The Search Engine Optimization training series has been developed in direct response to the skyrocketing growth of the search engine industry.

No longer the territory of geekdom, search has exploded into the mainstream over the past few years and businesses are falling over themselves to get seen by online searchers. And they'll pay big bucks to search engines for the privilege. Search giants like Google, Yahoo and AOL can't fail to make money because everybody wants a bit of the search action.

According to a recent article on MSN Careers, the position of Search Engine Optimizer is considered one of four jobs on the cutting edge right now. Search Engine Optimization is considered a sub-set of Search Engine Marketing. Below is a definition of SEO provided by MSN Careers:

"Search engine optimizers (SEOs) increase a firm's Web site traffic by improving its search-engine page rankings. This is an especially important task in today's Internet-driven world, where many customers first learn of an organization and its products or services through the Web. Because of a shortage of experts in this relatively new area, many top SEOs receive multiple job offers. SEOs typically supplement their knowledge of how various search engines operate and determine page rankings with strong marketing skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and program using HTML."

Wikipedia also defines Search Engine Optimizers here.

A job in the search industry can be unbelievably lucrative. As noted recently by Jennifer Laycock of Search Engine Guide, "There are quite literally more jobs than there are skilled marketers and salaries can skyrocket to almost embarrassing levels."

This extreme demand means Search Engine Marketers can pick and choose their jobs and/or clients. The more skilled marketers are head-hunted regularly. Experts in select specialties such as Pay Per Click Advertising (a sub-set of Search Engine Marketing) are currently enjoying even higher demand than usual, as advertisers out-bid each other to have their site shown for popular keyword searches on Google, Yahoo! and MSN. Another indicator of high demand is the sheer number of search-related job postings seen on employment sites.

Job candidates who hold specific industry certification in Search Engine Marketing may well have an edge over their fellow applicants when it comes to interview selection. The Search Engine Optimizer series is a bundle of 3 courses designed for persons who want to jump-start their career path in the fast-paced search engine industry.

The Search Engine Optimizer series consists of the following 3 individual courses:

1) Search Engine Optimization 101

2) Search Engine Optimization 201

3) Web Site Copywriting 101

Search Engine Optimization 101 will show you step-by-step how to optimize your web site to obtain better search engine positioning on the world's most popular search engines and directories for target keywords and phrases. It will also show you how to choose the best keywords to target and how to monitor and maintain successful search engine rankings for those keywords.

Search Engine Optimization 201 will take your knowledge of SEO to the next level by teaching you how to further increase your site's compatibility with search engines and how to optimize a web site that uses more complex design technologies such as dynamic content, Flash and tables. SEO201 also introduces the concept of pay per click search engine advertising and shows you how to accurately measure the Return on Investment of your search engine optimization efforts. There's even a bonus lesson for persons wanting to start their own SEO business.

Web Site Copywriting 101 will provide you with an understanding of how to integrate your target search keywords into your site and design your web page copy so your site appeals to more visitors and encourages them to take the desired action you want them to take (e.g. purchase, sign-up or bookmark your site).

The text within your site needs to inspire empathy and interest in those who read it. Unless it convinces the reader that they genuinely need the service or product you are offering, you are not going to convert them to a customer or loyal visitor.

The Web Site Copywriting 101 course gives your site the best chance possible of converting your site visitors to customers by teaching you how to write powerful and effective copy that describes your products and services appealingly and entices a reader to purchase or sign up. At the same time, you will learn how to integrate search keywords naturally within the copy to ensure your site is found easily in the search engine results for related search queries without disturbing the flow of text for the reader. .

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FEATURES

This nationally recognized search engine optimization (SEO) online course and training program has been developed because of the high demand for search engine specialists. Search engine optimization is considered a sub-set of Search Engine Marketing. Below is a definition of SEO provided by MSN Careers: " Search engine optimization specialists (SEOs) increase a firm's web site traffic by improving its search engine page rankings (SERPs). This is an especially important task in today's Internet-driven world, where many customers first learn of an organization and its products or services through the web. Because of a shortage of experts in this relatively new area, many top SEOs receive multiple job offers. SEOs typically supplement their knowledge of how various search engines operate and determine page rankings with strong marketing skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and program using HTML." This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges and universities.

