SEO That Matters
Review

A practical, beginner-friendly introduction to real-world SEO from one of the industry's most respected names.

Easy
  • Last updated 14/06/2025
by Rand Fishkin

What you'll learn ? Overview

We spent considerable time examining Rand Fishkin's "Introduction to SEO: Tactics and Strategy for Entrepreneurs," and here's what we discovered. This 69-minute course on Skillshare delivers exactly what its title promises, a no-nonsense introduction to SEO fundamentals designed specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Rand Fishkin, founder and former CEO of Moz, brings decades of SEO expertise to this compact course. What struck us immediately was his teaching approach, he cuts through the typical SEO jargon and focuses on practical strategies that actually move the needle for smaller businesses. The course covers everything from understanding how search engines evaluate content to conducting keyword research, optimizing on-page elements, and even touches on link building and technical SEO basics.

One particularly refreshing aspect? Fishkin doesn't promise overnight success or magic formulas. Instead, he emphasizes building sustainable SEO practices that align with how search engines actually work today. The course includes real-world examples, including a strategy demonstration with Moment Lens, showing learners exactly how to apply these concepts to their own projects.

At just over an hour of video content divided into 11 digestible lessons, this isn't meant to transform you into an SEO expert. Rather, it's designed to give entrepreneurs and marketers enough knowledge to make informed decisions about their SEO strategy, whether they're implementing it themselves or working with an agency. For a Skillshare subscription price (which gives you access to thousands of other courses), we found this to be exceptional value for beginners seeking credible SEO education.

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

👉

Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

👉

Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

👉

Goal

Learn A New Skill

Best suited for:

Ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners, content creators, and marketing beginners who need a credible introduction to SEO without the fluff or extended time commitment

Instructor

Rand Fishkin

Digital Marketing Pioneer and SEO Expert Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Rand Fishkin is a renowned figure in digital marketing, recognized for his expertise in SEO and entrepreneurship. As the co-founder and CEO of SparkToro, an audience research software company, Fishkin continues to shape the marketing landscape. His journey from Moz to SparkToro showcases his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends in the digital space.
Fishkin's career spans over two decades in the digital marketing industry. He co-founded Moz in 2004, transforming it from a blog into a leading SEO software company. Under his leadership, Moz grew to over 134 employees with revenues exceeding $29 million. In 2018, Fishkin launched SparkToro, further cementing his position as a thought leader in audience research and marketing intelligence.
• Co-authored 'The Art of SEO', a seminal work in search engine optimization
• Published 'Lost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Field Guide to the Startup World' in 2018
• Grew Moz from a small blog to a $29.3 million revenue company
• Featured in BusinessWeek's 30 Under 30
• Developed the widely popular 'Whiteboard Friday' video series
• Keynote speaker at MozCon 2023
• Featured speaker at Content Marketing World 2024
• Guest on the 'Marketing Over Coffee' podcast in 2023
• Presenter at SearchLove Conference 2024
• Interviewed on 'The Digital Marketing Podcast' in 2025
Fishkin is a prolific content creator across various platforms. He regularly shares insights on SEO, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship through his blog posts on SparkToro. His Twitter feed is a mix of industry commentary, personal anecdotes, and engagement with his followers, often posting multiple times daily.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration1
  • 📶 DifficultyEasy
  • ⌛ Access Monthly
  • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

None stated. Basic familiarity with websites helpful but not required.


💻 Requirements

Internet connection, device capable of streaming video (computer, tablet, or smartphone)


💸 Hidden Costs

None within the course. Optional SEO tools mentioned have free versions available.


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

Skillshare discussion boards only. No live Q&A or direct instructor support.

Course content

  • Module 1: Introduction to Modern SEO - Evolution of search and why SEO still matters
  • Module 2: How Search Engines Determine Rankings - Understanding algorithms and user signals
  • Module 3: Keyword Research Fundamentals - Finding valuable search terms for your business
  • Module 4: On-Page Optimization - Creating pages that rank and convert
  • Module 5: Link Building Basics - Understanding authority and influence online
  • Module 6: Content Marketing for SEO - Creating content that attracts links and traffic
  • Module 7: Technical SEO Essentials - Key technical factors affecting rankings
  • Module 8: Measuring SEO Success - Tools and metrics for tracking progress
  • Module 9: Practical Implementation - Real-world example with Moment Lens
  • Module 10: SEO Strategy Development - Building your long-term approach
  • Module 11: Future of SEO - Trends and where to continue learning

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

Reviews consistently praise Rand Fishkin's ability to make complex SEO concepts accessible, though many note the course's 2017 release date means some specific tactics may need updating.

