Key Takeaways
- Semrush Academy offers 100+ free SEO courses. It is a complete learning ecosystem for digital marketing.
- Start with the SEO Toolkit Crash Course for immediate, practical skills. It is designed for action.
- All Semrush Academy courses are free to access, even with a free trial account. Knowledge should not be behind a paywall.
- Earn official SEO certifications to build professional credibility and add tangible value to your LinkedIn profile.
- The training combines video, workshops, and practical work. You learn by doing, not just by watching.
- Business owners can complete basic onboarding in just 2 hours. This is a small investment for a significant return.

Introduction: Why Semrush Training Matters in 2025
You have the tool. Now you need the skill. Owning a powerful SEO platform like Semrush is not enough; mastering it is the goal.
Effective training delivers real results. Research shows that proper education on SEO tools can boost campaign effectiveness by up to 40%. Yet many business owners invest in the software but never cultivate the knowledge, leaving growth on the table.
This is where Semrush Academy builds the foundation. In 2025, it stands as more than a tool provider; it is a comprehensive learning platform. This is not about shortcuts. It is about building sustainable success through strategic effort.
This guide delivers clarity. We will explore the SEO training Semrush provides, show you what you will learn, and outline a clear path to get started. Whether you’re seeking SEO training service options or want to learn independently, this guide will help you navigate the available resources.
What Is Semrush Academy?
Semrush Academy is a free online learning platform. It is built to help marketers and business owners develop real, applicable skills. This is not marketing fluff; this is practical, hands-on education.
The Core Features of Semrush Academy
- Over 100 Courses: Covers the full spectrum of digital marketing.
- Completely Free Access: Open to all users, including those on a free trial.
- Expert-Led Instruction: Learn from proven industry professionals.
- Clear Video Lessons: Step-by-step guidance you can follow.
- Valuable Certifications: Earn credentials upon course completion.
- Interactive Projects: Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Backlinko’s 2025 review named Semrush Academy the top choice for free SEO training. They praised its current content and practical approach. This is education built on integrity.
For those who prefer more structured guidance, our SEO training online courses free guide provides additional options beyond Semrush.

The Semrush SEO Toolkit: What You’re Learning
Before starting a course, understand the tools you will master. The Semrush SEO toolkit is extensive. Training focuses on these core functions.
Core SEO Tools in Semrush
1. Keyword Research
- Find high-volume, low-competition keywords.
- Analyse search intent and difficulty.
- Uncover long-tail opportunities.
2. Site Audit
- Pinpoint technical SEO problems.
- Receive clear, prioritised fixes.
- Monitor your site’s health.
If you need help identifying technical issues, our SEO website audit services can complement your Semrush training with expert analysis.
3. Position Tracking
- Monitor your keyword rankings daily.
- Track competitor ranking changes.
- Receive automated progress reports.
4. Competitive Analysis
- Analyse your competitors’ strategies.
- Identify their best keywords and content.
- Benchmark your performance against theirs.
5. Content Marketing Platform
- Plan content based on solid data.
- Optimise your writing for on-page SEO.
- Manage your content workflow efficiently.
6. Backlink Analysis
- Discover powerful backlink opportunities.
- Analyse your competitors’ link profiles.
- Maintain a healthy and clean backlink portfolio.
Mastering these tools is mastering your organic growth.
Best Semrush Academy Courses for Beginners
If you are new to SEO or Semrush, start here. These courses provide a strong foundation. This is the perfect Semrush tutorial for beginners.
1. SEO Toolkit Crash Course
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Instructor: Rosamaria Amato (Semrush Customer Success Manager)
- Certificate: Yes
This is the most direct path to using the tools. It cuts the theory and goes straight to application. You will learn to set up your account, find keywords, audit your site, and track results.
For business owners, this is efficiency. You finish the course with actionable insights for your own website. Immediate action, predictable progress.
2. Beginner SEO with Semrush
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Instructor: Various Semrush experts
- Certificate: Yes
This course connects foundational SEO principles with the Semrush toolkit. You will learn how search engines work, basic keyword strategy, and the fundamentals of on-page SEO.
It is designed with UK and European audiences in mind, using clear, relevant terminology. It builds knowledge from the ground up.
3. SEO Essentials with Semrush
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Instructor: Industry experts including Kevin Indig
- Certificate: Yes
This is the most comprehensive starting point. It provides the “why” behind the “how,” teaching both SEO theory and practical tool implementation.
