July 29th, 2008 by Dave
How to learn SEO in 2008
Category General | 30 comments »
The beginners guide to the art of search optimization
It goes without saying that those that write/read books sing their praises and those that blog know that their way is best and forum hounds know that is the way. Each format has it’s evangelists.
You should consider exploring each of these avenues and more to truly get the most out of your path to understanding search engine optimization. Some methods are more appropriate for enthusiasts and others for those looking to become SEO professionals some day…. Obviously experience is the best teacher, but what other ways are there these days?
We all learn in our own way….
While there is no end to the SEO advice that permeates the web marketing world, it can often be very difficult to sort out exactly how one should research and where one should turn to learn about SEO. In a follow up to a post I made a year ago, I thought an updated look might be a good idea.
Now let us count the ways
SEO Books
One of the great things about books, real or eBook, is that you can not only take them with you and read on-the-go, but they are often easier to reference later should you be looking for a nugget to deal with a given situation.
The downside of SEO books, as with many technology books, is freshness.
The world of search engines is constantly changing and thus any related information must also be updated. Be sure to cross reference information found in books relating to search to ensure freshness and reliability of the information.
- Professional Link builder’s guide – SEOmoz ($29)
- SEO Fast Start – from Dan Theis (FREE)
- Small Business guide to Search Engine Marketing – by Jennifer Laycock ($79)
- the SEO Handbook – by yours truly ($10)
Considering the recent decline in SEO book publication one has to imagine the popularity of this form is on the decline. I myself prefer a good read in hard copy or portable digital form… but potentially in the minority on that one.
Online Guides
Once more, like books… the main consideration is how up to date the information is. Here are some guides that are great for those looking for great information online;
- Beginners guide to SEO – SEOmoz
- Local small business SEO basics – by Sugarrae
- Bloggers guide to SEO – by Aaron & Giovanna Wall
- 11 Experts on Link building – From Sugarrae
- SEO Theory guides – SEO Theory
- SEO guide to information architecture – Audette Media
- 5 Easy SEO tips for your website (video) – Search Marketing Gurus
- FireHorse guide to Google personalized search – Firehorse Trail
There are many more out there but these are some that are truly worthy for anyone getting around the waves of the search marketing ocean. If you know of others, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.
Online Training
Unfortunately I haven’t had the pleasure of reviewing any of these services, but there are some fairly respected resources out there for those looking for a more structured system of learning. For me, this type of learning does well as there are generally instructors on hand to help guide the student.
- SEO Book Training – from Aaron Wall
- Link Ninjas – Jim Boykin (and others)
- Link Bait Coaching - Lyndon Antcliff
- SEOmoz Pro membership – SEOmoz
- Learn SEO Live – Garrett Pierson
- Search Engine College – SEC
- SEOmoz Video training series
- the Joomla SEO Book Club
Classes, Seminars and Conferences
Again, while I am a big believer in these types of mre hands-on interactive approaches to learning SEO – I have not had the chance to really participate in many of these. If you want to get out and play with some industry thought leaders, there is no better way than one of these offerings;
- SMX (conference)
- SES (conference)
- PubCon (conference)
- SEO ToolSet – from Bruce Clay
- Elite Retreat
- SEMPO Training
- SEO Class (We Build Pages)
- SEM Canada (conference)
Blogs
In some cases, blogs are not the greatest place for learning; at least for the noobs. Many times there are advanced theories, rants and personal perspectives more than structured reading for a person looking to learn SEO. That being said, they are a great wealth of information for beginner, intermediate and advanced SEOs alike. Some of the best include;
..and there are plenty more in Lee’s Big List…
Media Outlets
Much like the blogs, these sites are more for those looking for the latest industry happenings and musings. While they may not always offering teachings for the noob, in any industry, staying abreast of the times is an essential element in the process. Here are the more popular websites;
- Search Engine Land
- Search Engine Journal
- Search Engine Watch
- Search Engine Guide
- Marketing Pilgrim
- Search Marketing Gurus
I like these collective publications and advise having them in your reader. They may not be all about the teaching, but can give a strong ongoing grounding in the industry.
SEO Forums
While many times forums can be filled with contradictions and more noise than signal, there is often a dialogue around real-world situations in forums. As with anything, take nothing as gospel and be sure to cross reference information with other sources. Here are some of the more popular forums out there;
- Site Reference
- Digital Point
- SEO Chat
- SEO Roundtable
- Web WorkShop
- WebmasterWorld Forum
- Internet Business.co.uk
- Google WebMaster Help
- WebPro World
- SEO Guy
- SEO Refugee
- Cre8aSite Forum
- HighRankings Forum
- IHelpYou Forum
- Search Engine Watch Forums
With a grain of salt
One thing is for certain; on hands experience is ultimately the best way to learn SEO. By taking a cross section of different methods and principles one has the power to go forth and create/test the theories.
This will be the most essential tool in the learning experience. To me there is no best way to go about it… what is important is to remain objective and open to new concepts.
If you want to know what some of the SEO pros felt… read the sister post; Learn SEO – the experts share insights.
