Top Best SEO courses (Free and Paid)

SEO Certification Course (HubSpot)

HubSpot, known for its comprehensive marketing and sales software, offers an SEO Certification Course that delves into the essentials of SEO. This course is meticulously designed to guide marketers through evaluating their current site's SEO performance, building robust backlink profiles, and mastering keyword research to boost search rankings. With a concise format of under four hours spread across six lessons, it's ideal for professionals looking to enhance their SEO knowledge efficiently.

SEO Training Course: Learn How To Get Organic Traffic From Search (Ahrefs)

Ahrefs, a leading SEO tools provider, presents a course specifically for SEO beginners. It begins with the foundational knowledge of why SEO is crucial for any online strategy, then advances through key areas such as keyword research, page optimization, and basic technical SEO. This course, comprising 14 lessons over two hours, is perfect for individuals starting their journey in SEO and looking to make immediate improvements in their website's search engine rankings.

Free SEO Training: SEO For Beginners (Yoast)

Yoast, creators of the widely-used WordPress SEO plugin, offers a compact course aimed at imparting basic SEO knowledge and actionable tips to quickly uplift your site’s ranking. Spanning two hours, this course is structured to provide a quick yet comprehensive understanding of SEO fundamentals, making it a go-to resource for beginners eager to apply SEO principles effectively.

SEO Training For Beginners (Shopify)

Shopify's contribution to SEO education focuses on ecommerce platforms, particularly beneficial for online retailers. This hour-long course is tailored to equip ecommerce entrepreneurs with the SEO skills necessary to optimize their Shopify stores, enhancing their digital storefront's visibility and potential customer reach.

Navigating On-Page And Technical SEO (Semrush)

Semrush offers an intermediate course covering the intricacies of on-page and technical SEO. This course, designed to last about an hour over eight lessons, dives into optimizing web elements for better rankings and identifying plus resolving issues that could impede search engine visibility. It's an excellent resource for SEO professionals looking to deepen their understanding of technical SEO components.

Intro To Search Engine Optimization (WordPress)

WordPress provides an introductory course that lays down the fundamentals of SEO. With content available on-demand and culminating in a certificate of completion, this course, roughly an hour in length, serves as a solid starting point for individuals new to SEO or those looking to refresh their basic knowledge.

A Beginner’s Guide To Local SEO (BrightLocal)

Local SEO is paramount for businesses aiming to capture the attention of customers in their immediate vicinity. BrightLocal Academy's course, lasting one and a half hours over eight lessons, is structured to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to dominate local search results, a critical aspect for local businesses and service providers.

Google SEO Fundamentals (Coursera/University Of California, Davis)

This course, offered through Coursera by UC Davis, is designed to quickly bring learners up to speed with SEO fundamentals. Covering on-page, off-page, and technical SEO, along with keyword research strategies, this comprehensive course requires 29 hours to complete. It's suited for individuals seeking a thorough understanding of SEO's various facets.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization (Coursera/University Of California, Davis)

Building on the basics, this specialization dives into competitive analysis, influencer relationship building, and SEO reporting. Spread over five courses and designed to be completed in three months at a pace of 10 hours a week, this program offers a deep dive into advanced SEO strategies, making it ideal for professionals aiming to elevate their SEO expertise to a strategic level.

These courses, vetted by the Codedesign SEO team, offer a diverse range of learning opportunities for individuals at different stages of their SEO learning journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing skills, these free resources provide valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed in the dynamic field of SEO. For more detailed insights and advanced digital marketing solutions, the Codedesign team encourages visiting our website at https://codedesign.org/, where we share our extensive experience and knowledge in the digital marketing realm.

Not so Free SEO Courses - Paid (our perspective)

The Codedesign SEO team has meticulously explored each paid SEO course, providing detailed insights and how these courses can significantly contribute to both foundational and advanced understanding in SEO. Here’s a deep dive into each of the paid courses:

