How do I learn more about Search Engine Optimization?

Hi Matt,

There are a lot of resources available to you - a few have already been named.

Agree that SEOMoz's blog is excellent and some of the basic Google Webmaster tools are key.

I work at HubSpot and we provide some free content, in addition to our blog and SEO Hub already mentioned (thanks Michael):
Free SEO Crash Course - Take it online: http://inboundmarketing.com/university/seo-crash-course-to-get-found-gf102
Free Site Grader - will give you tips on your own or other sites so you can learn some of the basics: websitegrader.com

Ultimately, getting found online is about creating great content targeted for the keywords that you target audience cares about. So start writing:)

Best of luck!

Matt:

Best advise I never took, and neither will you --- get a mentor or a tutor who can analyze your skills and teach you the ropes. This will get you there faster, but will also cost you. However, all businesses need to make investments.

If time is on your side and you are willing to let the fast trains pass you by, Charity does supply some good resources....

But I would start by reading Google's basic SEO guidelines (32 pages!).
http://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/untrusted_dlcp/www.googl...
If you can get through that in a reasonable time period and with comprehension, you can learn what is gospel on the Web and what is smoke and mirrors.

Other sources:
http://www.hubspot.com/search-engine-optimization-marketing-hub/
http://www.startupnation.com/
http://www.searchengineguide.com/stoney-degeyter/seo-101-everything-you-need-...

Evangelism is a new buzz word on the Web. So please remember, we are all trying to eventually sell you something on the Web!

Michael

Matt,
I agree with the previous suggestions. I would also like to add if you are looking for more formal training with peer and faculty review http://www.MarketMotive.com has an excellent program in multiple specialties that include and surround SEO. The SEO program is taught by Todd Malicoat who is an industry leading consultant, working along side industry experts like Avinash Kaushik (Analytics Expert), Jennifer Laycock (Owner of Search Engine Guide), Matt Bailey (founder of Sitelogic), and many more.... Their program is about 90 days long with a lot of faculty and student interaction. Though they do not pass just anyone, so you would need to be willing to jump in head first. There is also assistance funding through the Federal WIA program. I have been through there SEO Master Certification program, and definitely recommend it to folks in the beginner or Intermediate stage of learning.

Overall, as you probably know until recently there really was no formal education programs in the market. There are a few through a couple colleges I have seen pop up in the last 18 months, though I would assume the books they print are obsolete by the time they print them as the industry changes so quickly. Almost all SEO Consultants are self taught one way or another. So following Michael & Charity's advisement would be a great way to start out, along with deciding if you want formal training or not.
Hope this helps & have a great day!

I would say first try to look up the links yourself and see if they make sense. SEO is not rocket science and there is so much obscurity in this field that you get some shady SEO firms. So first do your own HW and see if how far you can go - then if needed try to seek a mentor that works at your level. Good luck.

Agree with Charity! Read blogs! Learn from the industry leaders.
Read my blog article "The Shortest Tutorial Ever On SEO" http://bit.ly/cyhTWn
I recommend HubSpot and Mike Volpe! @mvolpe

Bilguun
www.bilguun.net

Check this guy out -

http://syndikomm.com/blog/

He's the best I've ever come across. I don't even know him. He does a great breakdown of Hubspot's own promotional efforts. Mike Volpe even calls him out.

How do I get connected with Bulk SMS service providers, do you know any one I could link up with in India?

Hello Matt, first I would ask are you doing this for your own business or are you interested in just learning about this subject?

Most business owners feel that they HAVE to learn how to do this themselves due to cost for pay per click and seo services charging large fees. Now, if you had a major accounting issue with your business, you would call an accountant - why should it be any different when you need marketing help?!

Our particular company provides a cost effective, online campaign that geo-targets your customers with a written guarantee. Yes, we provide a written guarantee for our services so you don't have to worry.

Now, if you are just interested and want to learn, I agree with the others in finding a great mentor to work with as this industry changes rapidly.

Great luck to you with your endeavors.

Linda King
AdzZoo Marketing Analyst
http://www.adzzoo.biz/lindaking
lindaking@adzzoomail.com