Lecturer-led SEO

Empowering Lecturers to Drive Course Visibility Through SEO
By invitation only
Higher Education lecturer

About this consultation

This consultation explores the feasibility of lecturer-led SEO—a model where academic expertise plays a direct role in promoting courses online.

We’re not here to prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we want to assess its viability, identify potential challenges, and understand what support universities would need to make it work. Through open discussion and collaborative problem-solving, we’ll explore whether this could be an effective strategy for improving course visibility, student recruitment, and institutional reputation.

Expect a mix of insights, discussion, and practical considerations, where we’ll gather feedback, address concerns, and map out the next steps—whether that’s a pilot project, further research, or refining the approach to better fit university structures.

When?
By invitation only
Location
Event type

Topics

Why lecturer-led SEO?
How lecturers’ subject-matter expertise can lead to better, more authentic content. Potential impact on student recruitment, brand reputation, and lecturer engagement.
Big wins and key challenges
The most compelling upsides (e.g., niche course visibility, reusing lecture content) Potential pitfalls (e.g., time constraints, brand consistency, lack of SEO knowledge).
Collaboration models
Different ways to organise lecturer-led SEO (departmental clusters, cross-institution networks, train-the-trainer programmes, etc.). Identifying which model best suits your institution’s culture and resources.
Practical workarounds and tools
Training basics: short, digestible guidance on keyword research, content structure, and analytics. Workflow ideas: from drafting to approval—balancing lecturer autonomy with marketing oversight.
Financial illustrations
A quick peek at potential return on investment: how a modest extra enrolment per course can translate into significant tuition revenue. Exploring resources, budgets, and cost-benefit scenarios.
Open discussion and next steps
Sharing concerns, success stories, or questions from different departments and institutions. Designing a pilot: deciding on scope, responsibilities, and success metrics.

Who should attend?

We’re aiming to bring together the people who can make a real difference in boosting course visibility and student engagement.

Lecturers and Academic Staff

Interested in promoting their courses or improving student recruitment.

Marketing Teams and Digital Specialists

Looking for creative ways to produce SEO-friendly content at scale.

Heads of Department / Senior Management

Who want a strategic view on leveraging lecturers’ expertise.

Agenda

5 Mins -

Welcome & Workshop Overview

A quick introduction to the concept of lecturer-led SEO, outlining the workshop objectives and why it matters for universities.

15 Mins -

The Role of Lecturers in SEO & Course Visibility

Exploring how lecturers can enhance course visibility through SEO, with examples of successful approaches and key challenges like CMS access and academic reluctance.

20 Mins -

Open Discussion: Barriers & Opportunities

An interactive session where attendees discuss institutional challenges, share experiences, and brainstorm practical solutions for implementing lecturer-led SEO.

10 Mins -

Defining a Collaborative SEO Approach

How marketing and academic teams can work together effectively, with simple, actionable steps to integrate SEO without adding significant workload for lecturers.

10 Mins -

Next Steps & Q&A

A summary of key takeaways, followed by an open Q&A session where attendees can clarify doubts and explore next steps for their institutions.

Outcomes

By the end of the consultation, we aim to have a clearer picture of whether lecturer-led SEO is a realistic and valuable approach—and if so, what practical steps could help institutions make it a reality.
Shared understanding
Everyone leaves with a clear sense of the pros, cons, and best practices for lecturer-led SEO.
Tailored action plan
utlining possible pilot projects or next steps for your institution.
Resource pack
A simple “starter kit” with brand guidelines, content templates, and recommended SEO resources.
Momentum and buy-in
Helping both marketing and academic teams see the value of collaborating more closely to drive course visibility.

Meet your hosts

Archie Homer
Digital Project Manager and University Lecturer
A mix of marketing, digital experience, and web development. Archie is also a university lecturer and guides students in Digital Business and eCommerce for Harper Adams University
Mike Scott
Mike Scott
Chief Tea Boy and Marketeer
Membership, Education, Museums, Collaboration, HubSpot (and a love of cheese!). That’s Mike in a nutshell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

Register your interest
Lecturer-led SEO
Empowering Lecturers to Drive Course Visibility Through SEO