Course	Strengths	Weaknesses	Opportunities	Threats
Simplilearn	Comprehensive curriculum from basics to advanced topics	Price may be prohibitive for some individuals	Certification can enhance professional credibility	Numerous alternatives may dilute its perceived value
Moz (Technical SEO Certification)	Focused on technical SEO, offering depth in a crucial area	Limited to technical aspects, may require supplementary learning in other SEO areas	Ideal for professionals aiming to specialize in technical SEO	Rapid changes in SEO can quickly outdate technical strategies
Moz (SEO Competitive Analysis Certification)	In-depth competitive analysis training	Focused narrowly on competitive analysis, missing broader SEO strategies	Opens avenues for niche specialization in SEO competitive analysis	Competitor strategies are constantly evolving, requiring ongoing learning beyond the course
ClickMinded	Comes with lifetime access to updates and mini-courses	High cost may deter individuals or small businesses	Comprehensive foundation in SEO with certification	Market saturation with SEO courses could impact its uniqueness
Market Motive/Simplilearn	Extensive course material covering all SEO aspects	The high price point and extensive time commitment	Provides a thorough understanding of SEO, suitable for advancing careers	The vast amount of content may overwhelm beginners
Bruce Clay	Leveraging Bruce Clay's extensive SEO expertise	High cost and assumes a base level of SEO knowledge	Access to a wealth of practical SEO tactics and strategies	The specificity of tactics may not apply to all industries or SEO goals
SERanking	Practical approach with a focus on Content SEO	Monthly subscription model adds up over time	Continuous access to updated content and tools	Dependency on SERanking ecosystem for practical application
MarketingProfs	Tailored for non-techie marketers, making SEO accessible	Limited depth for those seeking technical SEO knowledge	Broadens the skill set of marketers without needing deep technical knowledge	May not be sufficient for advancing to senior SEO roles
UC San Diego	Hands-on experience with practical SEO application	Single course with limited breadth in advanced topics	Enhances resume with practical skills and university credential	The cost and localized focus may not appeal to all international professionals
University Of Phoenix	Structured learning with a focus on competitive analysis and strategy	Costly for a short duration course	Provides a strong foundation in SEO strategies	The evolving nature of SEO may require additional continuous learning
University Of Cape Town	Work-ready skills with live site experience	Geographically focused with potential limitations on global SEO practices	Unique opportunity for practical experience on an ecommerce site	Specific focus may not cover all aspects of SEO comprehensively
University Of Toronto	Micro-credential from a reputable institution	High cost for a relatively short course	Focused on strategic SEO development	The rapidly changing SEO landscape requires ongoing education beyond the course

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Training Course (Simplilearn)

Simplilearn’s Advanced SEO Course is designed to prepare participants for a comprehensive role as a full-stack SEO professional. The course covers a wide spectrum, from the foundational aspects of SEO to advanced topics like off-page optimization, content marketing strategy, and analytics management. The flexibility of self-paced or instructor-led options caters to different learning preferences, making it an ideal choice for professionals looking to solidify their SEO skills comprehensively.

Technical SEO Certification (Moz)

Moz's Technical SEO Certification course is aimed at enhancing technical SEO knowledge from beginner to intermediate levels. Topics such as crawlability, indexability, accessibility, and site performance are covered in depth over three hours of instructor-led content, culminating in a final exam. Priced at $395, this course is a valuable investment for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the technical aspects of SEO.

SEO Competitive Analysis Certification (Moz)

This Moz Academy course targets intermediate to advanced SEO professionals, focusing on competitive analysis. It teaches how to identify and analyze competitors’ SEO strategies, conduct comprehensive audits, and evaluate social media presence. The course, priced at $395, includes three hours of content plus a final exam, offering valuable insights into competitive SEO landscape navigation.

SEO Certification (ClickMinded)

ClickMinded provides an SEO certification course tailored for busy professionals, covering the essentials of SEO. Upon completion, participants receive a certification and lifetime access to five mini-SEO courses, enhancing their long-term learning journey. The course, requiring three to six hours of commitment, starts at $999, positioning it as a premium option for those serious about gaining a solid foundation in SEO.

Advanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Certification Training (Market Motive/Simplilearn)

For those looking to delve deeper into SEO, this course offers over 30 hours of self-paced video content, including exams and certification, for $899. It's an extensive program covering all aspects of SEO, ideal for individuals aiming to elevate their SEO skills to an advanced level.

SEO Training (Bruce Clay)

Bruce Clay's SEO Training offers a comprehensive learning experience covering from beginner to advanced SEO tactics over 15 hours across 48 videos. Priced at $1,495 for a one-year membership, this course is an investment in high-level SEO mastery, leveraging Bruce Clay's extensive expertise in the field.

SEO Basics (SERanking)

SERanking’s course covers every aspect of SEO and includes a separate module on Content SEO. With 41 lessons over 6 hours, this course is structured to provide a thorough understanding of SEO practices. Starting at $44/month, it offers a practical approach to SEO, complemented by a 14-day free trial.

The (Non-Techie) Marketer’s Guide To SEO (MarketingProfs)

Designed for marketers without a technical background, this program demystifies SEO, offering specific steps to improve rankings without needing coding knowledge. The course comprises 7 lessons, each lasting 60-90 minutes, and is part of a $279 annual subscription, making it accessible for marketers looking to enhance their SEO skills.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) And Marketing (University Of California, San Diego)

UC San Diego’s course provides foundational SEO knowledge and practical experience, priced at $695. It’s designed for those looking to gain hands-on skills in performing the duties of an SEO specialist, offering valuable insights into effective website structuring and optimization strategies.

