Why You Should Stop Spending on SEO Courses
If you’re knee-deep in the blogging world, you’ve probably come across countless ads or recommendations for SEO courses. These courses promise to unlock the mysterious world of SEO and pave your way to blogging success.
Before you whip out your credit card to buy the latest and greatest SEO course, let me share something with you: I’ve never bought an SEO course. Yes, you read that right. And guess what? I don’t plan to.
I just wanted to share a quick thought about SEO courses. I haven't bought any so far, and honestly, I don't think I ever will. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying SEO courses are bad or useless. They might work for many people, but they're just not for me.
— Mohammed Rashid (@rashidckk) September 25, 2023
Let me tell you why.…
In this post, I’ll dive into the reasons why I believe SEO courses might not be the best investment for you. Stick around, and you might end up saving some serious cash!
The Myth of SEO Complexity
Let’s tackle one of the biggest misconceptions right off the bat: SEO is often made to sound way more complicated than it actually is. Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s a learning curve, but it’s not like you’re trying to crack the Da Vinci code here.
The foundational elements of SEO—like keyword research, on-page optimization, and link-building—are fairly straightforward. You certainly don’t need a pricey course to understand these basics.
The internet is flooded with free articles, tutorials, and YouTube videos that do an excellent job of breaking down these elements for you.
The complexity often comes from the jargon or advanced techniques that SEO ‘gurus’ throw at you. More often than not, they’re packaging basic principles into a neat, complex-sounding course to justify the high price tag.
Don’t fall for it. Most of what you need to understand about SEO can be learned through freely available resources and a bit of hands-on practice.
Overpriced and Overhyped
When it comes to SEO courses, the sticker shock is real. We’re talking about courses that can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. For what? Information that you can usually find for free or at a much lower cost elsewhere.
It’s not just the high price that’s concerning; it’s also the way these courses are marketed. Often pushed by bloggers and influencers who are affiliates, these courses are touted as the “secret sauce” to skyrocketing your site’s performance.
But let’s be real, the main reason they’re pushing these courses so hard is that they get a nice cut from each sale.
Remember, the people promoting these courses may not always have your best interest at heart. They have a financial incentive to sell the course, so take their glowing recommendations with a grain of caution.
The Wealth of Free Resources
You might be surprised to find that the internet is flooded with free SEO resources that are just as good, if not better, than what you’d get in a high-priced course. From in-depth articles and tutorials to free eBooks and YouTube videos, the range of quality content available is vast.
Places like Google’s own SEO Starter Guide offer incredible insights directly from the source. Websites like Moz and Search Engine Journal regularly publish valuable content that can help you understand the nuances of SEO.
The beauty of these free resources is that they’re often updated to reflect the latest industry trends and algorithm changes. So not only are you saving money, but you’re also getting information that is timely and relevant.
The Rapidly Changing Landscape of SEO
SEO is far from static; it’s an ever-evolving field that continually adapts to new algorithms and user behaviors. Just when you think you’ve mastered the game, Google rolls out another update, and you’re back to the drawing board.
One prime example is the recent Google Helpful Content Update which we discussed in a blog post. This update shifted the focus even more toward high-quality, user-centric content.
Purchasing an SEO course today might provide strategies that become obsolete in a few months. This isn’t to say that foundational principles change overnight, but the tactics often do.
That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of these changes, something that paid courses may not always enable you to do. Regularly updated blogs, forums, and free online resources often adapt more quickly to these shifts, providing real-time strategies that align with the current SEO landscape.
Learning by Doing
The true essence of mastering SEO—or anything in life, really—is learning by doing. No course can simulate the insights you gain from rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty.
You learn the most when you’re in the trenches, experimenting with keywords, tinkering with meta tags, and scrutinizing analytics to see what’s working and what’s not.
You don’t need an expensive course to teach you the importance of A/B testing your headlines or figuring out which backlink strategies yield the best ROI. These are things you’ll only grasp by actually doing them.
So, before you purchase that shiny new SEO course, ask yourself: Can it offer something more than what I’d learn from actually doing the work? More often than not, the answer is a resounding no. Take that money and invest it in your blog instead, because the best lessons come from hands-on experience.
Real-World SEO vs. Course SEO
| Aspect | Real-World SEO | Course SEO |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Steeper at first, but more comprehensive. | Structured, but often superficial. |
| Cost | Generally free, except for the cost of your time. | Usually expensive, ranging from $50 to $1000+. |
| Updates | You adapt in real-time to Google’s algorithm changes. | Courses may be outdated and lag behind updates. |
| Flexibility | Allows for experimentation tailored to your specific needs. | Generally follows a one-size-fits-all approach. |
| Reliability | What works is backed by your own experience. | Claims often based on the instructor’s experience, which may not apply to you. |
| Affiliate Programs | No hidden agenda—your success is your reward. | Many courses have affiliate programs, making some endorsements less trustworthy. |
| Community Support | Online forums, Reddit threads, and real-life connections provide support. | Usually limited to a course forum or Facebook group. |
| ROI | Your returns are directly linked to your efforts. | No guarantee of ROI; you could even end up with a net loss. |
By examining this table, it’s clear that while SEO courses offer a structured learning path, they often fall short in various critical areas. Real-world SEO experience, on the other hand, equips you with the tools you need for lasting success. It may be harder at first, but it’s a journey worth taking.
The Partial Truth: When SEO Courses Could Be Useful
Now, let’s not entirely dismiss SEO courses. They do have their merits, especially for certain types of people and in specific situations.
For Complete Beginners
If you’re just starting out and feel utterly lost, a well-structured SEO course could give you a foundational understanding of the topic. It’s like a roadmap for the unfamiliar territory you’re about to explore.
For Specialized Knowledge
Certain courses focus on very specific aspects of SEO, such as local SEO or e-commerce SEO. If you have a niche need, a course could save you time and provide targeted information.
For Accountability
Some people work better when they have a structured learning environment and assignments. In such cases, an SEO course could provide the discipline needed to actually implement what you learn.
For Networking
Some high-end courses offer the opportunity to connect with industry leaders or like-minded peers. This networking advantage is something you might not get from free resources.
But, it’s essential to weigh these potential benefits against the drawbacks we’ve discussed earlier. Are you getting value for your money? Is the course up-to-date? Always do your homework before you hit that “Buy Now” button.
What It Really Takes to Succeed in SEO
After dissecting the pros and cons of SEO courses, the bottom line is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mastering SEO. While courses may offer structured learning and specialized knowledge, the rapidly changing nature of SEO means you’ll still have to keep your skills updated.
And honestly, that’s best done through hands-on experience.
What really sets you apart in the SEO game is your ability to adapt, continuously learn, and implement what you know. It’s the practical application of knowledge that leads to expertise, not the amount of money you spend on courses.
Your willingness to invest time, roll up your sleeves, and get into the trenches of content creation and keyword analysis will determine your success in this ever-evolving field.
