On-Page SEO Checklist for 2023 | Why does On-Page SEO Matter? | SEO Tutorial

 

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential aspect of digital marketing. SEO encompasses various techniques and strategies that aim to increase the visibility of a website or a webpage in search engine results pages (SERPs). One of the critical aspects of SEO is on-page optimization, which refers to optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and generate more relevant traffic.

What is On-Page SEO?

On-page SEO refers to the optimization of individual web pages to improve the website's ranking and relevance for specific keywords or phrases. On-page optimization involves optimizing various elements on a webpage, including the content, HTML source code, and images. The main goal of on-page optimization is to provide a better user experience, making it easier for visitors to find what they're looking for and encouraging them to stay longer on your site.

Why Does On-Page SEO Matter?

On-page SEO is essential because it directly impacts your website's visibility in search engine rankings. If you don't optimize your web pages correctly, it will be challenging for search engines to understand your website's relevance and importance for specific keywords or phrases.

Here are some reasons why on-page SEO matters:

Helps Search Engines Understand Your Website

On-page optimization provides search engines with a better understanding of your website's content and relevance to specific keywords or phrases. By optimizing your web pages' content, structure, and HTML code, you make it easier for search engines to crawl and index your site accurately.

Improves User Experience

On-page optimization aims to provide a better user experience by improving the website's content, structure, and usability. When your web pages are optimized correctly, visitors will be more likely to stay longer on your site, browse more pages, and interact with your content.

Increases Website Traffic

Optimizing your web pages for specific keywords or phrases can increase your website's visibility in search engine rankings. When your website ranks higher, it is more likely to attract more relevant traffic from search engine users.

Boosts Conversions

On-page optimization can also help boost your website's conversions by providing visitors with a better user experience, making it easier for them to find what they're looking for, and encouraging them to take action, such as making a purchase, filling out a contact form, or subscribing to a newsletter.

On-Page SEO Checklist for 2023

When you optimise the content of your page in order to rank higher on Google is known as on-page SEO. It includes multiple activities such as adding header tags, conducting keyword research, optimising meta descriptions, etc. 

Identify Target Keywords

Relevant search queries, or target keywords, are essential for on-page SEO optimisation. After all, the objective is to appear higher in search results for related terms.

Conduct keyword research to discover the phrases and words people use to find websites similar to yours. 

There are many Keyword research tools, such as SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool, Free Keyword Generator from Ahref, Keyword Explorer from Moz, and many more. These tools provide data which you can use to select keywords best suitable for your brand.

Those data include:

• Search intent: The purpose or driving force behind each search.
• Volume: The average monthly number of searches for a given keyword
• Keyword difficulty or KD%: It is an estimate of how challenging it will be to appear in the top 10 organic Google results.

For example, if you have a business selling shirts, then the keyword 'Best Shirts' might look like the best keyword to target. 

But, the keyword has 5,400 searches in India with a keyword difficulty of 61%, which means that this phrase is difficult to rank for. 

As a result, "best shirts" might not be the keyword for you if your objective is to boost sales.

By conducting keyword research and comprehending search intent, you may choose the ideal target terms. After that, you can adjust your page's optimisation. 

Include Target Keywords in your Body Content

In order to assess if a page is relevant to a certain keyword, Google looks at keywords and context. Google can assume that your page is not relevant to the keyword if your target keyword is not mentioned in the body content.

When performing on-page optimisation, your primary keyword should be in the first paragraph. Then, repetitions of secondary keywords should be scattered all over.

Do not, however, "keyword stuff," or insert keywords where they do not sound natural.  

Here is a Google example of keyword stuffing:

Always keep in mind who you are writing for. not confined to search engines.

To find out what is successful for the top-ranking pages, look at those pages.

Add Header Tags to Subheadings

Text is better read and scanned when it is broken up into subheadings. Additionally, the proper H-tags (header tags) aid Google in deciphering the layout of your page.

There should be just one H1 header. Nevertheless, you are free to use as many H2 through H6 tags as you need, depending on the complexity of your content.

They operate according to a tiered structure. Such as:

Add Captivating Visuals

Use photos and videos in your material whenever they enhance it. This includes images, diagrams, instructional videos, and more. 

More photos tend to increase an article's number of shares, backlinks, and unique page views.

