Unless you automate it, SEO can be a daunting, multi-layered process requiring countless hours of manual effort. With n8n, a powerful workflow automation tool, you can simplify and streamline your SEO tasks like never before. From keyword research to performance monitoring, n8n connects tools and APIs to create seamless workflows that save time while boosting efficiency.
For technical leaders managing complex SEO operations, n8n offers a unique advantage: full integration capabilities across platforms like DataForSEO, Google Sheets, and WordPress. This means no more juggling tools or repetitive tasks—just scalable, data-driven automation tailored to your needs.
Let’s dive into how you can use n8n to build end-to-end SEO workflows that bring consistency, optimization, and real-time insights to your digital strategy.
Key Takeaways
- End-to-End Integration: n8n enables comprehensive SEO automation by connecting multiple tools, APIs, and data sources into unified workflows, streamlining complex SEO processes across different platforms.
- Customizable Automation: Create tailored SEO workflows that combine keyword research, content optimization, and performance monitoring into automated sequences, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.
- API Integration Capabilities: n8n seamlessly connects with essential SEO tools like DataForSEO, Google Sheets, and WordPress, enabling automated data collection, analysis, and content optimization.
- Scalable Infrastructure: The platform supports enterprise-level SEO operations with flexible workflows that can scale alongside growing business needs and increasing data volumes.
- Time and Resource Optimization: Automated workflows significantly reduce manual SEO tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategy and analysis rather than repetitive operations.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Automated data collection and analysis workflows provide real-time insights for informed SEO strategy adjustments and performance optimization.
- Cross-Platform Synchronization: n8n ensures consistent SEO implementation across multiple platforms by automating data flow between different tools and services.
- Process Standardization: Implement standardized SEO workflows that ensure consistency in optimization practices while maintaining flexibility for custom requirements.
In today’s competitive digital landscape, SEO efficiency has become a critical factor for enterprise success. As organizations scale their online presence, the need to automate SEO tasks with n8n has emerged as a strategic advantage. This comprehensive guide explores how enterprise-level businesses can leverage n8n’s powerful workflow automation capabilities to streamline SEO processes, reduce manual effort, and achieve consistent results across their digital ecosystem.
Understanding Workflow Automation with n8n for SEO Tasks
N8n represents a new generation of workflow automation tools that bring unprecedented flexibility to SEO operations. Unlike traditional automation platforms, n8n functions as a fair-code licensed workflow automation tool that connects applications, services, and APIs to create efficient, automated workflows for complex SEO processes.
At its core, n8n workflow automation enables organizations to connect disparate systems and automate repetitive SEO tasks without extensive coding knowledge. The platform’s node-based visual interface allows SEO teams to design workflows that can handle everything from keyword research and content optimization to performance monitoring and reporting.
For enterprise digital transformation leaders, the value proposition is clear: n8n reduces the operational burden of SEO management while increasing consistency and scalability. By automating routine SEO tasks, teams can redirect their focus toward strategic initiatives that drive business growth.
Key Benefits of n8n for SEO Automation
- Self-hosted option for enhanced data security and compliance
- Flexible integration with over 200 services and applications
- Visual workflow builder requiring minimal technical expertise
- Ability to handle complex, conditional SEO workflows
- Scalable architecture suitable for enterprise-level operations
The platform’s ability to connect with virtually any API makes it particularly valuable for SEO teams working with multiple tools and data sources. This connectivity creates a unified automation ecosystem that eliminates data silos and streamlines information flow across the SEO technology stack.
Setting Up n8n for Effective SEO Automation
Implementing n8n SEO integration requires thoughtful preparation to ensure optimal performance and scalability. The setup process begins with determining the deployment method that best suits your organization’s needs—either cloud-based or self-hosted.
For enterprises with strict data security requirements, the self-hosted option provides complete control over sensitive SEO data. This approach requires allocating appropriate server resources based on anticipated workflow volume and complexity. A typical enterprise setup includes:
- Dedicated server with a minimum of 4GB RAM and 2 CPU cores
- Database configuration (PostgreSQL recommended for production)
- SSL certificate implementation for secure connections
- User authentication and permission configuration
Once the infrastructure is in place, the next step involves configuring credentials for the various SEO tools and platforms you’ll be connecting to. N8n stores these credentials securely, allowing workflows to interact with external services without exposing sensitive information.