As noted by Jennifer Laycock of Search Engine Guide, "There are quite literally more jobs than there are skilled marketers and salaries can skyrocket to almost embarrassing levels." This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges and universities.

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TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS

I. Search Engine Optimization 101

a. Course Introduction
b. Introduction to SEO
c. Search Engine Basics
d. SEO Requirements Gathering
e. Keyword Research
f. Title and META Tag Creation
g. SEO Copywriting
h. SEO Integration
i. Search Engine and Directory Submission
j. Search Engine Spam
k. SEO Reporting and Conversions

II. Search Engine Optimization 201

a. Course Introduction
b. Overview of SEO
c. Site Architecture
d. Text Content
e. Dynamic Content
f. Graphics
g. Flash and Splash Pages
h. Frames and Tables
i. Link Popularity
j. Pay For Performance
k. Measuring SEO ROI
l. Starting Your Own SEO Business

III. Web Site Copywriting 101

a. Course Introduction
b. The Most Important (and most overlooked) Aspect of Copywriting
c. Discover What Copy Type Fits Your Target Audience Best
d. Guess What? Men and Women Are Different!
e. Writing to Please Everybody
f. Headlines - The Beginning and the End
g. Features vs. Benefits - Do You Really Know the Difference?
h. Adding Emotions & Dreams and Tugging On Heartstrings
i. The Power Points of Your Copy
j. A.I.D.A. and the Buying Process
k. Search Engine Optimization - Copy Is Crucial
l. Final Thoughts

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CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

A 70% or better must be achieved in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

After successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Set up, monitor, and maintain successful search engine optimization campaigns for your sites or your client’s sites on the world’s most popular search engines and directories.
• Make websites search engine compatible and designed to attract visitors who are more likely to buy or sign up.
• Prepare for starting you own search engine optimization business or applying for a job as an SEO (search engine optimizer) or SEM (search engine marketer).

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PDF BROCHURE

Please click here to download the PDF brochure for the Gatlin online courses offered by OCPE.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

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Kalena Jordan
Kalena Jordan was one of the first search engine optimization experts in Australia and New Zealand and is well known and respected in the search engine industry, particularly in the United States.

With her in-depth knowledge of Internet marketing techniques and a decade of experience in search engine optimization for client websites, she decided to specialize and set up her own SEO company (Web Rank) in 1999.

As well as being Co-Founder of Search Engine College, Kalena is Director of Studies and Tutor for all SEO courses. Her previous roles have included SEO Manager for a web development firm, Public Relations consultant, Freelance website designer, Marketing Manager for a computer systems firm and five years as Public Relations Advisor to the Royal Thai Government. She has a bachelor of arts in communication from the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Kalena is a member of SEO Consultants and SEO Pros and has spoken at the popular Search Engine Strategies Conferences. She is also a moderator at the Search Engine Watch Forums. Kalena is the author of The Search Light newsletter and the popular "Ask Kalena..." Search Engine Advice Column.

Karon Thackston
Karon Thackston is owner of Marketing Words, Inc., a full-service copywriting company specializing in search engine copywriting. Karon is author and publisher of three e-books including the popular Step-by-Step Copywriting Course, an e-course designed to teach sound and highly effective copywriting techniques - including search engine copywriting techniques.

Karon is the copywriting moderator of both the High Rankings Forum and the Best Practices Search Engine Optimization forum. She spoke at the Search Engine Strategies conference in Toronto and is a regular presenter at the High Rankings Search Engine Basics seminars held across the United States.

With over 20 years of copywriting experience, Karon has contributed to the search engine and sales success of companies large and small including Gorton's Seafood, Third Sphere Hosting, and more.

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