Additionally, articles with videos receive more backlinks, shares, and unique page views.

This is why, when necessary, you should use them to break up the text.

Following are some pointers for adding images:

• Each image should have a descriptive alt text. This is a written description of the image that can be found in the page's code.

• Utilise applications to resize and compress your photographs. Your page loading speed won't be slowed down by your images in this way.

And now, some advice on how to use videos:

• Make movies that are in line with search intent. For instance, make instructional films to go along with your textual how-to manuals.
• Host your videos on YouTube, one of the most popular internet search engines. and from there, embed your videos.

Page Title

The page title is one of the most critical on-page SEO factors. It should accurately reflect the content of the page and include the target keyword. The title tag appears in search engine results, and it is often the first thing that visitors see when they land on your website.

It will look like this:

Its HTML code will be:

<title>Drip marketing: What is it and how is it done</title>

The most crucial component for on-page SEO is the title tag. Be careful to start the page with the primary keyword (the one you want to rank for).

Meta Description

The meta description is a brief summary of the page's content that appears below the page title in search engine results. It should be concise and engaging, encouraging visitors to click through to your website. Including the target keyword in the meta description can also improve the page's relevance in search engine rankings.

A meta description looks like this:

Its HTML code will be:

<meta name="description" content="Meta description here.">

The meta description does not directly affect rankings. This on-page optimisation checklist includes it since it's essential for ranking higher and generating more clicks on the SERP.

URL Structure

The URL structure of your web pages should be simple, descriptive, and include the target keyword. A well-optimized URL structure can improve the page's relevance and make it easier for search engines and users to understand the page's content. 

For example, a URL slug looks like this:

The URL slug needs to be short, precise, and informative. 

Here are a few things to note:

• Your page's main or primary keyword is the best option for an optimal URL slug.
• Words should be separated by hyphens ("-"). 
• Aim to avoid using dated terminology (such as "best-headphones-2023"). 
• Make sure to redirect the old version if you change your URL slug.

Internal Linking

Internal linking involves linking to other relevant pages on your website. Internal linking helps visitors navigate your site and provides search engines with a better understanding of your website's content and structure. It also helps to distribute link equity throughout your site, improving the overall authority of your website.

A page with internal links looks like this:

Create High-Quality Content

High-quality content is critical to the success of any on-page SEO strategy. The content should be engaging, informative, and relevant to your target audience. It should include the target keyword naturally throughout the content and provide value to the reader. The length of the content should be sufficient to cover the topic thoroughly.

Content-Length

The length of the content on your web pages can also impact your website's visibility in search engine rankings. Longer content tends to perform better in search engine rankings, but it must be high-quality and relevant to your target audience.

Page Speed

Page speed is a crucial on-page SEO factor. Slow-loading pages can significantly impact the user experience and increase bounce rates. Optimizing images, reducing server response times, and using caching can help improve the page speed of your website.

Here are a few potential factors that could make your page load slower:

1. There is a lot of HTML on the page.
2. Chain redirection
3. Large CSS or JavaScript files

Use Google's PageSpeed Insights tool to assess your page's speed. Just type the URL of your page. Next, select "Analyse."

Then check your "Core Web Vitals Assessment" to see if you passed (on "Mobile" and "Desktop"). Key speed measurements that influence user experience are Core Web Vitals. ranks on Google.

1. The time it takes for the page's primary content to show is known as the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP).
2. The delay after the user's initial input is known as First Input Delay (FID).
3. An indicator of the layout shifts that take place while loading is known as Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS):

Mobile Optimization

Mobile optimization is essential in today's digital landscape. With more and more users accessing websites on mobile devices, it's crucial to ensure your website is mobile-friendly. Optimizing the website for mobile devices can improve the user experience and visibility in search engine rankings.

On-Page SEO vs. Off-Page SEO

SEO can be divided into two broad categories: on-page SEO and off-page SEO. In this article, we will discuss the differences between on-page SEO and off-page SEO, their importance in SEO strategy, and some best practices to optimize both.

On-Page SEO

On-page SEO refers to the optimization of individual web pages to rank higher in search engine results pages. It focuses on the content and structure of the page and includes factors such as keywords, headers, meta descriptions, internal linking, image optimization, and page load speed.