Praised points

  • Expert credibility: Students value learning from Moz's founder, widely regarded as an SEO authority
  • Practical approach: The focus on actionable strategies over theory resonates with entrepreneurs
  • Clear explanations: Complex concepts broken down into digestible, jargon-free lessons

Criticisms

  • Dated examples: Some specific tools and tactics referenced are from 2017
  • Limited depth: At 69 minutes, advanced topics only get surface-level coverage
  • No direct support: Limited interaction options beyond Skillshare's discussion boards

Testimonials

"Finally understood what SEO actually means" – Skillshare Student

"Rand has a gift for making SEO accessible" – Course Review

"Not too advanced, but a great place to start" – Quora User

"Very practical and clear approach to SEO basics" – Reddit Comment

"Wish it was longer, but the advice works" – YouTube Review

Social insights

Reddit and Quora discussions consistently recommend Fishkin as a trustworthy SEO educator. Users particularly appreciate his transparent, hype-free approach. Common sentiment: "If you're starting with SEO, Rand's courses are where you begin."

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

Claims to teach "tactics and strategy for entrepreneurs" – delivers exactly this through practical, business-focused lessons.

Price History

Access via Skillshare subscription ($14-32/month depending on plan), prices relatively stable with occasional promotions.

Upsell Practices

No upsells detected. Mentions of Moz tools are educational, not sales-focused.

Student Success

Over 51,000 enrolled students with strong ratings suggest widespread value delivery, though specific success metrics unavailable.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

Skillshare – established platform with reliable streaming and user-friendly interface

Content Accessibility

Full replay access during subscription, mobile app allows offline downloads

Mobile Compatibility

Excellent through dedicated iOS/Android apps

Technical Requirements

Standard internet connection (5 Mbps recommended), modern browser or Skillshare app

Red flags check

😬

Complaints

The primary complaint centers on the course's age (2017), with students noting that some SEO tactics have evolved since recording. Skillshare platform complaints about billing practices exist but aren't course-specific.

😬

Refund policy issues

Governed by Skillshare's standard subscription terms, which have generated some user frustration based on Trustpilot reviews.

😬

Marketing practices

Transparent and honest. No exaggerated income claims or unrealistic promises found.

😬

Community feedback

No significant concerns about course integrity or instructor credibility detected in our research.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

For the low ticket price of a Skillshare subscription ($14-32/month), this course offers exceptional value. You're learning from a genuine industry pioneer who built one of SEO's most respected companies.

Conclusion

We found "Introduction to SEO: Tactics and Strategy for Entrepreneurs" to be a legitimate, valuable resource for SEO beginners. Rand Fishkin's reputation speaks for itself, he's not just another marketer selling courses, but someone who built Moz into a $50+ million company. The course delivers exactly what it promises: a clear, practical introduction to SEO fundamentals.

Yes, some examples from 2017 feel dated, but the core principles Fishkin teaches remain rock-solid. We particularly appreciated his focus on sustainable strategies over quick tricks. At 69 minutes, it won't make you an SEO expert, but it will give you enough knowledge to make informed decisions about your website's search strategy.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners who need to understand SEO basics without drowning in technical details, this course hits the sweet spot. Combined with Skillshare's vast library of other courses, it represents outstanding value for anyone starting their SEO journey.

FAQs about this course

The core SEO principles Fishkin teaches remain valid, though some specific tools and tactics have evolved. We recommend supplementing with current SEO blogs for the latest updates.

The video content totals 69 minutes, easily completable in one sitting or spread over a few days.

No, this course assumes zero prior knowledge and builds from the ground up.

No, this is a beginner-level course focusing on fundamentals. Advanced practitioners should look elsewhere.

Skillshare doesn't offer formal certificates, but you can mark the course complete on your profile.

Yes, after leaving Moz, Fishkin founded SparkToro and remains an influential voice in digital marketing.

Annual plans cost $168/year ($14/month), while monthly plans are $32/month. Annual saves you over 50%.

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SEO That Matters screenshot
SEO That Matters Review
$ 14
Total score: 8,4/10 ⭐
  • Duration1
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Release Date01/2017
  • Format Self-Paced
  • AccessMonthly
  • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options Installments
  • LanguageEnglish
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SEO That Matters Review