In this episode of ‘The Sweet Spot,’ I cover 11 key areas for on-page SEO optimization that can help your website rank higher on Google.
Resources
The expanded version of the 11 areas
Download – On Page SEO Checklist
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Watch the Podcast or Read the Post Below
Have you ever scratched your head wondering what you need to do to get your web pages ranking higher on Google? If that sounds like you, then you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into 11 specific areas you can optimize on your website to boost your SEO game. And don’t worry, not every one of these areas will apply to every page, so you can take it step by step. Some optimizations are quick wins, while others might take a little more time, but all of them are manageable and worth the effort!
1. Optimize Your Images
Images are often overlooked when it comes to SEO, but they play a crucial role. The first thing to check is the file name. When you download an image from Canva, a stock site, or your own camera, the file name is often a string of random numbers or default titles. Before uploading an image, rename the file with your target keyword or the blog post title to make it SEO-friendly.
Next up is the alt text. This text is read aloud by screen readers, so it needs to be descriptive. If it fits naturally, try including your keyword here too.
Lastly, consider the file size. Large images can slow down your site, hurting your rankings. Use compression tools or plugins to reduce image size without sacrificing quality.
2. Clean Up Your URLs
By default, WordPress and other CMS platforms use your headline to create the URL. But you can make it more concise and keyword-focused by removing stop words like “and,” “the,” and “of.” Always use dashes instead of underscores and keep it simple for better readability. Also, avoid putting numbers or dates in URLs, especially if your content might change over time.
3. Refine Your Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
The page title and meta description are what users see in search results, and they need to be compelling. Think of them as the window display of your website. Keep your page title under 60 characters and your meta description under 160 characters. Make sure they’re enticing enough to encourage clicks—this is where you grab your potential visitor’s attention!
4. Enrich Your Page Content
This is where most of your optimization work will happen. Aim for at least 800 words to ensure your content has substance. Use subheadings, bullet lists, pull quotes, images, charts, and even memes to break up text and keep readers engaged. The longer you keep people on your page, the better your site will perform.
5. Add a Call to Action (CTA)
Every page on your site should guide visitors to the next step, whether that’s contacting you, downloading a resource, or scheduling a call. If you’re looking for more direct action, embed the contact form right on the page rather than linking to another one. This reduces friction and increases conversions.
6. Incorporate Engagement Points
Engagement points like pull quotes, images, GIFs, and even quizzes or polls can keep users on your page longer. While Google hasn’t explicitly said time on page is a ranking factor, a lower bounce rate certainly can’t hurt!
7. Boost Your E-E-A-T Signals
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust, and these signals help Google and visitors assess your credibility. Things like an About page, privacy policy, and customer testimonials spread across your site can enhance these signals. Don’t forget to add an author bio to your blog posts—it tells readers and search engines that there’s a real person behind the content.
8. Use Schema Markup
Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better by explicitly defining what certain elements are. You can use plugins or add schema manually for things like your business information, services, and FAQs. This can make a significant difference in how your site is displayed in search results.
9. Link Internally
Internal linking helps both your readers and search engines understand the structure of your site. Link related content to keep users engaged and signal to Google which pages are most important. However, avoid over-linking to pages like your contact form—focus on your most valuable content instead.
10. Link Externally (With Care)
While some debate the value of external links, they can still be useful if they provide additional value or context to your content. Just make sure to set them to open in a new window so visitors stay on your site longer.
11. Keep Your Content Fresh
Updating the publish date of a blog post doesn’t trick Google into thinking it’s new, but refreshing the content can make it feel current to your readers. If you make significant updates, note that in the text itself to show it’s been recently reviewed.
Take Action!
Pick a page—any page—on your website, whether it’s your homepage or a service page, and start applying these optimizations. Before you do, check Google Search Console to see where you currently stand in terms of rankings, impressions, and click-through rates. Make the changes, note the date, and then check back in a few weeks to track any improvements. If nothing’s moving, give it a little more time, or take another pass to see what else you can tweak.
That’s it for today’s episode! Stay tuned for more tips to help your business shine online. Cheers!
