Have you ever searched for something online and wondered why certain websites always land at the top of your search results? That’s the magic of SEO or Search Engine Optimization. However, if you’re interested in learning how to make websites stand out and attract more visitors, exploring the best SEO courses online might be just what you need.

Here are the best SEO courses online:

1. Google Digital Garage: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
2. HubSpot Academy SEO Certification Course
3. Coursera – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization by UC Davis
4. Udemy – Complete SEO Training With Top SEO Expert Peter Kent!
5. SEMrush Academy
6. Moz Academy
7. LinkedIn Learning – SEO Foundations
8. Simplilearn – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Training Course
9. Yoast SEO Academy
10. Codecademy – Learn Search Engine Optimization

For students and aspiring professionals keen to carve out a niche in digital marketing, learning SEO can significantly boost their skills and open up exciting career opportunities. Additionally, learning SEO with SEO courses online can equip them with the expertise to drive traffic and make any website stand out. Therefore, let’s start!

Best SEO Courses Online: Criteria for Selection

Choosing the best SEO courses online requires a detailed evaluation based on several key factors to ensure the training is comprehensive and practical. Since you’re a beginner, I did the heavy work and wrote this article.

The criteria that I used to review these courses include:

1. Content Quality: The course must cover all essential aspects of SEO, from basics like keyword research and on-page optimization to advanced topics such as technical SEO and analytics. Furthermore, the content should be up-to-date with the latest SEO practices and algorithms.
2. Expert Reviews: Courses recommended or taught by recognized SEO experts and industry leaders are preferred because these professionals bring invaluable real-world experience and insights.
3. Practical Applications: We look for courses that include hands-on exercises, real-life case studies, and projects that allow learners to apply what they have learned in a practical setting, enhancing their understanding and skills.
4. User Feedback: Lastly, student and participant reviews play a crucial role. Additionally, feedback regarding the course’s impact on their professional capabilities and career advancement provides insights into its effectiveness.

Moreover, I have also written a guide for the best content-writing courses, which you can check here.

Top 10 Best SEO Courses Online Reviewed

So, here are the top SEO courses that you can check out:

1. Google Digital Garage: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

This course, offered by Google, is part of a larger suite that covers a broad range of fundamentals in digital marketing, including a dedicated and comprehensive module on SEO. Additionally, it’s designed to help beginners understand and apply SEO concepts to improve website visibility and performance.

Cost: Free

Certification: Yes, participants receive a certificate upon completion, which Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University accredit.

Pros:

• Accessibility: Free and easily accessible to anyone interested in learning fundamental SEO principles.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Provides a good foundation in digital marketing, focusing on practical SEO strategies.
• Certification: The certification from a reputed organization like Google can add significant value to your resume.

Cons:

• Basic Level: You may not delve deeply into advanced SEO techniques, but it is more suitable for beginners.
• Broad Focus: As part of a broader digital marketing course, the SEO module might not be as detailed as standalone SEO courses.

Personal Feedback:

Google Digital Garage’s SEO module is an excellent starting point for beginners. Additionally, the course does a fantastic job of demystifying SEO and provides actionable advice that learners can immediately apply. However, more advanced courses might be required to cover all bases for those looking to specialize deeply in SEO.

2. HubSpot Academy SEO Certification Course

The HubSpot Academy SEO Certification Course offers a comprehensive overview of SEO, including modern SEO strategies, website optimization, link building, and content creation. Moreover, the course is designed to help users understand how search engines work and how to optimize websites to increase organic search traffic. Hence, it can be one of the Best SEO Courses Online.

Cost: Free

Certification: Yes, certified by HubSpot Academy

Pros:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: This program covers a wide range of SEO topics, making it ideal for those looking to start or enhance their SEO knowledge.
• Practical Examples: Provides actionable advice and practical examples that can be applied directly to any website.
• Industry Recognition: HubSpot is a well-known name in the marketing industry, and its certification is highly regarded.

Cons:

• Essential to Intermediate Focus: More experienced SEO professionals may find the content somewhat basic.
• Marketing Focused: Heavily centered around inbound marketing, which might only cater to some aspects of SEO.

Additionally, the course’s strength lies in its ability to break down complex SEO topics into digestible and actionable segments. Furthermore, it benefits those new to digital marketing or small business owners looking to learn SEO basics.

3. Coursera – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization by UC Davis

This specialization offered by UC Davis on Coursera provides an in-depth exploration of SEO, covering the latest trends and techniques. Additionally, it encompasses several courses that build upon each other, culminating in a hands-on project that applies the skills learned.

Cost: Subscription-based, typically around $39-$79 per month, depending on the subscription plan chosen.

Certification: Yes, participants earn a certificate after completing the specialization.

Pros:

• Depth of Content: Offers detailed, advanced insights into SEO beyond basic principles.
• Structured Learning Path: The course is broken down into manageable segments that build on each other for comprehensive learning.
• Hands-on Project: Includes a capstone project that allows learners to practice SEO strategies in a real-world scenario.

