With over a decade of hands-on experience in SEO and a track record of getting websites to rank on the top pages of search engines, I know how overwhelming it can be to sift through countless SEO courses. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best SEO courses for this year—so you don’t have to waste time with the fluff.
Beyond just ranking websites, I also host the annual Chiang Mai SEO Conference, which has helped me stay at the forefront of the SEO community and build a strong network of professionals.
My goal here is to offer you a curated list of top-rated courses, diving into their content quality, so you can choose the one that aligns best with your experience level and career goals—no sales pitches, no confusion. Just straight-to-the-point recommendations.
Table Of Contents
The SEO Course Lineup
1. Affiliate Lab
Price: $997 with occasional $200 discount offers
Affiliate Lab’s unique methodologies, such as keyword prioritization and SEO Action process, set it apart from others in the market.
It provides over 150 video lessons aimed at advanced SEO marketers and modules to reflect the latest SEO strategies and trends. The course focuses on ranking, monetizing, and flipping high-competition affiliate websites.
As a comprehensive SEO course provided by yours truly, it’s designed to deliver in-depth knowledge and actionable skills.
However, as is the case with any SEO course, achieving results requires patience, and quick wins are not guaranteed. Despite these challenges, the course is a valuable investment for those looking to dive deep into advanced SEO techniques.
“In the world of digital marketing, SEO is a vital skill set.”
– Jenny Abouobaia, SEO Consultant
Unique methodologies including the SEO Action process- Access to a private Facebook Group where students can interact, exchange ideas, and receive support from peers and the course creator
- Continuous updates to course content to reflect the latest SEO trends and best practices
- Lifetime access to all materials, allowing students to learn at their own pace and refer back to the content
Requires patience as SEO results typically take time
- Content Quality: 4.9
- Instructor Credibility: 4.9
- Learning Experience: 4.9
- Value for Money: 5.0
2. Practical Programmatic SEO
Price: Free
Practical Programmatic SEO by Ian Nuttall is a course I found transformative, especially for bloggers and developers. It offers a comprehensive look into SEO basics and advanced concepts, including a practical SEO audit module.
Despite some critiques about the absence of public student success stories and a refund policy, the personal gains and Ian’s responsive support more than compensated for these shortcomings.
This course is a valuable asset for anyone looking to enhance their site’s SEO.
- No-code, low-code, and code-based programmatic SEO instructions
- Practical knowledge and bonus materials
- Direct application of search engine optimization strategies to real-world scenarios
- Limited public student testimonials
- Content Quality: 4.8
- Instructor Credibility: 4.8
- Learning Experience: 4.9
- Value for Money: 4.7
3. Ahrefs’ SEO Training Course
Price: Free
For newcomers to SEO, the Ahrefs’ SEO Training Course is a treasure trove of knowledge. This complimentary offering delves into the foundational elements of SEO and the strategic application of Ahrefs’ suite of tools.
Sam Oh’s tutorials are clear and actionable, which I found incredibly helpful. Even though it relies on Ahrefs’ paid tools, the hands-on approach provided me with substantial practical benefits.
- Free SEO training course
- Covers a broad range of SEO topics suitable for different budgets
- Provides actionable insights using Ahrefs’ tools
- Reliance on Ahrefs’ paid tools, which may not be within everyone’s budget
- Content Quality: 4.8
- Instructor Credibility: 4.8
- Learning Experience: 4.7
- Value for Money: 4.6
4. Blog Growth Engine
Price: $3,997 with a possible discount to $1,497
For bloggers looking to monetize, I found Blog Growth Engine by Adam Enfroy and Colin Shipp to be a solid choice. The course provided me with unlimited coaching calls and access to a private Facebook group, which greatly supported my learning journey in content marketing.
Although it lacks transcripts and comes with a higher price tag, the extensive video content and continuous updates have been invaluable for my blogging business.
- Emphasizes a startup mindset and personal branding
- Provides exclusive access to a private Facebook group and link exchange group
- Offers extensive video content and continuous updates
- High cost, which may be a barrier for those on a tight budget
- Content Quality: 4.7
- Instructor Credibility: 4.7
- Learning Experience: 4.4
- Value for Money: 3.9
5. Content-Led SEO
Price: Available upon request
Brian Dean’s Content-Led SEO course is an excellent resource for content marketers. It covers a wide range of SEO aspects, including:
On-page optimization- Off-page optimization
- Technical SEO
- Keyword research
The course puts a strong emphasis on content marketing as a pivotal part of search engine optimization and teaches marketers how to achieve better search engine rankings.
