Took a course on SEO...worst decision ever

General
1

I thought a course from an SEO agency would be great, but it was such a waste of money.

Most of the course is plain text, no videos showing how to actually do things. Honestly, you could search on ChatGPT or even Google and find the same information.

I spent my hard-earned money because I wanted to learn. I’m so disappointed. I emailed them about a topic that wasn’t covered, and they just sent me back a written explanation. If I wanted to read like that, I wouldn’t have needed the course.

Is there anyone who can actually help?

2

Why buy SEO courses? Use that money to create your own website and test things out yourself. There’s so much free information online—YouTube, blogs, even here on this forum.

If you’ve got the time, just start learning on your own. You’ll end up doing the work yourself anyway, whether you buy a course or not.

3

@TechTitan
Exactly. The best way to learn is by building your own site.

4

Check out LearningSEO.io—it’s free and has everything you need to get started.

5

Please don’t waste money on SEO courses. If you’re really into it, start learning by yourself. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s the only way to truly learn SEO. And don’t be scared to experiment—that’s how you get results.

6

Where are the folks hyping ‘local SEO Shippuden’? :joy:

7

The certification could still help if you’re looking for an entry-level agency job.

8

Olives said:
The certification could still help if you’re looking for an entry-level agency job.

Nope, certifications aren’t needed for SEO jobs. What matters is showing what you can do, not a piece of paper. Build a portfolio instead.

9

@Charlotte
Exactly. There’s no real SEO certification. SEO is about influencing search results, and no legitimate certifier like Google is going to give one.

10

Wyatt said:
@Charlotte
Exactly. There’s no real SEO certification. SEO is about influencing search results, and no legitimate certifier like Google is going to give one.

Certifications for platforms like BrightEdge or SEMrush can help if you know how to use them well. Agencies appreciate tool expertise, even if it doesn’t mean you’re an SEO expert.

11

@Charlotte
I said it ‘helps,’ not that it’s necessary. A portfolio is ideal, but having a certification can make you stand out. I’ve seen it work from personal experience.

12

Olives said:
@Charlotte
I said it ‘helps,’ not that it’s necessary. A portfolio is ideal, but having a certification can make you stand out. I’ve seen it work from personal experience.

You said it’s valuable, and I disagree. A cert from who? Some random person selling courses? That’s misleading.

13

@Charlotte
Are you calling the biggest SEO agency in the UK random?

14

Olives said:
@Charlotte
Are you calling the biggest SEO agency in the UK random?

Who do you mean? Name them. I’d love to know which agency is pushing the idea that certs are worth it. Their size doesn’t make their advice true.

15

@Charlotte
When you say portfolio, do you mean a site that ranks well, a resume-style site, or something earning money? What’s the best kind to get an SEO job?

16

Magdalina said:
@Charlotte
When you say portfolio, do you mean a site that ranks well, a resume-style site, or something earning money? What’s the best kind to get an SEO job?

Look at my profile links to see examples of portfolios. A good portfolio is a website promoting a product or service. Blogs alone won’t cut it anymore.

Focus on building unique content—videos, infographics, etc., where needed. Also, grow your brand on social media to complement your site.

17

@Charlotte
Thanks for the advice. I tried a blog site before but didn’t get much traction. I’ll start fresh and follow your suggestions. Appreciate your help!

18

Do they offer refunds within 30 days? Check that out.

19

You’re the one who chose to buy the course. Take this as a lesson and move on.

20

Appreciate you sharing. No need for courses—YouTube is enough.