# An introduction to SEO and structured content

https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/an-introduction-to-seo-and-structured-content

A few core principles, applied consistently, can form a solid foundation that benefits both search engines and editorial workflows.

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## Navigation

**Track:** [Work-ready Next.js](https://www.sanity.io/learn/track/work-ready-next-js) · [View as markdown](https://www.sanity.io/learn/track/work-ready-next-js.md)

**Course:** [SEO optimized content with Next.js](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization) · [View as markdown](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization.md)

**Next:** [SEO schema types and metadata](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/seo-schema-types-and-metadata)

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## Course Contents

1. **An introduction to SEO and structured content** *(current)*
2. [SEO schema types and metadata](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/seo-schema-types-and-metadata)
3. [Extending the SEO schema types](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/adding-seo-fields-to-your-project)
4. [Implementing redirects](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/implementing-redirects)
5. [Creating dynamic Open Graph images](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/creating-dynamic-open-graph-images-with-vercel-og)
6. [Generate social posts from your content](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/ai-generate-social-posts-from-your-content)
7. [Build a dynamic sitemap](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/building-a-dynamic-sitemap)
8. [Generating JSON-LD dynamically](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/generating-json-ld-dynamically)
9. [Sanity SEO quiz](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization/sanity-seo-quiz)

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## About this course



This course will guide you on the best practices of building SEO-optimized content in Next.js with Sanity.



Rather than getting bogged down in complex SEO configurations, the focus is on creating simple but effective schema types and queries that give content editors flexibility while maintaining SEO best practices.



This approach emphasizes pragmatic solutions that address essential SEO needs without adding unnecessary complexity.



It focuses on structuring content for both search engines and editorial teams, offering smart defaults along with optional granular controls. The aim is to simplify SEO-friendly content creation while adhering to Next.js best practices.



## About the author



I'm Jono, the founder of [Roboto Studio](https://robotostudio.com/?utm-source=sanity-learn).



We specialize in building the best editorial experiences on the web with Sanity and Next.js



I'm excited to share our opinionated but battle-tested approach to SEO with you. This isn't just theory - these are the same patterns we use successfully with our clients every day.



Also a special thanks to Sne and Hrithik for their help structuring this course.



## Simplifying SEO with structured content



SEO is often presented as a complex endeavor, but it is more straightforward than commonly assumed. A few core principles, applied consistently, can form a solid foundation that benefits both search engines and editorial workflows.



A well-structured content model handles most of the heavy lifting, removing the need for overly complex schemas or endless metadata fields. This approach facilitates agnostic SEO practices. This means you can incrementally adopt SEO best practices without having to always enter content from scratch.



Next.js includes opinionated API's that streamline SEO optimization. Aligning Sanity schema types and queries with these conventions creates an effective framework for building SEO-ready websites.



In the following lessons we will take a closer look at how we can leverage structured content and Next.js to help search engines understand and rank your content.



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## Related Resources

- [Full course as markdown](https://www.sanity.io/learn/course/seo-optimization.md)
- [Track overview](https://www.sanity.io/learn/track/work-ready-next-js.md)
- [All courses and lessons](https://www.sanity.io/learn/sitemap.md)
- [Complete content for LLMs](https://www.sanity.io/learn/llms-full.txt)
