SEO From Zero Course Workbook (10 Modules, 1 Task Each)

Module 2 template: keyword sheet

Keyword | Intent (buy/compare/learn) | Who ranks now (top 3) | My page URL (or 'new') | Priority 1-5
emergency plumber austin | buy | ... | /emergency-plumbing/ | 1
... | ... | ... | ... | ...

Module 3: Write pages that rank and convert

• One page per money keyword. No page tries to rank for two different services.

  Clear pages are easier for Google and for buyers.

• Unique title tag that names the service and place or audience.

  Google's Starter Guide: titles should be unique, clear and describe the page.

• The first two sentences answer the search directly: what you do, for whom, where, and how to start.

  Visitors and AI answers both pull from the top of the page.

• Add something only you can add: real prices or ranges, photos of your work, your process, FAQs from real customers.

  Google's original content systems reward the source.

• One clear call to action above the fold and again at the end.

  Ranking without enquiries is a hobby.

• Don't chase a word count.

  Google says there is no ideal content length.

Module 4: Technical basics in an afternoon

• Site loads on HTTPS with no browser warning.

  Basic trust for people and Google.

• Check Core Web Vitals and mobile issues in Search Console's Experience reports.

  Free, and uses real visitor data when you have enough traffic.

• Fix pages in Search Console's Page indexing report marked 'Not indexed' that should be indexed.

  A page that isn't indexed can't rank.

• Every important page is linked from at least one other page on your site.

  Google finds pages mostly by following links.

• Descriptive URLs like /services/roof-repair/, not /page?id=123.

  Recommended in Google's Starter Guide.

• Images have short, descriptive alt text.

  Helps image search and accessibility.

Module 5: Earn links and mentions without spam

1. List 20 people who already know you

   Suppliers, partners, clients, local associations, event organisers, your college or alumni group.

2. Find where a link makes sense

   Partner pages, supplier 'where to buy' pages, case studies, local directories, event sponsor lists.

3. Ask with a reason

   Use the email template below. One real link from a relevant site beats fifty from strangers.

4. Never buy links

   Buying or trading links to manipulate rankings breaks Google's link spam policy.

Module 5 template: mention request

Hi {name},

We've worked together on {project} for {time}. I noticed your {page name} page lists partners you work with. Would you be open to adding {business name} with a link to {URL}?

Happy to do the same for you on our site, or write a short testimonial for your team.

Thanks,
{your name}

Module 6: Win local searches and the map pack

Google says local results depend mainly on relevance, distance and prominence. You can't change distance. You can work on the other two.

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile.

  It's what shows in the map pack.

• Pick the most accurate primary category, then add secondary ones.

  Relevance starts with categories.

• Business name, address and phone match exactly on your site and profile.

  Consistency avoids confusion for Google and people.

• Add hours, services, photos and a real description.

  Complete profiles help relevance.

• Ask every happy customer for a review, and reply to every review.

  Google lists review count and rating under prominence.

• Create one page per service area you truly serve.

  Only for real areas. Copy-paste city pages risk the doorway abuse policy.

Module 7: Show up in AI Overviews and ChatGPT

• Make sure your key pages are indexed and can show a snippet (no nosnippet tags).

  Google says that's the only requirement for AI Overviews and AI Mode. No special files or schema.

• Allow OAI-SearchBot in robots.txt.

  OpenAI says sites that block it won't appear in ChatGPT search answers.

• Put a one-sentence direct answer under each question heading.

  Short, clear passages are easiest to quote.

• Get mentioned on the lists, review sites and forums that AI tools cite for your category.

  AI repeats what many trusted sources say.

• Ask ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity 'What is {your business}?' and write down what's wrong.

  Your baseline for fixing AI visibility.

Module 8: Measure what matters in Search Console

1. Every Monday, open Performance > Search results

   Set the date to the last 28 days and compare with the previous period.

2. Sort Pages by impressions

   Pages with many impressions but a low click-through rate need a better title and first line.

3. Check queries in positions 8–20

   These are close to page one. Improve the matching page and add internal links to it.

4. Track enquiries, not just clicks

   Log calls, form fills and sales each week. Google itself tells site owners not to measure success by clicks alone.

Module 9: Your 90-day SEO plan