Optimizing a Website for Google Search from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Optimizing a Website for Google Search

Welcome to week 1! As you may remember from Module 4 within the last course, Search Engine Optimization Fundamentals, keywords are an extremely important tool for helping your customers find you in an often crowded field. Effective use of keywords on your optimized website can result in free targeted traffic to your site, helping you to reach your business goals. In this module, you will use the keyword research you conducted in the last course and you will learn a process for selecting the best keywords to optimize your website in search results. We will look at concepts like relevancy to the site, keyword intent, how competitive the keyword is in organic search, and how well that term might convert once it receives traffic. We’ll also discuss how to identify and evaluate competitors, how to map keywords to pages, and how to create a keyword map for your clients and your own site. There is a lot to discuss in our first module, so if you are taking this course without learning the materials of module 4 within the SEO Fundamentals course, I highly recommend you complete that module before diving into this one. So, let’s get started learning how to apply keyword research!

Advanced SEO Strategies

Welcome to module 2! While keywords help users locate relevant web pages, it’s the content itself that determines whether a click converts to a sale or increased site traffic. In many corners of the SEO world, the expression “Content is King” is a generally accepted rule, and in this module we’ll examine content from many perspectives: how to analyze it, organize it, create it, make it great and build it into our strategies. You’ll also learn how to conduct effective competitive content analysis and internal content audits. You’ll learn how to create a site-wide content strategy building on the data we uncover in our study and analysis of content. And finally, you'll review the topic of local SEO, what local SEO is, and how it is both similar to and different from regular SEO tactics and best practices. Let's get started!

Mobile/App SEO and Metrics & KPIs

Welcome to module 3! We will go over mobile/app SEO and Metrics and KPIs. You will learn how to optimize your app in app stores and incorporate keywords and keyword tags. You will also understand what A/B testing is and how it applies to app optimization. We will discuss the value of screenshots and how they play a role in user downloads. We will then review reasons why KPIs impact SEO efforts and how ROI is used to determine if a project was profitable. Lastly, we will discuss survey findings and how they help prepare you for successes and challenges in a career in SEO and why forecasting SEO impact is vital. We have a lot to cover, so let's get started!

Creating an SEO Campaign

Welcome to module 4! In this module, we are going to discuss the human factor of SEO - how to manage your relationship with clients. We’ll talk about what should be discussed in the critical first meetings, how to manage your client’s expectations, and how to track and report on progress toward your client’s goals. By the end of this module, you’ll have developed a solid approach for achieving a productive and successful relationship with your client.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes selecting and applying keywords, offering practical experience for optimizing websites

Covers strategies for setting goals, managing client expectations, and communicating SEO improvements, providing a holistic approach to website optimization

Offers hands-on activities to enhance practical skills in optimizing websites

Taught by Rebekah May, an experienced SEO professional

Builds on the foundation established in the Search Engine Optimization Fundamentals course, enhancing learners' understanding of SEO concepts

Suitable for individuals with prior knowledge in SEO basics, such as those who have completed the Search Engine Optimization Fundamentals course

Reviews summary

Helpful google search course

According to students, this course is helpful for those involved in marketing, content marketing, and web development. Learners emphasize valuable and practical course materials, such as example worksheets, that enhance skills.

Increased my skills

"increased my skills"

Helpful worksheets

"Great material, example worksheets"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Optimizing a Website for Google Search with these activities:

Review Course Materials Regularly

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Enhance your learning by regularly reviewing course lectures, notes, and assignments.

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Set aside time each week to review course materials.
Identify key concepts and make notes.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborate with classmates to discuss course concepts, share insights, and reinforce your understanding.

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Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and assignments.
Participate actively in discussions and ask questions.

Start by Reviewing the SEO Fundamentals

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Ensure a smooth learning transition by reviewing key concepts from the previous module on SEO Fundamentals.

View The Art of SEO on Amazon

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Access the module materials from the previous course.
Review the lecture videos and notes.
Complete the practice exercises and quizzes.

11 other activities

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Show all 14 activities

Keyword Research Exercise

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Conduct thorough keyword research for your website. This will help you identify the most relevant keywords to optimize your content for, increasing your visibility in search results.

Browse courses on Keywords

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Brainstorm a list of potential keywords related to your website or business.
Use keyword research tools to analyze search volume, competition, and other metrics.
Refine your keyword list based on the data you gather.

