For all the maneuvering and ever-changing algorithms, Google still uses old-school techniques like looking for a specific keyword on your page.
Placing your keywords strategically on your page is the bread-and-butter of on page SEO. However, there is so much more to on page SEO than stuffing your page with keywords, it’s a much more nuanced process. In order to have a solid grasp of on page SEO strategy, you need a checklist to put you on the right path.
Keep on reading to learn all about on page SEO strategy via a thorough breakdown of the ultimate on page SEO checklist.
On Page SEO Checklist: What Is On Page SEO?
You can’t simply implement a checklist without a solid grasp on its main objective, which is on page SEO.
In short, on page SEO —also called on-site SEO— is optimizing webpage content for the eyes of both search engines and users. The optimization techniques include optimizing title tags, internal links, URLs, as well as the written content itself.
On the other hand, there are other aspects of SEO that are just as essential as on page SEO.
For example, off page SEO is crucial for a well-rounded SEO strategy. A common off page SEO technique is using backlink building software from SEOJet to increase your website’s trustworthiness —otherwise called domain authority— for search engines, which helps with your total rankings.
Now, let’s move on to our on page SEO checklist.
#1 Place Target Keyword in the First 100 Words
This technique is quite simple, yet its effects are strong.
You only need to use your main keyword once in the first 100 to 150 words of your blog or article. For instance, if you want to write a blog about a vegan lasagna recipe, then you have to use this keyword “vegan lasagna recipe” within your first sentence, if possible.
The reason behind placing your keyword so early on is due to the way Google assigns priorities. As it were, Google will put more weight on terms that show up early on your page, and less weight on terms that you place later in your page.
It follows the logic of writing. If you’re writing about a specific subject, you can’t start introducing it half-way through your article. It needs to be front and center. Therefore, by placing your keywords somewhere in the first 100 words, you’re signaling to Google the focus of your content.
#2 Use the H1 Tag for Your Blog Post Title
Basically, the H1 tag is equivalent to a mini title tag. It’s the second item on our checklist because of Google’s statement on how it uses the tag to “understand the structure of the page.”
Depending on your website’s platform, you might have the H1 tag automatically added to your blog post title. If you use WordPress, you’ll find it done without you needing to lift a finger.
However, you’ll need to do your own checking to ensure it’s being done. You can do so by looking at your site’s HTML code to confirm whether our title is wrapped in an H1 tag or not.
#3 Wrap Your Subheadings in H2 Tags
Following the footsteps of the previous item, you also can’t leave your subheadings without a tag.
You’ll need to place your target keyword in at least one of your subheadings. Then, you can wrap that subheading in an H2 tag with no issues.
Implementing this step won’t turbo boost your SEO ranking to Google’s SERP heaven, but combined with the other items on our checklist it can make or break your on page SEO.
#4 Up Your Keyword Frequency
It sounds more complicated than it actually is. Keyword frequency is simply the number of times your keyword shows up in your content.
Google has been hemming and hawing about whether using the same keyword multiple times can help your on page SEO ranking, and the truth of the matter is it does help.
The way Google works is by assuming that a page is about a specific keyword. If that keyword is the main topic, it’s logical to find it mentioned multiple times in the content. For example, if your blog is about used books and Google doesn’t find the keyword “used books” mentioned at least a couple of times, then Google can’t be highly confident about your page’s topic and focus and its relation to the keyword.
However, it’s critical to understand the difference between strategic use of keywords and keyword stuffing. The latter would definitely hurt your on page SEO score. All you need to do is mention your target keyword in your content a few times in an organic manner, that’s all.
#5 Add External (Outbound) Links
External or outbound links are links to websites that are related to your page’s topic and —in turn— its keyword.
This works by linking to authority sites, which are pages that are highly regarded as experts in their fields, and link to their pages to enrich your topic as well as signal to Google that your page is full of quality information.
#6 Optimize Your URLs
Sometimes we get too focused on optimizing on page content, and we forget the way Google (and your visitors) can get to your site. It’s your URLs.
Your URL structure is now front and center in your search results, courtesy of Google’s new updates. It shows above your title tag in both the mobile and desktop SERPs, so there is no escaping them if they’re ugly.
However, there is no need to panic. It’s quite simple to create SEO-friendly URLs. All you need to do is two things: keep it short, and include your keyword in your URL.
SEO Marketing: Unlocked
With a straightforward checklist, there is very little you can’t get done. On page SEO is one of those strategies that are simple in essence, yet it needs constant upkeep to ensure its continued success.
Now that you have our on page SEO checklist on hand, you’re good to go and conquer your SEO rankings. Just make sure to keep up to date with the latest tips and tricks by checking out our internet marketing section on a daily basis.