Search Engine Optimization (B320)

High rankings in the natural search results of top engines and directories are an obtainable goal for businesses and organizations. In this course you'll learn the techniques and tools that top search engine optimization (SEO) marketers are using today to build an online presence for their clients.

Those experienced in search engine optimization will have the opportunity to discuss the specific challenges they have related to search engines, and to learn ideas that can improve their SEO effectiveness. Some advanced optimization strategies will also be taught such as: improving link reputation, return on investment, and conversion.

Outline

Week 1: Introduction to SEO and examining the competition

SEO 101 - The Basics
Developing an SEO plan
Studying your competition

Week 2: Important Search Engine ranking factors

Steps to creating top ranking pages
Page elements overview including: titles, meta tags, and copywriting
Keyword selection, relevancy, and density

Week 3: A detailed look at linking

Critical link elements
Link building tools
Google page rankings, sandbox and updates

Week 4: Quality Link Building Activities

Evaluating Link Quality
Link Building Strategies
5 Steps for Link Building

Week 5: Getting into the major engines

Design hindrances and solutions (i.e. dynamic urls)
Getting into the engines
Suggestions for site architecture, sitemaps and the magic 301

Week 6: SEO success and the future of search

Measuring success and useful SEO tools
The future of search
Pulling it all together

Prerequisites

This course requires a general familiarity of the Internet, with 1 year of experience on the Web recommended. While not required, students who have had courses in web technologies, HTML and programming related to web page design will find it useful.

Requirements

Internet access is required.

Book: 'The Unfair Advantage Book on Winning the Search Engine Wars', an eBook from Planet Ocean Communications. This acclaimed book is downloadable and includes a 6 month trial subscription with monthly updates to keep you on top of SEO happenings. The course will include readings from the ebook as well as weekly lecture, discussion and links to online resources. Students are responsible for purchasing the eBook . (Instructions how to get the eBook at $97 for 6 months of trial updates are available in the classroom immediately after you register for the class.

Additional information:

Your place in the course is confirmed by your payment. Introductory courses are intended for students with no experience in the subject matter and are seeking beginner level training.

Refund Policy: Please read our Terms and Refund Policy before registering for this course.

Additional Cost: Book and software might be required for the course. Read the Requirements and Book section for more information. Course fee does not include the book and software cost .

How eClasses Work:Instructors post lectures (text-based, no video or audio), reading selections, and hands-on assignments once a week in the online classroom. Students can discuss the assignments with the instructor and amongst themselves in the classroom area. This format has no set meeting time, which allows students to attend class at a time most convenient to them, yet still provides logically organized communication between class participants. Students can apply for the completion certificate after finishing the class.

Price:

$250.00

Item No.:

B320

Instructor:

Cindy McMahen

Co-instructor/TA:

Karyn Zoldan

CEUs:

Duration:

6 weeks

Open Courses:

Start Date: Mar 29, 2010

(Register by: Apr 1, 2010 )

Start Date: Jun 7, 2010

(Register by: Jun 10, 2010 )

Start Date: Sep 27, 2010

(Register by: Sep 30, 2010 )

Start Date: Nov 8, 2010

(Register by: Nov 11, 2010 )

Testimonials

Instructor's Profile

Cindy McMahen has been the principal of an interactive agency since 1997. She's responsible for the many activities related to client's search marketing programs, including the task of coordinating of a team of designers, programmers, copywriters and others involved. She's offered courses in Internet promotion and SEO over four years to hundreds of individuals. Currently she's an instructor with online Internet marketing courses in Web Site Promotion and Search Engine Optimization. Testimonials: 'Wow, what a great course. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned expert - this teaching team along with great resources provided in this class together provide a superior learning environment in a tough and largely misunderstood area of web business and design.' -- Joshua Rowe 'I've taken seminars and have read articles about SEO, but this course helped me see more of the complete picture. The class has given me excellent tools in which to better my company's SEO efforts. The lectures, reading material, class exercises and discussions were of great benefit.' -- Noel Willis

Before you register for this class, please read the Outline, Prerequisites, Requirements, Books, and Refund Policy sections carefully.

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Completion Certificate - Search Engine Optimization (C.B320)

Testimonials

Rating

"This was a challenging class for me because the topic has always baffled me. The instructor did a wonderful job providing reference material and causing me to stretch my abilities. Thank you!" - Teresa Hessler
"I'm really pleased with how much I learned from this class. I went from having zero knowledge in this area to feeling much more confident that I have at least a working knowledge of how SEO works." - John Kanost
"I’ve taken seminars and have read articles about SEO, but this course helped me see more of the complete picture. The class has given me excellent tools in which to better my company’s SEO efforts. The lectures, reading material, class exercises and discussions were of great benefit.

This is my first foray into taking an online class and I must admit there was a little trepidation; however, after taking the course I believe it was money well spent.

If anyone is looking to lay a solid foundation in Search Engine Optimization, this course offers valuable information that will enhance your skill set.
" - Noel Willis
"This course like the others before it has been extremely useful. It was well taught and the supporting material will be used by my company for years to come. Bravo, and keep up the good work." - Gary Brown
"I found this class to be outstanding, instructors knowledgeable and very helpful. It covered the information very understandably and the resources that were given will be used from here on out. I have been three years teaching myself webdesign, code writing and the WYSIWYG program I use to see what I am doing in the code writing. I have been learning xhtml and css, That is what I was told, three years ago, is the starting place. In my self teaching there are gaps in my knowledge base and now is the time to fill them in. One major one was in my knowledge of SEO. This course gave me a good platform to continue my learning into SEO. In web design, without the search engine exposure all the website is no more than a beautiful brochure left in its wrapping and left in the closet never to be seen, unless it is brought out to purposefully show someone. Thanks again for offering this class I recommend it to anyone involved in the web industry. Designers to code writers can benefit from this class." - Jim Sullivan
"This class was great. I look forward to taking more classes taught by Cindy. I am very impressed with her vast experience and knowledge of the industry. I hope to transition into more SEO in my career and use it to boost my fledgling web-based business. Thank you for a very good class." - Kim Walker