Local SEO Content SEO Technical SEO

University Dresden: Making Study Programs Visible

Local SEO for a Dresden university. Optimization of main keywords and visibility building for all study programs.

Client: University of Applied Sciences Dresden
Industry: Education / Higher Education
Richard Roth

Case Study by

Richard Roth

2,421

Top 10 Rankings

for relevant keywords

593

Top 3 Rankings

with high click rate

193

Position 1

for main keywords

Local SEO
University Dresden Traffic Development
Visibility for all relevant study programs

Starting Point

When we took over SEO for a university in Dresden, basic visibility was already present. For main terms like “University Dresden” or “College Dresden” there were occasional Top 10 rankings, but much was still further back.

The bigger problem: The individual study programs were barely findable. Anyone searching for a specific study program in Dresden often didn’t find the university.

The Challenge

  • Mixed rankings some keywords Top 10, others on page 2-3
  • Invisible study programs many study offerings didn’t rank at all
  • Nationwide competition universities from all over Germany as competitors
  • Complex site structure many subpages that needed optimization

My Approach

The Path to Results

Phase 1

Stabilizing Main Keywords

Analysis and optimization of existing rankings for University Dresden, College Dresden, Studying in Dresden.

Phase 2

Building Up Study Programs

For each study program: landing page optimized, local keywords integrated, internal linking improved.

Phase 3

Expanding Content

Additional information and FAQ sections where needed.

Ongoing

Monitoring & Optimization

Continuous monitoring and adjustment of strategy.

The Results

Main Keywords

All relevant main terms are now stable in the Top 10:

  • University Dresden Top 10
  • College Dresden Top 10
  • Private University Dresden Top 10

Study Programs

The individual study programs are now visible for local and nationwide search queries:

Keyword Rankings
Keyword Rankings - University Dresden Study Programs
Position 1 for 'fachhochschule dresden', Top 10 for 'sozialpädagogik' (9.9K SV), 'gesundheitsmanagement studium' and more
  • Fachhochschule Dresden Position 1 (1K search volume)
  • Sozialpädagogik (Social Pedagogy) Position 9 (9.9K search volume)
  • Gesundheitsmanagement Studium (Health Management) Position 5 (2.9K search volume)
  • Business Administration Position 10 (4.4K search volume)
  • Grafikdesign Studium (Graphic Design) Position 4 (1.3K search volume)
  • Mediendesign Studium (Media Design) Position 9 (2.4K search volume)
  • Dresden Grafikdesign Position 1 (170 search volume)

Reach

Since it’s a university, search queries come from all over Germany. Prospective students from other states now find the Dresden university when they search for their desired study program + Dresden.

Saved Advertising Costs

The organic traffic has significant value. That’s money the university doesn’t have to spend on Google Ads to achieve the same visibility.

Sistrix
Sistrix Traffic Value and Saved Costs
Monthly traffic value that doesn't need to be invested in ads

What You Should Consider If You Have an Educational Institution

  • Each study program needs its own optimization. A general university page isn’t enough. Local keywords like “Business Studies Dresden” must be specifically addressed.
  • Stabilization before expansion. First secure the main keywords, then build up individual offerings.
  • Consider nationwide reach. Prospective students often search “study program + city,” even if they live elsewhere.

Do you have an educational institution and want more inquiries? Let’s talk about your visibility →

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