Learn SEO: the complete SEO training path
The whole AskSEO curriculum as one ordered training path, from SEO basics and niche research through keyword research, content writing, WordPress, on-page, technical, off-page and Local SEO.
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This page is the map of the record. Every step below links to the class notes that teach it, in the order this record teaches them. Start at Step 1 if you are new to SEO; jump to any step if you already know the earlier ones.
Step 1: SEO basics
Start with the words and the reasons before the methods.
- SEO glossary and web basics: niche, keyword, SERP, KD, search intent, and how a search engine and the web work.
- Why SEO matters, and what ranks a page: why SEO is a standalone skill, and the balance of authority, content, backlinks and niche difficulty that decides a ranking.
Step 2: Niche research
Pick a low-competition, profitable niche before writing anything.
Finding niches
- Finding niches, Method 1: reverse-engineering marketplaces
- Finding niches, Method 2: the Ahrefs/SEMrush filter method
- Finding niches, Method 3: AI tools and NLP categories
- Finding niches, Method 4: backlink mining and UGC intent mismatches
- Finding niches, Method 5: SaaS and AI tool marketplaces
- Finding niches, Method 6: replicating one strong page
- Finding niches, Method 7: a topic search in Ahrefs Content Explorer
- Automating niche research: Ahrefs MCP connected to Claude
Untapped niches and timing
- Seasonality, timing, and first-mover niches
- Finding untapped niches: incognito searches and Google search operators
- Finding untapped niches: google.com in Ahrefs, and Google Trends
Niche types and targeting
- APK niche research
- Easy-to-rank niche categories
- Niche keyword-combination matrix
- Goldmine niches reference list
- Country and language targeting for niches
Step 3: Keyword research and content planning
Turn the niche into a keyword list, then into a content plan and a site structure.
Keyword research
- The keyword-to-content process: grouping, research, planning, gap analysis and mapping.
- Manual and tool-based keyword research methods
- NicheSpark: Chrome extension for Google Autocomplete keyword research
Content coverage
- Content coverage: the 200-volume benchmark method
- Content coverage, Class 1: related keywords, Google Autocomplete and programmatic SEO
- Content coverage vs keyword coverage: ideas vs words
- Content coverage, Class 2: competitor keywords via Ahrefs, keyword grouping and Google Alerts
Grouping and site structure
- Content and site planning, Class 3: from an approved niche to launch
- Content coverage and grouping, Class 4: from a keyword list to site structure
- Keyword coverage and grouping, Class 5: keywords in other languages
Step 4: SEO content writing
Write the articles the plan calls for.
Writing fundamentals
- Starting content writing: the above the fold area and fulfilling search intent
- Article structure: headings, competitor analysis, and keyword prominence
- SEO content writing: HTML formatting, structure, and copywriting
Advanced content techniques
Step 5: WordPress
Build the site the content will live on.
Step 6: On-page and technical SEO
Optimize each page, then the site as a whole.
On-page SEO
- On-page SEO fundamentals
- WordPress SEO basics: permalinks, categories, images, Rank Math
- Meta title CTR, table of contents, and internal/external linking
- Reverse-engineering on-page SEO from competitors
Technical SEO
- Technical SEO basics: Core Web Vitals and page speed
- Schema markup (structured data)
- Technical SEO: advanced crawl control
- Website speed optimization plugins
Audits and monitoring
Step 7: Off-page SEO and link building
Earn the authority that on-page work alone cannot.
Backlink profile
- Anchor text types and backlink URL distribution
- Building backlinks from top authority sites
- Top authority sites by Ahrefs rank
- Reading a backlink profile: a worked example
Link building methods
- Community and forum link building
- Contextual backlinks: guest posts and niche edits
- Guest post link building: finding sites and running outreach
Step 8: Local SEO
- Local SEO fundamentals: how Local SEO differs from traditional SEO, its business types and monetization models, and Google Business Profile basics.
Beyond the core path
Specialised modules that build on the steps above.
- APK websites: APK file hosting, download-site setup, and AdSense approval
- Etsy (Quick Skills): the classes of Sir Zafar Ali and Sir Zakria Afzal, arranged by topic in the order a new seller needs them: getting started, product and niche research, keyword research, listings and images, products to sell and ranking and growth.
- AI Agents: AI Agents, Class 1: what the module is and what to set up and LLMs, tokens, Git and GitHub.
Want answers grounded in these notes inside your AI assistant? Connect Claude, ChatGPT or Muse AI to this record.
More in this chapter4
- LessonAll class infographicsEvery class infographic in the record on one page, grouped by module and chapter, each linked to the chapter it summarises.Read lesson
- LessonSEO glossary and web basicsCore SEO and web-infrastructure terms used throughout this record, niche, keyword, SERP, KD, search intent, and how a search engine and the web itself work.Read lesson
- LessonConnect Claude, ChatGPT or Muse AI to this recordStep-by-step setup for adding AskSEO as a custom MCP connector in Claude, ChatGPT and Muse AI, so each one answers grounded in this record instead of guessing.Read lesson
- LessonWhy SEO matters, and what ranks a pageWhy SEO is treated as a standalone skill in this course, and the balance of factors (authority, content, backlinks, niche difficulty) that decide a ranking.Read lesson