Integration with existing enterprise systems requires careful planning. Many organizations benefit from creating a comprehensive n8n automation strategy that maps out how SEO workflows will interact with content management systems, analytics platforms, and marketing automation tools.
Technical Configuration Considerations
When setting up n8n for enterprise SEO, pay special attention to:
- API rate limits for connected services to prevent workflow disruptions
- Webhook security for external triggers and notifications
- Error handling and notification protocols
- Backup and recovery procedures for workflow configurations
A well-planned setup creates the foundation for reliable, scalable SEO automation that can grow with your organization’s needs.
Integrating Multiple APIs and Tools for Seamless SEO Modernization
The power of n8n SEO automation lies in its ability to connect multiple data sources and tools through API integration. This capability transforms siloed SEO operations into a cohesive, automated system that delivers consistent results across channels.
Enterprise SEO typically involves numerous specialized tools—from keyword research platforms and content optimization software to analytics services and rank tracking solutions. N8n serves as the central hub that orchestrates data flow between these tools, creating a unified automation ecosystem.
Key integrations for comprehensive SEO automation include:
- Google Search Console API: Extract performance data, indexing status, and search queries
- Google Analytics API: Gather traffic metrics, user behavior, and conversion data
- DataForSEO API: Access competitive intelligence, keyword data, and SERP analysis
- WordPress REST API: Automate content publishing and on-page SEO optimization
- Ahrefs/SEMrush APIs: Collect backlink data, keyword positions, and competitive insights
The API integration process in n8n is streamlined through pre-built nodes that handle authentication and data formatting. For custom or less common APIs, the HTTP Request node provides flexibility to connect with virtually any service that offers API access.
A particularly valuable integration for enterprise SEO teams is connecting n8n with Google Sheets for automated reporting. This combination allows for automated data collection, processing, and visualization in a format that’s accessible to stakeholders across the organization.
Data Transformation for SEO Insights
Beyond simple connections, n8n excels at transforming raw SEO data into actionable insights through:
- Data filtering and aggregation nodes
- Custom JavaScript code for complex transformations
- Conditional logic to route data based on specific criteria
- Text parsing and manipulation for content analysis
This transformation capability enables enterprises to create sophisticated SEO intelligence systems that automatically identify opportunities and threats.
Keyword Research Automation with n8n
Keyword research automation represents one of the most valuable applications of n8n for enterprise SEO teams. By automating the discovery, analysis, and organization of keywords, organizations can maintain a competitive edge while significantly reducing manual effort.
A comprehensive n8n workflow for keyword research typically includes these components:
- Seed keyword collection from multiple sources (Google Search Console, customer feedback, product catalogs)
- Expansion and suggestion via API connections to tools like DataForSEO, SEMrush, or Ahrefs
- Competitive analysis to identify keyword gaps and opportunities
- Metrics enrichment with search volume, competition, and CPC data
- Categorization and tagging based on custom business rules
- Prioritization using weighted scoring algorithms
- Distribution to content teams via integrated systems
The automation of these steps creates a continuous keyword discovery pipeline that keeps content strategies aligned with evolving search trends and user interests.
For enterprise organizations managing multiple brands or markets, n8n can segment keyword research by business unit, geography, or product line. This segmentation ensures that each area receives targeted keyword recommendations relevant to its specific objectives.
Practical Example: Automated Competitor Keyword Gap Analysis
A leading e-commerce company implemented an n8n workflow that automatically identifies keyword opportunities by analyzing competitor rankings. The workflow:
- Pulls top-ranking URLs for competitors on a weekly schedule
- Extracts keywords driving traffic to those URLs
- Compared against the company’s current keyword portfolio
- Identifies high-value keywords where competitors rank, but they don’t
- Calculates potential traffic impact based on search volume and position
- Delivers prioritized keyword opportunities directly to content teams
This automated workflow reduced research time by 85% while increasing the discovery of valuable keyword opportunities by 40%.
Creating Automated Workflows for Content Optimization
Content optimization represents a significant opportunity for SEO process automation with n8n. By creating workflows that analyze, enhance, and monitor content performance, enterprises can maintain consistent SEO quality across large content portfolios.
