Jeez… SEO. A topic so complex even the experts occasionally admit that they're mostly at the mercy of Google's technical whims.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be arming yourself with the proper knowledge of best practices and advanced strategies.
If you're gonna succeed at search engine optimization, you need to understand what makes that world spin. And there's no shortage of excellent information available online for those hungry to get their sites into the coveted top spots on Google SERPs.
In this post we take a look at the best SEO courses available in 2024.
We weigh up their offerings' respective pros and cons and give you a final verdict on where you should start (or continue) your journey towards SEO mastery.
1. Ryan Stewart – The Blueprint Training
Price
$199 monthly or $1,999 yearly.
Course Overview
The Blueprint Training by Ryan Stewart adopts an innovative approach to SEO education, with a specific focus on catering to the needs of SEO agencies. The course promotes a new approach called the ‘5 Pillar Growth Framework,’ which aims to tackle the main challenges experienced by SEO agencies.
In addition to the innovative framework, the course offers a wealth of resources including evergreen training videos and private working sessions, making it a comprehensive guide for any aspiring SEO agency owner. The inclusion of a private community for networking and knowledge sharing further enhances the value of this course, making it a worthwhile investment for those serious about succeeding in the SEO agency space.
Pros
Structured Learning: The course content is well-organized and designed to be completed sequentially, guiding learners through the process of running a campaign from start to finish.
Practical Tools: It includes practical resources such as automated Google Sheets, email templates, and slide decks, which can be directly applied in real-world scenarios.
Community Support: Enrollees gain access to a private Slack channel for support and interaction with Ryan Stewart and other course members.
In-depth Modules: The course dives deep into each topic, providing detailed guidance and strategies.
Successful Outcomes: Many students have reported significant improvements in their business operations and SEO skills after completing the course.
Cons
Overwhelming Content: The course is extremely detailed, which can be overwhelming, especially if rushed through.
Target Audience Clarity: It may be more suited for individuals who already have some background in SEO or are running an SEO agency, rather than absolute beginners.
2. Yoast SEO Academy
Price
Full access to all the Yoast SEO Academy courses costs $99 per year.
Course Overview
Yoast SEO Academy sets itself apart by providing an array of courses that cater to all levels of SEO expertise, from novice to advanced. The courses are developed by a team of world-class SEO experts and university-trained teachers, ensuring that the content is both high-quality and easy to understand. One of the standout features of Yoast’s online courses, is the inclusion of ready-to-use templates, which can greatly simplify the process of implementing an SEO strategy. Whether you’re just starting out in SEO or looking to enhance your existing skills, Yoast SEO Academy is worth considering.
Pros
Practical Learning: The courses are designed to provide practical skills, with real-life best practices, templates, step-by-step plans, and quizzes to enhance long-term knowledge retention.
Quality of Content: The courses are developed by world-class SEO experts and offer engaging, easy-to-follow content.
Diverse Learning Formats: Yoast SEO Academy offers different formats such as webinars, conferences, and a variety of courses to suit different learning styles.
Certifications: Upon completion, you receive certifications that validate your SEO knowledge and can be displayed on your website or LinkedIn profile, enhancing your credibility and career prospects.
Cons
Time Commitment: The courses, especially the more comprehensive ones, can take significant time to complete, requiring a commitment of several hours.
Limited Focus on Link Building: The Off-page SEO component of the course has been noted as a weaker point, with a focus on email marketing, social media marketing, and guest blog posting rather than a broader approach to link building strategies.
3. ClickMinded SEO Course
Price
The ClickMinded SEO Course comes in at $999.
Course Overview
Under the guidance of seasoned SEO strategist Tommy Griffith, ClickMinded SEO Course provides an in-depth insight into SEO, emphasizing practical tactics that can be implemented right away. The course covers a range of topics, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building, providing a solid foundation for anyone looking to improve their website’s search performance.
One of the standout features of this course is its practical approach to SEO, with a focus on tactics that have been proven to work in the real world. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a hands-on approach to learning SEO.
Pros
Self-Paced and Detailed: Each class is self-paced, taking between 3 and 6 hours to complete, allowing for flexibility in learning.
Lifetime Access and Updates: Students receive free lifetime updates, ensuring they stay current with new marketing trends.
Certification: Upon completion, students receive a certificate which can be used to enhance marketing portfolios and LinkedIn profiles.
Experienced Instructor: The course is taught by Tommy Griffith, who has substantial experience optimizing search engines for companies like Airbnb and PayPal.
Diverse Learning Materials: Includes walkthroughs, actionable templates, strategy guides, and a blog for additional learning and application of strategies.
Cons
Lack of Personal Support: The course does not offer one-on-one support from the instructors, nor does it provide a community for students to share experiences and ideas.
No Job Placement Assistance: There is no help with job placements, which may be a drawback for those looking to leverage their new skills in the job market.