Cons:

• Cost Barrier: Requires a monthly subscription, which might be a barrier for those seeking free resources.
• Time Commitment: This course is more intensive than other courses, requiring a significant time investment to complete all modules and the project.

Additionally, this specialization is ideal for individuals committed to mastering SEO. Moreover, the comprehensive content and prestigious certification justify the subscription cost, making it a valuable investment for career growth in SEO.

4. Udemy – Complete SEO Training With Top SEO Expert Peter Kent!

This course on Udemy, led by SEO expert Peter Kent, covers all aspects of SEO, from the basics to advanced strategies. It’s designed for those who want a thorough understanding of every element of SEO, including keyword research, technical SEO, link building, and content strategy.

Cost: Paid (varies based on Udemy’s pricing model and discounts)

Certification: Certificate of completion

Pros:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Extensive material that encompasses all areas of SEO.
• Expert Instruction: Taught by a recognized SEO expert with extensive industry experience.
• Flexibility: Accessible at any time, allowing for self-paced learning.

Cons:

• Variable Pricing: Cost can be a barrier depending on Udemy’s dynamic pricing.
• No Hands-On Experience: Lacks practical, hands-on projects essential for applying SEO knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Personal Feedback:

I found Peter Kent’s approach on Udemy exceptionally detailed, making it ideal for learners who prefer in-depth learning. Furthermore, the course’s broad scope is perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to deepen their SEO knowledge. However, the lack of practical assignments means learners must find additional ways to practice their skills. Hence, it can be one of the Best SEO Courses Online.

5. SEMrush Academy

SEMrush Academy offers a range of free SEO courses that cover everything from basic SEO principles to advanced tactics and SEMrush tools. Hence, this makes it an excellent resource for beginners and experienced professionals looking to refine their use of SEMrush for SEO tasks. Therefore, it earned a place among the top-rated SEO Courses Online.

Cost: Free

Certification: Yes, upon completing the courses and passing the exams.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Completely free, making it accessible to everyone.
• Tool-Specific Training: Provides in-depth training on effectively using SEMrush, one of the top SEO tools.
• Flexibility: Learn at your own pace with access to all materials online.

Cons:

• Tool-focused: It is heavily centered around SEMrush tools, which might not be as beneficial for those who do not use this platform.
• Certification Limitation: While certification is provided, its recognition is primarily in contexts where SEMrush’s utility is acknowledged.

Personal Feedback:

As an expert familiar with various SEO tools, I appreciate SEMrush Academy for providing specialized training on their tools, which are integral to many SEO strategies today. The courses are well-structured and offer a wealth of applicable knowledge immediately. It’s also a fantastic resource for those looking to enhance their technical SEO skills and get the most out of SEMrush. However, if you’re not a SEMrush user, you should complement this with general SEO training.

6. Moz Academy

Moz Academy offers comprehensive SEO courses, ranging from beginner fundamentals to advanced tactics. The curriculum is designed to enhance skills in all aspects of SEO, including keyword research, link building, site audits, and content strategy.

Cost: Paid (varies depending on the course)

Certification: Certificate of completion for each course

Pros:

• Depth and Variety: A wide array of courses available that cater to both novices and seasoned professionals.
• Industry Credibility: Moz is a well-respected name in the SEO community, and its courses are highly regarded.
• Practical Learning: Many courses include hands-on exercises that help solidify the learning experience.

Cons:

• Cost: Some courses can be relatively expensive, which might be a barrier for those on a tight budget.
• Focus on Moz Tools: While comprehensive, some courses emphasize Moz’s tools, which may appeal to someone other than those using different SEO software.

Personal Feedback:

Moz Academy is a valuable resource for anyone serious about SEO. Additionally, the courses are well-structured and taught by knowledgeable instructors. Moreover, I benefited from the practical aspects, which allowed me to apply new skills effectively in real-world scenarios. Therefore, it’s a worthwhile investment for those looking to advance their SEO expertise.

7. LinkedIn Learning – SEO Foundations

This course provides a solid foundation in SEO, covering essential concepts such as keyword research, competitive analysis, SEO-friendly content development, and basic technical SEO. Furthermore, it is designed for beginners looking to understand the core principles of SEO.

Cost: Subscription-based (access included with LinkedIn Premium)

Certification: Certificate of completion

Pros:

• Accessibility: Available as part of LinkedIn Learning’s subscription, providing value for LinkedIn Premium users.
• Comprehensive Introduction: Offers a thorough introduction to SEO basics, making it ideal for beginners.
• Industry Professionals: Taught by experienced SEO practitioners with insights into current best practices.

Cons:

• Basic Level: Primarily targeted at beginners; more advanced users may find the content too introductory.
• Subscription Requirement: AA LinkedIn Premium subscription is required and may only be cost-effective for some users.

Personal Feedback:

LinkedIn Learning’s SEO Foundations course is an excellent starting point for those new to the field. Additionally, the content is clear and concise and covers all the fundamental aspects of SEO. Moreover, it helped me grasp the basics, starting with providing a solid platform to build more advanced skills. However, this course might not offer much new information for those familiar with SEO.

