Top SEO Courses in 2025

In 2025, SEO is no longer just about keywords and backlinks.

With AI-powered search and updates to Google Search changing how websites are ranked, it’s the perfect time for beginners to start learning SEO.

This post shares the best SEO courses in 2025 for beginners, helping you start your journey and make the most of Google Search.

Best Free SEO Courses in 2025

Here are the best free SEO courses in 2025, designed to teach essential skills and build a strong foundation for anyone new to SEO:

1. Content-Led SEO with Brian Dean – Semrush

If you’re new to SEO, this course on Semrush is a great choice. Brian Dean, the founder of Backlinko—acquired by Semrush in 2022—teaches it, combining his expertise with the support of a leading SEO platform. This makes the course highly valuable, offering guidance from one of the top experts in the field backed by a trusted name in SEO.

The course teaches practical SEO through content creation, showing you step by step how to create content that ranks. Advanced professionals trust these techniques, and with Semrush’s backing, you’ll learn what works.

• What You’ll Learn: How to create content that ranks, find the right keywords, and build quality links.
• Who It’s For: Beginners looking to learn SEO in a hands-on way.
• Cost & Duration: Free; approximately 5 hours split into short, easy-to-follow lessons.

2. SEO Course for Beginners by Sam Oh – Ahrefs

Ahrefs, one of the most trusted tools in the SEO world, offers this beginner-friendly course taught by Sam Oh, their VP of Marketing.

Sam Oh’s teaching style is straightforward, making the concepts easy to understand, and his regular YouTube tutorials are a great way to keep learning even after finishing the course.

This course covers the basics, from keyword research to link building, ensuring you have a strong foundation to build on. With Ahrefs’ reputation and Sam Oh’s expertise, you’ll feel confident you’re learning from one of the best.

• What You’ll Learn: The fundamentals of SEO, keyword research, on-page SEO, link building, and technical SEO basics.
• Who It’s For: Perfect for beginners, small business owners, and marketing team leaders looking to understand SEO basics.
• Cost & Duration: Free; 2 hours split into 14 concise lessons.

3. SEO Certification by HubSpot

The SEO Certification Course by HubSpot Academyis a great option for anyone aiming to boost their SEO knowledge. HubSpot, known for its trusted marketing tools, offers this free course taught by experienced instructors like Matthew Howells-Barby, an award-winning SEO expert, and Rachel Sheldon, an inbound professor specializing in CMS education. Their combined expertise ensures the course is both practical and easy to follow.

This course takes you through the essentials, including keyword research, link building, technical SEO, and reporting. Plus, earning HubSpot’s certification is a valuable way to showcase your skills. The HubSpot Academy also offers plenty of additional resources to support ongoing learning.

• What You’ll Learn: Website audits, optimizing content, keyword research, building backlinks, and tracking results with tools like HubSpot and Google Analytics.
• Who It’s For: Ideal for small business owners, SEO beginners, and professionals looking to enhance their online visibility.
• Cost & Duration: Free; 3 hours and 50 minutes, with 8 lessons and 26 videos.

Top SEO Courses in 2025

You don’t need to spend money to learn SEO—there are great free resources out there as we listed.

But a paid course can give you a clear plan to follow and help you stay focused.

Here are the top paid SEO courses in 2025 to boost your website’s visibility and grow online:

1. SEO Essentials Certification by Moz

The SEO Essentials Certification by Moz is a detailed course that helps you build a strong understanding of SEO while learning practical applications through Moz Pro. It’s structured into six sections, with quizzes and a final exam to test your knowledge and award you a certification upon completion.

One downside is the high price of $595, which may not be affordable for everyone. However, Moz offers a free introductory course called 30 Days of SEO, allowing you to explore the basics before committing to this program.

• What You’ll Learn: SEO fundamentals, keyword research, page optimization, link strategies, and reporting.
• Who It’s For: Beginners, marketing teams, and professionals aiming to improve their SEO skills.
• Cost & Duration: $595; approximately 8 hours, including instructor-led lessons and exams.

2. Complete SEO Training by Arun Nagarathanam – Udemy

This best-seller SEO course on Udemy is a solid option for anyone looking for a guided approach to learning SEO in 2025.