Cost Consideration: The course can be expensive, with individual courses priced at $497 and bundles costing more.
4. The Affiliate Lab – Matt Diggity
Price
Matt Diggity's SEO course at the Affiliate Lab costs $997.
Course Overview
Matt Diggity’s The Affiliate Lab is notable for its singular emphasis on attaining financial independence through SEO. The course combines evergreen business tactics with real-world SEO strategies, providing a comprehensive guide to building and growing a successful online business. The course’s strong emphasis on practical SEO tactics and its supportive community of nearly 4,000 successful students make it a standout choice for anyone looking to make a significant monetary transformation through SEO.
With its focus on achieving financial freedom and a comprehensive approach to SEO, The Affiliate Lab is a course that’s worth considering for anyone serious about succeeding in the world of SEO.
I've also written a full Affiliate Lab review and ranked them #1 for best affiliate marketing courses.
Pros
Regular Updates: The course material is regularly updated, ensuring that the content stays relevant with the ever-evolving nature of SEO and digital marketing.
Active Community Support: Enrollees gain access to a private Facebook group with over 3,800 members, providing a platform for interaction and support among peers.
Expertise of Matt Diggity: The course leverages Matt Diggity's extensive experience in SEO and affiliate marketing, offering insights from a well-known expert in the field.
Diverse Learning Materials: The Affiliate Lab includes various supplemental materials like templates, checklists, and SOPs to assist in practical application.
Cons
Focus on Outsourced Content Creation: The content creation module mainly focuses on outsourcing, which might not be ideal for those looking to create content themselves.
No Refunds: The Affiliate Lab has a no-refund policy, which means that all sales are final, posing a risk for those unsure about the investment.
5. Authority Hacker – Mark Webster and Gael Breton
Price
The Authority Hacker SEO course with Mark Webster and Gael Breton comes in at $1,997.
Course Overview
Developed by Mark Webster and Gael Breton, Authority Hacker is an extensive SEO course dedicated to the creation and growth of search rankings for authority sites. The course covers a wide range of topics, including:
keyword research
content creation
link building
monetization strategies
This focus on practical, real-world SEO strategies, popular search engines, and content marketing makes website optimization a standout option for anyone looking to build a successful online presence.
With its comprehensive coverage of SEO topics and supportive community, Authority Hacker is a great choice for anyone serious about succeeding in the world of SEO, offering valuable seo tools.
Beginner-Friendly: The course is designed to be accessible for beginners, covering everything from domain selection to hosting setup with detailed video tutorials.
Extensive Keyword Research Process: It offers an extensive process for conducting keyword research, which is crucial for building a profitable authority website.
Focus on Authority Site Model: The course follows an authority site model, aiming to create websites that rank high in search results and become profitable.
Quality Video and Written Content: The course features a blend of video and written lessons for each module, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Long-Term Approach: The course emphasizes a long-term strategy for building affiliate sites, aiming for sustainable and profitable business outcomes.
Active Community Support: An active Facebook group community offers support and collaboration opportunities.
Regular Updates: The course content is consistently updated, and these updates are free for existing members.
Variety of Monetization Strategies: It covers various strategies for monetizing traffic, particularly through affiliate marketing.
Cons
Monthly Subscription for Recommended Tools: Some recommended tools for link building and other tasks come with monthly subscription fees, which can add to the overall cost.
Basic-Level Facebook Group: The course's Facebook group is helpful for beginners but may not offer advanced-level discussions for more experienced users.
Additional Expenses: Extra costs are associated with premium tools recommended for site and link building, such as Ahrefs, which can amount to around $50-100 per month.
6. Coursera – SEO Specialization
Price
Coursera's SEO Specialization course is free.
Course Overview
The SEO Specialization offered by the University of California, Davis on Coursera is remarkable for its comprehensive coverage of the subject. It provides a deep dive into the world of SEO, covering a broad range of topics, from keyword research to on-page SEO and data analysis. The course structure encourages learners to invest a significant amount of time (about 3 months) into honing their SEO skills, making it suitable for those who are serious about mastering SEO. The course’s adherence to Google SEO fundamentals, coupled with the opportunity to earn a shareable career certificate upon completion, adds to its appeal.
Pros:
Practical Skills: The program emphasizes practical, real-world skills applicable to digital marketing or online content development.
Self-Paced Learning: It allows for self-paced study, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
Expert Instructors: The course is taught by experienced professionals like Eric Enge, Dave Lloyd, and Rebekah May, who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry insights.
Hands-On Project: The Capstone Project provides an opportunity to apply learned skills in a comprehensive SEO consulting task.
Positive Reviews: Many students have given positive feedback, appreciating the clarity of instruction and the practical insights provided.
Cost-Effective: The program offers free and low-cost options, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Cons:
Delayed Instructor Responses: Some students have noted that instructors can be slow in responding to queries on discussion boards.
