Looking to train an SEO from scratch? This plan covers the key subjects and essential tools SEOs need to learn to use to ensure they become an effective team member. Here’s how to squeeze it all into a week of morning and afternoon sessions.
One thing that is frequently brought up by SEO directors or people in similar roles both in-house and agency side, is that it’s really hard to find good people. Even though SEO isn’t an entirely new subject, the speed at which it evolves means that you can’t be sure that someone with experience definitely has the skillset you require.
On the other side, if you’re looking for a good junior you can bet that you’re going to end up paying a lot of money for someone with limited experience. Your alternative is to train them yourself, and few people have the time to really do this; even on-the-job training takes hours out of your days.
If you were to train an SEO from scratch, these are the subjects I would split the training into, and the tools I would focus on teaching people to use, in order to ensure that they will be an effective member of your team in as short a time as possible. With a tailored training plan like the one below, you can squeeze it all into a week of morning and afternoon sessions.
Intro to SEO
Keyword research
Intro to link building
How to do:
Test
Reporting (STAT, Google Analytics, etc.)
How to use:
Tools (IIS, Firebug, Linkdex, WMT etc.)
How to use:
Redirects and server responses
Advanced Excel
Advanced link building
Social media advancements
Microformatting, local, and other tips and tricks