On-page SEO checklist
The practice of optimising the content on your page is known as On-page SEO. It comprises visual content optimizations as well as source code content optimizations.
Let's have a look at how to go about doing that.
1. Use a short, descriptive URL
In the SERPs, short, descriptive URLs help searchers comprehend what the website is about.
These two pages, for example, are about losing weight...
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322345
https://www.dietdoctor.com/how-to-lose-weight\s…
But you'd never guess it from the initial URL.
Setting your major term as the URL slug is usually the simplest method to construct short, meaningful URLs. This is something we do with the majority of our blog postings.
softwaresondemand.com/resources/the-complete-seo-checklist-for-2021/
softwaresondemand.com/resources/keywords-research
softwaresondemand.com/resources/technical-seo
Long URLs tend to truncate in the SERPs, so keeping them short is beneficial.
2. Write a compelling title tag
Title tags, like URLs, appear in Google search results and assist users in understanding what the page is about.
It's common practice to incorporate your goal term in title tags.
Although this is good practice, if it doesn't make sense, don't worry about it. It's far more vital to write something interesting that people will want to click on.
Most of the time, the title of your post or page will suffice.
3. Write a compelling meta description
About a third of the time, Google displays meta descriptions in the SERPs.
Here are some of our top recommendations for writing a compelling meta description:
Extend the title.
Increase your search intent.
Use an energetic tone of voice.
Keep it to 120 characters or less.
Include your main keyword here (where it makes sense)
4. Link to relevant resources
Linking to other internal resources helps visitors to navigate your website.
But what about external resources?
Here’s what Google’s John Mueller says:
Linking to other websites is a great way to provide value to your users. Oftentimes, links help users to find out more, to check out your sources and to better understand how your content is relevant to the questions that they have.John Mueller, Search Advocate Google
Does this mean you have to force internal and external links into your content?
Nope. Just add links if and when it makes sense.
5. Optimize your images
Give each image a descriptive name. Don't use filenames like IMG 875939.png or Screenshot-2021–06-01 for your images. Use filenames that are descriptive, such as black-puppy.png or Eiffel-tower.jpg.
Add alt text that is descriptive. When an image on a page fails to load, alt text is used to replace it. It's also beneficial to folks who use screen readers.
6. Add schema markup for rich snippets
Schema markup aids search engines in comprehending your content. However, it might have a significant impact on how your page appears in the SERPs.
Here's a page with schema markup that ranks for "pizza dough recipe" right now:
Here’s what it would look like without schema markup:
Do you see the contrast?
Click-through rates and traffic to your website can both benefit from schema markup.
It's also not that difficult to put in place. To make things simple, use Google's markup helper or this Schema markup generator.
7. Add internal links
Internal links assist Google in determining the purpose of your page. They also assist consumers and search engines in navigating your website.
The necessity of linking to relevant internal and external resources in your text has already been discussed. However, if you post fresh content, it's also worth including internal links from other related pages.
Here's how to look for internal connection opportunities that are relevant to your business:
Step 1: Type this query in the google search box
site: www.softwaresondemand.com "SEO"
Step 2: Add your own website instead of www.softwaresondemand.com
Step 3: Add the keyword you want to link instead of SEO and hit enter.
Step 4: Add internal links to those pages wherever it makes sense.