Real SEO Insights, No Sales Funnels

Since 2017, the simple 5-day series above has been an introduction to our straightforward, no-frills approach. Learning the basics of SEO shouldn’t be overcomplicated—or locked behind expensive paywalls. If you’re considering buying a Squarespace SEO course, here’s what you need to know.

You Don’t Need a Paid Course

Beginner SEO advice is widely available for free, yet many courses package it as a paid product. While foundational elements like strong content and title tags matter, almost every business faces unique challenges that a one-size-fits-all approach can’t solve. Even after taking a course, most people still seek expert help.

We’ve been around long enough to see many training courses come and go. While some online courses last longer than others, even big, popular ones—Squarespace-focused or otherwise—have eventually shut down. One key reason? Video-based learning quickly becomes outdated in fast-changing fields like digital marketing, AI, and SEO.

In 2016, before Squarespace had its own SEO guidance, we created one of the first Squarespace SEO checklist resources. But while checklists can point small businesses in the right direction, real online success comes from applying solutions to specific roadblocks—not from generic courses or step-by-step formulas. That’s why we’ve always prioritized hands-on problem-solving over selling courses.

Many SEO courses repackage freely available information and sell it for a fee. They cover just enough foundational knowledge to highlight gaps in your understanding—and then upsell “advanced” courses, unnecessary blogging or “outreach” services, or plugins that optimize superficial factors.

After promoting “DIY SEO,” course creators realize their customers aren’t seeing the expected results. Rather than admitting the limitations of SEO software and courses, many pivot to new revenue streams—selling ineffective “done-for-you” SEO packages or offering paid “expert certifications” that give buyers a false sense of authority while shifting responsibility. Note that SaaS platforms use badges and certifications—whether free or pay-to-play—as marketing tools to boost their own credibility, not yours.

Their playbook often starts with entry-level courses, which sell the idea that SEO is simple—but only if you buy into their system. In reality, SEO is simple when done right, but for most businesses, it’s not about following a generic step-by-step formula. It’s about setting things up correctly from the start, making occasional adjustments, and knowing when to get expert help. While some educators genuinely want to help, many focus on the upsells or certifying more “SEO experts,” fueling a cycle of questionable expertise rather than real results.

Even if a training course is well-structured, most people never finish the ones they buy. Studies show that online courses—even from top universities—typically have completion rates below 15%. Unregulated, self-run programs often see even higher drop-off rates. Most course creators lack the technical or teaching skills to build an effective online course or a way to measure whether students successfully apply what they’ve learned. Plus, frequent algorithm updates, platform changes, and new best practices can make video-based resources obsolete within months.

Eventually, most people recognize that the endless buffet of plugins, software, and courses isn’t solving their real-world challenges. The most effective approach isn’t another tool or online class—it’s hands-on problem-solving. Real fixes, in real time.

What to Consider Before Paying for an SEO Course

Most small business owners don’t want to become SEO experts—they just need the right support at the right time. If you’re launching a new site, getting things set up correctly from the start makes all the difference. And when you hit a roadblock, hours of lessons or outdated strategies won’t help. You need expert guidance to get unstuck fast, so you can stay focused on what matters.

If you’re considering an SEO course, make sure it’s worth the expense. Ask yourself this first:

• Does the seller have healthy website traffic—or just a big social media presence?

• Do they have proven, successful case studies?

• Would their SEO “strategies” still work if you don’t have a huge budget—or are they ultimately pushing “outreach” services (i.e. paid backlinks) as the solution?

What Are Better Alternatives?

• Want to learn SEO? Start with free, reputable resources, experiment, and adapt strategies to your needs. Use free SEO courses and read about SEO facts vs myths.

• Hiring an SEO expert? Most small business owners don’t need in-depth coursework—they just need the right support at the right time. Here’s how to vet SEOs and the right questions to ask.

• Need real SEO help? When you’re stuck, an SEO session with an expert will take you further—faster—than any course. Get back to business instead of getting lost in SEO theory.

• Not sure what to believe? Let’s cut through the noise. Give us a call, and we’ll set the record straight.