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How to Pick the Ideal SEO Training Course

So you are looking to give your SEO skills a major boost? Good for you. SEO is not just a trend but more of a necessity; therefore advanced SEO skills can make huge difference on your digital marketing career or your online business. The good news is there are many courses of digital strategy training in Hong Kong that focus on search engine optimization. It is worth noting though that not all training courses are created equal. This brings us to the question: how do you choose an SEO training course to take? Here are some tips and reminders for you.

Look for qualified training provider

Start by looking online for SEO courses. Check out training providers that focus on digital marketing and with strong focus on SEO. In addition, find an institution that is recommended by experts to ensure quality of instruction. A solid line of training options is a good sign that the institution caters to all types of learner. It also allows you to have good focus on certain SEO aspects you wish to learn more about.

Know the training’s scope and content

Once you have found a number of courses, start checking out their scope and content individually. You can do this by reading the course syllabus, which are usually available on the website of the training provider. Otherwise, you can send them a letter of inquiry via email or contact them to personally ask about the scope of their course. This step is important because it allows you to find a training course that best suits your needs and goals.

Consider the mode of instruction

Put into consideration how you want be trained. Obviously, you must factor in your preference in terms of your learning pace and style. With this in mind, learn about the training institution’s mode of instruction as well.  If you are the type of learner who likes it slow and assisted, find a course with step-by-step instruction. If you want it fast and challenging, choose a training courses with various practical tests where you can apply what you are learning.

At this point, you must already have an idea of what type of SEO course would work best for you. Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind to find the ideal SEO training course to take.

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Starting from Scratch: A Step-by-step Guide to Learning SEO

Search engine optimization is an in-demand service nowadays. As more and more businesses use digital platforms to do marketing, SEO becomes more and more essential. Business owners endeavor to know the basics of this digital marketing approach to make their businesses more competitive; while marketers do so to expand their skill set and benefit from a high-paying career. This explains why many business owners and marketing professionals enroll in SEO training in Hong Kong.

For someone with zero SEO background, the question would be: how can I learn SEO? Here is a quick and simple guide.

Start with the basic concepts

Before diving into the vast ocean of advanced SEO, start with the basics. Go online and read about what search engines are and how they work. Then take a quick look at how websites work and the different types of content. A basic understanding of these concepts and their connection with each other can help you understand the need for SEO.

Explore the core of SEO

At this point, you can now start checking out popular online resources on SEO. Moz is a good place to start because they have beginners’ guides that are simple and easy to digest. Most SEO guides are arranged from the basic concepts to the advanced ones; you won’t really get lost. Focus on the concepts of online traffic, ranking, keywords, links, and on-page SEO.

Be familiar with the terminologies

Pay attention to the jargons mentioned in the guides for you will most likely encounter them for the rest of your journey to learning SEO. You can check glossaries of digital marketing terms so that you have an idea of what the terms mean and to make sure you are on the same page as the author of the guide you are reading.

Advance your knowledge

You cannot expect to master SEO in a week, so take time in reading online. It also helps to expand your knowledge by reading news and updates about search engines and SEO trends. If you want to go the extra mile, enroll yourself in an SEO course for a more in-depth and systematic learning. Learning SEO takes time and effort, but surely it is rewarding. Keep the above-mentioned tips in mind so you can start your journey right.

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Common SEO Mistakes that Hurt Websites

The road to SEO success is paved with hurdles of all shapes, and sometimes these hurdles come in the form of mistakes that can actually cause you to lose track. Here is a quick guide to three of the most common mistakes that can damage a website’s SEO.

Failure to understand your target audience

In all forms digital marketing, the number one rule is to know your audience. This does not only mean knowing their exact demographics but also understanding how they behave online. This is where the “right” keywords enter the picture. Explore how your audience uses long-tail keywords and utilize advanced keyword planning tools to better align your SEO efforts with the unique search needs and preferences of your target audience.

