The Best SEO Training Options

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most cost-effective forms of Internet marketing. If you're reading this article, it's most likely because you're on a quest to decipher the world of SEO and you need help. Fortunately, there's an array of training formats and services that you can take advantage of to learn the art and science of SEO.

Static Versus Interactive Options

As you go through the various options discussed below, it's important for you to realize that SEO will appear to be a very nebulous approach to Internet marketing. The history of SEO is complex and you're going to have a lot of questions. That said, I've divided the SEO training options into 2 types: Static and Interactive.

Static options consist of a series methods to learn SEO by someone telling you what to do. It's very limited because of the uni-directional nature of the information. In other words, the information flows in one direction: From the source to you. You can get something out of these methods but don't expect to get to an advanced level. A book, for example, can only take yo so far in this field.

Contrast this with interactive options which are the best case scenario. Why? Because you want to get feedback from an experienced professional while you're learning.

Static "One-Way" Options

You can learn from these but don't expect feedback.

SEO Books

There are SEO books available but they all have one major flaw: They get dated quickly. You might be able to get a general overview of SEO as well as some worthwhile techniques but knowing why you're implementing specific techniques is just as important as knowing how to do so. A lot of books won't cover the "why" and will simply tell you to do use this technique or that method.

SEO Software

While a number of software options exist, few will teach you very much. Sure, the companies that produce these products will tell you everything you want to hear and boast about how easy it is to use their software but if you don't know what the information means, you won't get far. SEO software may be useful as a tool but it will never replace true knowledge. I woldn't recommend it as teaching tool. Your marketing is just too important.

SEO Videos

A few companies have developed SEO video tutorials. These may answer some of your questions but you'll never get the most current, big picture. Also, you're typically relying on one approach to the subject. What if you want multiple perspectives on the best way to use a given technique? You probably won't find it here.

Video Tutorials

You can find short video tutorials on YouTube for basic ideas but you'll need someone to help you put it into context. For example, you can watch a video on using directories for link building but you wouldn't necessarily be made aware of the fact that it's a somewhat dated concept that is only used as part of larger linking campaigns nowadays, if at all.

Slideshow Presentations

Some websites like SlideShare have PowerPoint presentations with general guides to topics like SEO. You may be able to learn something from them but they are often too vague to be of any value to the novice student.

Conference Tutorials

In some cases, you may be able to find videos or other media summarizing SEO conference sessions where key ideas have been discussed. Again, the lack of context could make it difficult for a novice to follow. Still, some good ideas that you haven't thought of or come across may be provided so this could be worthwhile for continuing education.

Interactive Options

The best SEO training options are always the ones with highly qualified trainers who have experience teaching. Your Internet marketing shouldn't be left to amateurs or one-sided debaters. It's just too important, especially in today's competitive technologically-savvy world. Do you want a taxi driver who got his license yesterday or a few years ago? Would you prefer to hire a lawyer who graduated last week or one that has years of experience on cases just like yours?

Blogs & Forums

While blogs and forums seem like great places to learn SEO, they are actually full of people who have no idea what they are talking about. I wouldn't recommend these for people who are just beginning to learn about SEO. They're much better suited for individuals who have some basic experience and know how to differentiate the non-sense from reality.

One-On-One SEO Training

In this format, you can learn SEO by hiring a professional to walk you through all of the important steps you need to achieve master-level results. This is the best option for anyone who wants to truly learn what it takes to get to the top, convert visitors, and retain them.

Corporate SEO Training

Larger companies have unique needs, such as bringing individuals and small teams from different departments together to learn about SEO. If they don't have someone in-house, they could benefit from having an experienced expert teach a workshop.

* Copyright 2009, Brian Rotsztein. You may only republish this article online provided you keep the byline, the author's note, and the active hyperlinks.

The author of this article, Brian Rotsztein, has been working with clients since the 1990s. He has helped businesses achieve incredible return-on-investments with their Internet strategies. This professional SEO and Internet marketing consultant trains everyone from small businesses to large corporate teams. You can read more original articles on his blog Purposive Internet Marketing which consists of experience-based ideas.

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