Effective content optimization workflows in n8n typically address these key areas:
- On-page SEO analysis to identify optimization opportunities
- Content quality assessment based on readability and engagement metrics
- Keyword usage and semantic relevance evaluation
- Internal linking opportunities identification
- Metadata optimization for improved click-through rates
One powerful application is how to create SEO workflows in n8n that automatically audit existing content. These workflows can scan your website, analyze each page against SEO best practices, and generate prioritized improvement recommendations.
For enterprises managing content across multiple platforms, n8n can standardize optimization processes regardless of where the content resides. This standardization ensures consistent SEO quality whether content is published on the main website, knowledge base, blog, or third-party platforms.
Automated Content Brief Generation
Content briefs provide the foundation for SEO-optimized content creation. With n8n, this process can be automated through workflows that:
- Analyze top-ranking content for target keywords
- Extract common topics, questions, and semantic terms
- Identify optimal content structure and word count
- Compile competitor insights and differentiation opportunities
- Generate comprehensive briefs with all SEO requirements
- Distribute to content teams through preferred channels
This automation ensures that content creators have the information they need to produce SEO-optimized content without requiring SEO expertise for every project.
For enterprises with multilingual content needs, n8n workflows can incorporate translation services and region-specific SEO considerations, ensuring global content maintains SEO effectiveness across markets.
Building Comprehensive SEO Monitoring and Reporting Systems
Effective SEO requires continuous monitoring and timely reporting. With n8n, enterprises can build automated monitoring systems that track performance metrics and alert teams to issues or opportunities as they arise.
A comprehensive SEO monitoring workflow typically includes:
- Rank tracking for priority keywords across search engines
- Organic traffic analysis with segmentation by landing page and source
- Technical SEO monitoring for crawl errors, indexation issues, and site health
- Backlink profile tracking to identify new links and lost links
- Competitor movement detection for strategic keywords
The power of n8n for monitoring lies in its ability to combine data from multiple sources and apply custom thresholds and alerts. For example, a workflow can detect when a key landing page experiences a significant traffic drop, correlate this with ranking changes, and automatically notify the appropriate team members with contextual information.
Automated reporting represents another valuable application of n8n SEO integration. By creating workflows that gather, process, and visualize SEO data, enterprises can deliver consistent, accurate reports without manual effort.
Custom Dashboard Creation
Many enterprises use n8n to feed data into visualization platforms, creating custom SEO dashboards that provide real-time performance insights. These workflows typically:
- Extract data from multiple SEO tools and analytics platforms
- Transform and normalize data for consistent reporting
- Calculate custom KPIs and performance metrics
- Push processed data to visualization tools or databases
- Schedule automatic refreshes to maintain current information
This approach enables data-driven decision-making while eliminating the time-consuming process of manual report generation.
For enterprises with complex reporting needs, n8n can distribute different report views to various stakeholders—executive summaries for leadership, detailed performance metrics for SEO specialists, and content-focused reports for editorial teams.
Scalability and Infrastructure Considerations for Enterprise SEO
As enterprises expand their SEO operations, scalability becomes a critical factor in automation success. N8n provides several features that support scaling SEO workflows to handle increasing data volumes and complexity.
Key scalability considerations for enterprise n8n deployments include:
- Infrastructure sizing based on workflow volume and complexity
- Queue management for high-volume execution scenarios
- Horizontal scaling through worker nodes for distributed processing
- Database optimization for efficient execution history storage
- Caching strategies to reduce API call volume and improve performance
For organizations with extensive SEO operations, implementing a dedicated n8n environment with appropriate resources ensures reliable performance even during peak processing periods.
The modular nature of n8n workflows supports scalability through component reuse and standardization. By creating a library of tested, optimized workflow components for common SEO tasks, enterprises can rapidly deploy new automation scenarios while maintaining consistency and reliability.
Performance Optimization Techniques
As SEO automation scales, performance optimization becomes increasingly important. Effective techniques include:
- Batching operations to reduce API call frequency
- Implementing incremental processing for large datasets
- Using webhooks for event-driven workflows instead of polling
- Optimizing database queries in custom nodes and scripts
- Scheduling resource-intensive workflows during off-peak hours
These optimizations ensure that SEO automation remains efficient even as the scope and scale of operations grow.
