If I want to learn SEO from the very beginning, where should I start?



It would be really helpful to have a list of references, key concepts, terms, and informative websites on this topic. Also, I'm curious about what level of knowledge would be sufficient to prepare for an interview.

If you want to learn SEO from the very beginning, there are several steps you can take to get started. Here's a detailed plan for you:

1.    Understand the Basics  :
  - Familiarize yourself with the key concepts of SEO, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, and technical SEO.
  - Learn about the importance of user experience and content quality in SEO.

2.    Read Reliable Resources  :
  - Start by reading "The Beginner's Guide to SEO" by Moz. It provides a comprehensive overview of SEO fundamentals.
  - Follow industry blogs like Search Engine Land, Search Engine Journal, and Ahrefs Blog for updated information and best practices.

3.    Online Courses and Tutorials  :
  - Take advantage of free and paid online courses offered by platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot. Look for courses that cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of SEO.

4.    Practical Experience  :
  - Practice what you learn by working on your own website or blog. Experiment with different SEO techniques and tools to see how they impact search engine rankings.

5.    Stay Updated  :
  - Follow reputable SEO professionals on social media and keep yourself informed about the latest algorithm updates and industry trends.

6.    Prepare for an Interview  :
  - To prepare for an interview, you should have a good grasp of the foundational principles of SEO, including keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and analytics. Be prepared to discuss your practical experience and any successful projects you've worked on.

Level of Knowledge for an Interview: For an entry-level position, you should be familiar with the basic concepts and have some hands-on experience in implementing SEO strategies. As you progress to more advanced roles, you'll need a deeper understanding of technical SEO, advanced analytics, and the ability to develop and execute comprehensive SEO strategies.

Additional to the steps mentioned, here are some key terms and informative websites that will be helpful in your SEO learning journey:

Key Terms:
1.    Keyword Research  : Understanding how to find relevant keywords for your content and analyzing their search volume and competition.
2.    On-Page Optimization  : Optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic.
3.    Off-Page Optimization  : Acquiring backlinks from other websites and building authority for your site.
4.    Technical SEO  : Improving the technical aspects of a website to increase its ranking and visibility.

Informative Websites:
-    Moz  : Offers comprehensive resources for beginners and advanced SEO practitioners.
-    Google Webmaster Central Blog  : Provides official news on crawling and indexing sites for the Google index.
-    Backlinko  : Brian Dean's blog is known for actionable tips and techniques on SEO and link building.
-    Neil Patel  : A vast resource of SEO tips and insights for both beginners and experienced marketers.

Moreover, consider familiarizing yourself with tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz's keyword explorer. These tools will aid you in understanding website performance, keyword analysis, and competitive research.

When preparing for an interview, it's essential to have a solid understanding of these terms and tools, as well as how to apply them practically. Additionally, being able to discuss case studies where you have implemented successful SEO strategies will greatly strengthen your candidacy.

In addition to the resources already mentioned, here are some more reliable sources for learning SEO:

1.    SEMrush Blog  : SEMrush is a well-known SEO tool, and their blog provides in-depth articles, case studies, and tutorials on SEO, content marketing, and PPC.

2.    Yoast SEO Blog  : Yoast is a popular WordPress SEO plugin, and their blog offers practical insights into on-page optimization, technical SEO, and content creation.

3.    Search Engine Watch  : This website covers a wide range of topics related to search engine marketing (SEM), including SEO, paid search advertising, and analytics.

4.    The Hoth  : The Hoth's blog is a great resource for understanding link building, local SEO, and content marketing strategies.

5.    Search Engine Roundtable  : This site provides daily coverage of the search engine industry, including news about Google algorithm updates, Bing, and other search engines.

6.    Content Marketing Institute  : Although not solely focused on SEO, this resource covers the intersection of content marketing and SEO, which is crucial for modern digital marketing strategies.

Remember to also check out YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to SEO and digital marketing. These platforms often feature practical demonstrations, interviews with industry experts, and discussions on the latest trends and best practices.

Continuously exploring varied resources will provide a well-rounded understanding of SEO concepts and strategies. With dedication and consistent learning, you'll become proficient in the art and science of search engine optimization.

The talk about SEO dying has been going on since 2009, but every year history repeats itself. Conditions change, and SEO specialists adapt to them. Whenever someone mentions the decline of SEO, I can't help but think of an article from a CEO at seoprofy.ua/blog/prodvizhenie-sajtov/pochemu-seo-nikogda-ne-umret. Adding my own perspective, it seems that the current shift from SEO to contextual advertising may be due to the demand for immediate results, but this might lead to a significant increase in the cost per click, making SEO more profitable once again.

Here are some steps to get started:
2. Join forums related to search engines, start with at least one and explore the sections for beginners.
3. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines and recommendations from search engines, as advised.
4. Follow the blogs of Sosnovsky and Koksharov.
5. Take a website and begin learning through hands-on experience. Only through practice can one truly comprehend SEO.

There are several great books on SEO that can provide valuable insights and strategies for optimizing websites. Some popular SEO books include "The Art of SEO" by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola, "SEO 2019" by Adam Clarke, and "Search Engine Optimization All-in-One For Dummies" by Bruce Clay. These books cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to advanced techniques, making them beneficial for both beginners and experienced professionals.

In addition to books, it's also essential to stay updated with the latest SEO blogs, industry news, and case studies to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization. Constant learning and adaptation are key in the dynamic world of SEO.

The most important aspect to consider is the frequency of rejections on your website and the behavioral factors. Creating engaging content, ensuring user-friendly navigation, employing clear design, and Google's algorithm will favor it. All other factors are of minor importance.

In essence, it's essential to begin by focusing on the following:
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/do-i-need-seo?hl=en

It's crucial to understand that while search engine optimization is important, providing valuable and relevant content for users should always be a top priority. Additionally, regularly updating and maintaining your website can significantly impact its performance.

Remember, search engines aim to provide the best possible experience for their users. By concentrating on user satisfaction, you can naturally improve your website's SEO performance.