The course, led by Arun Nagarathanam, covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques, including how to use the top AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

With over 98,000 students and consistently positive reviews, it’s a popular choice.

• What You’ll Learn: Keyword research, content optimization, building backlinks, AI tools for SEO, and SEO troubleshooting.
• Who It’s For: Beginners, small business owners, marketers, and freelancers looking to improve their SEO skills.
• Cost & Duration: Starting at ₺399.99 (price may vary); includes 15+ hours of video, 45 articles, and lifetime access.

3. SEO Specialization by Google – Coursera

The Google SEO Specialization course on Coursera, created in collaboration with the University of California, Davis, is ideal for those who want a clear understanding of SEO concepts.

It’s designed to help learners grasp the fundamentals of SEO, including how search engines work, strategies for content optimization, and how to develop SEO recommendations.

While the course is primarily focused on theory and lacks hands-on practice, it’s a great resource for building foundational knowledge.

• What You’ll Learn: SEO basics, content optimization techniques, competitive analysis, and crafting SEO strategies.
• Who It’s For: Beginners or professionals wanting to understand SEO from a strategic perspective.
• Cost & Duration: Included in Coursera Plus or available for individual purchase; approximately 3 months at 10 hours per week. The course offers financial aid, allowing free access upon approval, with decisions typically made within 1–2 weeks.

4. The Ultimate SEO Training 2025 by Joshua George – Udemy

If you’re looking to learn SEO and focus specifically on WordPress optimization, this course is an excellent choice. Created by Joshua George, founder of the award-winning ClickSlice SEO agency, it combines real-world experience with step-by-step guidance.

This course covers everything from keyword research to technical SEO and building backlinks. It also includes advanced topics like managing negative SEO and provides templates and resources from a top SEO agency, making it useful for all skill levels.

• What You’ll Learn: Optimize websites for Google rankings, identify the best keywords, analyze competitors, and strengthen your site with technical SEO and backlinks.
• Who It’s For: Ideal for bloggers, small business owners, and anyone wanting to improve their SEO knowledge.
• Cost & Duration: Starting at ₺269.99 (price may vary); includes 14 hours of video content, 32 articles, and downloadable materials.

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results in SEO Courses in 2025

Succeeding in an SEO course requires a combination of practice, focus, and using the right resources.

The good news is that it’s never too late to start learning SEO. The field is always growing, with new tools, trends, and opportunities emerging regularly, making it a dynamic area where there’s always more to explore and master.

Here are some practical strategies to make the most of the SEO courses in 2025:

1. Apply Knowledge Immediately: Theoretical knowledge alone is not enough in SEO. Start implementing lessons right away, such as optimizing a blog post, conducting keyword research, or analyzing site performance. Practical application reinforces concepts and helps build confidence.
2. Work on Real Projects: Practice on actual websites, whether it’s a personal blog, a local business site, or a demo project. Real-world testing uncovers challenges and provides a deeper understanding of how strategies work.
3. Stay Connected to Industry Updates: SEO changes rapidly with new algorithms, tools, and techniques. Following reliable sources like Search Engine Journal or Google’s updates ensures a strong awareness of emerging trends and opportunities.
4. Explore Additional Learning Tools: While courses provide structured learning, supplementing them with SEO tools and resources strengthens skills.
5. Measure and Analyze Results: Understanding metrics is crucial in SEO. Using tools like Google Analytics for SEO helps track progress and identify areas for improvement. Regular analysis ensures your strategies align with your goals.
6. Practice Consistently: SEO requires ongoing effort. Small, consistent actions, such as updating old content, researching new keywords, or testing a different strategy, help maintain momentum and refine skills over time.

Key Reasons to Learn SEO in 2025

With advancements in technology, such as AI tools and changes in user behavior like voice and image searches, understanding SEO is more valuable than ever for maintaining online visibility.

