Today’s Ask a SEO question comes from Moses from Nairobi, who asks:
What advice can you give to those who wish to enter the SEO profession starting from the best courses to follow from beginner to advanced.
First, I want to say that embarking on an SEO career is exciting. It is a profession that is always fast and evolving.
While taking courses is a great idea to start with, there is much more you can do to learn the ropes.
Don’t worry, I’ll still answer the question about courses, but I’ll give some additional tips as well.
Contents
1. Complete SEO Courses & Related Certifications
There are many free SEO courses that will give you a knowledge base. Below are a handful for you to consider:
Here is a more comprehensive list of SEO courses to look at: Best Free Online SEO Training Courses in 2021.
As you grow in your SEO career and learn more advanced tactics, you may find a specific area you want to focus on – Technical SEO, Link Building, or On-Page SEO, for example.
2. Create a Website You Can Use as Practice
Once you feel you have a good grasp of SEO practices, try your new knowledge.
When I wanted to get more experience with SEO, I built my own site so I could test the things I was learning.
Now, this was not the most aesthetically pleasing site, but it did give me hands-on experience in understanding the basic and technical aspects of SEO. It also allowed me to test different techniques and was a great learning tool.
I recommend using WordPress as your CMS and to make it easy, find an existing theme that you can try out.
Then, start applying your new SEO knowledge. Doing so will help you become familiar with HTML, optimization, and technical SEO.
If you’re wondering what the site should be, consider a blog on a topic you’re already interested in.
3. Watch Webinars & Listen to Podcasts
What I love about the SEO community is everyone’s willingness to share their knowledge and expertise.
There is no shortage of webinars and podcasts on a range of SEO topics. Even though I’ve been SEO for a long time, I’m still listening to learning from other experts in the field. Below is just a sample:
The following are not necessarily webinars or podcasts, but you’ll learn a ton!
Also, here is a list of more podcasts to look at: The 17 best SEO Podcasts for 2021.
Don’t Stop the Learning Process
In SEO, you are constantly learning. Continue to watch videos and listen to podcasts. Read daily, follow experts, and attend conferences.
You might even want to consider joining SEO groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Clubhouse.
Be sure to read How to Become an SEO Expert for even more success tips and joys to your path when becoming an SEO professional!
Editor’s note: Ask SEO is a weekly SEO advice column written by some of the industry’s top SEO experts, who have been hand-selected by Search Engine Journal. Have a question about SEO? Fill out our form. You might see your answer in the next #AskanSEO post!
