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.
Courses | Curriculum | Best For | Pricing |
Content-Led SEO with Brian Dean - Semrush | Content creation that ranks, keyword research, building high-quality links. | Beginners looking to learn SEO in a practical, content-focused way. | Free |
SEO Course for Beginners by Sam Oh - Ahrefs | Fundamentals of SEO, keyword research and on-page SEO, link building, and technical SEO basics. | Beginners, small business owners, and marketing team leaders seeking an easy-to-understand introduction to SEO. | Free |
SEO Certification by HubSpot | Website audits, keyword research and link building, technical SEO and reporting strategies. | Small business owners, beginners, and professionals enhancing their online visibility. | Free |
Complete SEO Training by Arun Nagarathanam - Udemy | Keyword research and content optimization, building backlinks and troubleshooting SEO, incorporating AI tools. | Beginners, freelancers, small business owners, and marketers who want a structured approach. | Starting at ₺399.99 (price may vary) |
SEO Specialization by Google - Coursera | SEO basics, content optimization techniques, competitive analysis, crafting SEO strategies. | Beginners or professionals wanting a foundational understanding of SEO strategy. | Included in Coursera Plus or individual purchase; financial aid available |
SEO Essentials Certification by Moz | SEO fundamentals, keyword research, page optimization, link strategies, reporting. | Beginners, marketing teams, and professionals needing hands-on SEO guidance. | $595 |
The Ultimate SEO Training 2025 by Joshua George - Udemy | Optimizing websites for Google rankings, analyzing competitors, strengthening technical SEO and backlinks. | Bloggers, small business owners, and those optimizing WordPress websites. | Starting at ₺269.99 (price may vary) |
Here are the best free SEO courses in 2025, designed to teach essential skills and build a strong foundation for anyone new to SEO:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Here are the frequently asked questions about the top SEO courses 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.