For global enterprises, distributed n8n deployments can improve performance by locating automation resources closer to data sources and target systems, reducing latency and improving reliability across regions.
Ensuring Cross-Platform Synchronization and Standardization
Enterprise SEO often spans multiple platforms, websites, and digital properties. N8n workflow automation excels at creating synchronized SEO processes across these diverse environments, ensuring consistent implementation of SEO strategies.
Effective cross-platform synchronization with n8n typically addresses:
- Content distribution across multiple publishing platforms
- Metadata standardization for consistent SEO elements
- Cross-domain linking to strengthen overall domain authority
- Unified analytics for comprehensive performance measurement
- Coordinated keyword targeting to prevent internal competition
For enterprises managing multiple brands or product lines, n8n can implement centralized SEO governance while allowing for brand-specific customizations. This balance ensures SEO best practices are consistently applied while respecting the unique needs of each property.
Workflow Templates for Standardization
Creating standardized workflow templates for common SEO tasks promotes consistency and efficiency across the organization. These templates can be customized for specific properties while maintaining core SEO principles.
Examples of valuable standardized workflows include:
- New content publication with consistent SEO checks and optimizations
- Regular content audits using standardized quality criteria
- Technical SEO monitoring with consistent error detection and resolution
- Performance reporting with standardized metrics and visualizations
By implementing these templates, enterprises ensure that SEO quality remains consistent regardless of which team or individual is responsible for a particular digital property.
For organizations with decentralized content creation, n8n provides governance capabilities that allow central SEO teams to maintain standards while giving content creators appropriate flexibility.
Time and Resource Optimization through Automated SEO Workflows
One of the most compelling benefits of using n8n to automate SEO tasks is the significant time and resource savings it delivers. By automating repetitive, time-consuming SEO activities, enterprises can redirect valuable human resources toward strategic initiatives that require creativity and judgment.
Common time-saving automations include:
- Bulk optimization of existing content based on performance data
- Automated competitive analysis to identify strategic opportunities
- Scheduled audits that identify and prioritize technical issues
- Intelligent content recommendations based on performance patterns
- Automated reporting that eliminates manual data gathering and formatting
These automations not only save time but also improve consistency and reduce the risk of human error in critical SEO tasks.
For enterprise teams managing large-scale SEO operations, the resource optimization benefits of n8n automation can be substantial. Organizations typically report 60-80% time savings on routine SEO tasks after implementing comprehensive automation workflows.
Measuring Automation ROI
To quantify the value of SEO automation, enterprises should track metrics such as:
- Time saved on routine SEO tasks
- Increased output (content optimized, keywords researched, etc.)
- Error reduction in SEO implementation
- Faster response to SEO issues and opportunities
- Improved performance resulting from consistent optimization
By measuring these factors, organizations can demonstrate the tangible benefits of their investment in SEO automation and justify further expansion of their automation initiatives.
For enterprises with limited SEO resources, automation through n8n can effectively “multiply” the impact of existing team members, allowing small teams to achieve results that would typically require much larger staffing.
Case Studies and Success Stories
The practical impact of using n8n to automate SEO tasks is best illustrated through real-world implementations. These case studies demonstrate how enterprises have transformed their SEO operations through strategic automation.
Enterprise E-commerce SEO Transformation
A global e-commerce company with over 100,000 products implemented n8n to automate their product page SEO. The solution included:
- Automated keyword research for product categories
- Dynamic title and description optimization based on performance data
- Automated internal linking based on semantic relationships
- Competitive price and feature monitoring with SEO implications
Results: 32% increase in organic traffic, 28% improvement in conversion rates, and 85% reduction in time spent on routine SEO tasks.
Multi-Brand Media Company Content Optimization
A media conglomerate managing 12 distinct brand websites implemented n8n to standardize and automate their content SEO processes:
- Centralized keyword research with brand-specific distribution
- Automated content briefs with SEO requirements
- Cross-platform content performance monitoring
- Intelligent content refresh recommendations based on performance triggers
Results: 47% increase in organic search visibility, 23% improvement in engagement metrics, and standardized SEO quality across all brands.
