Almost a year after launching its self-paced, online distance learning program in January of 2007, the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO) Institute reported this week that more than 250 people have enrolled in its program so far.
Last month, the Wakefield, MA.-based, nonprofit organization saw peak enrollment levels, with agency, in-house and retail marketers signing up for the classes.
“Our strong enrollment numbers, after just launching a year ago, speak to the growing need for best practices education in search engine marketing and search advertising,” said Jeffrey Pruitt, president of SEMPO in a statement.
In 2008, the SEMPO Institute plans to continue offering classes on the fundamentals of search marketing for $499, advanced search engine optimization for $1,750, and advanced search advertising for $1,750. Discounts are available for SEMPO members, students, and the military.
The fundamental course, which starts with the history of search engines, is geared toward people looking for a solid understanding of the industry, said Katie Donovan, the business development manager of the SEMPO Institute.
The classes take between 15 to 25 hours to complete and consist of about 12 to 15 lessons, Donovan said.
On average, it takes people about one to two hours to complete a lesson, she said.
