Digital, Creative & Business
SEO & Online Visibility
Get found on Google with practical search optimisation.
Syllabus at a glance
Around 4 weeks of guided study, with weekday evening or weekend sessions and short practical tasks between sessions.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 | How search engines rank pages |
| 2 | Week 2 | Keyword research and intent |
| 3 | Week 3 | On-page SEO and content structure |
| 4 | Week 4 | Local SEO, listings and link basics |
Module breakdown
- 1
How search engines rank pages
Week 1Build a shared working vocabulary for how search engines rank pages and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind how search engines rank pages
- Step-by-step methods and templates for how search engines rank pages
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in how search engines rank pages, and how to avoid them
- Applying how search engines rank pages in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying how search engines rank pages to a local scenario.
- 2
Keyword research and intent
Week 2Work through the methods and tools used for keyword research and intent in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for keyword research and intent
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in keyword research and intent, and how to avoid them
- Applying keyword research and intent in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to keyword research and intent.
- 3
On-page SEO and content structure
Week 3Practise on-page SEO and content structure on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in on-page SEO and content structure, and how to avoid them
- Applying on-page SEO and content structure in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your on-page SEO and content structure work
Assessed work: Group simulation using on-page SEO and content structure under time pressure.
- 4
Local SEO, listings and link basics
Week 4Turn local SEO, listings and link basics into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying local SEO, listings and link basics in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your local SEO, listings and link basics work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind local SEO, listings and link basics
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use local SEO, listings and link basics in your role.
Who this course is for
- • Learners, freelancers and small business owners who want practical, job-ready digital skills.
- • Programme, project and community staff who need structured, practical training.
- • School leavers and graduates building a first professional portfolio.
Entry requirements
- • Open to all learners; no formal qualification required.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • Practical component: Portfolio piece completed and reviewed in class.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Materials and support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Practice files and design or campaign briefs for each tool covered.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
Certification
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Research and target useful keywords
- Optimise pages for search
- Set up and improve a local listing
Practical component
Portfolio piece completed and reviewed in class.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Ready to start SEO & Online Visibility?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.