B2B Technology Firm Technical SEO Monitoring
A B2B technology company with a complex website architecture implemented n8n for technical SEO monitoring:
- Automated crawling and issue detection
- Intelligent prioritization of technical fixes
- Integration with the development ticketing system
- Impact tracking of technical improvements
Results: 56% reduction in technical SEO issues, 41% faster resolution times, and 18% improvement in overall organic visibility.
These examples demonstrate how n8n automation can transform SEO operations across different enterprise contexts, delivering measurable improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness.
Getting Started with n8n: Steps and Best Practices
For enterprises looking to implement an n8n SEO automation setup guide, following a structured approach ensures successful adoption and maximum value. This section outlines the key steps and best practices for getting started.
Implementation Roadmap
- Audit current SEO processes to identify automation opportunities
- Document manual workflows and time investments
- Identify repetitive tasks with clear inputs and outputs
- Prioritize based on potential time savings and impact
- Define clear automation objectives with measurable outcomes
- Time savings targets
- Quality improvement goals
- Scalability requirements
- Start with a pilot project to build expertise and demonstrate value
- Choose a high-impact but manageable workflow
- Document baseline metrics before implementation
- Allocate dedicated resources for the pilot phase
- Expand systematically based on proven success
- Develop a library of reusable workflow components
- Implement governance for workflow development and management
- Create documentation and training for broader team adoption
Best Practices for Successful Implementation
To maximize the value of your n8n SEO automation initiative:
- Involve SEO specialists in workflow design to ensure automation aligns with strategic objectives
- Create modular workflows that can be combined and reused across different scenarios
- Implement comprehensive error handling to ensure reliability in production environments
- Document workflows thoroughly with clear descriptions of purpose, inputs, and outputs
- Establish monitoring for automated processes to quickly identify and address issues
- Schedule regular reviews to identify optimization opportunities and adapt to changing SEO requirements
For enterprises with limited internal technical resources, partnering with experienced n8n consultants can accelerate implementation and ensure best practices are followed from the start.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
When implementing n8n for SEO automation, be aware of these common challenges:
- Attempting to automate too much too quickly instead of starting with high-value, well-defined processes
- Neglecting API rate limits when designing workflows that interact with external services
- Creating overly complex workflows that are difficult to maintain and troubleshoot
- Failing to document dependencies between workflows and external systems
- Overlooking the need for human review of automation outputs, especially for content-related tasks
By avoiding these pitfalls and following the implementation roadmap, enterprises can successfully automate WordPress SEO with n8n and other SEO processes across their digital ecosystem.
The Future of SEO Automation with n8n
As SEO and automation technologies continue to evolve, the potential for n8n SEO integration is expanding rapidly. Forward-thinking enterprises are already exploring advanced applications that combine n8n with emerging technologies to create next-generation SEO capabilities.
Emerging Trends in SEO Automation
Key developments shaping the future of SEO automation with n8n include:
- AI-enhanced content optimization through integration with natural language processing services
- Predictive SEO that anticipates algorithm changes and market trends
- Voice search optimization workflows that target conversational queries
- Automated E-E-A-T signals management to build authority and trustworthiness
- Cross-channel SEO coordination that aligns organic search with social, PPC, and other channels
These advancements are enabling enterprises to create increasingly sophisticated SEO systems that adapt to changing search landscapes and user behaviors.
The integration of machine learning capabilities with n8n workflows represents a particularly promising frontier. By incorporating ML models that analyze performance patterns and user engagement, enterprises can create self-optimizing SEO systems that continuously improve based on real-world results.
Preparing for Future SEO Challenges
To position your organization for success in the evolving SEO landscape, consider these strategic approaches:
- Build flexible automation architectures that can adapt to changing requirements
- Develop internal expertise in both SEO strategy and automation technology
- Create feedback loops that capture performance data to inform automation refinements
- Establish cross-functional collaboration between SEO, development, and data science teams
- Stay informed about emerging SEO factors and their automation implications
By embracing these approaches, enterprises can create sustainable competitive advantages through advanced SEO automation.
As search engines increasingly emphasize user experience and content quality, the role of automation will shift from technical optimization toward supporting the creation of truly valuable, user-centered content. N8n’s flexibility makes it well-positioned to support this evolution in SEO practice.