Practice Keyword Analysis

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Sharpen your keyword analysis skills by working through practice exercises.

Browse courses on Keyword Research

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Find practice exercises or sample websites to analyze.
Identify and evaluate keywords for a specific topic or niche.
Analyze keyword competition and search volume.
Determine the best keywords to target for optimization.

Google Analytics Tutorial

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Complete a tutorial on Google Analytics to learn how to track website traffic and user behavior. This data will be essential for monitoring the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

Browse courses on Google Analytics

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Sign up for a Google Analytics account.
Install the Google Analytics tracking code on your website.
Explore the Google Analytics dashboard and reports.

Explore SEO Case Studies

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Learn from real-world examples by exploring and analyzing successful SEO case studies.

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Find and read case studies that showcase effective SEO strategies.
Identify the key tactics and techniques used in each case study.
Analyze the results and outcomes achieved by the SEO campaigns.
Consider how you can apply the lessons learned to your own SEO efforts.

Build a Keyword Map

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Apply your keyword research and create a comprehensive keyword map to guide your website optimization strategy.

Browse courses on Keyword Research

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Gather your keyword research data.
Identify relevant keywords for each page on your website.
Create a spreadsheet or document to organize your keyword map.
Map keywords to specific pages and sections of your website.
Review and refine your keyword map over time.

Create an SEO Content Strategy

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Develop a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with your SEO goals. This strategy should outline the types of content you will create, the target audience, and the distribution channels.

Browse courses on Content Strategy

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Define your target audience and their needs.
Identify the types of content that will resonate with your target audience.
Create a content calendar and editorial guidelines.

Write Optimized Blog Posts

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Reinforce your understanding of content optimization by creating blog posts that incorporate relevant keywords and target your audience.

Browse courses on Content Creation

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Brainstorm topic ideas that align with your target keywords.
Research and gather information to support your content.
Write high-quality blog posts that are engaging and informative.
Incorporate your target keywords naturally throughout your content.

Join an SEO Community

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Connect with other SEO professionals and enthusiasts to share knowledge, ask questions, and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

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Join online SEO communities and forums.
Attend local SEO meetups and conferences.
Participate in discussions and ask for feedback from other members.

Develop an SEO Proposal

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Demonstrate your understanding of SEO principles by developing a comprehensive SEO proposal for a hypothetical client.

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Define the scope of the SEO project.
Conduct keyword research and analysis.
Develop an SEO strategy.
Create an SEO proposal that outlines your strategy and deliverables.
Present your proposal to the client.

Contribute to Open Source SEO Projects

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Get involved with open source SEO projects to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the community. This can involve bug fixing, documentation writing, or feature development.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open source SEO projects that align with your interests.
Fork the project and make your changes.
Submit a pull request to the project maintainers.

Create an SEO Audit Report

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Conduct an in-depth SEO audit of your own website or a client's website. This will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.

Browse courses on SEO Audit

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Gather data on website traffic, rankings, and backlinks.
Analyze the data to identify technical SEO issues, content gaps, and other areas for improvement.
Create a detailed report outlining your findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Optimizing a Website for Google Search will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Search Engine Optimization Specialist

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" can significantly benefit individuals seeking a career as a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist. This course offers comprehensive training in keyword research, content optimization, and website analysis, which are core skills for SEO professionals. By understanding how to optimize websites for search engines, learners can enhance their visibility and reach online. The course's focus on building effective analytics and reporting will also equip students with the tools to track and demonstrate the success of their SEO efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Digital Marketing Specialist

Individuals pursuing a career as Digital Marketing Specialists can greatly benefit from the course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search." This course provides a strong foundation in SEO principles and techniques, which are crucial for driving organic traffic to websites. By learning how to optimize websites for search engines, Digital Marketing Specialists can enhance the visibility and reach of their marketing campaigns. The course's emphasis on analytics and reporting will also enable students to measure and optimize the effectiveness of their digital marketing efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist

Content Marketing Specialist

Content Marketing Specialists can enhance their skills and knowledge by taking the course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search." This course provides practical training in keyword research and content optimization, which are essential for creating high-quality content that ranks well in search engine results. By understanding how to optimize content for search engines, Content Marketing Specialists can increase the visibility and impact of their marketing efforts. The course's focus on content analysis and strategy will also equip students with the tools to develop and implement effective content marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Marketing Specialist

