What Is On-Page SEO? How to Do On-Page Optimization

Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Your title tag is the headline of your page. It’s the first thing users see in search engine results, so it better be catchy! Think of it like the marquee of your Broadway show—if it’s boring, no one’s buying tickets.

To have your website appear in search engine results pages (SERPs), Google needs to understand the content of your page. By incorporating targeted keywords into the title tag of each page (< title >, < / title >), you make it simpler for search engine crawlers to comprehend and rank your website.

For example, if you’re targeting the keyword, “dog daycare wilmington,” you may create the following title tag: “Top Dog Daycare in Wilmington NC | Company Name.”

• Title Tag Best Practices:
• Keep it under 60 characters.
• Include your primary keyword.
• Make it descriptive yet engaging.

Meta descriptions are the supporting cast. They don’t directly impact rankings but they can influence click-through rates. A well-crafted meta description acts as a teaser, enticing users to click on your page.

• Meta Description Best Practices:
• Aim for 150-160 characters.
• Include your primary keyword.
• Provide a clear, concise summary of your content.

Header Tags

Header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) are the choreography of your content. They structure your page, making it easy for both users and search engines to navigate. Your H1 tag should be the star, representing the main theme, while H2 and H3 tags serve as the supporting cast.

• Header Tag Tips:
• Use only one H1 tag per page.
• Include keywords naturally.
• Ensure a logical hierarchy.

Keyword Optimization

Keywords are the dialogue in your SEO script. They need to be relevant, natural, and engaging. Stuffing keywords is like having your actors shout their lines—annoying and off-putting.

• Keyword Optimization Tips:
• Focus on one primary keyword per page.
• Use long-tail keywords for more specific searches.
• Avoid keyword stuffing at all costs.

Content Quality and Relevance

If keywords are the dialogue, then content is the entire script. It needs to be compelling, informative, and relevant to your target audience. Google is pretty good at recognizing fluff, so focus on creating value.

• Content Quality Tips:
• Write for humans first, search engines second.
• Aim for comprehensive content that answers user queries.
• Update content regularly to maintain relevance.

URL Structure

Your URL is like the address of your show’s theater. It needs to be clear, concise, and indicative of the content it leads to. A messy URL is like an unreadable sign outside your venue—no one knows what they’re walking into.

• URL Best Practices:
• Keep it short and descriptive.
• Include your primary keyword.
• Use hyphens to separate words.

Internal Linking

Internal links are the backstage crew, guiding your target audience from one part of your website to another. They help search engines understand the structure of your site and distribute page authority.

• Internal Linking Tips:
• Link to relevant pages within your site.
• Use descriptive anchor text.
• Ensure a logical flow between linked content.

Image Optimization

Images are the set design of your content. They make your page visually appealing, but they need to be optimized to ensure they don’t slow down your site or confuse search engines.

• Image Optimization Tips:
• Use descriptive file names.
• Include alt text with keywords.
• Compress images to reduce load time.

Mobile-Friendliness

In 2024, if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on the majority of your audience. Think of it as making your show accessible to all, regardless of their device.

• Mobile Optimization Tips:
• Use a responsive design.
• Ensure fast load times on mobile.
• Simplify navigation for smaller screens.

Page Speed

Page speed is the intermission between acts. If it’s too long, your audience might leave. In the world of SEO, a slow page speed can lead to higher bounce rates and lower rankings.

• Page Speed Tips:
• Compress images and files.
• Minimize HTTP requests.
• Use a content delivery network (CDN) for faster load times.