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.
