Course Title: SEO & Web Optimization: Hands-On Mastery

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide learners with practical, hands-on experience in applying SEO and web optimization techniques. Building on foundational knowledge, participants will engage in experiential learning activities that culminate in the ability to effectively enhance a website’s visibility and performance. The focus is on outcome-based learning, enabling learners to demonstrate their skills through real-world applications and projects, particularly in African and Nigerian contexts.

Prerequisites

Participants should have a foundational understanding of SEO concepts and web optimization principles, ideally obtained through a prior “Acquire” stage course. Familiarity with basic HTML, CSS, and analytics tools is recommended.

Learning Objectives

• Apply SEO techniques to improve website rankings.
• Demonstrate the use of web analytics to inform optimization strategies.
• Execute on-page and off-page SEO strategies.
• Build a comprehensive SEO plan for a given website.
• Design optimized web pages for enhanced user experience and performance.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for digital marketers, web developers, and entrepreneurs, particularly those involved with African SMEs and startups, who wish to apply and test their SEO and web optimization skills in practical settings.

Modules & Lessons

Module 1: Introduction to SEO Tools and Analytics

• Concept Refresher: Overview of key SEO tools (Google Analytics, SEMrush, etc.).
• Practical Demonstration: Walkthrough of setting up and navigating Google Analytics.
• Guided Exercise: Configure a Google Analytics account for a local Nigerian business.
• Self-Check Quiz: 5 questions on analytics setup and initial insights.
• Reflection Task: Share insights gained from analytics data on a forum.

Module 2: On-Page SEO Strategies

• Concept Refresher: Elements of on-page SEO (meta tags, headings, etc.).
• Practical Demonstration: Live optimization of a webpage’s meta elements.
• Guided Exercise: Optimize a webpage for a Nigerian e-commerce site.
• Self-Check Quiz: 5 questions on identifying and optimizing on-page elements.
• Reflection Task: Document the impact of on-page changes on search rankings.

Module 3: Off-Page SEO Techniques

• Concept Refresher: Importance of backlinks and social signals.
• Practical Demonstration: Building backlinks using African business directories.
• Guided Exercise: Develop a backlink strategy for a Nigerian tech startup.
• Self-Check Quiz: 5 questions on evaluating backlink quality.
• Reflection Task: Reflect on how backlink strategies have influenced traffic.

Module 4: Web Optimization and User Experience

• Concept Refresher: Core web vitals and their impact on user experience.
• Practical Demonstration: Use of tools like PageSpeed Insights.
• Guided Exercise: Optimize site speed for a small African online retail business.
• Self-Check Quiz: 5 questions on interpreting and improving core web vitals.
• Reflection Task: Share a case study of performance improvements.

Module 5: SEO Planning and Implementation

• Concept Refresher: Steps in creating an SEO plan.
• Practical Demonstration: Constructing an SEO plan for a Nigerian blog.
• Guided Exercise: Develop a 3-month SEO strategy for a local SME.
• Self-Check Quiz: 5 questions on SEO strategy components.
• Reflection Task: Present a strategic SEO plan and receive peer feedback.

Project Work

• Capstone Project: Develop and execute a comprehensive SEO and web optimization strategy for an African business of choice.
• Deliverables: A detailed SEO plan, implementation report, and performance analysis.
• Evaluation Criteria: Effectiveness of strategies, quality of analysis, and demonstrable improvements in web metrics.
• Expected Outcomes: Learners successfully demonstrate mastery by improving a website’s SEO and performance.

Assignment Guidelines

• Use the provided SEO strategy template.
• Submit reports via the course platform.

Instructor Feedback Tips

• Use AI tools for initial feedback on submissions.
• Reflect on questions such as: “What was the most challenging aspect of your strategy implementation?”

Key Takeaways

Each module reinforces the practical application of SEO techniques, emphasizing real-world impact and performance.

References & Learning Materials

1. Google Analytics Academy
2. SEMrush Blog
3. PageSpeed Insights

Suggested Next Course

• Course: “SEO Strategy for Business Growth: Commercialize Stage”
• Focus: Advanced commercialization strategies using SEO.

This course empowers learners with the tools and confidence to elevate web presence and drive business success through effective SEO and web optimization practices.