Search Engine Optimization (University Of Phoenix)

This course, priced at $1,194, is structured over five weeks and offers three credit hours. It focuses on competitive analysis, keyword strategy, and developing a crawler-friendly site architecture, providing a solid base for understanding SEO concepts and strategies.

Search Engine Optimization (University Of Cape Town)

Offering live experience on an ecommerce WordPress site, this 10-week course equips participants with practical SEO tactics and best practices. Priced for 10 hours a week of commitment, it includes an industry-recognized certificate from Africa’s top university, making it a unique opportunity for work-ready SEO skills development.

Foundations Of Search Engine Optimization (University Of Toronto)

This 15-hour micro-course is priced at $559 Canadian and focuses on competitive research and SEO strategy development. Participants gain a thorough understanding of Google’s workings and receive a micro-credential upon completion, enhancing their professional profile in the SEO industry.

The Codedesign SEO team recommends these courses for professionals looking to enhance their skills in specific areas of SEO. Each course offers unique insights and advanced knowledge, catering to various learning needs and career goals. For further exploration of advanced digital marketing solutions and insights, visit Codedesign. Our team is committed to sharing extensive experience and knowledge in digital marketing, helping professionals stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Even with new language models the significance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) cannot be overstated. As algorithms change and new trends emerge, professionals in the field must continually adapt and learn. To underscore this point, we've reached out to industry experts for their insights on the importance of continuous learning in SEO and their recommendations for courses and learning paths. Here's what they had to say:

Expert Insights on Continuous Learning in SEO

Alexa Martinez, SEO Strategist at Codedesign: "SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it type of strategy. It's about adapting, testing, and evolving. The courses offered by platforms like HubSpot and Ahrefs provide a solid foundation, but the learning doesn't stop there. Engaging with communities and forums, such as Moz's SEO community, can offer real-time insights and solutions to the challenges SEO professionals face daily."

Benjamin Clarke, Chief Technology Officer, Codedesign: "The landscape of SEO is in constant flux. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. This is why I emphasize the importance of platforms like Coursera and Simplilearn, which offer courses that delve into advanced SEO strategies and technical SEO. They keep their curriculum updated, ensuring that learners are always at the forefront of the latest SEO trends."

Danielle Adams, Freelance SEO Consultant: "In my experience, nothing beats hands-on practice. However, courses, especially those with practical components like the University of Cape Town's offering, can significantly enhance your understanding and application of SEO principles. I recommend starting with a comprehensive course and then specializing in areas such as local SEO or technical SEO, depending on your career focus."

Elijah Young, SEO Manager at a Leading E-commerce Platform: "The SEO field requires a perpetual learner's mindset. Tools and platforms like Semrush and Moz offer not just courses but also a suite of tools to practice what you've learned. Implementing SEO strategies and monitoring their impact using these tools can provide invaluable learning experiences that go beyond traditional course content."

The Path Forward in SEO Education

From the insights shared by our experts, a few key themes emerge:

• Foundation and Specialization: Start with a broad, comprehensive course to build a solid SEO foundation, then specialize based on your interests and career needs.
• Practical Application: Look for courses that offer practical, hands-on learning opportunities. Implementing real-world projects and using SEO tools are invaluable for understanding the nuances of SEO.
• Continuous Update: Engage with continuous learning platforms and communities to stay updated with the latest SEO trends, tools, and strategies.

Recommendations for Aspiring SEO Professionals

Based on our discussions with industry experts, the following steps are recommended for those looking to deepen their SEO knowledge:

• Begin with foundational courses from reputable sources like HubSpot or Ahrefs to grasp the basics of SEO.
• Specialize in areas that align with your career goals, whether that be technical SEO, content marketing, or local SEO, through platforms such as Moz or Coursera.
• Practice and implement your knowledge using real-world projects and SEO tools.
• Stay engaged with the SEO community through forums, blogs, and webinars to keep abreast of the latest trends and strategies.

As we navigate the dynamic world of SEO, the consensus among experts is clear: continuous learning is not just beneficial; it's essential. For those eager to embark on or advance their SEO journey, the resources and paths are plentiful. The key is to start, keep learning, and remain adaptable to the ever-changing digital marketing landscape.

For more insights and guidance on navigating the complexities of digital marketing and SEO, visit Codedesign at https://codedesign.org/. Here, you'll find a wealth of resources and expertise to support your digital marketing endeavors.

Frequently asked questions