The online courses suit your preferred learning method with options such as video lessons. live Q&A, forums, and reference materials.
However, as a digital marketing veteran, I can attest that seasoned marketers might find the depth of the course somewhat lacking for their advanced skill development needs.
Nevertheless, its unique focus on content frameworks offers a fresh perspective in the SEO education space, providing valuable guidance for those who, like me, are seeking to refine their strategies under the guidance of an established SEO agency.
- Comprehensive SEO course that delves deep into essential SEO topics
- Offers a well-rounded curriculum that addresses the needs of various expertise levels
- Includes a practical SEO audit module
- The content might be too basic for advanced SEO professionals
- Content Quality: 4.4
- Instructor Credibility: 4.5
- Learning Experience: 4.3
- Value for Money: 4.0
6. UC Davis’ SEO Specialization
Price: Available upon enrollment
Providing a comprehensive introduction to SEO, the UC Davis SEO Specialization course is celebrated for its well-organized structure, making it perfect for novices without prior knowledge.
The hands-on approach and the practical assignments allowed me to apply the concepts in real time, enhancing my understanding of SEO.
The course covers a broad array of SEO aspects, including search engine optimization SEO, with a focus on on-page optimization, off-page optimization, technical SEO, and keyword research.
Now, while the course is well-suited for those with intermediate expertise, as an advanced SEO professional myself, I found the exploration of complex concepts to be less comprehensive than I would have liked.
- High-quality, well-structured course content that is meticulously organized
- Extensive coverage of a broad array of SEO aspects
- Instruction delivered by experienced SEO specialists
- May not cater to advanced SEO professionals
- Content Quality: 4.4
- Instructor Credibility: 4.7
- Learning Experience: 4.5
- Value for Money: 4.4
7. Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Price: Free
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce is best suited for those new to digital marketing. It’s free to enroll and is accredited by the Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and the Open University.
The course has a positive reputation, with successful past students and case studies to back it up. In my own experience, while the course laid a solid foundation, I did find that it lacked the depth required for my advanced skill development needs as a seasoned digital marketer.
Regardless, this course is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of digital marketing and SEO basics.
- Free to enroll, making it accessible to anyone
- Provides a structured learning journey, meticulously designed to guide learners through each stage of their SEO education
- Accredited by reputable organizations
- The depth of the course might be lacking for advanced digital marketers
- Content Quality: 4.2
- Instructor Credibility: 4.3
- Learning Experience: 4.3
- Value for Money: 4.5
8. SEO Unlocked by Neil Patel
Price: Free with optional paid Ubersuggest subscription
Neil Patel’s SEO Unlocked offers free education on SEO, starting from the basics. It provides a comprehensive education, making it a great starting point for beginners.
The course spans 7 weeks and covers various topics including:
- Foundational SEO training
- Content optimization
- Link building
- On-page SEO
- Technical SEO
- Local SEO
- Branding and customer experience
While the core material of SEO Unlocked is free, I chose the paid Ubersuggest subscription starting at $29 monthly for extra features like keyword tracking and site audits, enhancing my learning experience.
- Offers comprehensive SEO education
- Option for a paid Ubersuggest subscription for additional features
- Free core material with the flexibility to enhance learning through a paid subscription
- May not provide advanced strategies for seasoned SEO professionals
- Content Quality: 4.8
- Instructor Credibility: 4.8
- Learning Experience: 4.4
- Value for Money: 4.1
9. Backlinko SEO Training
Price: Available upon request
Backlinko SEO Training stands out with its specific strategies for link-building. The course stands out for its real-world case studies and actionable content, which includes step-by-step guides and checklists.
One criticism of the course is its infrequent updates. Despite this, my personal experience with the course’s unique link-building strategies has been quite positive.
- Covers unique link-building strategies
- Real-world case studies and actionable content
- Engaging and interactive course material that enhances the learning experience
- The course content may require periodic updates to ensure the latest SEO trends and practices are reflected
- Content Quality: 4.8
- Instructor Credibility: 4.4
- Learning Experience: 4.2
- Value for Money: 4.0
10. Gotch SEO Academy
Price: Between $9,000 to $11,000 with payment plans available
Gotch SEO Academy offers a thorough education on numerous SEO aspects, catering to advanced SEO marketers. The course covers everything from on-page optimization, off-page optimization, technical SEO, and turning niche sites into authority sites.
