What are your SEO training goals?

The best way to assess your current SEO level is to apply to SEO roles and see how you do. When I was seeking my current role, I looked into SEO roles that were far more specialized than I was anticipating. I took a job that was less specific to SEO but that allowed me to learn more about it to round out my skillset (I had only done on-page work).

Start by evaluating your existing knowledge and skills in SEO. Consider your familiarity with SEO concepts, tools, and practices. Identify any gaps or areas where you need improvement. For example, are you more proficient in on-page SEO but lacking in technical SEO?

Achieve your SEO training goals with a focus on these key objectives: 1. Master foundational skills: Ensure trainees understand the basics of SEO, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and technical SEO, to build a solid knowledge base. 2. Stay updated with trends: Keep the team informed about the latest industry developments, algorithm updates, and best practices to maintain a competitive edge. 3. Foster practical application: Provide hands-on experience through real-world projects and case studies, allowing trainees to apply their learning and develop confidence in their skills.

There are more sources of information than you'll be able to keep up with. I like to group my sources by importance. I find a lot of value in newsletters and broad SEO sites to keep up on recent changes (e.g. SEJ, Search Engine Land, SEO FOMO) as well as Google Search Central. I spend a lot of time in those, but there are plenty of smaller sites that write about SEO that have niche articles worth reading. They don't publish as frequently and the articles are more niche, so I don't visit them as often, but when I have some free time they're worth referring back to. You can also follow experts in the SEO industry on LinkedIn and Twitter to get a highly relevant feed, which can be used as a jumping point for you to research further.

Learning something new isn't a linear process and requires a more nuanced approach. Not achieving something at the start of your journey can seem frustrating and may dissuade one from learning further. I would recommend only the S (Specific) & T (Time-bound) from SMART,: 1. Choose a ???????????????? SEO-related topic you'd like to master/get better at 2. Gather the resources you'll use to master the topic - this could be a series of videos or articles or something else 2. Chalk out a consistent time-window through the week when you'll focus on learning 3. Implement your plan in a ????????-?????????? manner with pigheaded discipline 4. Rinse and Repeat Hope this helps!

Setting SMART goals for SEO training is essential. Be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Define what you want to achieve, track progress, ensure feasibility, align with objectives, and set a deadline. Maximize your training impact and enhance SEO expertise.

How do you know if you're actually learning? It's simple. When the concepts you're reading make sense and you can formulate new questions or spot statements that seem to contradict other sources, it signals that you know the topic at least well enough to do so. You will always have questions even on concepts that you know, so not knowing everything is ok. There are a lot of resources that can help you so long as you know what to look for, and you'll know what to look for as you learn.

Learning by doing is the most Impactful Way to learn. If you're new to SEO and want to apply your knowledge without setting up a site yourself, a good way to do so is through volunteering your time with a nonprofit or startup. Another great way to learn & apply your knowledge is by stripping/tearing down existing sites and finding issues that if fixed, would help that site perform better.

SEO is a constantly changing area, requiring greater flexibility and adaptability about new scenarios, seasonality, updates, and volatility. That's why it's essential to keep up to date, as well as constantly revisit the goals you've set and understand whether they still make sense for your current moment. If not, it's worth setting new objectives to avoid becoming outdated in a scenario of constant movement.

Preferably, approach SEO problems from a data-centric perspective. Use Search Console & Google Analytics to inform your decisions.

Don't assume you already know everything about SEO even if you have experience. What used to work may no longer work. You also may not be aware that you're operating on partial information for a particular tactic, especially if you only implement it occasionally. You'll also be missing out on important changes in the SEO industry if you never read blogs or follow SEO experts.

Absolutely! Continuous learning and skill updating are essential in the ever-evolving field of SEO. By staying informed about the latest trends and updates from reliable sources, attending industry events, and engaging in online courses or memberships, you can stay ahead of the curve and advance your SEO skills and career. Embrace the mindset of lifelong learning to adapt to new challenges and maximize your success in the dynamic world of search engine optimization.

Network with fellow SEO professionals to exchange ideas and gain insights. Consider obtaining certifications from reputable organizations like Google (Google Analytics, Linkedin Learning, Google Ads, etc.) or HubSpot. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement. Create a study schedule or a structured plan to ensure you allocate sufficient time for learning and practice.

Know where to get the answers. You don't need to know them on the spot. You need to be able to get them from reliable sources. This comes from asking good questions and remaining endlessly curious. "Why?" is your next favorite question in your learning path.