Look, I know it’s tempting to skip the foundational bits of a guide or a course, jump straight into SEO tools, and start implementing changes. After all, time is a hot commodity, right?

But without truly understanding the theory, you’ll only scratch the surface of what’s possible. Competitive analysis requires more than just plugging a keyword or URL into a tool; it involves critical thinking and a strategic mindset. Theory helps you interpret results meaningfully, giving you the knowledge to spot patterns, dig deeper, and ask the right questions. As Lily Ray emphasized at MozCon in 2024, SEOs need to engage in critical, holistic, and long-term thinking.

On Day 1 of the SEO Accelerator webinar, we’ll focus on why the core principles of SEO are crucial. You’ll learn how to uncover what’s driving competitor success, recognize where opportunities lie, and see the bigger picture beyond individual metrics. Theory isn’t just a background—it’s the key that unlocks a more profound, adaptable understanding of your competitors’ strategies. It’s what makes you algorithm-update-resistant.