8. Simplilearn – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Training Course

Simplilearn’s SEO Training Course offers an extensive curriculum covering everything from SEO basics to advanced techniques and strategies. Additionally, the course is designed to prepare individuals for SEO mastery, focusing on practical skills and real-world application.

Cost: Paid (varies based on promotions and offers)

Certification: Yes, a certificate of completion is provided.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Extensive material that goes beyond the basics to include advanced SEO tactics.
• Live Projects and Case Studies: Provides hands-on experience with live projects and detailed case studies.
• Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by SEO professionals with substantial industry experience.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: More expensive compared to some other online SEO courses.
• Time Commitment: This requires a significant time investment to be completed fully.

Personal Feedback:

The Simplilearn course is thorough and well-designed for those serious about becoming SEO experts. Moreover, including live projects and real-world scenarios has greatly enhanced my learning experience, providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills directly applicable to real-world situations. Therefore, it’s an investment that pays off for dedicated learners.

9. Yoast SEO Academy

Yoast SEO Academy offers a range of courses focused primarily on optimizing websites using the Yoast SEO plugin for WordPress. The courses cover everything from basic SEO concepts to advanced techniques tailored to WordPress users.

Cost: Free for introductory courses; Premium courses require Yoast SEO Premium purchase

Certification: Yes, certificates are provided upon completion of premium courses.

Pros:

• Focus on WordPress SEO: Ideal for users who manage or develop WordPress sites.
• Easy to Follow: Structured lessons that are easy to understand and implement.
• Integration with Yoast Plugin: Direct application with one of the most popular SEO plugins.

Cons:

• Niche Focus: Primarily beneficial only to WordPress users.
• Dependent on Plugin: This relies heavily on the Yoast SEO plugin, which might not suit those seeking broader SEO knowledge.

Personal Feedback:

Yoast SEO Academy is perfect for WordPress site owners or developers. Additionally, the well-structured courses simplify implementing SEO improvements by being easy to follow. While the focus is narrow and tailored to Yoast users, the practical insights and techniques offered are invaluable for anyone using WordPress. So, it can be one of the very best SEO courses online.

10. Codecademy – Learn Search Engine Optimization

Codecademy offers an interactive course that teaches the fundamentals of SEO, including keyword research, on-page SEO, link building, and analytics. Moreover, the course employs a hands-on approach, enabling learners to apply concepts as they progress.

Cost: Subscription-based (access included with Codecademy Pro subscription)

Certification: No, it does not offer a certificate.

Pros:

• Interactive Learning: Engages users with an interactive platform that teaches through doing.
• Comprehensive Fundamentals: Covers all essential aspects of SEO in a structured manner.
• Flexibility: Part of the Codecademy Pro subscription, which offers many other courses.

Cons:

• Lack of Certification: There is no official certification upon completion, which might be a downside for those looking to bolster their credentials.
• Subscription Model: Requires ongoing payment to maintain access to course materials.

Personal Feedback:

Certainly, the interactive nature of Codecademy’s SEO course makes learning engaging and effective, especially for beginners who benefit from doing rather than just reading or watching. Moreover, the course lays a solid foundation in SEO, although the lack of certification and the subscription model might not appeal to everyone. Hence, it’s a valuable resource for those already subscribed to Codecademy Pro.

Comparison of SEO Courses Online – Best SEO Courses Online

Here’s a comparative table highlighting key features such as cost, duration, content focus, and certification options for each of the SEO courses discussed:

Moreover, this table provides an overview to help prospective students compare and select the SEO course that best fits their needs based on their budget, time availability, and specific learning objectives. Furthermore, each course offers unique advantages, whether the breadth of content, specialized tools training, or pacing flexibility, making it crucial to choose based on individual learning preferences and professional goals.

How to Choose the Right Course?

Choosing the right SEO course depends on your needs, career goals, and learning preferences.

Consider the following tips:

• Assess Your Skill Level: Select courses that match your current SEO knowledge, whether you’re a beginner needing fundamentals or an advanced learner looking for specialized techniques.
• Define Your Career Goals: Choose a course that aligns with your career objectives, whether you aim to enhance your job performance or start freelancing.
• Consider Learning Style: Choose a course format that suits your preferred learning style, such as video tutorials, interactive tasks, or comprehensive reading materials.
• Evaluate Cost and Time Commitment: Ensure the course fits your budget and time availability, considering both short-term courses and comprehensive programs.
• Check for Certification: If professional accreditation is essential for your career, look for courses that offer a recognized certification upon completion.

FAQs

Conclusion

An SEO course offers significant benefits, from enhancing your website’s visibility to boosting overall digital marketing skills. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current career or pivot to a new one, SEO training provides the tools necessary for success in the digital world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your professional capabilities. Furthermore, read my articles for more insights and practical tips on excelling in digital marketing, where I share valuable knowledge and experiences.