Boost Your SEO Career with Certifications, Training and Accreditation Programs

In this article:

• Your Guide to SEO Courses, Google Training, and Certification Programs
• SEO Certification vs. SEO Courses: What’s the Difference
• Popular Structured SEO Courses and Certifications
• Google’s SEO Training and Certification Programs
• SEO Membership Bodies and Accreditations
• Live Lecture-led Online SEO Training vs Self-paced Online Training
• Best Online SEO Courses with Live, Interactive Training
• Free SEO Courses – Are they good enough for a comprehensive education in SEO?
• Starting Your Journey to SEO Success

Your Guide to SEO Courses, Google Training, and Certification Programs

If you’re looking to build a career in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), this comprehensive guide on SEO courses, certifications, and membership bodies will help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced SEO professional, this guide will provide you with the information you need to take your SEO career to the next level. Validating your SEO skills is important because SEO is such an essential component of digital marketing. With most online experiences starting with a search engine, having a strong SEO strategy is critical for businesses of all sizes.

The demand for SEO professionals has been steadily increasing in recent years, as businesses recognise the importance of having a strong online presence. According to a 2018 study titled “The State of Local SEO Industry Report” conducted by Moz, a leading SEO software company, the median salary for an SEO specialist in the United States is $61,000 per year.

According to the survey by Moz, SEO professionals with a certification or a qualification in digital marketing earn higher salaries than those without any formal validation. The survey found that SEO professionals with a certification earn an average salary of $68,000, while those without a certification earn an average salary of $52,000. Similarly, SEO professionals with a degree or qualification in digital marketing earn an average salary of $62,000, while those without a degree earn an average salary of $49,000.

It is worth noting that these are just averages, and SEO salaries can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, industry, location, and job responsibilities. However, having formal validation such as an SEO certification or Digital Marketing degree or formal qualification can be beneficial in demonstrating one’s knowledge and expertise in SEO, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. In addition, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), specifically their Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2020-2021, the demand for SEO professionals is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average growth rate of most other occupations.

SEO is a rapidly changing field, and it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. Formal SEO certification and courses can help validate SEO skills, stand out in the job market, and adapt to industry developments. By completing a certification or course, SEO’s can demonstrate to potential employers or clients that have a thorough understanding of SEO best practices and are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.

SEO Certification vs. SEO Courses: What’s the Difference?

While both SEO certification and courses can enhance SEO skills, they differ in their structure and approach. SEO certification programs typically require SEO’s to pass an exam or complete assignments to demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of SEO. By completing a certification or course, SEO’s can demonstrate their proficiency in SEO, adapt to industry developments, and stand out in the job market.

On the other hand, SEO courses provide a more comprehensive and structured curriculum that covers all aspects of SEO, typically taught by instructors. SEO courses can be found both online and offline and can be free or paid. Popular online platforms that offer SEO courses include Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning, however if you prefer a more structured approach, you can enroll in an SEO course taught by instructors. Both SEO certification and SEO courses can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of SEO.

Popular Structured SEO Courses and Certifications

Below is a list of popular structured SEO courses and Certifications that offer structured training for SEO professionals:

• BlueMagnet – SEO Certification: BlueMagnet offers a number of courses in the field of SEO, however the two most renowned programmes include SEOPSA Level 1: SEO Professional Certification Course, and the SEOPSA Level 2: Advanced SEO Specialist courses in Technical, International, Local, Travel, Ecommerce and the YMYL vertical niches. Courses are run 1 day a week over 4 weeks and are live interactive courses, which allows for real-time access to SEO specialists to provide in-person answers to practical SEO questions. The live SEO Professional course includes 40 hours of training time, as well as practical assignments, quizzes and a certification exam.

  The cost of the SEOPSA endorsed Level 1 SEO Professional Certification course costs around $800 once off, and the certification and all course content is valid for two years. Certified Professionals need to retake the exam every two years to retain certified SEO professional status. The SEOPSA Level 2 Specialist programmes are more advanced and can only be completed by students who pass the SEOPSA Level 1 Certification. The advanced courses are one or two-day live, interactive training sessions. BlueMagnet will soon be offering students the option for self-paced, online training for self-study, however one of the reasons that SEOPSA endorses BlueMagnet’s training is due to the fact that it is live, lecture-led by SEO professionals who have been practicing SEO for the past two decades.

