Where to Find SEO Classes

So you want to learn SEO but aren’t sure where to find the right SEO class for you. There is an almost endless myriad of training options available which can make choosing one difficult. Options like training centers, universities and colleges, apprenticeships, free resources, and websites like Coursera and Udemy all offer training resources for SEO. These options can vary in length and cost, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each in order to choose the appropriate course. 

Noble Desktop and other professional training centers

Noble Desktop offers a variety of classes, both live online and in-person in New York City. With the use of their ‘classes near me’ tool, you can compare different training centers and programs, assessing everything from subject matter to teaching style and curriculum to class dates and times. These courses are mostly centered on professional development, so they help students master the skills and principles of SEO needed to begin or advance their career. They also feature beginner-friendly classes suitable for hobbyists or casual learners. Classes with training centers can be shorter than pursuing a degree, but this can also mean they lack an immersive level of knowledge. These offerings focus on practical skills that you can instantly put to use, so they’re ideal for those looking to make career changes quickly. 

Colleges and Universities

If you’re willing to invest even more time and money, an undergraduate or graduate degree in marketing may be a good fit. These can range in length from two to four years and consist of hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of coursework. This length means that you will learn much more than in other shorter training programs. These programs require you to apply and get accepted, and ‌have prerequisites involving SAT and ACT scores, foreign language requirements, and a minimum acceptable GPA. College is substantially more expensive than other training options, too, costing between $27,000 and $100,000 per year. Of course, scholarships and financial aid are available, and community colleges can help make a degree more affordable. 

Coursera, Udemy and other on-demand platforms

Self-paced courses from websites like Coursera and Udemy can be a great way to learn as well. These classes are a great way to learn the ins and outs of SEO from whatever angle you find to be the most interesting, so if you want to learn about keywords, Google Analytics, on-page SEO, or off-page SEO, there are plenty of SEO experts with their own tutorials and blogs that can help.

If your schedule is complicated or you prefer to learn at your own pace, on-demand classes offer the most flexibility and freedom. All lessons are prerecorded and there’s no due dates or class times to worry about. You can skip any lessons you’ve already mastered or spend more time on more difficult subjects. With this comes the disadvantages of no live collaboration with other students or instant feedback from an expert instructor. While you’ll have more time to master challenging subjects, you won’t have someone to help walk you through those challenges or provide additional insight. 

It’s also important to remember that with more freedom comes less accountability. On-demand classes can work for independent learners who can keep themselves on task and motivated, but may not be the best fit for those who find motivation through accountability. Without scheduled class times and due dates, you may fall behind or take longer to complete your training. And without the right level of motivation, you can easily lose interest in completing the training altogether. 

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships were first developed in the late middle ages and are still used today. They can be a worthwhile method for learning as you’ll work hand-in-hand with a practicing industry professional to gain on-the-job skills. Apprenticeships rarely cost you anything financially, but they require a more significant time commitment. Think of an apprenticeship like a job; whether you pursue it part time or full time, it will require your sole attention and a set schedule. An apprenticeship not without its challenges, though. They can be harder to find and may involve competing with other candidates to earn your spot. And, while you’ll be doing the work of an SEO professional, you typically won’t be paid for that work. Finally, you won’t find many apprenticeships available for complete beginners, as most will expect you to have already mastered the basic concepts. 

YouTube and other free resources

There are, of course, free resources available for learning SEO. YouTube boasts a wide range of tutorials and informative videos on all kinds of SEO subjects: from short five-minute episodes on the fundamentals to more in-depth breakdowns of advanced topics. YouTube is a great way to explore your initial interest or get answers to specific questions in SEO. Other websites like WordPress, Google, and LinkedIn offer short free tutorials and trainings designed to help you grasp the history and basic principles of SEO. The drawback of these courses is that they will lack the in-depth knowledge and real-time interaction with an expert instructor that more immersive programs offer. With that in mind, it’s best to use these resources as a brief introduction to make sure you’re interested in the subject as opposed to the sole source of your education.