It’s no secret that SEO is one of the hottest digital marketing strategies in the world. Even so, 57% of businesses still don’t use SEO in their digital marketing strategies!
Fortunately, that means there’s less competition standing in your way, and it’s easier than you think to get started. Let’s talk about how to do on-page SEO and give an on-page SEO checklist to follow when creating new content for your website!
What Is On-Page SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is how websites optimize their content for search engines like Google, allowing them to rank higher for specific keywords. Some of this process takes place off of the webpage, and some of it takes place on-page.
Off-page SEO refers to your backlinks, directory listings, online reputation, and more. There’s also technical SEO, which refers to your website quality, page speed, security, and other technical matters on your site.
Conversely, on-page SEO refers to, well, what’s on the page. Some on-page SEO examples include your page code, the tags you use, the structure and layout of your content, and more.
As a result, whenever you upload a new page or post to your website, you should go through a quick checklist to ensure that it’s optimized.
On-Page SEO Checklist
Now that you know what on-page SEO is, let’s talk about how to improve it. Here’s are some simple on-page SEO techniques to use before adding new content!
Check Your Metadata
Your H1 tag (title) and meta description are essential for Google’s algorithm. Each of them needs to have the target keyword in them.
Keep your H1 tag as short as possible, especially if you plan to add your business name after it. Something quick like “How to Detail a Car: Step By Step Guide” is about as long as you should go.
For your meta description, keep it under 160 characters (ideally around 130). Otherwise, it will be cut off in the search snippets for mobile devices, which Google prioritizes.
Also, make sure that the meta description contains your keyword and entices the reader to want more. A good example would be: “Ever wonder how to detail a car like a professional? Here’s how to get the deep clean you’ve always wanted!”
Optimize Your Images
Use the optimal number of images for the length of your content. We recommend a minimum of three images for anything under 1000 words, and you should aim for more beyond that.
If you have a listicle article (numbered headers), we’d recommend trying to add an image to most headers, if not all. The only concern is slowing down the page speed. However, if you use the right file sizes, you shouldn’t have to worry.
From there, add quality alternate descriptions (ALT tags) to your images before posting. These need to be descriptive and accurate for both accessibility and Google’s algorithm. If possible, use the target keyword in at least one ALT tag.
Optimize Links
Make sure you add link titles to your links that describe the page. For example, if you’re directing users to a product page, your link title could be “XYZ Cleaning Solution”. This is a very simple step that can go a long way!
Also, make sure that your anchor texts are appropriate and unique. They shouldn’t be generic “click here” or “read more” every time, as this will hurt your SEO strategy. Instead, make them natural within the text whenever possible!
Optimize Your URL
Your permalink is essential. The better it reads, the more Google will appreciate it. For example, a link ending in “.com/blog/how-to-detail-a-car” is much better than “.com/ndj3b013i5u”.
If you use WordPress or Shopify, this may be done for you. However, make sure it’s categorized appropriately (in that example, “blog”), as Google loves a clear site hierarchy!
Avoid Duplicate Content
Whether the duplicate is on your site or another, you cannot have duplicate content. Make sure you are using one canonical link for each page and run your content through a plagiarism checker.
Seriously, even if you know for a fact that you didn’t plagiarize, sometimes explaining a simple concept is likely to trigger a duplicate content alert from Google. For example, giving a definition of SEO, as we did at the beginning, could easily trip a plagiarism notification, as it’s a straightforward explanation that others have likely used. Run your content through a plagiarism checker just to be safe.
Focus on Quality
Your content needs to be informative and engaging. If you have any content that doesn’t add value to the reader, get rid of it. This is called fluff or filler content, which can destroy an SEO strategy.
Make sure you do your research when creating content and always proofread for errors or fluff. Word count matters, but not nearly as much as quality. Google will catch on eventually!
If you need a boost, consider hiring professional SEO services for your content strategy. This can help give you the boost you need. From there, it’s easier and more affordable to maintain your ranking over time by following these on-page SEO steps as you go!
Check Your Strategy Today
Now that you have a helpful on-page SEO checklist use it to your advantage the next time you upload content. Alternatively, check out your existing content now and see if you can make any improvements to your strategy!
Stay up to date with our latest tips for your business, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help with your marketing strategy!
- A Guide to the Best Law Firm SEO Companies of 2023 - May 22, 2023
- How to Structure the Ideal PPC Marketing Campaign - April 18, 2023
- 8 Business Website Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - March 18, 2023
