Welcome to the course
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Welcome to SEO. Search engine optimization is how a website earns visitors from search without paying for each click. You will learn how to research keywords, write titles and content that match what people want, speed up a site and earn links. Every lesson gives you a small task to do on a real page, so your skills grow as the site improves.
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Meet your course
Every course opens with a short welcome, so you know what you will build, how the lessons flow and what you will take away. Each lesson ends with a printable worksheet, and the course ends with a final exam and certificate.
What you will be able to do
Skills you will walk away with
This course covers
On-page SEOOff-page SEO
- Gain insights into customer wants and language
- Attract more organic (free) traffic to any website
Course roadmap
2 short, focused modules, 10 lessons
Module 1: On-page SEO
On-page SEO happens before you publish a post to your website or social profiles. This module walks you through optimizing your content for search engines.
Lesson 1: Keyword Research
- Why the right keywords are the first step of SEO
- The different ways to research keywords
- Example: researching keywords for a small business
- Research yours with the keyword research worksheet
Lesson 2: SEO URLs
- How URL structure affects search position
- The parts of a URL and tips for writing them
- Example: a good and a poor URL
- Review your URLs with the on-page SEO checklist
Lesson 3: Title Tags
- How search engines use title tags to decide what you rank for
- How to write effective title tags
- Example: title tags rewritten
- Write titles with the checklist
Lesson 4: On-page Content
- Why high-quality content raises rankings quickly
- The qualities of content that ranks
- Example: a page improved for SEO
- Score your page with the content checklist
Lesson 5: Anchor Text
- How anchor text boosts rankings and sends traffic back to your site
- How to choose anchor text
- Example: strong and weak anchor text
- Plan internal links with the worksheet
Lesson 6: Website Speed Optimization
- Why search engines use site speed as a ranking factor
- How to make your site load quickly
- Example: a speed improvement
- Run a speed check with the checklist
Module 2: Off-page SEO
Off-page SEO covers the search optimization activities that happen outside your website. Learn how to manage an off-page presence.
Lesson 1: Link Building
- Why link building is hard without knowing where to look
- How to identify link opportunities
- Example: a link-building outreach campaign
- List your link targets
Lesson 2: Forum Marketing
- How forum discussions build reputation and links
- How to take part without spamming
- Example: a helpful forum contribution
- Choose forums and a participation plan
Lesson 3: Link Bait
- What link bait is and why it generates clicks and traffic
- Types of valuable content that earn links
- Example: content that earned many links
- Plan a link bait piece
Lesson 4: Influencer Marketing
- How sharing content with influencers earns mentions and better rankings
- How to approach influencers
- Example: an influencer share that lifted rankings
- Write an outreach message
Final exam and certificate
The final exam has 10 multiple-choice questions. Pass with 80 percent to unlock your certificate and a LinkedIn-ready badge. You can retake it as often as you like.
How every lesson works
Four short sections, built around real examples
1
Learn the concept
A clear, focused introduction to one idea, with no filler.
2
See real examples
Strong and weak examples, plus the data behind them.
3
Study an example
A realistic scenario, or a real-world case study where noted, that shows the idea in action.
4
Apply it and download
Build your own version using a worksheet or template you keep.
Free downloadable takeaway
Keyword research and on-page SEO checklist
A worksheet to find target keywords and a checklist to optimize every page you publish.
Every lesson has a printable worksheet, and the playbook gathers them all in one document. Print it or save it as a PDF, then use it in your job search, freelance projects or your own marketing.
Free template
Keyword research and on-page SEO checklist
Certification
Pass the final exam. Earn your certificate.
- A 10-question multiple-choice final exam that covers every module
- Pass with 80 percent. Retake it as often as you like
- A certificate with a verification code, plus a LinkedIn-ready badge and an Add to LinkedIn button
A
Certificate of completion
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Awarded to you by Acadium
Keep going
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Quick answers
Course questions
Is this course really free?
Yes. Acadium courses are free to take.
How long does it take?
You learn at your own pace. Lessons are short and focused, so they fit around work or school.
How do I get my certificate?
Finish the lessons, then take the final exam. Pass with 80 percent and your certificate appears straight away, with a verification code, an Add to LinkedIn button and a downloadable badge.
Can this help me get an apprenticeship?
Yes. Finishing courses and building a portfolio helps you stand out to mentors when you apply for a remote apprenticeship.