On February 12th, Google announced that they would *not* be certifying for Search Engine Optimization, a decision that I disagree with completely.
I recently wrote about “Trusted Google Partners” giving the industry a bad name and it really shouldn’t be too hard to hold partners accountable for violating the Google Webmaster Guidelines.
Then yesterday, Aaron Wall found this statement on Google which seems to contradict that,
Search Engine Optimization. Not Google Adwords.
It clearly reads, “Find a Google Certified Partner to help you implement a smart SEO strategy…” although Barry Schwartz thinks it’s just a copywriting mistake.
@aaronwall ugh that is a stupid mistake that I’ll cover tomorrow 🙂
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) February 18, 2016
Reading the verbiage, I honestly don’t think it’s a mistake. It’s a carefully written and well crafted sentence that distorts the truth, and continues to mislead. They KNOW this is confusing to businesses, but they don’t care.
But Google is Offering “Help with a Website!”
As Rob Mass points out, they DO offer it –
@aaronwall Google AdWords Partners Badge only says Google Partner, and AdWords Partner Search also has a tick box for: help with a website.
— Rob Maas (@marketbizz_nl) February 19, 2016
Am I Google Certified for SEO?
As of now, I’m reasonably certain that no, I am not, and neither is anybody else. There is no such thing. Google lists all the types certification right here.
Google Should Change the Misleading Partner Logo
As you can see, except for the last one, Analytics, the certifications ALL include the word “Advertising”.
If Google is not going to certify for SEO, or even require simple Webmaster Guidelines compliance from their “Trusted Partners” then I strongly believe they should clear up the confusion and return to a clearly stated “Adwords” mention in their Partners logo.
Update:
Google changed the verbiage on the page, and here’s what it says now – 
Seems to me that Google did put it there on purpose and most likely the motive is to see how many people click on that – i.e. to see if there is enough demand and then maybe they can get into that space. How many SEOs would immediately jump up and clamor to pay for some kind of Google certification for SEO? A lot I would imagine. It’s ludicrous, but would be genius from Google’s standpoint.
SEO is basically skirting And manipulation of Google…why would they want to certify or partner with us in the industry?
I would think they would want to partner in order to ensure that SEO companies who are using “Google Partner” badges pass basic skills tests showing that they understand best practices, and acknowledge use of certain tactics can get clients penalized or banned.