On-Page SEO Checklist
Keyword Research:
- Identify primary keywords for each page.
- Research related secondary keywords.
- Understand the search intent behind the keywords.
Content Optimization:
- Ensure high-quality, original content.
- Include primary keywords in the first 100 words.
- Use secondary keywords naturally throughout.
- Maintain a balance between keyword density and readability.
Title Tag Optimization:
- Include the primary keyword in the title tag.
- Keep title tags under 60 characters.
- Make it compelling and click-worthy.
Meta Description Optimization:
- Include primary keywords in the meta description.
- Keep it under 160 characters.
- Ensure it accurately summarizes the page content.
Header Tags:
- Use H1 tag for the main title and include the primary keyword.
- Break content with H2, H3, etc., for readability, using secondary keywords where appropriate.
URL Structure:
- Keep URLs short and keyword-rich.
- Use hyphens to separate words.
- Avoid using numbers or special characters.
Image Optimization:
- Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names.
- Optimize alt attributes with relevant keywords.
- Compress images to speed up page load times.
Internal Linking:
- Link to relevant content within your site.
- Use descriptive anchor texts.
- Balance the number of internal links.
External Linking:
- Link out to authoritative and relevant sources.
- Ensure all external links are functional and add value.
Mobile Responsiveness:
- Ensure the website is mobile-friendly.
- Test load times and usability on different devices.
Loading Speed:
- Optimize site loading speed.
- Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights for guidance.
Structured Data Markup:
- Implement schema markup where appropriate.
- Test structured data using Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
Content Freshness:
- Regularly update existing content.
- Add new, relevant content consistently.
User Engagement:
- Enhance readability with short paragraphs and bullet points.
- Encourage user comments and feedback.
- Include clear calls-to-action.
SSL/HTTPS:
- Ensure the site is secure with HTTPS.
Social Sharing Integration:
- Include social sharing buttons.
- Optimize content for social sharing with engaging titles and images.
Avoid Duplicate Content:
- Use canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues.
Analytics and Monitoring:
- Regularly monitor the site’s performance with tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
- Adjust strategies based on analytics insights.
Remember, on-page SEO is an ongoing process and not just a one-time setup. Regularly reviewing and updating your strategies is key to maintaining and improving your search engine rankings.