What is the best way to learn SEO?

[bronxpad]

Thanks Egol,

I find myself spending 4 hours a day on something SEO related. Now granted most of the time its verifying what I just read to make sure it's accurate but I hear you, it's trial and error combined with constant learning and patience mixed in.

[EGOL]

I find myself spending 4 hours a day on something SEO related. Now granted most of the time its verifying what I just read to make sure it's accurate but I hear you, it's trial and error combined with constant learning and patience mixed in.

This is time well spent.

As you learn more you will be able to back off the time spent on SEO and increase the time spent improving your site.

It is better to get a good foundation on SEO now than spin your wheels for three years and then discover that you wasted your time.

[bronxpad]

Hey Brad,

What's the difference between the Art of SEO and the Art of SEO Theory in Practice?

[bronxpad]

Do you recommend the book "Art of SEO"? or what book would you recommend?

[bradkrussell]

Hi Joel,

When I was talking about G+ I was talking more from a personal point of view, not your company point of view. I.e. just as a way of learning more about SEO.

Go on G+ and start following all the top SEOs - start with http://www.seomoz.org/article/recommended and http://www.linchpinseo.com/best-seos-lego-infographic (yes it's silly but it's still a great list). Each of these people will post some great resources on G+ daily.

Interact with them. Comment, share with them, mention them in shares/comments.

Also, any social profiles you have, link to all your other social profiles. I went to your SEOmoz profile thinking I would be able to get to your G+ personal profile, but alas there was no link. You'll miss out on some easy opportunities there.

Thanks

[bradkrussell]

Hi Joel,

As for these books - I've only read the 2009 edition - http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-SEO-Mastering-Optimization/dp/0596518862. There was an updated version this year - http://www.amazon.com/Art-SEO-Eric-Enge/dp/1449304214/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1339728490&sr=1-1 that I am yet to read but hope to soon.

Thanks

[EGOL]

Yes..  But read the SEOmoz Beginner's guide first.   Don't hesitate to read the basic chapters twice.

I have read many SEObooks.  None of them have been a waste of time as long as they are reasonably current.  Since there have been so many changes in Google over the past year, I would read new editions of any that are published.

Also read "In the Plex".  It's not SEO but will help you understand how google works and appreciate that they always have test algos running.

[EGOL]

Brad has prepared a very good list.

[rmontanez]

One book that helped me a lot was Search Engine Optimization Secrets by Danny Dover. That one and the art of seo were my starting point. I keep going back again to both books over and over.

[bronxpad]

Thanks everyone for your tips and advice. I appreciate the help. That's why I enjoy SEO MOZ, it's a great community to be a member of.