If you want your website to rank on the top page of Google, mastering on-page SEO is essential. Unlike technical or off-page SEO, on-page focuses on optimising individual pages to improve visibility. To help you get started, here’s a detailed on page SEO checklist with 15 actionable steps.
Additionally, we’ll cover SEO keyword research, content structure, and other key elements that make your pages google friendly.
1. Conduct Proper SEO Keyword Research
Before writing content, you must identify the right keywords. Keyword researching for SEO involves finding terms your audience searches for. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can help.
Moreover, focus on long-tail keywords (phrases with three or more words) as they have less competition. For example, instead of “running shoes,” target “best running shoes for flat feet.”
Read More: Keyword Research for SEO: A Data-Backed Strategy
2. Optimise Your Title Tag
The title tag is the first thing users and search engines see. Keep it under 60 characters to avoid truncation in search results.
Furthermore, include your focus keyword near the beginning. For instance, if your keyword is “on page SEO checklist,” a good title could be: *”On-Page SEO Checklist: 15 Steps to Boost Rankings.”*
3. Write a Compelling Meta Description
A meta description summarises your page in under 160 characters. While it doesn’t directly impact rankings, it improves click-through rates (CTR).
Additionally, ensure it includes your primary keyword and a clear call to action (CTA). For example: *”Use this on-page SEO checklist to optimise your content and rank higher. Follow these 15 easy steps today!”*
4. Use Headers (H1, H2, H3) Properly
Headers improve readability and help search engines understand your content structure. Your H1 should be the main title (used only once per page). H2 and H3 tags break down sections logically.
For example:
- H1: On Page SEO Checklist: 15 Steps to Optimise Your Content
- H2: Conduct Proper SEO Keyword Research
- H3: Tools for Keyword Research
5. Include Keywords Naturally in Content
Keyword stuffing (overusing keywords) hurts rankings. Instead, place your focus keyword and related terms naturally.
Besides, use LSI keywords (Latent Semantic Indexing) like “SEO keyword research” or “optimising content for search engines” to improve relevance.
6. Optimise URL Structure
A clean, descriptive URL helps search engines and users. Keep it short and include your main keyword.
For example:
❌ *is-itsolutions.com/blog/post123IA_V0/edit?tab=t.0*
✅ is-itsolutions.com/on-page-seo-checklist
7. Improve Content Readability
Google prefers easy-to-read content. Use short paragraphs, simple words, and transition words like “furthermore,” “however,” and “additionally” for flow.
Moreover, aim for a Flesch Reading Ease score above 50%—this means most people can understand your content without difficulty.
8. Add Internal and External Links
Internal links guide users to related pages on your site, improving engagement. External links to authoritative sources (like Google’s SEO guide) add credibility.
However, avoid excessive linking—only include relevant, high-quality sources.
9. Optimise Images with Alt Text
Images make content engaging, but search engines can’t “see” them. Use descriptive alt text with keywords where relevant.
For example:
❌ *alt=”image1″*
✅ alt=”on page SEO checklist infographic”
10. Ensure Mobile-Friendly Design
With most searches on mobile, your site must load quickly and display well on all devices. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check.
Additionally, a responsive design improves user experience, which Google rewards with better rankings.
11. Increase Page Loading Speed
Slow pages frustrate users and hurt rankings. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to check speed.
Furthermore, optimise images, enable browser caching, and minimise code to boost performance.
12. Use Schema Markup
Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better, increasing the chances of rich snippets (enhanced search results).
For example, adding an FAQ schema can make your content appear in Google’s “People Also Ask” section.
13. Optimise for Featured Snippets
Featured snippets (position zero) appear above organic results. To rank here, provide clear, concise answers to common questions.
Moreover, use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate, as Google often pulls these for snippet
14. Encourage User Engagement
Dwell time (how long users stay on your page) affects rankings. Improve engagement with:
- Clear, valuable content
- Engaging multimedia (videos, infographics)
- Strong CTAs (e.g., “Leave a comment below”)
15. Regularly Update Content
Google favours fresh, updated content. Review old posts annually or after 6 months, adding new information and optimising keywords.
Additionally, updating dates (e.g., “Last updated: June 2025”) shows users your content is current.
Final Thoughts
Following this on page SEO checklist will help your content rank higher and attract more organic traffic. Remember, SEO is ongoing—keep refining your strategy based on performance.
By focusing on SEO keyword research, readability, and technical optimisations, you’ll create content that both users and search engines love. Start implementing these steps today for better visibility tomorrow!
FAQs
What is the most important part of on-page SEO?
Content quality and keyword optimisation are crucial. Without them, other efforts may not yield results.
How often should I update my content?
Review high-performing pages every 6-12 months to keep them relevant.
Can I do on-page SEO without tools?
Basic SEO is possible manually, but tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush make keyword researching for SEO much easier.
By following this guide, you’ll master on page SEO and improve your site’s performance.
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