While the course requires a substantial investment, I found it to be incredibly valuable for its comprehensive approach to scaling businesses and its focus on client acquisition and results.
From my experience, the course’s in-depth content and real-world applications have significantly contributed to the growth of my own business.
- Covers various SEO aspects thoroughly
- Includes access to a private support community that offers personalized help and networking opportunities
- Features unique methodologies and practical insights for turning niche sites into authoritative online presences
- Requires a reliable client acquisition system
- Content Quality: 4.5
- Instructor Credibility: 4.5
- Learning Experience: 4.5
- Value for Money: 4.1
How I Tested and Ranked These Courses
To curate and rank the best SEO courses for this guide, I meticulously followed a comprehensive evaluation process based on key criteria, ensuring a balanced and informed assessment. Here’s the condensed overview of the methodology I used:
Examining the Background of Course Creators
I started by scrutinizing the achievements and industry recognition of the course creators. Their extensive experience and strong reputation in the SEO field contributed significantly to the course’s rating.
Reviewing Course Content and Structure
Additionally, I evaluated the course materials for their comprehensiveness and clarity. I gave higher ratings to courses with well-organized content that covered the entire spectrum of SEO for different skill levels. Courses with clear structures that aid the learning process were also pivotal in my assessment.
Assessing Practical Application and Case Studies
In addition, I assessed courses for their practicality, which included real-world applications and case studies. Courses that provided hands-on exercises and relatable examples were scored higher, as they offer actionable learning that can be immediately applied.
Verifying Updates and Access to Future Content
Ensuring that the courses provide current information and access to future updates was a critical part of my review process. I understand that SEO is ever-evolving, and staying up-to-date is essential. Therefore, courses that provide ongoing updates and future content access were ranked higher.
Considering Student Reviews and Testimonials
Finally, as a crucial procedure, I placed considerable weight on past students’ feedback. I sought courses with high satisfaction rates among former learners, as this usually indicates a valuable and effective educational experience.
Choosing the Right SEO Course (Buyer’s Guide)
Finding the ideal SEO course can be a daunting task, but with this buyer’s guide, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your SEO learning objectives and professional growth.
Aligning Course Content with Business Goals
Ensure the course has high-quality content that aligns with your business goals and complies with Google’s E-A-T quality standards. The curriculum should be relevant and up-to-date with the latest SEO practices to provide you with actionable skills that can be directly applied to your projects.
Instructor Credibility
The course should be led by a credible instructor with requisite experience in the field of SEO. Look for professionals who have a proven track record and are recognized in the industry for their expertise and contributions.
Reputation and Case Studies
Opt for courses with a positive reputation, as demonstrated by successful alumni or insightful case studies. These indicators often reflect the real-world value and effectiveness of the course material.
Learning Style and Development
Evaluate if the SEO course accommodates your preferred learning style and helps you develop your SEO skills effectively. Whether you prefer visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning, the course should cater to your needs to facilitate better retention of information.
Interactive Learning
Interactive learning elements such as assignments and quizzes are important for ensuring you gain a practical understanding of SEO. These components can help reinforce concepts and give you a taste of real-world SEO challenges.
Accessibility of SEO Courses
Consider exploring SEO courses online to find the best fit for your needs and accessibility. Online courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and often provide a wealth of resources for continued learning.
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FAQs
Which Google Certification Is Best for SEO?
The best Google certification for SEO is the “Google SEO Certification,” which offers comprehensive training and certification in search engine optimization.
Are There Any SEO Courses Specifically for Content Marketers?
Yes, Content-Led SEO by Brian Dean is designed specifically for content marketers. It’s a great course to enhance your SEO skills in content marketing.
I’m an Advanced SEO Marketer, Which Course Should I Opt For?
You should opt for the Affiliate Lab course, which offers over 150 video lessons on ranking, monetizing, and flipping high-competition affiliate websites, perfect for advanced learners.
Are There Any Free SEO Courses?
Yes, you can find free SEO courses such as Ahrefs’ SEO Training Course and Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce.
Your Compass for SEO Excellence
Through my exploration of various SEO courses, I’ve encountered many valuable resources. However, the Affiliate Lab course consistently stands out as one of the premier options.
As the author of the course, I’ve witnessed its effectiveness firsthand through the success of my students. Numerous individuals have also approached me with testimonials, sharing how the course has markedly enhanced their SEO skills and results.
For those who are ready to immerse themselves in the world of SEO, this course offers a treasure trove of practical knowledge at no cost, making it an ideal launchpad for your journey to SEO mastery.