Lack of a concrete SEO strategy

Planning is the first step to taking any endeavor. Unfortunately only a few small businesses with online presence had an SEO strategy. When you have an SEO plan or roadmap, it is easier to see your direction and check whether or not you’re hitting your targets right. An effective SEO strategy should include planning your content, monitoring your ranking, and updating your website.

Erroneous meta tags

Meta tags might seem like a very small element of your webpages, but they can actually damage the entire site’s SEO. For instance, duplicate title tags and meta descriptions make it hard for search engines to determine a certain page’s relevance. So in effect, rankings can be affected. Same is true with pages with missing meta descriptions, H1 tags, ALT attributes. Make sure to promote the uniqueness of each webpage by providing the search engines with accurate, original, and complete meta tags and attributes.

These are only some of the most common mistakes that actually affect your SEO success. Learn how to avoid these blunders by taking corporate SEO training in Hong Kong.  

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How to Learn Search Engine Optimization for Free

A solid background on SEO gives you an edge in this modern business world, where marketing is of topmost importance. Many businesses, in fact, are enrolling their marketing staff in corporate SEO training in Hong Kong to increase their competence. The thing is not everyone can afford training. For an independent marketer, SEO training courses can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are free resources one can use to learn SEO on their own, at their own pace, and most importantly, without spending a single cent. All you need is an internet connection to access these resources.

How to learn SEO for free

You can find a good number of online resources that you can access for free. One good example is Moz, formerly known as SEO Moz. Its learning center section is popular for its wide range of SEO-related content. For people with zero to little knowledge on search engine optimization, Moz’s guide for beginners is an absolute must-read. The site also caters to practitioners, providing them in-depth discussions on Google algorithms and other expert views on various digital marketing approaches.

Search Engine Land is another trusted resource. Backed by experienced SEO and digital marketing professionals, the site offers complete guides to SEO processes and methodologies. Their content is divided into chapters, providing learners with a step-by-step guide to learning the ropes of SEO all the way to the pro level.

Google, the biggest search engine, is unsurprisingly a great source of information on SEO. As they set the standards on search rankings, they share great insights and guides on how to properly optimize websites. Their Search Central, in particular, is a go-to place if you want to have advanced knowledge on SEO. They also regularly post news and updates on the SEO climate.

These are only some of the best online resources available to you. If you are the type of learner who prefers learning on your own and with zero assistance from a teacher or lecturer, these resources are for you. Otherwise, you must enroll in an SEO training program.

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How to Write a Highly Effective Meta Description

A lot of people fail to realize the importance of meta description and their role in SEO. While they are very short and almost always overlooked, they actually carry a weight when it comes to how search engines evaluate each page’s relevance and how human users decide which to click from the search results. Here is a quick guide to writing perfect meta descriptions.

Follow the recommended length

According to Search Engine Journal, the standard meta description length is at around 160-165 characters. When you go beyond that, expect that your meta description will be truncated. Keep in mind that being faithful to this measure can help you minimize bounce rates. Always be on the lookout for changes in such practice especially because Google typically changes their standards and policies.

Know how your competitors are doing it

Type your targeted keywords on Google’s search bar and check out the results. The reason you must look at your competitors is because you can learn a thing or two from their meta description. After all, they appeared on the first page, primarily because they are doing it right. Take note of their descriptions’ length, style, and use of keywords.

Use your brand voice

Every bit of your brand’s content appearing online must be consistent in terms of style and voice. Your meta description must reflect your brand’s online identity, so write in a fashion similar to your other online content, aiming to target the same audience and promoting your product or service.

Make it unique, original, and keyword-optimized

Make sure each meta description is unique. Write it in manner that would naturally and accurately describe the page and its content.  Whenever possible, insert your target keyword on the description. While Google has stated that they don’t use keywords in meta description as a ranking factor, it is notable that when keywords are highlighted when they appear in the search results. This means online users are more likely to find relevance in meta descriptions with the search terms they have used. 

