TLDR

The process of optimizing individual page content in order to rank higher in Google search results...

Do you want to improve the ranking of a page in Google?

This on-page SEO checklist is your best friend

On-page SEO is the process of optimizing individual page content in order to rank higher in Google search results. Among the activities are the title tag and URL slug optimization, header tag addition, and much more.

Complete all 11 tasks (plus three bonus tasks) in any order on this checklist. To improve user engagement, optimize your content for target keywords, and make your page Google-friendly.

1. Determine Target Keywords

Target keywords, also known as relevant search queries, are critical for on-page optimization. After all, the goal is to appear higher in search results for relevant keywords.

Conduct keyword research to determine what words and phrases people use to find pages similar to yours.

2. Improve the Title Tag

The title tag is the page title that appears in the search engine results page. It should inform Google about the topic of your page. And persuade users to click.

One of the most important elements for on-page optimization is the title tag. As a result, make sure to include the primary keyword for the page (the main search term you want to rank for). Ideally, right from the start.

You can also include secondary keywords. However, it is critical to avoid unnatural "keyword stuffing." Google and users may perceive this as spammy.

3. Create an H1 tag for your headline.

Every page should have one H1 tag with the page title (or headline). It's one of the most basic but crucial tasks on this on-page SEO checklist.

The H1 differs from the title tag in that it appears on your page. It is not the SERP.

The title tag and the H1 tag should be similar. Because it also tells Google and users what the page is about.

However, there is almost never a character limit here. Simply create an H1 that is relevant to your page and encourages visitors to stay. At the very least, include your primary keyword.

4. Create a click-worthy meta description

The page description that appears in the SERP is the meta description.

The meta description has no direct impact on ranking. It's included in this on-page optimization checklist because it's critical for standing out on the SERP and attracting more clicks.

Use it to explain to the user what they will get from your page and why they should visit it. Also, make sure it contains your primary keyword.

(Google frequently bolds users' search queries in SERP meta descriptions. Making your listing potentially more noticeable.)

Please keep in mind that Google may generate its own title tags and meta descriptions for your pages. This risk can be reduced by optimizing them.

5. Examine the URL Slug for SEO Friendliness

The URL slug is the section of the URL that is specific to the page.

The URL slug should be brief, descriptive, and easy to remember.

Here are some pointers to remember:

  • Consider using the primary keyword of your page as the URL slug.
  • Use a hyphen ("-") to separate words.
  • Avoid mentioning years that could change (for example, "best-headphones-2023").
  • If you change the URL slug, make sure to redirect to the previous version.

6. Incorporate Target Keywords Into Your Body Content

To determine whether a page is relevant to a specific keyword, Google uses keywords and context. If your body content does not include your target keyword, Google may believe your page is unrelated to the keyword.

Use your primary keyword within the first paragraph of your on-page optimization. Then, throughout, scatter repeats (and/or secondary keywords).

However, avoid keyword stuffing, which is when you force keywords into places where they don't sound natural.

7. Evaluate the Quality of Your Content

The nature of your content is heavily influenced by search intent. A brief description, for example, may satisfy a product shopper. However, someone looking for information may prefer a comprehensive guide.

To compete on the SERP and keep users engaged, your content must meet high standards in either case. That is why, when completing your on-page SEO checklist, you should consider content quality.

8. Use Header Tags to Highlight Subheadings

According to Semrush's State of Content Marketing Report 2023, 29% of high-performing articles use H2, H3, and H4 tags.

Subheadings separate text and make it easier for users to scan your content. And the correct H-tags (header tags) assist Google in understanding the structure of your page.

There should only be one H1 header. However, depending on the depth of your content, you can use as many H2 through H6 tags as you need.

9. Use Internal Links to Improve Navigation

Internal links are hyperlinks that connect pages on your website. They assist Google and users in navigating the site.

Are you working on informational pages? Consider including external links in your on-page optimization strategy. Linking to high-quality resources shows that you've done your research and have the best interests of your readers in mind.

10. Include Interesting Visual Content

Use images and videos to add value to your content wherever you can. This includes photographs, illustrations, instructional videos, and other media.

11. Use Schema Markup

Schema markup, also known as structured data, is a coding language that "tells" Google about the various types of data on your site. The better Google understands your page, the more accurately it can rank it.

These pieces of code are also used by Google to generate rich results (or "rich snippets").

Begin working on your technical SEO

While technical SEO differs from on-page SEO, both are required to rank well on Google.

1. Ensure that your page is indexable

To appear in search results, Google's web crawlers must first add your page to the Google index.

We can use Google Search Console to see if your page has been indexed.

2. Boost Page Speed

Google and users both prefer pages that load quickly. The slightest delay can cause visitors to abandon your page and go elsewhere.

Here's a quick rundown of what could slow down your page speed:

  • The page contains a lot of HTML.
  • Chains of redirection
  • Large CSS or JavaScript files

3. Ensure that your page is mobile-friendly

Mobile devices account for more than 60% of all Google searches. As a result, Google prioritizes the mobile version of a page when determining its quality (and determining its ranking).

Hocalwire CMS handles the technical parts of keeping Large Sitemap, Indexing pages for Google, Optimizing page load times, Maintaining assets and file systems, and Warning for broken links and pages while you handle all these non-technical components of SEO for Enterprise sites. If you're searching for an enterprise-grade content management system, these are significant value adds. To learn more, Get a Free Demo of Hocalwire CMS.