In this detailed and step-by-step guide, we look at the best free online courses which lead to SEO certification!
There is a huge debate about SEO certification. Are SEO certificates worth the paper they’re printed on? Or does it depend on who issues the certification?
This is what I mean:
Does it matter who is behind the certification? For instance, will it make a difference if you received a Google SEO certification?
Let me give you a moment to think about that.
For what it’s what, let me point that an SEO certification is evidence of your training and skills as an SEO professional. It authenticates and validates you as a certified SEO professional. And it should have pride of place on your CV, LinkedIn profile and mantelpiece.
But first, what is SEO and why does it matter?
As you know, SEO stands for search engine maximization.
It is the active practice of optimizing a website by strategically improving internal (on-site SEO) and external (off-site SEO) aspects in order to increase the traffic the site receives from Google and the other search engines.
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How Do I Become An SEO Expert? -Understanding SEO Certification
This is my answer to the question, How can I learn SEO? The easiest and quickest way to “learn SEO” and become an SEO expert is to become certified as an SEO professional or SEO practitioner.
SEO certification is awarded to anyone who successfully completes an SEO course either online or in a classroom setting. It shows that the SEO Professional has the requisite education, skills and expertise to work as an SEO Professional. I believe that’s the foundation to becoming an SEO expert.
How Can I Learn SEO? And How Do I Get SEO Certified?
There are two main ways to “learn SEO” and obtain SEO certification. You can either get an SEO online training certification or you can become certified by following a classroom-based course. Whichever route you take to get certified, the result will be the same: You become a certified SEO Professional.
Advantages of SEO Certification
A search engine optimization certification, which you receive after an SEO certification course, has the following benefits:
- Gives you a thorough understanding of SEO and how it works, including tools, strategies and best practices
- You learn how to apply proven SEO methods to organically generate relevant keyword phrases for any website
- Makes you become recognized for your SEO knowledge and expertise
- You receive a certificate which:
- Differentiates and distinguishes you in a crowded marketplace
- Allows you to demonstrate proficiency to prospective clients
- (If working in-house) shows that made good on the investment approved by your manager
- You become an SEO expert.
How Much Does SEO Training Cost?
There are both free and paid SEO training courses. While the focus of this article is SEO certification through free online courses and exams, it is worth noting that there are many paid alternatives. And for the benefit of those who may be interested, I will showcase a few of the paid search engine optimization training programs that are currently available.
Should I Learn SEO Or Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is a lot broader than SEO. Digital marketing is the component of marketing that utilizes internet and online based digital technologies such as desktop computers, mobile phones, social media, email marketing and other digital media and platforms to promote products and services.
It is probably too broad to specialize in, except you want to spend years studying it, say at a College or University.
I recommend you specialize in SEO, but also learn those aspects of digital marketing that are either relevant to your niche or useful to your career path. Seek to at least have a basic knowledge and understanding of digital marketing.
Which Certification is Best For Digital Marketing?
Here are some of the best digital marketing certifications you should consider obtaining
- SEMrush Academy Certification.
- Moz Academy Certification.
- Google AdWords Certification.
- Google Analytics Certification.
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification.
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification.
- Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification.
- Copyblogger Certified Content Marketer.
- Content Marketing Institute Online Certification.
- Facebook Ad Certification.
How Do I Get Google SEO Certification?
Good as it would sound to have a Google SEO certification, it simply doesn’t exist. That’s right.
Google does not provide any certification for SEO. Sorry 🙁
But don’t let that bother you. Because in this article, we will show you some amazing SEO certification programs. And come to think of it, Google can’t dapple into everything. It’s bad enough (or is it?) that Google has a stranglehold on the search engines.
What Is The Best SEO Certification?
Here, you will find a review of some of the best paid and free SEO certification courses. Please be aware that all SEO certification are usually valid for one year.
When you’re ready, let’s dive straight in.
Paid SEO Certification Courses
The Moz SEO Essentials Certificate (Series)
Presented by the Moz Academy, the Moz SEO Essentials Certification program is an instructor-led, six-part course that combines comprehensive, fundamental SEO education with actionable ways to implement your newfound skills using Moz Pro.
You’ll receive six hours of content guided by your instructors, test your knowledge with exams at the end of each of the five sections, and top it all off with shiny new credentials to share with your professional network, clients, and stakeholders.
Guided by your instructors, you’ll dive deep into each of the following core competency areas and topics that comprise good SEO:
- Fundamental SEO concepts
- Keyword research
- Page optimization
- Link building essentials
- Reporting on SEO
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is for anyone looking to learn and implement SEO quickly and efficiently, with the added benefit of maintaining proficiency over time.
Program Summary
- Course fee: $595
- Course duration: 6 – 8 hours