Use your learning preferences and lifestyle to choose how best to learn and retain SEO.
The subject of search engine optimization (SEO) is a complicated one.
We live in a world where search engines are continually evolving, making SEO foundations even more difficult. As a result, a thorough SEO education necessitates year-round training.
According to several educational ideas, everyone has a favourite method of learning.
Many psychologists and educators use the term “learning style” to describe how people learn better. Visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic are the four primary learning styles identified by the VARK model of learning styles.
It became widely accepted in the 1970s and 1980s that learners understand best when teachers and school activities are tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
The VARK model, for example, identifies four common learning styles:
Visual. You’d rather use images than text.
Auditory. You’re a big fan of in-depth conversations.
Read/write. You like reading rather than listening.
Kinesthetic. Doing/Actions is the best way for you to learn.
So, what’s the greatest way for you to learn SEO?
If you want to improve your SEO skills, you’ll need access to resources that fit your learning style and environment. It is important to know the advantages and cons of each learning method before making a decision.
Online education
You can learn in a multitude of ways online. SEO e-learning choices range from videos and webinars to complete online courses with additional materials.
Benefits:
You can learn at your own pace with the majority of reliable online training courses. Online courses are often less expensive than in-person training or consulting, and many of them provide payment alternatives.
Cons:
Online course completion rates rarely exceed 15%. Video training does not have the same level of accountability or involvement as a face-to-face course. Without direct contact with subject matter experts, video training may fall short of expectations.
Recommendations:
Attend online training classes with an interactive component throughout the year for the greatest outcomes (more on that later). Be specific about what you want to learn. This method is best for visual learners, but it also works well for professionals who are often on the go.
Classroom – face-to-face learning
Since the pandemic, it’s become less common to find hands-on SEO training in person. In most cases, a classroom-like setting is replicated, including lectures and discussions, as well as hands-on practice.
This form of training can take place in a variety of settings, including a trainer’s office, a company’s site, or even in workshops at conferences.
Benefits:
There are several advantages to classroom SEO training, including the ability to learn university-level information in a setting that allows for real-time discussion of the material.
The curriculum may be adapted to discuss current SEO trends in real-time because of its real-time style. You can often acquire on-the-spot help tailored to your most pressing SEO issues.
If a company has several individuals who want to learn SEO together, classroom training is the best option.
Cons:
Research reveals that listening to lectures passively is not an effective approach to learning. Listen attentively, ask questions, and actively participate in the process to thrive in face-to-face learning.
Some people worry about the cost of travel and time away from the office, but others believe it’s worth it in the long run.
Recommendations:
Auditory and kinesthetic learners will benefit most from classroom instruction. In-person SEO training, on the other hand, can be extremely beneficial to anyone who wants to gain a thorough knowledge of the subject.
SEO training seminars I taught for many years (before the epidemic) saw many of my students return once a year for a refresher course.
Books
Since so much information is now accessible online, it’s reasonable to assume that printed books will become less popular as time passes. That isn’t the case. Research suggests that paper books still hold sway over audiobooks and ebooks, according to the Pew Research Center.
Benefits:
It is possible to gain extensive knowledge about SEO by reading a book from beginning to end. In addition, research has shown that people are better able to grasp information in print than on a computer screen. Having an excellent book on your bookshelf is a wise investment.
Cons:
There are some novels (like mine) that aren’t ideal for reading while riding the metro. Although reading them in the privacy of one’s own home or workplace can be a concern. The average daily reading time in the United States is only 16 minutes.
Another problem is that many buy books and never read them. In addition, because print books are more difficult to update than digital ones, they can become out of date far more quickly than digital ones.
For those who prefer to read and write, print books are still a good option. There is a lot to learn from an SEO book if you are serious about reading.
Learn and improve your SEO skills.
A better option than course providers who rely on adverts to attract your attention is SEO experts who can teach you the skills you need.
WSQ and SkillsFuture-accredited trainers at MediaOne are ready to teach you SEO in order to help your career and your business thrive!