In all likelihood, you’ve heard that search engine optimization can lead to a massive return on investment. This is undeniably true, but SEO is not something that can be mastered overnight. In fact, gaining a full understanding of SEO can be tedious and very time-consuming. If you want to get into SEO, you must set your sights on the future. You’ll need to work diligently for a lengthy period of time, while also experimenting on your own. Within this guide, you will find tips for mastering SEO and expanding your horizons.

Winging It

When it comes down to it, reading about SEO and actually engaging in SEO is entirely different. Even after you’ve watched numerous tutorials and have read through hundreds of books, you’ll need to put your knowledge to work. It is absolutely essential to wing it. Start a website and begin optimizing your site for the search engines. There is no doubt that you’ll likely fail in the beginning. However, you can use your failure as a learning experience.

A little bit of experimentation and dedication will go a long way towards making you a success. If you are going to take the time to invest and learn the process of SEO yourself, make sure that you document your progress along the way. There are many different on-site and off-site factors that result in ranking changes. When measuring and tracking the success of your SEO efforts, be sure you aren’t testing too many different elements at any given time.

While there is always going to be a great benefit in ‘doing it yourself’ SEO, there are also plenty of resources and guides out there for you to learn from as well. A perfect example of this can be seen in this SEO Audit guide. Many site owners and bloggers know the concept of a good SEO audit, but actually walking through the process step by step isn’t something most will accomplish. By following a simple guide like this one, it will allow you to work are your own pace, while also making sure the job is done right.

Training Courses

Today, it is possible to obtain a wealth of knowledge online. In fact, there are many virtual academies that can help you learn about a new subject or two. Websites, such as Gotch SEO Academy, will put you through a comprehensive course, so you can gain more insight into the latest SEO practices and techniques. If you want to gain more knowledge and increase your likelihood of success, you’ll definitely want to complete as many courses as possible.Just be aware that some of these classes are free, but others can be costly. Regardless, they’ll all be well worth it.

Just be aware that some of these classes are free, but others can be costly. Regardless, they’ll all be well worth it. In addition to individual training courses from well-known SEO experts and marketers, there is also a wide range of courses available online through learning marketplaces like Udemy. If you are going to pick up any of the video courses offered through such sites, be sure to look for Udemy coupons before making a purchase. In most cases, customers can save anywhere from 50-95% off if they look in the right places.

Forums

Joining with likeminded individuals and brainstorming can prove to be enormously beneficial. This is where forums enter the picture. By utilizing forums, you’ll be able to discuss search engine optimization with people that are skilled and experienced in SEO. You can use their advice and guidance to strengthen your own portfolio. Utilize forums to gain more knowledge and to help guide you to success. Just make sure that you are also willing to share your own personal experiences. The other forum members may benefit from your experiences.

When it comes to finding the most accurate information and latest updates in the world of SEO, you are going to want to choose your forums wisely. This topic recently came up on Quora, where they recommended the following forums for SEO: SEO Chat, Warrior Forum SEO, The MOZ Q&A Forum from Rand Fishkin and MOZ, Link Assistant SEO Forum, Search Engine Optimization by SEO Forum, SEOBook Community Forums, BlackHatWorld and much more. Be sure to check out the full list on Quora to take advantage of each forum and Facebook group.

Take Advantage Of Books

Throughout the years, SEO has grown greatly in terms of popularity. Not only are large businesses taking advantage of SEO techniques and methods, but even single owned and operated businesses are taking advantage of SEO to soar their websites in the search engine rankings. How is everyone learning all these methods and techniques? Due to the increased popularity of SEO, many experts have been prompted to share their knowledge and advice by writing books. Just do a simple search and you will find that there is a variety of different books that have been written and composed by different authors that will explain everything the beginner should know about SEO.

One of the best books for learning pretty much everything there is to possibly know about SEO, is “The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization” 3rd Edition by Eric Enge, Stephan Spencer, and Jessie Stricchiola. This isn’t your traditional online marketing or industry book, this is a huge resource guide with nearly 1,000 of written content.

Tutorial Videos

With the growing popularity of social media, more and more people are posting videos and pictures of their life experiences. Well, the same can be said about tutorial videos. There are a wide variety of SEO experts out there that are more than willing to share their knowledge of all things SEO through tutorial videos. Videos are great because they actually will show you what needs to be done, which is much easier for visual learners.

Another great thing about tutorial videos is that there are literally thousands of them for viewing on YouTube. The only downside is that with so much free content out there on SEO, it might be tough for you to find the latest and most trustworthy resources out there. This is ultimately why many people will go with a premium course or online training from a trusted expert.

How to Master the Art of SEO in 2017

At the end of the day, everyone is going to have their own thoughts and working methods for SEO. Google will give you guidelines on what it takes to rank a website or blog in their search results. The common factor and influence that is agreed upon by nearly all SEO experts, is that you need quality content and quality backlinks to your site. This is ultimately the best, fastest and most effective way to rank higher in the search results.