The purpose of on-page SEO is to make the website more accessible and relevant to search engines and users. Optimizing the website's content and structure, it improves the chances of the website ranking higher in SERPs and attracting more organic traffic.

Some best practices for on-page SEO include:

1. Conducting keyword research and incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the content.
2. Optimizing page titles and meta descriptions to accurately reflect the content of the page.
3. Using header tags to structure the content and make it more readable.
4. Creating high-quality, engaging, and informative content that provides value to the reader.
5. Optimizing images with relevant alt tags and reducing their size to improve page load speed.
6. Improving page load speed by compressing images, reducing server response times, and using caching.
7. Using internal linking to improve site navigation and distribute link equity throughout the site.

Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO refers to the optimization of factors outside of the website that impacts its ranking in search engine results pages. It focuses on building the website's authority and credibility through external factors such as backlinks, social media, and online directories.

The purpose of off-page SEO is to improve the website's authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines and users. By building high-quality backlinks from reputable sources, it signals to search engines that the website is a reliable and trustworthy source of information.

Some best practices for off-page SEO include:

1. Building high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites.
2. Creating and sharing engaging and valuable content on social media platforms.
3. Listing the website on relevant online directories and ensuring the information is accurate and up-to-date.
4. Engaging with the online community and participating in relevant discussions and forums.

On-Page SEO vs. Off-Page SEO

On-page SEO and off-page SEO are both critical components of a successful SEO strategy. While on-page SEO focuses on optimizing the content and structure of individual web pages, off-page SEO focuses on building the website's authority and credibility through external factors.

On-page SEO is essential in improving the website's visibility in search engine results pages and attracting organic traffic. Off-page SEO is essential in building the website's authority and credibility, which can lead to higher rankings in search engine results pages and increased traffic over time.

How to Optimize Content for On-Page SEO with Examples

On-page optimization is the practice of optimizing individual web pages for search engines and users to help your website rank higher in search results.

Optimizing content for on-page SEO involves several important factors, including keyword research, keyword placement, metadata, internal linking, and more.

Conduct Keyword Research

Keyword research is an essential part of on-page SEO. Before you start optimizing your content, it is essential to identify the keywords and phrases that are relevant to your website and audience. You can use various keyword research tools such as Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz to identify the keywords and phrases that you want to rank for.

Once you have identified the keywords and phrases that you want to target, it's time to optimize your content accordingly.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500," your keyword research could show that "best smartphones under $500" is a highly searched keyword phrase. You can then use this keyword phrase in your content to optimize your page for search engines.

Optimize Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

The page title and meta description are two of the most crucial on-page SEO factors. These elements provide a brief summary of the content on the page to both search engines and users.

The page title should include your primary keyword, and it should be brief and descriptive. The meta description should also include your primary keyword and provide a brief summary of the content on the page.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500." In this case, your page title could be "Best Smartphones Under $500 in 2023." Your meta description could be "Looking for the best smartphones under $500 in 2023? Our comprehensive guide provides you with the top picks in this price range."

Use Header Tags

Header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) are essential for on-page SEO. They help to structure your content, making it easier for search engines and users to understand the hierarchy of information on the page.

The H1 tag should include your primary keyword and provide a brief summary of the content on the page. The H2 and H3 tags should include secondary keywords and provide additional information about the content.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500." Your H1 tag could be "Best Smartphones Under $500 in 2023." Your H2 tags could be "Top Features to Look for in a Smartphone Under $500" and "Best Camera Phones Under $500."

Use Internal Linking

Internal linking is an essential on-page SEO factor that helps to distribute link equity throughout your website. Linking to other relevant pages on your website helps search engines understand the structure of your site and improves the user experience.

When linking to other pages on your website, make sure that the anchor text is descriptive and includes relevant keywords.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500," and you have another article on your website about "best smartphone accessories." You can link to this article using the anchor text "best smartphone accessories" to provide more information to your readers.

Optimize Images

Images can help to enhance your content and make it more engaging for users. However, they can also slow down your website if they are not optimized correctly. Optimize your images by compressing them to reduce their file size and adding descriptive alt text that includes relevant keywords.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500," and you have an image of a smartphone in your article. You can optimize this image by compressing it to reduce its file size and adding alt text like "Best Smartphones Under $500 - Image of a smartphone with top features."

