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On-Page SEO

On-page SEO refers to optimizations made directly on your webpages to improve rankings. This includes content, HTML elements, and site architecture.

On-page SEO is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. Unlike off-page factors (like backlinks), you have complete control over on-page elements. Mastering these fundamentals ensures search engines can properly understand, index, and rank your content.

1

Title Tags

The most important on-page SEO element. Title tags appear in search results and browser tabs.

  • Keep titles under 60 characters
  • Include your primary keyword near the beginning
  • Make each title unique across your site
  • Write for humans first, search engines second
2

Meta Descriptions

While not a direct ranking factor, compelling meta descriptions improve click-through rates.

  • Stay under 155-160 characters
  • Include a clear call-to-action
  • Naturally incorporate keywords
  • Accurately describe the page content
3

Header Structure (H1-H6)

Headers create a logical hierarchy and help both users and search engines understand your content.

  • Use only one H1 per page
  • Include keywords in H2s naturally
  • Follow a logical hierarchy (don't skip levels)
  • Use headers to break up long content
4

Content Optimization

High-quality, relevant content is the foundation of on-page SEO.

  • Match search intent with your content
  • Use keywords naturally throughout
  • Write comprehensive, in-depth content
  • Update content regularly to keep it fresh
5

Image Optimization

Properly optimized images improve page speed and provide ranking opportunities.

  • Write descriptive alt text for every image
  • Use descriptive file names (not IMG_001.jpg)
  • Compress images for faster loading
  • Use modern formats like WebP
6

Internal Linking

Internal links help users navigate and distribute page authority across your site.

  • Link to relevant pages naturally
  • Use descriptive anchor text
  • Create topic clusters with pillar pages
  • Fix broken internal links regularly
7

URL Structure

Clean, descriptive URLs help users and search engines understand page content.

  • Keep URLs short and descriptive
  • Include keywords when relevant
  • Use hyphens to separate words
  • Avoid parameters and numbers when possible

On-Page SEO Checklist

Use this checklist for every page you publish or optimize:

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