7 Best Ways to Learn SEM

Read SEM Blogs
Overview: SEM blogs are one of the best ways to keep up with trends in the industry and stay current with the latest SEM techniques and case studies. SEO software companies like SEMrush and Moz publish popular blogs with loads of case studies, industry reports, and comprehensive how-to guides related to SEM.

sem blogs

Image: Moz Blog

Pros: SEM blogs are free to read and follow! They can contain lots of valuable info on a variety of SEM-related subjects.

Cons: Older blog content goes out of date as search engines adjust their algorithms, so you’ll have to double-check any facts you read in older articles. Blog articles can give you theoretical knowledge of SEM, but you’ll still need hands-on experience to develop genuine know-how and problem-solving skills.

Read a Search Engine Marketing Book
Overview: A quick search for “Search Engine Marketing” on Amazon yields over 2,000 different books on the subject. If reading a physical book (or an eBook) is your preferred method of digesting content, you can absolutely learn SEM by reading paperbacks.

Pros: With over 2,000 search engine marketing books available, there’s no shortage of content. With your own Kindle device, you can actually get instant access to most of the SEM books that are published on Amazon.

Cons: “Publishing Amazon eBooks” is a popular online money-making tactic, so you’ll find loads of published SEM books with recycled, out-of-date, or low-quality content. You’ll have to research authors and read reviews carefully to find quality information that leads you in the right direction.

Take College or University Courses
Overview: There are thousands of colleges around the world that offer two or four-year programs for digital marketing. These programs are ideal for future marketers who place a high value on credentials and benefit from structured learning and accountability.

college sem course

Image: A quick search on Study Portals revealed 218 bachelor’s degrees for digital marketing in the United States alone.

Pros: College and University courses will typically cover a broad scope of subjects when it comes to digital marketing. You’ll also get a diploma and add a line to your resume for future employment opportunities.

Cons: Colleges are the most expensive way to learn SEM, and students often graduate with low-depth knowledge across too many subject areas and a lack of practical experience.

Pay for a Professional Trainer
Overview: If you’re trying to bring SEM capabilities into an existing business, hiring a professional corporate trainer could be an option. There are all sorts of corporate trainers, consultants, coaches, gurus and SEM experts available that will deliver in-person or online training sessions for yourself and your team.

Pros: Professional trainers that know their stuff can deliver quality information in a concise and digestible format like an in-person presentation or webinar.

Cons: Professional SEM coaches vary widely in skill, knowledge, price and teaching ability. As a result, you’ll have to spend time verifying the credentials of anyone you choose to hire. You’ll also be paying consultant fees ($$$) for them to share their knowledge and expertise. Once they’re gone, you’re left with nothing but a few pages of notes and an invoice – it’s still up to you to figure out how to implement what you learned.

Learn Directly from Google
Overview: Through the Google Digital Garage, marketers can take a free three-hour course that covers the basics of search engine marketing.

Pros: As the largest search engine in the world, Google is a leading authority on search engine marketing. Digital marketers should listen carefully to any SEM information that Google provides and incorporate it into their campaign design and philosophy.

Cons: This course offers a high-level overview of SEM and SEO-related topics, but digital marketers will still need to develop hands-on skills by creating real organic and paid search campaigns as they learn SEM.