Use Relevant and Quality Content

Content is king in the world of SEO. To optimize your content for on-page SEO, you need to ensure that your content is high-quality, relevant, and provides value to your audience. Search engines reward websites that provide valuable content by ranking them higher in the search results.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500." Your content should include in-depth reviews of each smartphone and provide valuable information to your readers, such as top features, camera quality, battery life, and more.

Use Short Paragraphs and Bullets

Short paragraphs and bullets can make your content more scannable and easier to read. When writing your content, break it up into short paragraphs and use bullet points to highlight key information.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500." You can break up your content into short paragraphs and use bullet points to highlight the top features of each smartphone.

Optimize URL Structure

Optimizing your URL structure is an essential on-page SEO factor. Your URL should include your primary keyword and provide a brief summary of the content on the page.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500." Your URL should be something like "www.yourwebsite.com/best-smartphones-under-500."

Use Social Sharing Buttons

Social media is an essential part of SEO. Including social sharing buttons on your website can help to increase your website's visibility on social media platforms and drive more traffic to your website.

Example: Suppose you are writing an article about "best smartphones under $500." You can include social sharing buttons on your website to allow your readers to share your content on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Use Mobile-Friendly Design

Mobile optimization is critical for on-page SEO. With the majority of internet users accessing websites through their mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly design is essential to ensure that your website ranks well in the search results.

Example: Suppose you are designing a website about "best smartphones under $500." Your website should have a mobile-friendly design that provides an excellent user experience on mobile devices.

Advanced On-Page SEO Tactics

Basic on-page SEO tactics such as using keywords in your content and metadata are essential, there are several advanced tactics that you can use to take your on-page SEO to the next level. Some of them are:

Improve Your Page Speed

Page speed is a critical factor in on-page SEO. Google has stated that page speed is a ranking factor in its search algorithm, which means that faster-loading pages are likely to rank higher in the search results. There are several ways to improve your page speed, such as optimizing your images, minifying your code, and using a content delivery network (CDN).

Use Schema Markup

Schema markup is a type of structured data that you can add to your website's HTML to help search engines understand the content on your pages better. Schema markup can help your website appear in rich snippets in the search results, which can improve click-through rates and drive more traffic to your website.

Implement AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)

Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) is an open-source initiative that allows webmasters to create mobile-friendly pages that load quickly on mobile devices. Implementing AMP on your website can improve your mobile search rankings and provide a better user experience for your mobile users.

Use Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) Keywords

LSI keywords are words and phrases that are semantically related to your primary keyword. Including LSI keywords in your content can help search engines understand the context of your content better and improve your rankings for related search terms.

Implement a Silo Structure

A silo structure is a website architecture that organizes your content into separate categories or silos. This structure can help search engines understand the structure of your website and improve the relevance of your content to specific search queries.

Optimize Your Content for Featured Snippets

Featured snippets are a type of rich snippet that appears at the top of the search results, above the organic search results. Optimizing your content for featured snippets can help you appear in this prime position and drive more traffic to your website.

Use Dynamic Serving

Dynamic serving is a technique that allows you to serve different HTML and CSS to different devices based on their user agent. This technique can help you provide a better user experience for your mobile users and improve your mobile search rankings.

Optimize Your Content for Voice Search

Voice search is becoming increasingly popular, and optimizing your content for voice search can help you appear in voice search results. To optimize your content for voice search, you should focus on using natural language and long-tail keywords.

Improve Your Click-Through Rates (CTR)

Improving your click-through rates (CTR) can help you improve your rankings in the search results. To improve your CTR, you should focus on creating compelling meta descriptions and title tags that entice users to click through to your website.

Use Google Search Console

Google Search Console is a free tool that allows you to monitor your website's performance in the search results. Using Google Search Console, you can identify issues that may be impacting your rankings and take steps to address them.

In conclusion, on-page SEO is a crucial aspect of any digital marketing strategy. It involves optimizing individual web pages to improve their rankings and visibility in search engine results pages. By following the on-page SEO checklist for 2023, you can ensure that your website's pages are optimized for the latest best practices, from conducting keyword research to monitoring your analytics. By focusing on on-page SEO, you can increase your website's traffic, improve the user experience, and ultimately, drive more conversions and revenue for your business.