Your Guide to On Page SEO
On-page SEO is a form of search engine optimization entirely within your control. You decide the topics, keywords, target audience, and goals for each strategy you implement. Mastering on-page SEO can boost your visibility and improve your rankings. Here is a guide to help you better understand and effectively implement on-page SEO techniques.
What Is On Page SEO?
On-page SEO refers to optimizing both the content and technical aspects of a web page to appeal to search engines and users. It focuses on front-end elements (like visuals and content) as well as back-end components (such as HTML tags and site speed) to attract more traffic and improve your ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). Some common on-page SEO strategies include:
- Keyword research
- Page titles
- Visuals and image alt text
- Headers
- Meta descriptions
- Page URLs
- Internal linking
- Mobile responsiveness
- Site speed
These strategies ensure your website is optimized for both search engines and users, helping you drive more traffic and improve your ranking.
Keyword Research
Identifying trending and relevant keywords in your industry allows you to create content that resonates with your audience. Search google for phrases to see what the results bring up and base your keywords on the findings. Take note of your competitors and their approach, then develop a content plan based on your findings. Content types could include:
- Blog posts
- Videos
- Case studies
- Product demonstrations
- Guides
- Landing pages
Strategically placing keywords in both the body content and headers maximizes searchability and ensures your content aligns with what your audience is searching for.
Page Titles and Headers
Page titles and title tags play a crucial role in SEO. They signal to both users and search engines what your content is about, making it easier for Google to rank your page. Keep titles concise—under 60 characters—to ensure they display correctly.
Similarly, headers (H1, H2, etc.) organize your content and guide both users and search engines through your page. Use relevant keywords in your headers to further boost SEO, ensuring they are distinct from the title but still related.
Visuals and Image Alt Text
Visual content is essential to engaging users, but it also impacts your SEO. Without images or videos, your site may struggle to capture attention. Optimizing visuals by adding descriptive alt text helps search engines understand your content and improves accessibility for users with disabilities. Alt text also increases your chances of appearing in image search results, offering more opportunities for traffic.
Meta Descriptions
Ever wonder what the descriptions under a webpage are called? This is a meta description. This short blurb is vital in helping your content get more clicks and views. If you have an attention grabbing meta description, searchers are more likely to view your content. Keep your meta description under 160 characters but ensure to include your entire keyword to maximize on page SEO strategies.
Page URLs and Internal Linking
Creating page URLs that are easy to understand and are relevant to your content helps searchers know what is going to be found when clicking on the content. Well-structured URLs also help Google crawl and index your site more efficiently.
Internal linking, meanwhile, keeps users on your site longer by guiding them to related pages. This helps Google crawl more of your site and improves user engagement, both of which are key ranking factors.
Mobile Responsiveness and Site Speed
Choosing a site template that is able to be shown on many different devices with a consistent appearance is key in making your website user friendly. No matter what device your content is loaded on, viewers desire a quick load time and an easy navigation system. You should prioritize these two things when doing on page SEO checks.
Stay on Top of On Page SEO With BluShark Digital
Managing your on-page SEO may seem like a lot of work, but it’s a crucial part of improving your search rankings and driving traffic to your site. The better optimized your site is for both search engines and users, the more trust and authority your site will build over time. Need help with your on-page SEO strategies? Contact the team of marketing professionals at BluShark Digital today to learn how we can assist you in reaching your goals.