They say that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a first step. And the same can be said for basic SEO for schools. If you want prospective families to find out about your school, helping them know about you is a pretty fundamental first step.
In this post we’re looking at the ABCs of SEO for schools.
To effectively implement SEO for schools, focus on key areas like keyword research, on-page optimization, and building quality backlinks. These strategies will improve your school’s visibility and attract prospective students.
Table of Contents
Keyword Research for Schools
Start by identifying long-tail keywords that reflect your school’s values and programs. Long-tail keywords are less competitive and more likely to connect with your target audience.
For instance, instead of “high school,” use specific phrases like “best private high school in [your location].”
Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs can help you find these keywords. Look for terms with a healthy search volume but lower competition, ensuring they align with your school’s unique offerings.
On-Page SEO Optimization for Schools
On-page optimization is essential to ensure search engines and users can easily understand your content. Begin by optimizing title tags—each one should be unique, include relevant keywords, and stay under 60 characters. For example, “Top Private School in [City] | Your School Name” works well.
Meta descriptions are equally important. They appear beneath your title in search results, impacting whether users click on your link. Write clear, concise summaries (around 150-160 characters) with your primary keyword.
Use headings like H1 for your main title and H2 for subheadings. This not only improves readability for visitors but also helps search engines understand the structure of your content. Don’t forget to add descriptive alt text for images to make your site accessible and improve SEO.
Building Quality Backlinks
Backlinks act as endorsements, signaling to search engines that your site is trustworthy. Start by guest blogging on reputable education or community websites. This allows you to share your expertise and secure backlinks to your school’s website.
Local partnerships can also provide valuable backlink opportunities. Collaborate with businesses, non-profits, or other schools to co-host events or publish joint content. For example, writing a co-branded article about an educational event can result in multiple quality backlinks.
Tracking SEO Performance
Once your strategies are in place, track their performance using tools like Google Analytics. Pay attention to key metrics such as organic traffic, bounce rates, and conversions. For example, if a specific blog post is driving significant traffic, consider creating more content on that topic.
Regularly review your competitors as well. Analyzing their top-performing content can reveal new opportunities for optimization and growth.
Final Say on Basic SEO for Schools
Implementing basic SEO strategies—keyword research, on-page optimization, and building backlinks—can significantly improve your school’s online visibility. By regularly tracking your progress and refining your approach, you’ll see consistent improvements in your search rankings and online presence.
Need help getting started with SEO? Reach out to us for expert support on how to boost your school’s visibility and attract more prospective students!