field, with SEO skills and digital marketing still in high demand. According to LinkedIn, there were more than 47,000 jobs that matched the keyword “SEO” in 2019 alone, and due to the increased digitalization by 2020, these numbers are likely to increase.

Is SEO a high paying job?

At the middle, SEO Specialist earns $ 49,000 a year, with the average salaries of SEO Managers sitting significantly higher, around $ 63,000. At the top end are SEO Directors — who typically earn between $ 70,000 and $ 120,000 — and SEO Team Manager and Campaign Managers, in the $ 50,000 to $ 100,000 range.

How much money does a SEO make?

How Much Does an SEO Specialist Earn in the United States? The average salary for an SEO Specialist in the United States is $ 52,894. The average additional cash compensation for an SEO Specialist in the United States is $ 4,722. The average total compensation for an SEO Specialist in the United States is $ 57,616.

Do SEO jobs pay well?

How much do SEOs earn? The average SEO professional earned $ 81,103 in 2018, which is higher than 2017. Agencies and freelancers are paid an average of $ 1,779 per client per month, more than $ 109 per year. Independent and agency SEOs charge their clients an average of $ 119 per hour.

Does SEO have a future?

SEO is now considered a long-term investment for businesses, with results appearing gradually over time. SEO is considered almost dead by many webmasters and business owners due to recent search engine algorithms. They believe that SEO is no longer effective and will never yield fruitful results.

Will SEO exist in 5 years?

SEO will not be eliminated within the next five years because social media and search engines will more than likely merge. Facebook has already begun to do just that: they average more than 1.5 billion searches a day. Twitter did the same; they joined in partnership with Google.

Is SEO a good career 2020?

But according to a report published in Statista, the perceived level of ROI generated by SEO was much higher than other digital marketing channels. Thus, SEO has proven to be a promising digital marketing channel for businesses to invest in, as well as a lucrative career opportunity for many individuals.