Web Developer

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" can be a valuable resource for Web Developers who want to enhance the search engine visibility of their websites. By understanding how to optimize websites for search engines, Web Developers can improve their websites' ranking in search results, leading to increased traffic and potential conversions. The course's focus on technical SEO, including keyword optimization and website structure, will provide Web Developers with the practical skills needed to improve their websites' search engine performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

E-commerce Manager

E-commerce Managers can gain valuable insights from the course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search." This course provides training in SEO principles and techniques, which are essential for driving organic traffic to e-commerce websites. By understanding how to optimize websites for search engines, E-commerce Managers can increase their website's visibility and sales. The course's focus on keyword research and content optimization will also enable students to create and optimize product descriptions and landing pages for maximum search engine performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-commerce Manager

Marketing Manager

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Marketing Managers who want to improve their understanding of SEO and its role in digital marketing. By understanding the principles of SEO, Marketing Managers can make informed decisions about their website's content, structure, and marketing campaigns. The course's focus on keyword research and analytics will also provide Marketing Managers with the tools to track and measure the effectiveness of their SEO efforts. This knowledge can be valuable for developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns that drive traffic and generate leads.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Online Business Owner

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Online Business Owners who want to improve their website's visibility and reach online. By understanding how to optimize websites for search engines, Online Business Owners can increase their chances of attracting potential customers and growing their business. The course's focus on keyword research and content optimization will provide Online Business Owners with the tools to create and optimize their website's content for maximum search engine performance. Additionally, the course's coverage of local SEO will be particularly valuable for Online Business Owners who want to target local customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Business Owner

SEO Consultant

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for SEO Consultants who want to enhance their skills and knowledge of SEO best practices. By understanding the principles of SEO, SEO Consultants can provide valuable advice and services to their clients. The course's focus on keyword research, content optimization, and website analysis will provide SEO Consultants with the tools to conduct thorough SEO audits and develop effective SEO strategies for their clients. Additionally, the course's coverage of local SEO will be particularly valuable for SEO Consultants who want to provide local SEO services.

See salaries and explore the career path for SEO Consultant

Freelance Writer

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Freelance Writers who want to improve the visibility and reach of their online content. By understanding the principles of SEO, Freelance Writers can optimize their articles, blog posts, and other content for search engines. The course's focus on keyword research and content optimization will provide Freelance Writers with the tools to create and optimize their content for maximum search engine performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer

Marketing Analyst

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Marketing Analysts who want to gain a deeper understanding of SEO and its impact on digital marketing. By understanding the principles of SEO, Marketing Analysts can provide valuable insights to their clients and help them develop and implement effective marketing campaigns. The course's focus on analytics and reporting will provide Marketing Analysts with the tools to track and measure the effectiveness of SEO efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Product Manager

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Product Managers who want to improve the visibility and reach of their products online. By understanding the principles of SEO, Product Managers can optimize their product descriptions, landing pages, and other marketing materials for search engines. The course's focus on keyword research and content optimization will provide Product Managers with the tools to create and optimize their content for maximum search engine performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Business Analysts who want to gain a deeper understanding of SEO and its impact on business. By understanding the principles of SEO, Business Analysts can provide valuable insights to their clients and help them develop and implement effective digital marketing strategies. The course's focus on analytics and reporting will provide Business Analysts with the tools to track and measure the effectiveness of SEO efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Media Planner

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Media Planners who want to incorporate SEO into their media planning process. By understanding the principles of SEO, Media Planners can develop and implement more effective digital marketing campaigns. The course's focus on keyword research and content optimization will provide Media Planners with the tools to create and optimize their content for maximum search engine performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Planner

Account Manager

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Account Managers who want to gain a deeper understanding of SEO and its impact on their clients' businesses. By understanding the principles of SEO, Account Managers can provide valuable insights to their clients and help them develop and implement effective digital marketing strategies. The course's focus on analytics and reporting will provide Account Managers with the tools to track and measure the effectiveness of SEO efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Project Manager

The course "Optimizing a Website for Google Search" may be helpful for Project Managers who want to gain a deeper understanding of SEO and its impact on digital marketing projects. By understanding the principles of SEO, Project Managers can ensure that their projects are aligned with their clients' SEO goals. The course's focus on analytics and reporting will provide Project Managers with the tools to track and measure the effectiveness of SEO efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager