By Bob Speyer and Kristin Tomlinson – Web Success Team

SEO certification is one of the hottest topics among online marketers. It is one of the most controversial and misunderstood because there is no consensus on a uniform certification. Universities offer courses and certification, private industries have their own certification and even Google has entered the fray. What is certain is the growing demand to optimize a website for optimum search performance.

SEO certification is coming of age as an important component of an online marketer’s arsenal and being certified is key to being viewed as an expert in Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization. Not only does a certification draw in future employers, but it also catches the eye of potential clients. The ability to brand your website with the “SEO Certification” logo instantly opens the door to countless opportunities including recognition from your competition, positive feedback from potential customers, and an increase in job opportunities.

Using Clay to Construct an SEO Model

Bruce Clay is an internationally recognized SEO expert and trainer. He is one of the best and brightest when it comes to all things SEO. He believes that the “mission of SEO is to make a site’s content worthy of higher search engine ranking by being more relevant and competent than the competition.” Clay emphasizes that in order to achieve web success, you need to follow Google Best Practices Guidelines and keep up to date on the ever-changing world of search by getting a SEO certification.

Many companies are now offering certification, including the 2010 Online Marketing Summit. Hosted in San Diego from February 22-25, 2010, OMS is the only marketing conference that is purely education-focused. Attendees will learn to execute some of the best practices in Online Marketing as well as discover new tools and actionable tactics. Before the conference, the Online Marketing Institute is offering a special Online Marketing Training workshop where attendees will gain credit toward certification. Classes at OMI are also offered both online for convenience.

Google offers certification from their Analytics Conversion University courses by taking the Google Analytics Individual Qualification test. The lessons are offered free from Google, but the GAIQ test has a nominal $50 fee. After completion of their advanced Training Course, an individual will be able to maximize the use of the Google tools and apply them to any website. And importantly, you will receive a Google certification that you can place on your website.

Taking a Spot at the Top

SEO Certification will give you the ability to implement the best practices to improve websites, blogs and other online content that has the potential to target countless markets. With a certification, you will be able to effectively optimize websites, improve their page rank, increase overall consumer visits, and improve conversion rates. A SEO certification badge on your website will also add to your portfolio as an expert in online marketing. Wouldn’t it be nice if the SEO certification were consolidated into one universal exam? Legitimate SEO and SEM marketers could then be recognized as professionals.