Publicly Available Information: Some of the required reading materials are publicly accessible, which could be a downside for those looking for exclusive content.
7. SEMRush Academy
Price
SEMRush Academy is 100% free.
Course Overview
SEMRush is one of the original SEO tools and one of the market leaders, so they definitely know what they're talking about. Check out my SEMRush review for a little background on the tool itself but when it comes to their courses…
Semrush Academy is an invaluable resource for those who aspire to explore the world of digital marketing and SEO without any financial burden. Its free courses cover a wide range of topics, ensuring a well-rounded education in SEO.
The course content is created by top marketing experts, ensuring that the strategies taught are not just theoretical but have been tried and tested in the real world. The cherry on top is the valuable certification that learners can earn upon completing the courses, which can serve as a significant boost to their professional profiles.
Pros
Well-Structured Courses: The courses are well-organized, breaking down main topics into subtopics for a step-by-step learning process. Each course includes videos, readings, and short quizzes.
Certificates: Upon completion of a course, learners can take an exam to earn a certificate, which can be a valuable addition to a resume.
Access to Professionals: The courses are created with the input of industry professionals, providing expert opinions and insights.
Free and Self-Paced: All courses are free, and learners can progress at their own pace, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Global Accessibility: Courses are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Lifetime Access and Content Updates: Learners have lifetime access to courses, and SEMrush Academy regularly updates its content to keep it relevant.
Cons
Lack of Hands-On Training: Some users have noted that the courses are heavily theoretical and lack practical exercises. This could be a drawback for those looking to apply their knowledge directly.
Monotony in Videos: The video lectures, while informative, can become tedious as some are just a person talking throughout.
Limited Exercise Options: The courses lack diverse exercise options to test knowledge application, relying primarily on exams.
Content Specific to SEMrush Tools: Some courses are focused on using SEMrush tools, which might not be as useful for those who don't use this software.
8. HubSpot Academy's SEO Training Course
Price
The HubSpot Academy's SEO Training Course is free.
Course Overview
HubSpot Academy’s SEO Training Course is tailored to meet the needs of marketers and content creators who aim to bolster their SEO skills. Over a span of just under 4 hours, this course covers a range of topics including:
SEO basics
On-page and technical SEO
Keyword research
Link building
SEO reporting
The course’s broad scope and focus on practical applications make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their website’s search performance. The addition of a certification upon completion adds to the appeal of this free course, making it a great starting point for individuals looking to dive into the world of SEO.
Pros
High User Ratings: HubSpot Academy courses, including the SEO Training Course, generally receive positive reviews for their content and structure, reflecting their quality and usefulness.
Flexibility and Ease of Use: The course offers flexibility as it is self-paced and accessible online. You can pause and resume the course as needed, which is convenient for learners with busy schedules.
Comprehensive Learning: HubSpot Academy courses cover a broad range of topics, from basic to advanced concepts, catering to learners at different levels.
Practical and Theoretical Knowledge: The course aims to provide practical knowledge that can be applied in real-world scenarios, alongside theoretical understanding.
Career Advancement: Completing the course and earning a certification can be beneficial for your resume and may help advance your career in digital marketing.
Cons
General Nature of the Course: Some users might find the course to be more general in nature, focusing on broader marketing strategies rather than in-depth, specific SEO tactics.
Possibility of Overwhelming Content: The course covers a wide array of topics, which can be overwhelming for beginners or those looking for more targeted learning.
Summary: Our Verdict on 2024's Best SEO Courses
When it comes to real-world value, Ryan Stewart's SEO offering at The Blueprint Training can't be beaten. It's comprehensive, it's accessible, and it offers terrific support from a knowledgeable community.
Don't completely discount the other products on our list, though. Yoast SEO Academy's practical approach to learning and ClickMinded's lifetime access to their material make both of these options serious contenders.
Regardless of what you choose, you can rest assured that delving into each course's material will result in a considerable boost in your understanding of SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best course on SEO?
Check out these 10 popular SEO courses for the best options to choose from.
Which Google certification is best for SEO?
The best Google certification for SEO would be the “Google SEO Fundamentals” course offered by Coursera, which covers essential SEO practices and strategies. This certification can provide a solid foundation for understanding and implementing SEO techniques.
How to learn SEO for free?
You can learn SEO for free through online platforms like Semrush Academy, HubSpot Academy, Udemy, Codecademy, and Coursera. These platforms offer courses and certifications to help you enhance your SEO skills and knowledge. Once you have gone through the courses you can then find a good tool for SEO audits and start practicing your skills.
What are some of the top SEO courses available in 2024?
In 2024, some of the top SEO courses available include Coursera's Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization, Semrush Academy, HubSpot Academy's SEO Training Course, and others. These courses offer comprehensive training in SEO techniques and strategies.