Conclusion: Transforming Enterprise SEO with n8n Automation
The ability to effectively automate SEO tasks with n8n represents a significant competitive advantage for enterprise organizations. By implementing strategic automation workflows, companies can dramatically improve the efficiency, consistency, and scalability of their SEO operations while freeing valuable human resources to focus on creative and strategic initiatives.
The comprehensive approach outlined in this guide—from initial setup and integration to advanced monitoring and optimization—provides a roadmap for enterprises at any stage of their automation journey. By starting with high-value processes and systematically expanding automation coverage, organizations can transform their SEO capabilities while demonstrating clear return on investment.
As search algorithms and user behaviors continue to evolve, the flexibility and extensibility of n8n position it as an ideal platform for future-proof SEO automation. By building modular, adaptable workflows today, enterprises create the foundation for continued SEO success in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
The time to embrace SEO automation is now. With n8n’s powerful capabilities and the strategic implementation approach outlined in this guide, enterprise digital transformation leaders have all the tools they need to revolutionize their SEO operations and achieve sustainable organic growth.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Automating SEO is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. By harnessing the power of workflow automation tools like n8n, businesses can streamline repetitive SEO tasks, freeing up time for more strategic initiatives. Here are some key benefits of automating SEO:
- Streamlined Processes: Tools like n8n help automate tasks such as meta tag generation, content creation, and keyword research, making SEO more efficient.
- Consistency and Accuracy: Automated workflows reduce human error and maintain consistency across all SEO elements.
- Time Efficiency: By automating routine tasks, businesses can focus on high-level SEO strategies and content creation.
- Cost Effectiveness: Automation reduces the need for extensive manual labor, leading to cost savings.
Reports suggest that automating SEO tasks can increase productivity by up to 30%, allowing businesses to scale their digital presence more effectively.
When it comes to automating SEO, n8n is emerging as a powerful tool. It integrates with various AI models and platforms to create seamless workflows for SEO optimization. Here’s how n8n contributes to automating SEO tasks:
- n8n Workflows: n8n offers customizable workflows that automate SEO tasks, such as content generation and meta tag optimization.
- AI Integrations: It integrates with AI models like DeepSeek and OpenRouter to enhance content quality and SEO performance.
- Platform Integration: n8n works with platforms like WordPress and Google Sheets to streamline SEO processes.
- Customization: Users can tailor workflows to fit specific SEO needs, ensuring personalized optimization strategies.
By leveraging AI models and workflow automation, businesses can significantly enhance their SEO capabilities with tools like n8n.
Automating SEO reports is a game-changer for client communication and efficiency. With n8n, you can create workflows that collect data from various SEO tools and generate reports automatically. Here’s how to automate SEO reports:
- Data Collection: Use n8n to collect relevant SEO data from tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
- Workflow Setup: Create a workflow that compiles this data into a report format.
- Automation and Scheduling: Set up the workflow to run automatically at regular intervals, ensuring timely client updates.
- Customization: Tailor reports to include specific metrics and insights relevant to each client’s goals.
By automating SEO reports, businesses can maintain transparency and build trust with clients, while also saving time on manual reporting tasks.
AI is revolutionizing SEO by offering powerful tools for content creation and optimization. While AI can automate various SEO tasks, human oversight is still necessary for strategy and quality control. Here are some ways AI impacts SEO:
- Content Generation: AI models can generate high-quality content, including articles and meta tags.
- Keyword Research: AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data to identify optimal keywords and trends.
- SEO Optimization: AI helps optimize meta tags, titles, and descriptions to improve search engine rankings.
- Human Oversight: While AI handles tasks efficiently, human review ensures that content meets brand standards and resonates with audiences.
Experts agree that AI-enhanced SEO workflows can lead to better consistency and efficiency in digital marketing strategies.
Any Other Questions?
That wraps up the most popular questions we get, but fire away with any others!
Contact us to discuss your next development project!
FAQ References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP4VyckWlIg
https://n8n.io/workflows/3085-automate-seo-optimized-wordpress-posts-with-ai-and-google-sheets/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t8sSf2JNA4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHVKbBPk4Ok
https://n8n.io/workflows/2963-automate-woocommerce-seo-with-yoast-and-ai-powered-meta-tag-generation-for-free/