• Market Motive – SEO Certification: The Market Motive SEO Certification course is an online SEO course designed to cover all aspects of search engine optimization. It includes over 25 hours of video content, quizzes, and assignments to test SEO knowledge. The course costs $299 per month or $999 for a year and will take between 25 to 30 hours to complete. The course covers a wide range of topics, including keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and more. Students who complete the exam will receive a Market Motive SEO certification. While the Market Motive’s exam fee is included in the course cost, students have an option to complete an OMCA certification at an additional cost. The OMCP digital marketing certification is awarded to professionals who have verified experience, extensive training, and have demonstrated knowledge of digital marketing best practices across multiple digital marketing disciplines. The course is self-paced, so SEO’s can complete it at your own speed, however for students who are looking for live interaction with lecturers, this course may not be suited to facilitate real-time Q&A with an SEO practitioner.

• Distilled U – SEO Course: Distilled U is an online marketing training platform that offers an SEO courses for beginners and advanced SEO practitioners. They offer SEO 101 online courses, as well as further SEO learning online. The basic SEO course includes over 133 hours of video content, quizzes, and assignments to test SEO knowledge. The course costs $40 per month or $396 for a year. Like Market Motive, the SEO course is online, with self-paced interactive modules, allowing SEO’s to learn at your own pace and in your own time. This is not a live interactive session with an SEO specialist or SEO trainer.
• ClickMinded – SEO Course: The ClickMinded SEO course is also an online, self-paced SEO training program designed for both beginners and advanced SEO practitioners. The course includes over 7 hours of video content, quizzes, and assignments to test SEO knowledge. It covers all aspects of search engine optimization, from keyword research to link building and technical SEO. The course costs a one-time fee of $999 and includes lifetime access to all course material and updates.
• Moz Academy – SEO Training: Moz Academy is an online marketing training platform that offers a number of short online SEO training courses for beginners and advanced SEO practitioners. The course includes over 14 hours of video content, quizzes, and assignments to test SEO knowledge. The SEO certification courses range from between $395 to $596. These courses are also all self-paces online courses.
• SEO That Works – Advanced SEO Training: SEO That Works is an online marketing training platform that offers an advanced SEO training course. The course includes over 6 hours of video content, quizzes, and assignments to test SEO knowledge. The course costs $997. At the time of writing this article, enrolments for the SEO Training course were closed, however there is an option to be added to their waiting list.
• Yoast Academy – SEO Training: Yoast Academy is an online training platform that offers an SEO training course for beginners and advanced SEO practitioners. The course includes over 15 hours of video content, quizzes, and assignments to test an SEO’s knowledge. The cost $99 per year for access to the SEO course material, however there is a free basic SEO training course available as well. It is important to note that Yoast SEO’s training courses are designed to address WordPress SEO and are best suited to WordPress website SEO’s. These courses are also online self-paced with no live interaction with SEO facilitator.

It’s important to note that while these are not free SEO Courses, they offer in-depth and comprehensive training for SEO professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.

Google’s SEO Training and Certification Programs

As an SEO professional, you’re most likely wondering if Google provides any formal SEO training courses or certification. Google provides several training programs that cover a broad range of digital marketing aspects. These training programs are specifically designed to help individuals and businesses take full advantage of Google’s advertising and analytics tools. Two of the most popular Google training programs are the Google Ads certification and Google Analytics certifications, both of which cover SEO-related topics.

For a more comprehensive SEO training program, Google also provides a marketing course known as the Google Digital Marketing Course. This free course covers a wide range of digital marketing topics, including SEO. These Google certification programs are designed to help individuals and businesses get the most out of Google’s advertising and analytics tools, however it should be noted that there is no formal dedicated Google SEO Certification course offered to SEO’s, so if you’re looking for a more targeted SEO certification, then a specific SEO certificate course may be the best option for you.

SEO Membership Bodies and Accreditations

SEO and Search Engine Marketing Membership bodies and Associations can provide additional support and resources for individuals in the SEO industry. These organizations offer networking opportunities, training programs, and certification programs. For those looking for more formal accreditation, there are several SEO membership bodies that offer or recommend recognised SEO certification programs that typically involve a rigorous testing process that assesses an individual’s knowledge and expertise in SEO.

These associations or bodies also provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and continuing education in the SEO field. Joining one or more of these organizations can help SEO professionals stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the industry, as well as connect with other professionals and potential clients. Over the years, a number of SEO membership associations such as Search Engine Optimization Professional Services Association (SEOPSA) and the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO) have been well known bodies for the SEO profession. SEMPO, which was a non-profit organization that was established in 2003 who’s-who of search marketing by industry veterans such as Christine Churchill, Brett Tabke and Danny Sullivan to promote search engine marketing, was absorbed by The Digital Analytics Association in 2020 and no longer exists as a Search Engine Marketing association.