(and join the discussion in the forums)
Popularity: 33% [?]
July 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I dont think IHelpYou Forum should be in that list, its just a hive for hate.
July 29th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Well, I well remember my first website. Made it with Microsoft Publisher 98, ya know.
I thought it was just the ducks guts for a few weeks till I realized that the images weren’t showing up as I’d intended.
Oh! And the disappointing confusion! My site didn’t come up in the search engines!
That marked to beginning of my SEO journey which has involved study of SEO forums, blogs, newsletters and other, successful and not so successful websites.
Examining websites submitted for review has been worthwhile.
But perhaps the most rewarding has been the hard slog of my own research and experimentation.
I can tell you that I strongly resent the SEO value given to backlinks. But as time goes on I see that a well built site is the answer with backlinks reinforcing a rich visitor experience.
But for now it’s back to publishing a story involving shoeing horses and finding water among the sand hills by tracking the birds. It’s a story that was first published in print 150 years ago and presents a challenge as it does appear a few times on the web.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Nice reference especially to pass along to college students looking for a starting point. Lord knows, higher ed won’t be offering SEO course in this decade.
Might add I just created a 30 minute series of 4 videos that put SEO in layman terms and are FREE.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatchSearchMarketing
or in HD* http://catchsearchmarketing.com/organic-search-marketing-training-videos
July 31st, 2008 at 11:09 am
Luau – in all fairness I thought that Doug and co deserved to be on the list as a long standing resource. There is more there than mere pot-stirring and I am not getting involved in the politics of the industry…. like myself, peeps either love ‘em or hate ‘em
Laurie – as you know I am not a fan of link centric search engines on a variety of levels. What is interesting is the semantic/relevance search engine that came out this week; Cuil – one of the developers is Anna Patterson of ‘phrase based indexing and retrieval’ fame… it’s apparent issues do highlight the difficulties of that approach. Ultimately links will play a roll, I just hope other signals help to round out the currnet offerings – time will tell.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I have an oldie but goodie here Dave:
http://www.jaankanellis.com/seo-where-do-i-begin/
August 1st, 2008 at 7:02 am
This was a great list that you have put together and it will help anyone looking to further their knowledge of SEO.
Everyones learning style is different. Many do better learning on-line at their own pace, some like learning in big conference type settings and others like to learn by reading. However if someone wants a hands on small workshop style of learning, where you learn while studing the strengths and weaknesses of their own site check out http://www.searchengineacademysc.com
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Thanks for including me on this list Dave.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Great list, this will be very helpful. thanks!
August 4th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Hello,
Thanks a lot for giving such an informative resource on SEO.
Sally.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:40 am
thanks for the list. explore each link now
August 5th, 2008 at 4:38 am
This is great. It helps everyone who read these.
Thanks.
http://www.kishoreblog.com
August 8th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Nice post to get seo resources bust still lots of resources available who provided best information on internet marketing.
August 11th, 2008 at 2:32 am
SEO has done a very great job by giving so many opportunities to learn it and at the same time they have published books on it which will be helpfu8l to every learner.
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meshil
Rhode Island Treatment Centers
August 12th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Great post. I was thrown into the industry just over a year ago with no prior knowledge. Something like this would have been gold to me back then. What I have learned I learned from my peers and from various sources on the net. The nice thing about this post is that it lists various types of resources. I even discovered a handful of new blogs I wasn’t aware of from this post.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:31 am
So, anyway, where’s Brian Carter http://friendfeed.com/briancarter, Andy Roberts http://friendfeed.com/andyroberts, David Harry http://friendfeed.com/thegypsy, Igor The Troll http://friendfeed.com/igorthetroll.
And where’s all the top line SEO conversations?
Best wishes to all!
September 29th, 2008 at 3:15 am
Great Dude,
Nice Collection
I think you have forgot to put Matt Cutts (Google Webmaster) and John Chow name
Anyway
Forum : Site Point, Warrior Forum, NamePros are also kewl
thnx for sharing with us
Tejas
http://www.Zosap.Com
October 14th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Thanks for the link David! Nice post for those starting out on the long journey…
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
really great work, thank you so much, site-reference.com
November 8th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Very very helpful links and tips for SEOs. I found there some extra-need links. Thanks, Dave! You are the best!
December 7th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Thanks for sharing with us. Very very helpful links and tips for SEOs.
January 19th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
[...] How to learn SEO in 2008 David Harry, Site Reference | 7/29/08 [...]
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:08 am
Thanks for a fantastic list of diverse ideas and tactics.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Great references for free & paid sources!
March 30th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
great tips
June 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 am
Big up Dave…
We have been on page one for the root keyword SEO for over a year and only a handful of the SEO community give us props.
Much respect for the mention…
July 29th, 2009 at 10:20 am
[...] How to learn SEO; [...]
August 31st, 2009 at 7:39 pm
good seo site
August 31st, 2009 at 7:40 pm
very gooooooooood
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Plenty of reading to keep me busy for a long time! Thank you for so many great things to check out.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Well, its 2010, and yet the resources you have provided are still good to learn Seo, But you must have included Matt Cutts Name also.