How to Learn SEO - SEO and Internet Marketing blog, news and views

You know, I have been around many SEO forums in my day and one question that surfaces all of the time is something along the lines “What’s the best way to Learn SEO?”. As U might expect the answer is generally to search and read the forum on which the question is posted. The accompanying suggestions usually are somewhat skewed as forum flies are ‘clique’ type people and have a ‘set’ resource(s) that they all agree on and recommend over and over. If a certain author is not in the good graces of said forum, then regardless of the value of the information, it is likely not mentioned.

So what IS the best way to going about learning SEO? Going onto SEO Forums? Reading books and Blogs? What about Elite Retreats and other SEO Conferences?

Good questions, glad I asked. Each and every one of us learns as we live, differently. So I cannot give a squared away and tidy answer as to the magic formula of learning SEO, but I can give a list of ideas and resources I feel will arm you well in all aspects of SEO and Internet Marketing. This is not a comprehensive undertaking, simply my take on what I would advise…. so read along for the ultimate SEO Learning Guide!

To begin with, I don’t believe there is ONE single source, nor method, that can teach you completely. Nor do I believe simple study and participatory interaction will get U there. There is a certain element of hands-on that is required to get a feel for things and see for yourself what works and what doesn’t.

SEO Books – In my experience a great many people ‘poo -poo’ SEO books as they can get ‘dated’ fast unless updated frequently by the author and that many (if not most?) of them are of a poor quality and often dangerously useless information. For me, (biased author here) it can be the best starting point. It is very difficult to get the most from a forum or even a Blog without a basic foundation and grounding in the ‘Art of SEO’ – there is no point of reference. A quality reference book can give you that foundation from which to build upon.

SEO and Internet Marketing Forums – Despite what the proponents of SEO forums would have you believe, it is not necesarily the best source of information. There is quality information to be found upon forums, it is often hard to find and many of the more experienced posters have tired of the ‘same old’ questions and have low participation levels. This leaves intermediate and novice enthusiasts and professionals to field your questions/thoughts... this can be troublesome. Although the interaction is a healthy part of the learning cycle, take the information with a grain of salt. I would also suggest some elementary SEO reading prior to using the forums thus giving you a better chance of understanding the concepts being discussed on the boards

SEO Blogs – Blogs don’t always have the best in tutorial style learning, but they are great for up-to-date information. A good idea is to add the Blogs into your favorite news reader and simply keep an eye out for stories of interest. Many of the best minds in SEO haven’t written a book and spend very little time on the forums. The SEO blogosphere is another great resources of SEO and Internet marketing learning.

Online Resources – As with books there are many sites offering SEO information and tutorials. As with anything we must consider the source. Quality, trusted sources are best as there is still a lot of mis-information in the still young industry of SEO. I would also encourage you to get in the habit of looking for dates on any online information you come across. As with many technology related fields, SEO can change quickly and older information may become invalid. Try to stay current and on reliable sources.

SEO and Internet Marketing Conferences and Courses – I don’t really recommend these for the very nubile SEO enthusiast, but if you have the basics and a few bucks to spare, they can be a useful experience. I must say I do not formally recommend any of the below, as I do not have first hand knowledge of them. If they send me free copies or invitations, I shall let you know. Until then, I do feel they should at least make the list, just to cover all the bases.

.... and a good friend on the trail, Jordan Kasteler is launching a site that teaches SEO step-by-step via screencast which is a great place to Learn SEO Live.. ( starts Feb.18 2008)

As I slid by earlier, in my opinion (IMO for the nOObs), starting with at least some rudimentary reading is a wise idea. You will need to get a grip on the basics to be able to fully digest all that comes with forums and Blogs. Of course there is no teacher like experience. Ultimately putting your new found knowledge and skills to use will tell you what works best for your unique site and situation.

Comments

Add New

Jonathan Woodruff - Great post!

|2007-02-24 20:48:23

Thanks for that very informative post! There are a lot of tremendous resources for beginners that will help them out a lot, as well as some experienced people!

Reply | Quote

theGypsy - No - thank you

|2007-02-24 21:48:40

For taking the time to post a comment.

It's hard to get the straight goods it seems. Forum folks think forums are best and authors think books are best. I felt some clarity was needed on a broader spectrum.

Also a definative list of quality resources is always helpful. One never knows where to get the 'straight goods'

-- Hope to C U again - David.

Reply | Quote

Lisa Weinberger - PearlyWrites, LLC

|2007-02-25 06:46:39

Thank you for posting this information. As a "NOOB" to SEO, I found you answered a lot of my questions about SEO.

Reply | Quote

IrishWonder

|2007-02-26 04:59:01

>Earl Grey of Syndk8's Blog
Bwahahahaha
another person who seems to think Earl and I are the same person

Reply | Quote

theGypsy - argg

|2007-02-26 05:16:50

Yeah sorry Irish - it was still like that since U and the 'Muppet Master' cleared me up on that one ( remember MBL?)

I changed it for U. I also put it in my SEO Book as such, and changed it there are well

Sorry about that - he he

David

Reply | Quote

IrishWonder

|2007-02-26 05:30:31

cheers :grin

Reply | Quote

Ryan Steyn - urm.. mr?

|2007-02-27 13:29:13

Hi Dave,
Why not create the "How to Learn SEO" as a predecessor to the Handbook? for the people beginning to be noobs

Some nice references, some are now bookmarked

thanks

Reply | Quote

theGypsy - hhhmmmmm

|2007-02-27 23:38:53

A very interesting idea... I shall have to ponder that one.. it could certainly be expanded...

Reply | Quote

Raquel

|2008-02-11 06:58:36

And trying whatever you read if really works..I think is the best way to learn about seo. Great Post!

Reply | Quote

Jhangora - THANX A LOT HUO!

|2008-12-15 20:59:39

I became interested in SEO to promote my blog and now the interest has become the interest has become a hobby.

This was the information I was looking for.Sometimes it becomes ifficult to separate the chaff from the grain.Do u think human vetted search engines would become more prominent in the future?

Reply | Quote