Check out SEO training Hong Kong to learn more.

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Three SEO Myths Debunked so Many Times yet People still Believe

The SEO world is a dynamic and fast-paced world. Search engines update their algorithms very frequently and experts have varying opinions and advice on how things must be done. Unfortunately, some SEO beliefs are actually myths that may either be unhelpful or even cause harm to your SEO success.

Here are three of the most common myths that have been debunked by experts over and over again but still many SEO folks believe to be true.

Myth No. 1: Links are more important than content.

Other people believe that links are the biggest SEO ranking factor. Links play a big role in supporting your ranking power and establishing relevance and authority in the online world. But still, content remains a higher priority. Imagine spending lots of time and effort in link building but not in creating high quality content. This would simply lead to high bounce rate, right? Strive to create great content and great links would naturally follow. 

Myth No. 2: Mobile-first is senseless.

The mobile-first update in 2018 is one of the biggest updates in the recent years. Unfortunately, many people still don’t get it, with some saying that the update is simply irrelevant. The thing is mobile optimization matters now more than ever. Google favors sites that are mobile-optimized. This actually makes perfect sense knowing that more and more people today use smartphones to perform searches. So if your site is still not mobile optimized, you are most certainly losing a lot of potential traffic.

Myth No. 3: Keywords must be used verbatim.

Keywords play a critical role in SEO, but there is actually no need to use them exactly as they are. Keep in mind that search engines are constantly evolving – they are smart enough to know what users really mean when they perform a search. One smart move is to consider how your target audience might ask the question. When creating content, use keywords that are close enough to make it sound and appear more natural, more audience-centric. Search engine love that.

Learn more about the truths behind common myths by taking search engine optimization training in Hong Kong.

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Yes, You can Do SEO Yourself!

With some good research and good practical application, you can actually learn how to apply SEO for your own business. The secret is to take things one step at a time – learning the fundamentals first then working your way towards different aspect of the optimization process. The good news is there are corporate SEO training in Hong Kong for you to start things right.

Here is a quick look at some of the basics that you have familiarize yourself with before you can actually do SEO for your business.

On-page SEO

On-page or on-site SEO covers aspects on your website that you have control with. This includes title tags, meta description, and keywords. Keywords particularly must be paid attention to for are the ones that send signals to the search engine as to what a particular page is about. Thus, they can significantly affect the overall performance of the website. They must be used in the content as well as on the title tags and meta descriptions of each page. It is not as easy as that, though. Keyword research must be done so that you know which set of keywords to use and optimize your content and website for. Luckily for you, there are many tools out there that you can use to identify the right keywords for your business.

Off-page SEO

Off-page SEO is just as important as its on-page counterpart. This aspect is mainly focused on links, particularly those that tell the search engines that you are worth giving a good rank on the search results. Links from authoritative sites to your website, in particular, is a great boost on your site’s ranking. Therefore, the real challenge is how to attract links from reputable sites. And how do you that? That is to produce quality, original, and keyword optimized content. And yes, since content is an on-page element, you must remember that on-page and off-page SEO must work together for the overall SEO health of your website. If these things sound foreign to you, do not fret right away. Things will naturally come to you as you learn SEO. For a comprehensive guide to all this concepts, enroll yourself in an SEO training course.

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Learning SEO: Take a Training Course or Learn Online for Free?

Undergoing training is a surefire way to learn SEO. Courses are designed to assist learners not just to grasp concepts and methodologies but also to equip themselves with actual optimization skills. Sure some would ask why pay for a training course while you can learn it for free online. For sure, everything to learn is out there on the net, but training courses can be a much better option in some aspects.

Here are the reasons why you must consider undergoing search engine optimization training in Hong Kong than simply reading online sources.

Complete learning experience

SEO training courses are designed to deliver holistic learning experience. This means there is a combination of theoretical and practical approaches. Lessons include everything from short history of search engines and basics of optimization to advanced methods and best industry practices. There are also exercises that would help the learners to put what they have learned to practical applications. In simpler terms, SEO courses give you the combination of classroom and in-industry learning; whereas, free online sources merely give you the former.

