The cost of learning SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can vary widely depending on your chosen resources and methods.
Here are a few common avenues for learning SEO, along with their typical costs:
| Approach | Cost to Learn SEO |
| SEO Courses | $50 – $10,000 + |
| SEO Certifications | $100 – $500 + |
| 1-on-1 SEO Coaching | $100 – $1,500 Per Hour |
| SEO Books | $10 – $50 |
| SEO Conferences | $150 – $2,000 |
| Internships | Free |
| Entry-Level SEO Job | Free |
| SEO Blogs, YouTube, Social Media, etc. | Free |
1. Paid Courses
There are many paid SEO courses available online and in person. Or there are programs like Gotch SEO Academy that are a hybrid model that includes training, coaching, and a community. But in general, these courses can range in price from $50 to $10,000 +.
Paid courses typically offer more in-depth information and instruction than free resources, and they can also provide you with hands-on experience through exercises and projects.
As always, you get what you pay for. Any expert willing to share their SEO knowledge won’t do it cheaply.
Here are some of the top SEO training courses.
2. SEO Certifications
Several SEO certifications are available from organizations such as Gotch SEO Academy, Google, Semrush (review), and Moz. These certifications can range in price from $100 to $500 or more. SEO certifications can validate your skills and knowledge to potential employers or clients.
For example, Gotch SEO Academy is the only program that offers three certifications:
- SEO Specialist Certification is perfect for beginner to intermediate SEO professionals.
- SEO Expert Certification teaches the exact system Nathan Gotch used to lead hundreds of successful SEO campaigns over the last decade.
- SEO Mastery Certification is unique because it requires the students to demonstrate expertise through evidence of SEO results.
As you can see from the Gotch SEO Academy alumni directory, only a small handful of students have achieved this certification.
3. College Courses
Some colleges and universities offer courses or even degree programs that include SEO within their curriculum.
Expert Insight
College is the worst option for learning SEO.
First, professors don’t know how to do SEO, so you’ll learn theory without practical application. Second, the college curriculum moves at a snail’s pace relative to how fast the SEO industry changes.
You’re better off taking courses or earning certification from instructors who are in the weeds actually doing SEO every day. So, you’ll be paying an arm and a leg to learn outdated, ineffective techniques.
Nathan Gotch
Founder & SEO Director at Gotch SEO Academy
4. Workshops and Seminars
In-person or online workshops and seminars can vary significantly in price, from free community events to high-ticket industry conferences. Costs can range from under $100 to over $1,000.
5. Books and eBooks
There are many books available on the topic of SEO. Prices for these books can range from around $10 to $50. For example, The SEO Entrepreneur is free, but you just pay for shipping. Or you can get it on Amazon for only $9.99.
6. Free Online Resources
Numerous free resources are available, including blogs, YouTube channels (check out Nathan Gotch or Matt Diggity to start), and free online courses. Blogs like Gotch SEO Academy, Moz, Search Engine Journal, and others offer extensive, up-to-**** information on SEO best practices at no cost.
7. Personal Coaching or Consulting
You can hire an SEO coach if you want personalized help learning SEO. SEO experts typically charge by the hour, ranging from $50 to $1,000.
8. Internships or Entry-Level Positions
Gaining practical experience through an internship or an entry-level position in digital marketing can also be a way to learn SEO. While some internships are unpaid, they provide valuable hands-on experience.
Conclusion
The best way to learn SEO for you will depend on your budget, learning style, and goals. If you have a tight budget, you can start by learning the basics from free resources. If you want more in-depth instruction and hands-on experience, consider taking a paid course or hiring an SEO expert.
Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding how to learn SEO:
- Your prior knowledge of SEO: If you have no knowledge of SEO, start with a beginner-level course or resource. If you have some experience with SEO, consider a more advanced course or hiring an SEO expert.
- Your learning style: Some people learn best by reading, while others learn best by watching videos or doing exercises. Consider your learning style when choosing a course or resource.
- Your goals: If you want to learn SEO for your website or blog, you may not need as much in-depth instruction as someone who wants to become a professional SEO. Consider your goals when choosing a course or resource.
No matter how you learn SEO, it is essential to be patient and persistent. SEO is a complex subject, and learning everything you need to know can take some time. However, with the right resources and dedication, you can learn SEO and improve your website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs).
