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Understand The Different Styles of Learning SEO and 
the Benefits of Each

By John Alexander

For this article I wanted to share a few of the different styles of learning SEO. In a minute, I'll outline the various types of learning SEO and I'll include those that offer some benefits and also those that leave out benefits. Then there are some that may appear interesting, but can turn out just to be snares best avoided. I also want to give you some tips on how to identify those with value from those that are just gimmicky. More about that in a minute. First lets talk about the different learning approaches.

Positive Experiences and Benefits:

Larger Conferences like Search Engine Strategies, Webmaster World or Pubcon have some good value. Of course there others that follow the large conference mixed with a trade show formula too. But some of the primary benefits of these types of learning opportunities include:

  • A wide array of speakers on multiple subjects
  • Usually they will feature at least a few multiple options for you to choose from
  • Usually feature very professional speakers
  • Interesting panel discussions
  • They often have round table discussions or some provision to participate
  • Usually a large turn out so there is opportunity to visit with friends or possibly even meet new client prospects
  • Will often have the availability of representatives from the search engines themselves, to answer questions
  • If you have never been to a larger search engine conference, you owe it to yourself to go
  • Fair value for money exchanged and depending on your interests

  Another method of learning SEO includes the more traditional Online SEO Training Courses.

These include places like Search Engine College, SEO Book, SEO Moz and of course there are many others popping up all the time. Some of the primary benefits of these types of learning opportunities include:

  • The benefit of studying on your own time and working according to your schedule
  • There is the benefit of studying quietly, without being surrounded by a crowd.
  • One thing you should watch for, is the length of time a company has been teaching and also whether or not there is any connection with an educational establishment. After all, any can hang out a sign and say they will teach SEO.
  • If it's an online course and you want to check it's validity - another simple test is simply to see if the company shows up on Google when you search for a phrase line Online SEO Training.

Another method of learning is by signing up for SEO related newsletters or Blogs. 

Benefits include:

  • Many of them offer free reading and based on the author you follow, free is hard to beat if what you learn by reading makes your Web site profitable.
  • Usually newsletters will not include detailed lessons but it's more like tips or advice that you may not have thought of.
  • Be careful of sales letters that are "over the top though." Some of these can get pretty nasty with types of funnel marketing where you buy a course or product only to be hammered over and over with other offers.
  • Again, ask your friends or others what they enjoy reading and learn to watch for sales copy that promises you'll "get rich by being lazy" which is an oxymoron.

Here are a couple of excellent Blogs I recommend you check out:

Andy Beal's Marketing Pilgrim and SEO By the Sea and if you enjoy free videos on SEO watch the Bay Area SEA Blog.

Another method of learning SEO is by attending a live hands-on SEO Workshop located in cities around the globe.

Benefits of attending a local community SEO Workshop include:

  • Personalized step by step SEO training over a few days
  • One on one attention to detail in a very small group environment
  • Get ALL your SEO questions answered
  • Everyone gets there Web site reviewed and are given an SEO priority plan
  • Personal interaction with your instructor
  • Combines teaching with hands on practice
  • No upselling - your tuition includes your class time and 6 month Mentoring program afterwards
  • Option to earn university CEUs (continuing education units)
  • Many different locations and dates to choose from
  • Beginners classes or advanced SEO training classes

Look for a class located closest to you.

Finally in summary, here are few tips to watch out for if something sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

Cautions and Quick Checks

Quick Checks before getting involved or placing any order.

  • On of the easiest things to do is to ask questions from someone who has completed an SEO course.
    - Were they happy with the experience
    - Are they getting better results on their Web site after applying what they learn
    - Look for the possibility of any testimonials   
    - When you search for the training Web site on Google (which has over 70% of the search market)
      does the training company come up in natural rankings (or can they only be found in paid or sponsored ads.)
  • Beware of Web sites where the web copy is self focused. Is someone saying they will work with you to teach you?
    Or are they only bragging about how good they are at optimization.
  • It never hurts to place a call and ask to speak to the trainer. Ask a few questions.
  • Beware of funnel marketers and people that claim unrealistic promises. 
  • How long has the company been training students. Is there any long term history?

These days there are people popping up all the time with new product launches, holding contests to see who can sell the most product. There is a lot of misinformation in today's marketplace and some people actually use the promise of SEO training only to lure in new clients. 

Please do your homework well and avoid disappointment. I wish you the very best in your SEO journey and pray that it will be an exciting and profitable one.

 


About John Alexander
John Alexander is Co-director of Training at Search Engine Workshops offering live, SEO Workshops with his partner SEO educator Robin Nobles, author of the very first comprehensive online search engine marketing courses. John
has taught SEO skills to people from 87 different countries world wide. 

John is also Director of Search Engine Academy with localized Search Engine Academy training centers where the Complete SEO Mastery Workshop and 6 Month Mentoring program is taught locally to business owners and individuals in communities across North America and Internationally in Asia and in Australia


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