I recently had the pleasure of taking "Real World SEO - Online Class" Real World SEO Essentials, an online course taught by Ross Barefoot of Rocky Mountain Search Engine Academy. In this class, he takes the overwhelm out of search engine optimization for business owners who want to improve their site's search engine rank. Ross has a business background, and this can be seen in the way he teaches the course. While some technology classes jumpright into jargon, Ross starts the class by giving students a thorough introduction instead. He sets expectations upfront so you know exactly what you'll learn AND exactly what you won't learn. After the intro, he starts with the basics so that someone who isn't extremely techsavvycan follow along. That wayall learners are on the same page before Ross gets into the more advancedSEO lessons. If you're already familiar with SEO and want to jump ahead, Udemy gives you the option to view the class videos in whatever order you like.

Real World SEO Screenshot

The classhas a good mix of video, PowerPoint and screenshots. The beginning of the class, Rossadmits, is PowerPoint heavy as he wants to make sure you understand key terms and how search engines work. Then he walks you step-by-step through some of the tools he uses on his own websites and clients, like Google Webmaster Tools and Google Analytics. So that you don't have to create some of the supporting documents he shows you, Ross includes them in the class resource section so that you can not only follow along but complete the exercises for your own site.

Ross Barefoot of Real World SEO

I like that Ross' personality shines throughout the class. While the class is professionally done, he's not afraid to crack jokes, make mistakes or correct himself along the way when needed. He comes across as very knowledgeable and human, which makes him a teacher you can relate to. He's packed a lot into the 8 to 10 hours of video in the course. This is the equivalent of only a full day of training. If you're serious about learning how to get your company's site ranked higher, make time to take Ross' class. Still on the fence? For a limited time,Ross has givenall Entrepreneur Resources readers a $25 off coupon.