Systematic teaching approach

SEO training courses are designed to suit the needs of the learners. Topics and concepts are logically divided into chapters, guiding the learners from the basic concepts all the way up to the advanced ones. Structured instruction is very essential to preventing learners from getting lost. This is particularly true when it comes to SEO, which involves a great number of concepts. When it comes to free online resources, there is a tendency to wander around various guides and explore topics that would end up obstructing your natural learning process.

There is truly so much more you can get when you enroll in a training course as opposed to just browsing online for SEO guides. While free online sources are a good place to build a basic understanding of SEO, it is always and always important to get formal training to succeed in this arena.

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All the Perks of Taking SEO Courses for your Business

Other than lead generation programs in Hong Kong, SEO training is rising in popularity among businesses big and small. Business owners are apparently realizing the role of SEO in establishing online presence in the highly digital world of commerce. If you are one of them, taking an SEO course can be the key to boosting your digital marketing strategy. Here is a list of the top advantages of taking an SEO course for your business.

Less expensive

Compared to hiring an in-house SEO team, taking an SEO course is way more practical. Whether you plan to undergo training yourself or enroll some of your marketing staff, the expenses would still be lower than hiring new employees. Other than being able to expand marketing skill set, you are also saving your company from additional expenses associated with recruiting and hiring an SEO team. Why spend on additional corporate real estate, office equipment, and wages when you can train yourself or some of your employees to do the same job?

Better marketing

SEO training also opens different perspectives on digital marketing. Courses usually tackle various methods and strategies that can be practically applied in any marketing campaign. Upon knowing these concepts and methodologies, you become more open to redefining your marketing strategies. You can also explore other techniques such as social media marketing, content marketing, and more for your business.

More competitive

Knowledge in SEO helps you become more competitive in terms of advancing your company’s marketing. Because you are aware of the strategies many successful modern businesses are employing, you also know how to take aggressive steps and compete for attention in the fast-paced online world. With proper application of SEO, you can stay ahead of the competition and dominate your market.

Taking an SEO course will surely take your business steps closer to the realization of its objectives. Find time to undergo training so you can make it happen soon.

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What to Look for an SEO Expert? – 5 Ways to Find Someone You Can Trust

It’s always a challenge to find an effective and reliable SEO expert that would help you with your digital marketing campaign. The term has been practically thrown around a lot these days which makes the search even more difficult. You’ll see people from left and right claiming that they’re a seasoned specialist only to be disappointed by the level of work they’ve done.

That’s why to help you filter out the bad ones from the good, here’s a list of things you should look for an SEO specialist.

Years & Level of Experience

People can bluff their way into establishing their own agency, but nothing can beat years of experience. By talking to a skilled SEO consult, you’ll know whether s/he is a sham or not. One good look to your website is enough to provide you with quick yet detailed analysis. This is why it’s important that you talk and discuss things with them.

Industry Knowledge

Another important thing you should look at is the amount of understanding they’ve got in all bases of SEO. It’s not just about how your website looks like, but also their knowledge on on-page and off-page side of things. Only an expert can fully talk about these things with confidence.

Marketing Savvy

One of the giveaway traits of a legitimate SEO expert is their interest in marketing and all things related to it. More than just fixing the outer shell, they’ll also worry about how you’ll market and attract more customers to get to know your brand.

Certification

Although certifications don’t necessarily reflect how good a marketer is, it shows their passion for the industry. Usually, even the seasoned SEO specialists attend search engine optimisation training in Hong Kong to refresh their mind on the latest trends and practices.

These are just some of the traits you should be looking for an SEO expert. Aside from these, it matters that the person you’ll be working with is someone who’s very transparent and straightforward. This is because it’s easier to discuss things and resolve any future conflicts that may arise. In the end, it’s all you having better judgment on whom to trust.