Google SEO Training: Is Official Google Training Any Good?

Question. We are very interested in Google, and of course in Google search engine optimization. It seems like Google would be THE place to go for official search engine optimization training, wouldn’t it? But we can’t find any official Google SEO training, not to mention official Google SEO certification. Why?

Answer. Great question!  You have to think a little like Google, however. First and foremost, Google makes its money not off of SEO but off of AdWords; accordingly, Google really strives to get you (and every other small business person) to advertise. So it is easy to find Google help and official training materials on AdWords, but not so easy for official information on SEO. Second, Google has a conflict of interest. Because it wants you to advertise, it isn’t very keen on explaining the SEO “rules of the game.”

Official Google SEO Training Resources

So any “official” Google information should be taken with a gigantic grain of salt. Third, within that perspective, where are some “official” Google resources on SEO?

• Google Webmaster Tools – this is the official Google resource for SEO-oriented people. At the bottom of the page, don’t mess the “Webmaster Education” site.
• Official Google SEO Starter Guide – this wonderful PDF guide explains most of “on page” SEO and is really pretty objective.  Note that it does NOT discuss OFF PAGE SEO (such as link-building).

Google also has a series called AdWords Seminars for Success, but note that it does NOT cover SEO.  You can find it here. Ironically, therefore, there isn’t really ANY official Google SEO training. Instead, you have to look at third party organizations such as the JM Internet Group or Bruce Clay.