Why the negativity toward SEO schooling?

3 replies
  • SEO
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Specifially the USF masters certificate in Internet marketing? (3 separate certs in 3 diff classes equals the master cert). They are accredited and a fantastic university, but it's not a degree, it's a certification.

$5995 is a lot of money I understand. Getting the certs can't hurt you, just not sure if it will help.

Speaking from somebody who's trying to break into the SEO world, if you were trying to get a job in a firm, would they even care if you had it?

I won't lie, I tossed around the idea, most likely won't but curious why so many seem against it on here? I mean if you already have the experience you don't need the cert, but with no experience at all would it not help give you that edge?

Humor me, sort of playing devils advocate here.
#negativity #schooling #seo
  • Profile picture of the author jsherloc
    I also once considered these types of certifications, but to me, they just aren't worth it. You will find all the information they cover in those courses free, most of which is probably right here on warrior forum. The basics of general SEO are not complicated, and a google search can fill in any gaps really. Tons of things are always changing yes, but the fundamentals never really do.

    However, I believe aside from the initial knowledge, 90% of succeeding at it is just gaining experience by doing it. They probably do provide a VERY structured atmosphere, so I might recommend it to someone who NEEDS structure, or doesn't want to do some research/testing right away.

    I would recommend maybe getting the google adwords certification (it used to cost $50 I believe), and I believe yahoo search has something similar if I'm not mistaken. I have never "applied" for an SEO job at a big firm or anything, so maybe they do look at the certifications....but I'd imagine they are more concerned with your past and current portfolio of successful web rankings than any type of formal certification you may have.
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    • Profile picture of the author millerb7
      Originally Posted by jsherloc View Post

      I also once considered these types of certifications, but to me, they just aren't worth it. You will find all the information they cover in those courses free, most of which is probably right here on warrior forum. The basics of general SEO are not complicated, and a google search can fill in any gaps really. Tons of things are always changing yes, but the fundamentals never really do.

      However, I believe aside from the initial knowledge, 90% of succeeding at it is just gaining experience by doing it. They probably do provide a VERY structured atmosphere, so I might recommend it to someone who NEEDS structure, or doesn't want to do some research/testing right away.

      I would recommend maybe getting the google adwords certification (it used to cost $50 I believe), and I believe yahoo search has something similar if I'm not mistaken. I have never "applied" for an SEO job at a big firm or anything, so maybe they do look at the certifications....but I'd imagine they are more concerned with your past and current portfolio of successful web rankings than any type of formal certification you may have.
      Yeah I'm started to think "SEO firms" don't exist haha... contacted quite a few with just inquiring if they even look at the certs or not, and NOTHING, not a single response yet.... I'll keep trying.

      More curious if it would give a leg up or not against other SEO professionals. I know not as much as experience, but for somebody starting out fresh.

      I'm sure I can learn everything online, I've already learned a ton.... what I was "hoping" for was the extra little boost to finding a job, but not sure the benefits outweigh the costs.
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  • Profile picture of the author lbtillmanyoung
    I think the adverse attitude towards SEO firms has more to do with the old "Those who can't do teach" mantra. And in some cases that is actually true. The idea is that Internet Marketing is constantly changing on consistent basis (oxymoronic, I know) but it's true. A curriculum that is devised is usually planned out maybe 3-4 months ahead. For IM'ers that is considered a lifetime in which new platforms can pop up, Google dances occur and other SEO related changes.

    I think that the main key here is to focus on your portfolio. With the Internet it has to do more with visible results than actual certifications. Many people might even frown upon those because SEO is highly out-of-the-box oriented. What I mean to say is that you have a wealth of knowledge available all across the Internet from forums to blogs to a never-ending-supply of free e-books.

    I recommend that the best portfolio you could possibly have is maybe 2-3 sites that you rank for competitive keywords. Then you can say to a potential employer "check out these sites, check whois records, that's right, they are mine".

    My .02
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