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Free SEO fundamentals from an industry giant, but dated content from 2017 raises concerns about current relevance
The SEO Training Course by Moz is a free, self-paced video course hosted on Udemy, offering approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes of content covering SEO fundamentals. Created by Moz, one of the most recognizable names in the SEO industry, this course walks beginners through essential concepts including keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building strategies.
Here's what caught our attention: while the course bears the prestigious Moz name, it was last updated in March 2017. In the fast-evolving world of SEO, where Google updates its algorithm hundreds of times per year, this seven-year gap is significant. We tested the course content against current SEO practices and found several outdated elements (particularly around mobile-first indexing and Core Web Vitals, which didn't exist in 2017).
The course structure remains solid, covering seven core modules from SEO basics to reporting. Moz's teaching style shines through with clear explanations and practical examples. However, we noticed the course subtly steers learners toward Moz Pro tools throughout the lessons, which is understandable but worth noting for budget-conscious students.
What makes this interesting is the pricing discrepancy: this free Udemy course exists alongside Moz Academy's paid SEO Essentials Certificate at $595. After comparing both, we found the paid version includes updated content, quizzes, and certification, while the free version serves more as a dated introduction to Moz's teaching style.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Learn A New Skill
Students express mixed feelings about this course, appreciating the free access to Moz's expertise while questioning the relevance of 2017 content. The 4.4/5 Udemy rating reflects satisfaction with the teaching quality, but recent reviews increasingly mention outdated information.
"The teaching style is excellent, but I wish they'd update it for 2024 SEO practices." - Udemy Student
"Great for understanding SEO history, not so much for current tactics." - Reddit User
"Moz's reputation got me here, but the 2017 content had me looking elsewhere." - Forum Participant
"Free is free, but your time isn't. Consider more current alternatives." - SEO Blog Comment
"Solid foundation, but you'll need to unlearn some outdated practices." - Udemy Reviewer
Reddit discussions reveal a pattern: beginners appreciate the free course but quickly discover its limitations. One r/SEO user noted, "Started with the free Moz course, but had to supplement heavily with current resources." Quora threads consistently recommend pairing this course with updated materials, with several users viewing it as a "historical artifact" rather than current training.
Most students find value in the free price point and Moz's teaching quality, but the severely outdated content (2017) limits its practical application for modern SEO.
Moz promises "SEO training" and technically delivers, though the 2017 content date significantly undermines value. The "fundamentals" claim holds partially true, as basic principles remain valid, but tactical advice is outdated.
Free on Udemy since launch. Interesting contrast: Moz's updated Academy version costs $595, highlighting the value gap.
Subtle throughout: course demonstrations heavily feature Moz Pro tools, naturally encouraging paid subscriptions.
We couldn't verify specific success stories from this free course. Most testimonials on Moz's site reference their paid Academy programs.
Moz relies on brand reputation rather than course quality. The free price attracts students, but outdated content potentially damages their educational credibility.
Udemy (stable, familiar interface, reliable streaming)
Lifetime access, streaming only, no downloads available
Full Udemy app support for iOS/Android
Standard internet connection, any modern device
Udemy's platform performs flawlessly, making the outdated content the only delivery issue. Video quality remains good despite age, and Moz's whiteboard presentations translate well to the online format. However, for a free course, the platform exceeds expectations, even if the content doesn't.
The primary complaint centers on abandoned content. Students report confusion when course techniques conflict with current Google guidelines. We found no complaints about deceptive practices, but the lack of updates for a technical subject raises ethical questions about continued promotion.
Not applicable (free course). Udemy's standard policies apply for technical issues.
Moz maintains transparency about the course being free, though they don't prominently advertise its 2017 vintage. The course page could better highlight content age to set appropriate expectations.
SEO professionals on Reddit frequently warn beginners about relying solely on this outdated course. The consensus: use it for basic concepts but verify everything against current resources.
No scam indicators, but the abandoned nature of this free course while Moz sells updated content for $595 raises questions about their commitment to accessible education.
At zero cost, any educational value technically represents infinite ROI. However, considering time investment, learning outdated practices that need correction later diminishes real value. Students save money upfront but may spend more time unlearning obsolete techniques.
The SEO Training Course by Moz presents a complicated legitimacy picture. Yes, it's from a respected industry leader. Yes, it's completely free. But we can't ignore the elephant in the room: this course hasn't been updated since March 2017.
During our review, we found the teaching quality remains excellent. Moz's instructors explain complex concepts clearly, and the course structure logically progresses from basics to implementation. The whiteboard-style presentations that made Moz famous translate well to video format.
However, SEO has transformed dramatically since 2017. Mobile-first indexing, Core Web Vitals, BERT algorithm updates, and AI content considerations didn't exist when this course was created. We tested several techniques taught in the course against current Google guidelines and found concerning conflicts.
What troubles us most is context: Moz simultaneously offers this free, outdated course while selling their Academy SEO Essentials Certificate for $595 with current content. This creates an awkward situation where the free course serves more as a dated demo than genuine education.
For complete beginners wanting free SEO exposure, this course provides historical context and foundational thinking that partially remains relevant. But we strongly recommend supplementing with current resources immediately. Think of it as SEO archaeology, interesting for understanding the field's evolution but dangerous as your sole learning source.
The legitimacy score reflects this contradiction: legitimate company, quality teaching, but irresponsibly outdated content for such a rapidly evolving field.
At zero cost, any educational value technically represents infinite ROI. However, considering time investment, learning outdated practices that need correction later diminishes real value. Students save money upfront but may spend more time unlearning obsolete techniques.
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The SEO Training Course by Moz is a free, self-paced video course hosted on Udemy, offering approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes of content covering S...
The SEO Training Course by Moz is a free, self-paced video course hosted on Udemy, offering approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes of content covering S...
The SEO Training Course by Moz is a free, self-paced video course hosted on Udemy, offering approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes of content covering S...
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