Modules cover competitive analysis, keyword research, technical SEO, and content strategy. You will understand not just what to do, but why it works. This is where strategy takes root.
Not sure where to start? Book a free SEO consultation with our team to get personalised guidance on which courses might benefit you most.
Intermediate and Advanced Courses
Once you have the fundamentals, deepen your expertise. These courses target specific, high-impact areas of SEO.
Keyword Research Deep Dive
- Instructor: Greg Gifford (Founder of Gifford SEO)
- Duration: 47 minutes
- Certificate: Yes
Go beyond basic keyword lists. Learn advanced filtering, how to understand search intent deeply, and how to build keyword clusters that drive targeted traffic. Find the opportunities your competitors miss.
Technical SEO Masterclass
- Instructor: Bastian Grimm (Technical SEO Expert)
- Duration: 3+ hours
- Certificate: Yes
Technical SEO is the foundation of your website. This course demystifies it. Learn about Core Web Vitals, site speed, schema markup, and how to fix crawl errors. A clean site is an honest site.
SEO Crash Course with Brian Dean
- Instructor: Brian Dean (Founder of Backlinko)
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Certificate: Yes
Brian Dean is a respected leader in SEO. This course distils his proven system for ranking websites. It is a direct look into strategies that deliver consistent results. Learn from those who have done the work.
The Semrush Onboarding Experience
Semrush ensures you start strong. The platform offers several clear paths to get you up and running quickly.
Onboarding Options Available
- DIY Setup: Follow guided steps within the platform.
- Video Onboarding: Watch structured tutorials at your own pace.
- Live Workshop: Join a group session and ask experts questions directly.
- Certification Path: Combine your learning with a formal credential.
According to Semrush, most new users are fully onboarded and finding actionable insights within just two hours.
If you prefer professional guidance, get an online SEO quote for personalised training support.
Free vs Paid Courses: The Difference Is Simple
Here is the simple truth: nearly all free Semrush academy courses deliver the full learning experience.
You get access to video lessons, course materials, and certification exams without a paywall. You do not need a paid Semrush subscription to learn. Even a free account gives you access.
The training is free. Applying that training on the platform itself requires a subscription for full access. Many business owners use the free trial to learn, then decide if the investment is right for them. Knowledge comes first.
According to recent 2025 statistics, businesses that invest in comprehensive SEO training see an impressive 40% increase in organic traffic and a 28% boost in conversion rates on average. This demonstrates the significant return on investment that quality training can deliver.

Real-World Example: A UK Business in Action
Consider Sarah, owner of a sustainable home goods shop in Manchester. Her SEO efforts were inconsistent. The results were weak.
- She invested three hours in the SEO Toolkit Crash Course.
- She immediately ran a Site Audit, finding 47 technical issues.
- She discovered her competitors were ranking for keywords she had never considered.
- She took the Keyword Research course to refine her strategy.
Within two weeks of applying this new knowledge, her organic clicks grew by 18%. The return on her time was immediate and measurable. Strategic effort yields sustainable growth.
For businesses needing more comprehensive support, working with a national SEO company like ours can accelerate your results while you learn.
Semrush Certifications: Are They Worth It?
A Semrush certification is a signal of competence. It proves you have completed the training and passed the exam.
Who Should Get Certified?
- Marketers seeking new roles.
- Agency professionals building credibility.
- Freelancers earning client trust.
- Team leaders demonstrating expertise.
The certification is a public testament to your commitment and skill. For learners like Sarai Henry in May 2025, it has been a valuable asset for career advancement. It validates your effort.
Semrush Academy has transformed careers and businesses. According to Atlas Marketing, a freelancer at Upwork used the SEO Fundamentals Course to land high-paying clients, while a marketing manager at Hootsuite applied content marketing lessons to double their site’s traffic. These success stories demonstrate why these certifications have real-world value.
How to Get Started with Semrush Training
Follow this clear, direct path to begin your Semrush SEO training.
Step 1: Create a Semrush Account
- Go to semrush.com and sign up for a free trial or free account.
Step 2: Go to Semrush Academy
- Navigate to the Academy section and browse the course library.
Step 3: Choose Your First Course
- Beginners should start with the SEO Toolkit Crash Course.
Step 4: Enrol for Free
- Click “Enrol” and begin watching the lessons immediately.
