WAKEFIELD, Mass., Dec. 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- SEMPO Institute, the online distance learning program launched a year ago by the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization, www.sempo.org, reported today that more than 350 search marketing professionals and entry level businesspeople have enrolled in its courses during its first year of operation.
"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," says Jeffrey Pruitt, president of SEMPO, and executive vice president, corporate partnerships, iCrossing. "We believe search marketers and related professionals are choosing our courses because the peer-reviewed content is excellent and up-to-date, and the distance learning aspect gives them the flexibility of self-paced learning."
During 2008, SEMPO Institute, www.sempoinstitute.com, will continue to offer its Fundamentals of Search Marketing, Advanced SEO and Advanced Search Advertising courses. The courses are regularly updated and students have follow-up access to the courses after graduation.
Enrollment during November reached peak levels as a broad spectrum of agency, in-house and etailer marketers registered for courses. "These professionals know they are going into the New Year with the competitive advantage of high-end SEM knowledge," says Terry Plank, dean of SEMPO Institute. "As they complete their courses, they can immediately put this knowledge into practice to better serve clients and achieve greater success."
Recent SEMPO Institute enrollees include Fox Interactive Media, Range Online (agency), Zeta Interactive (agency) and Vintage Tub and Bath (etailer).
"SEMPO Institute provides essential training on concurrent SEM practices. The courses review the basics and also provide both a granular and high-level view of Search Engine Marketing," says Lawrence Touitou, SEO Manager, Traffic Generation Department, Fox Interactive Media, which has enrolled staff in both the Fundamentals and Advanced SEO classes. One of the Institute classes' key advantages, says Touitou, is it "allows SEM managers to measure strengths and weaknesses in their teams and integrates separate themes into one cohesive knowledge base. This ultimately allows SEMs to be more effective in their work and stay abreast of industry standards in a competitive playing field."
Range Online Media, a Fort Worth, Texas-based agency, recently had a large number of staff members register for all three SEMPO Institute courses, illustrating the value of standardized industry training, even for advanced search marketers. These enrollees were a combination of hands-on SEM professionals as well as those in sales and client service functions who utilize SEM and SEO practices for their job functions. "SEMPO Institute training offers a comprehensive overview on the fundamental principles of search marketing," says Mark Skidmore, a Range Online Media account manager who is currently enrolled in the curriculum.
Zeta Interactive, a New York-based interactive agency, played a dual role with the Institute, participating in peer review as well as having employees take the Advanced SEO class. "As I was reviewing the Advanced SEO class, I knew how effective it would be in educating our own employees," says Steve Curtin, Corporate Vice President. "I also saw the value in the certification process, seeing that SEO certification by a well-respected, independent organization such as SEMPO further demonstrates to our clients our commitment to being the best."
Those in etailing are also finding great value in SEMPO Institute courses. Vintage Tub and Bath is using the Fundamentals class to teach its interns best practices in SEM. "We have a very hands-on approach to our intern program. We need to get interns up to speed very quickly," says Mike Deckman, Internet Marketing Manager, Vintage Tub and Bath. "The Fundamentals of Search Marketing class was a phenomenal way to lay down a broad solid foundation that we could build upon. The course really expedited the usefulness of our interns. It's an excellent program that I would certainly recommend to any employer."
As SEMPO Institute begins to serve the Class of 2008, it is responding to new demographic trends -- the Millennials who are the future of SEM. "Employees in their twenties demand as much training as possible. They want to accelerate their career growth and will move to the next company far quicker than the generations before them," says Jeffrey Pruitt. "They will bolt if they do not find the opportunities for training and growth. This group of employees has no problem working for as many as four companies in one year." SEMPO Institute classes give fast-paced Millennials the knowledge they are seeking and provide a foundation for solid career growth.
About the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO)
SEMPO is a global non-profit organization serving the search engine marketing industry and marketing professionals engaged in it. Its purpose is to provide a foundation for industry growth through building stronger relationships, fostering awareness, providing education, promoting the industry, generating research, and creating a better understanding of search and its role in marketing. Representing thousands in over 30 countries, SEMPO has over 720 members. It represents the common interests of companies and consultants worldwide and provides them with a voice in the marketplace. SEMPO's education and outreach initiatives are sponsored in part by Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google, Superpages.com and Search Engine Strategies. For more information, or to join the organization, please visit http://www.SEMPO.org.
The Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2228
SEMPO
Greg Jarboe
978-549-9537
pr@sempo.org