The Search Engine Optimization Professional Services Association (SEOPSA) has been in existence for several years and has long been recognised by the SEO profession as the global association that aims to promote ethical and best practices in the SEO industry. SEOPSA also offers resources, tools, and a community for SEO professionals to network and learn from each other. SEOPSA also offers a directory of members who are certified professionals in the field of search engine optimisation, indicating that they value the importance of ethical, certified professionals in the industry. Additionally, they offer various resources, such as industry news and events, that can help professionals stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in SEO.

SEOPSA does not directly offer any specific SEO certifications but endorses an SEO accreditation program to recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to ethical and high-quality SEO services. The accreditation program involves a rigorous review of an individual or organization’s SEO practices, and those who meet the SEOPSA’s standards are awarded a badge that they can use to demonstrate their credibility to potential clients.

The accreditation programs endorsed by SEOPSA include the SEO Professional Certification (Level 1) and the SEO Specialist Certification (Level 2) programs which are currently administered through BlueMagnet. The primary objective of SEO certification is to provide the latest SEO techniques to individuals, companies, and educators and offer a credential that demonstrates a specific level of SEO proficiency to potential clients or employers.

Live Lecture-led Online SEO Training vs Self-paced Online Training: Benefits of Real-time Learning with an SEO Specialist

Live, lecture-led online training with an SEO Specialist offers several benefits over self-paced online SEO training. First, it provides an opportunity to interact with a knowledgeable instructor and ask questions in real-time. This allows for immediate clarification of complex concepts and personalized feedback on progress. Second, it offers a structured and guided learning experience, providing a clear path to follow and ensuring that all necessary topics are covered. Third, it can help learners stay motivated and accountable, as they are expected to attend the scheduled classes and participate actively. Finally, live training can foster a sense of community among learners, as they have the opportunity to interact with and learn from others who are also interested in SEO. Overall, live, lecture-led online training can provide a more engaging, effective and rewarding learning experience compared to self-paced online training.

Best Online SEO Courses with Live, Interactive Training

BlueMagnet is an excellent choice for individuals who are looking for top-notch SEO training that offers real-time, live lecture-led courses. With a strong reputation in the industry, BlueMagnet offers a comprehensive range of SEO courses that cover everything from basic SEO principles to advanced SEO techniques, including technical, international, local, travel, eCommerce and YMYL niches.

Courses are taught by expert SEO specialists who have more than two decades of experience in the SEO industry and courses are designed to provide students with hands-on, practical experience, with practical takeaways that can be implemented within the individual’s real environment.

BlueMagnet’s courses are interactive, with students having the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback during class. With the SEOPSA Level 1 and Level 2 SEO courses, BlueMagnet offers a recognised certification, endorsed by SEOPSA, that is valid for two years. Overall, BlueMagnet provides a unique and beneficial approach to SEO training that is unmatched in the industry.

BlueMagnet also offers customized SEO training solutions for companies and organizations that want to train their employees in SEO. BlueMagnet’s SEO courses can provide valuable learning opportunities and help individuals to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in SEO. It’s important to note that some employers may value specific certifications or accreditations, so it’s worth considering this when evaluating different SEO training options.

Free SEO Courses – Are they good enough for a comprehensive education in SEO?

Free SEO courses can be a great way to get started with SEO education, but the quality of these resources can vary greatly. Although there are many excellent free resources available, they may not be as comprehensive or provide the same level of support as a paid course. However, for those who prefer free resources, there are several options available. These include Moz’s self-paced SEO training course, HubSpot’s comprehensive SEO crash course, Yoast’s free SEO for WordPress course, SEMrush Academy’s SEO training course that covers SEMrush’s tools, and Google Analytics Academy’s free course on Google Analytics. While these free courses are a great starting point for beginners, paid SEO courses like BlueMagnet’sSEO training programs offer a more structured approach to learning SEO as it offers comprehensive and in-depth SEO courses that provide support and personalized attention to help students succeed.

In conclusion, the demand for SEO professionals is on the rise, and having a certification or degree in digital marketing can help validate SEO skills and lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Completing an SEO certification or course can also help SEO’s stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and techniques.

While SEO certification programs and courses differ in their approach, both can provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of SEO. Additionally, joining an SEO membership body or association can provide SEO’s with networking opportunities, professional development, and continuing education in the SEO field. By investing in SEO career through certifications, training, and accreditation programs, you can take SEO skills to the next level and advance in the SEO profession.

Start Your Journey to SEO Success Today – Register for a BlueMagnet Course

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your digital marketing skills and take your online presence to new heights. Register for a BlueMagnet SEO course today and start optimizing your website like a pro! With expert instructors, hands-on learning experiences, and real-world case studies, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in today’s competitive online landscape. Sign up for the next SEO Course now and see the results for yourself!