Step 5: Apply What You Learn
- Do not just watch. Follow along with your own website in another tab.
Step 6: Continue Building
- Explore advanced courses and join live workshops to deepen your knowledge.
What Makes Semrush Academy Different?
Semrush Academy stands apart from other learning platforms. Its focus is on practical application.
Comparison with Other SEO Training
| Feature | Semrush Academy | Udemy | Coursera | HubSpot Academy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | £9-£50 | Free-Paid | Free |
| Tool-Specific | Yes (Semrush) | Mixed | Mixed | Limited |
| Video Quality | High | Variable | High | High |
| Live Support | Yes (workshops) | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Certification | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The key difference is simple: you learn on the exact tool you will use every day. The training is directly tied to the work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Semrush Training
Knowledge is only valuable when applied correctly. Avoid these common pitfalls.
Pitfall 1: Watching Without Practising
Learning is an active process. Open your own Semrush account and apply each lesson as you learn it. Do the work.
Pitfall 2: Trying to Learn Everything at Once
Semrush is vast. Start with one area, like keyword research or site auditing. Master it, then move to the next. Build brick by brick.
Pitfall 3: Not Using the Free Trial
Your free trial is a learning opportunity. Use it to complete the hands-on exercises in the courses. The knowledge you gain will last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a paid Semrush subscription to access the courses?
A: No. All free Semrush academy courses are accessible with a free account. A paid subscription is only needed for full use of the tools.
Q: How long do Semrush certifications last?
A: The certifications do not expire. However, ethical practice requires you to refresh your knowledge as the industry evolves.
Q: Are the courses suitable for someone with no marketing experience?
A: Yes. The “Beginner SEO with Semrush” course is designed for absolute beginners. It starts with the fundamentals.
Q: Will taking these courses make me an SEO expert?
A: The courses provide the knowledge and the tools. True expertise is built by applying that knowledge consistently over time.
Q: How often are courses updated?
A: Semrush updates its courses regularly to reflect new platform features and changes in SEO best practices.
Conclusion: Is Semrush Training Worth Your Time?
Yes. The investment is small, and the potential return is significant. This is especially true for UK business owners who want to control their own SEO strategy.
The value comes from application. If you complete the courses and do the work, you will gain insights that can drive real, measurable growth for your business. You will learn to build your organic presence on a strong foundation of best practices.
Semrush Academy offers professional-grade SEO training Semrush makes available to everyone, for free. It cuts through the noise and provides a clear, ethical path forward. Invest the time. Do the work. See the results.
Next Steps and Further Resources
Immediate Actions
- Visit semrush.com/academy to see the full course library.
- Create your free account at semrush.com.
- Enrol in the SEO Toolkit Crash Course today.
- Schedule 2-3 hours this week to complete it.
Supplement Your Learning
- Join the Semrush community forums to ask questions.
- Follow Semrush on LinkedIn for industry updates.
- Subscribe to the Semrush blog for expert articles.
Measure Your Progress
- Earn certificates to validate your new skills.
- Apply your learnings and track your website’s performance.
- Revisit courses quarterly to stay current.
About the Author
Karim Chehab is a human being and founder of Pomegranate Marketing. He found his way into Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) after raising funding for an SEO agency in times past.
Karim brings a unique, data-driven perspective to growth, rooted in his background in Theoretical Physics (King’s College London) and Commercial Finance. This experience informs his ethical belief that great marketing is cultivated, not manufactured.
Sources
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- Semrush. (2025). “SEO Training Courses: Best Free SEO Courses with Certification.”
- Semrush. (2025). “SEO Toolkit Crash Course: Learn Semrush SEO Tools – Semrush Academy.”
- Semrush. (2025). “Free Online Marketing Courses & Classes from Semrush Academy.”
- Semrush. (2025). “SEO Onboarding | Start Your Toolkit Journey.”
- Semrush. (2025). “7 SEO Certifications Real Learners Recommend.”
- Semrush. (2025). “9 Best Free SEO Courses in 2025.”
- Class Central. (2025). “100+ Semrush Academy Courses [2025] | Learn Online for Free.”
- LinkedIn Learning. (2025). “SEMrush Online Training Courses.”
- FemaleSwitch. (2025). “Top 10 Semrush Courses in 2025: Essential Lessons and Tips for Your SEO Journey.”
- Atlas Marketing. (2025). “SEMRUSH Academy: Courses & Certifications Reviewed 2025.”

