Anyone that has ever wanted to get into search engine optimization or digital marketing will have come across the same question at some point. How long does it take to learn SEO? The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think and can vary greatly depending on your situation. In this blog post, we will go over all of the factors that play into how much time it takes to learn SEO so that you can set realistic expectations for yourself.
Learning SEO: Things To Know
How Much Experience Do You Have?
If you are starting from scratch with no prior experience, it will take longer to learn SEO than if you already have some knowledge in the field. Even if you don’t have any direct experience with SEO, though, experiences in other areas can be helpful. For example, if you have a background in writing or coding, that can give you a leg up when it comes to learning SEO since a lot of the work revolves around creating content and working with code. Similarly, if you have any experience with marketing or sales, that can also be helpful since understanding marketing concepts is essential for knowing how to apply SEO principles.
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What Are Your Goals?
Another important factor to consider is what your goals are for learning SEO. Are you looking to just get a basic understanding of the subject so that you can do some limited optimization on your website? Or are you looking to become an expert so that you can start offering your services to clients? The amount of time it will take to reach your goals will depend on how ambitious they are.
If you’re just looking for a general understanding, you might be able to accomplish that in a matter of weeks. But if you’re wanting to become an expert, that could take months or even years depending on how much time and effort you’re willing to put into it.
Are You Self-Studying Or Taking A Class?
The approach you take to learning SEO will also affect how long it takes. If you’re simply reading articles and watching videos online (aka self-studying), then it will generally take longer since there’s no set curriculum to follow and no one there to answer your questions.
However, self-studying does have the advantage of being more flexible since you can study whenever and wherever is convenient for you without having to work around someone else’s schedule.
If you decide to take an online class or an in-person class, then the duration will be shorter since there is a set curriculum that needs to be completed in a certain timeframe.
However, classes also tend to be more expensive than self-studying and may not be as flexible since you’ll need to make sure you’re available during the class’s scheduled time slots.
And finally, if your goal is actually to get certified in SEO, then that process can vary greatly in terms of both time and cost depending on which certification(s) you’re going for.
Generally speaking though, most certifications require taking a multiple-choice exam which can usually be completed within a few hours (although studying for the exam may take longer).
Some certifications also require completing a project or portfolio in addition to the exam which obviously would take additional time depending on the complexity of the project.
But once everything is said and done, getting certified could potentially help shorten your job search since most employers see certifications as proof that candidates have acquired specific skill sets.
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Off-Page SEO And On-Page SEO
When it comes actually to learning SEO, there are two main areas you’ll need to focus on: off-page SEO and on-page SEO. Off-page SEO involves all the activities you do outside of your website to help improve your ranking in search engine results pages, while on-page SEO refers to everything you do on your website itself to optimize it for better search engine visibility.
To get started, there are plenty of resources available online such as blog posts, articles, guides, and courses that can teach you the basics of SEO.
To find out what works best for your website, you can experiment with different techniques and strategies once you understand the basics.
As you gain more experience, you’ll be able to start offering your services to clients and helping them achieve better search engine rankings.
Access To SEO Tools
Anyone who wants to learn SEO should have access to the right tools. Search engines are constantly changing their algorithms, and new techniques are always emerging. To stay ahead of the curve, you need to have access to the latest search engine marketing tools. Fortunately, there are several great resources available online.
Having access to the right tools can make a big difference in the SEO learning process. Some tools, like keyword research tools, google analytics, google search console, and backlink analysis tools, can save you a lot of time and effort when used correctly.
Others, like link-building tools and rank-tracking tools, can help you see your progress and results over time which can be very motivating.
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6 Pro Tips On How To Learn SEO Quickly
Learn SEO By Reading
One of the best ways to learn anything is by reading about it. And the same is true for SEO! There are tons of great blog posts and articles out there that can teach you the ins and outs of SEO. A quick Google search will turn up plenty of options, but some of my personal favorites include Moz, Search Engine Journal, and HubSpot. Start by doing some general reading on the topic to get a baseline understanding of what SEO is and how it works. Then, you can move on to more specific topics like keyword research, link building, and content optimization.
Learn SEO By listening To SEO Podcasts
There are also some great podcasts out there that discuss various aspects of SEO. My two favorite options are The Science of Social Media and The BrightonSEO Podcast. Both offer helpful insights and tips that you can apply to your website or blog. Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn while you’re doing other things like commuting or working out.
Learn SEO By Watching
In addition to reading and listening, another great way to learn is by watching videos on the topic. YouTube is a treasure trove of helpful tutorials and expert interviews. One channel I recommend checking out is Backlinko with Brian Dean. Brian is an expert in all things SEO, and his videos cover everything from keyword research to on-page optimization.
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Learn SEO By Experimenting
Another pro tip for learning SEO quickly is to experiment with different techniques on your website or blog. This is the only way to fully understand how certain concepts work and how they can impact your site’s rankings. So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty! Try things like changing your site’s title tags or adding meta descriptions to see how it affects your traffic levels.
Learn SEO By Asking Questions
One final pro tip for those looking to quickly learn more about SEO is simple: ask questions! If you have a friend or colleague who works in digital marketing or owns their website, picks their brain for insights and tips. Or better yet, reach out to an expert like myself for guidance (shameless plug). There are also plenty of active forums and Reddit threads where people are happy to answer any questions you might have about working in SEO.
Learn SEO By Having Fun
Last but not least, one of the best ways to learn anything quickly is by enjoying the process—and that goes double for learning something as complex as SEO! Yes, it can be challenging at times, but it can also be quite rewarding when you see the results of your hard work paying off in the form of increased traffic and higher search rankings. Find an approach that works for you and have fun with it! These six pro tips should help put you on the fast track to becoming an SEO master in no time flat.
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Conclusion
SEO is an ever-evolving field, and the strategies that work today may not be as effective tomorrow. However, with enough dedication and hard work, you can become a skilled SEO practitioner relatively quickly. Remember to always stay up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry and keep learning about new techniques so you can continue to improve your website’s ranking. Are you ready to put in the effort to learn SEO? If so, we are here to help!