On-Page SEO checklist is the process of optimizing the content on the website so that it ranks in the search engines and brings good traffic. It can bring numerous new visitors and customers to your website. You can decide the topic and goals of each page, the target audience, and the target keywords. Here are 16 page-ranking factors that you need to increase your ranking.
1. Title Tag Optimization
Using the primary and target keywords in your title tag helps you to rank on the search engines. Title tag optimization helps search engines understand what the topic is all about.
2. Page Title
The keyword-rich title should be in “H1” tags. This type of title ranks in Google search as Google crawlers search the HTML to understand what is contained in the topic. The absence of an H1 tag in the title can cause the page to be overlooked by Google.
3. Primary Keywords in the URL
Though it is a very small ranking factor, it still works. The primary keywords should be included in the URL to rank better.
4. URL Length
The shorter and more precise the content’s URL is, the higher the chance of ranking in search engines. Shorter URLs add clarity to the page and requires less time to crawl by search engines.
5. Target Keywords in Meta Description’
Google also pays attention to meta descriptions. Meta descriptions provide an honest review of what the page is all about. So, including keywords in meta descriptions can help the content rank better.
6. Content Structure
The content structure should be focused on user experience. The blog content should allow someone to easily find answers to what they are looking for. Clear headings and subheadings, images and visuals, short and precise paragraphs, and the use of bullet points can make content easy to read and navigate which can improve user experience.
7. Content Uniqueness
The content should be unique. Google ensures that the same content does not appear in the search engine twice. The content appears only once and it is difficult to say which content is duplicate. Therefore, the uniqueness of content ensures ranking in search engines.
8. Primary Keyword in the First 100 Words
The sooner the target keyword appears on the content, the sooner the search engine crawlers discover what the content is all about. It increases the chance of ranking for the content.
9. H2 Tags in Subheading
H2 tags in subheadings provide clarity about the topic and content. Search engines can understand what the issue is all about easy. It is also preferred by visitors. So, H2 tags of subheadings increase the chances of ranking.
10. Synonyms
Google also ranks those content in which primary keywords are not used but keywords belong to the same meaning. It means that the use of words that are synonyms of primary keywords can also increase the chance of ranking on search engine lists.
11. Outbound Links
Using outbound links in the content such as a link to case studies and research articles related to the topic can increase the content’s value and the page’s relevance. It increases the chance of ranking.
12. Working Links
All the links should be valid and not spam. Make sure that all the links are working properly and not directing to a 404-page error.
13. Tag Your Images
Google cannot understand the images with 100% accuracy. Adding alt text tags to the images can help Google to interpret the images and show the content in the search list.
14. Mobile-friendly Website
The website should be mobile-friendly to make the content rank. Mobile-friendly websites are user-friendly and help to generate more traffic. If the website does not open on mobile, the chances of ranking can be lower.
15. Site Speed
The site speed is an official ranking factor according to Google from 2010. Make sure that the speed of your site is high. If not, it can be fixed quickly.
16. HTTPS Security
Google also announced in 2014 that websites with HTTP security will be given priority. The website, whether surfed on mobile or desktop must be loaded quickly in order to rank higher.
Final Thoughts
On-page SEO activities tell Google what the content is all about. Google considers it and assesses how it can add value to the users’ experience. Therefore, on-page SEO makes the site optimized for both users and search engines. Optimizing a website takes time but if you don’t want to invest time, you can consider an SEO consultant.