Here are the reasons why learning SEO in 2025 is a smart move:

1. AI Is Changing Search Behavior: AI tools and Google’s latest features are influencing how search engines deliver results. Knowing how to create content that fits these systems can give you an edge.
2. Frequent Algorithm Updates: Search engines are constantly improving how they rank content. Staying informed and learning how to adjust strategies ensures your efforts remain effective.
3. Voice and Image Searches Are Growing: The increased use of voice assistants and visual search tools requires a different approach to content optimization. Learning how to adapt ensures your content remains discoverable.
4. More Content Than Ever Before: With so much content published daily, understanding how to make yours stand out is essential. SEO skills help you create strategies that bring your work to the right audience.
5. Preparedness for the Future: Courses in 2025 focus on current trends and strategies, preparing learners to handle the challenges of today while building skills that remain useful as technology progresses.

FAQ: Top SEO Courses in 2025

Here are the frequently asked questions about the top SEO courses in 2025:

1. What is the best way to start learning SEO in 2025?

The best way to start learning SEO is by enrolling in beginner-friendly courses that offer structured lessons and focus on essential skills. Courses like Semrush’s Content-Led SEO or Ahrefs’ SEO Course for Beginners are great choices as they simplify complex topics and provide actionable steps. These programs help build a strong foundation, making it easier to understand how search engines like Google work.

2. Do I need to pay for SEO courses to learn effectively?

Paying for SEO courses isn’t always necessary. Many platforms, such as Google and HubSpot, offer free courses that cover the basics of SEO. However, paid courses often provide added benefits, like structured content, exclusive resources, and detailed support, which can help you stay motivated and follow a consistent learning path.

3. Which tools are most helpful for SEO beginners?

Beginners benefit from tools like Google Analytics, Semrush, and Ahrefs. Google Analytics helps track website performance, analyze visitor behavior, and identify areas for improvement. Semrush and Ahrefs are excellent for keyword research, competitor analysis, and backlink tracking. Starting with free versions of these tools can be a budget-friendly way to gain hands-on experience.

4. How long does it take to complete an SEO course?

Completion times vary by course. Short courses like Ahrefs’ SEO Course for Beginners take about 2 hours, while more comprehensive programs like HubSpot’s SEO Certification can take around 4 hours. Certification programs like Moz’s SEO Essentials, which include quizzes and exams, may require up to 8 hours. For Coursera’s Google SEO Specialization, expect a commitment of about 3 months at 10 hours per week.

5. Are AI-powered tools relevant for SEO beginners?

Yes, AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly important in SEO. Tools like ChatGPT can assist with generating content ideas, refining copy, and automating repetitive tasks. Courses like Udemy’s Complete SEO Training by Arun Nagarathanam teach how to incorporate AI tools into your strategy, making it easier to adapt to modern SEO practices.

6. Can I apply SEO skills without managing a website?

Absolutely. You can practice SEO skills by working on personal projects like a blog, analyzing competitor websites, or optimizing content on platforms like Medium. Many courses also offer demo projects or provide sample data for practice. These exercises help you apply what you learn without the need for a live website.

7. Is SEO still important with AI changing how search works?

SEO remains essential despite changes brought by AI-driven search. With tools like Google’s AI updates influencing how content is ranked, understanding SEO ensures your content aligns with these new systems. Learning how to optimize for features like voice search, image search, and personalized results keeps your strategies relevant.

8. Which SEO courses are best for hands-on learning in 2025?

Hands-on learning is key for understanding SEO. Courses like Semrush’s Content-Led SEO and Moz’s SEO Essentials Certification include practical exercises, real-world examples, and step-by-step guides. These programs not only teach concepts but also show how to apply them using tools and techniques that deliver results.

9. How often do I need to update my SEO skills?

SEO is constantly evolving, with new updates to Google Search and emerging trends in AI. To stay effective, it’s important to refresh your skills regularly by following industry news, joining SEO forums, and taking updated courses. Many free resources, such as blogs from Search Engine Journal or Moz, help keep you informed.

10. Are certifications from SEO courses worth it?

Certifications can add credibility to your skills, especially if you’re looking to build a career in SEO or digital marketing. They demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers, clients, or stakeholders. Courses like HubSpot’s SEO Certification or Moz’s SEO Essentials Certification offer industry-recognized credentials that can boost your professional profile, particularly when added to your LinkedIn account.

Conclusion

SEO courses in 2025 offer endless opportunities to grow your online presence and skills.

With the right course, even beginners can master the basics and adapt to the evolving landscape of AI-driven search.

Start your learning journey today and explore the tools to make Google Search work for you.