On-Page SEO Checklist

On-Page SEO Checklist
Optimize individual web pages for higher rankings and relevant traffic. This on-page optimization checklist covers keywords, content, meta tags, images, and UX.

Keyword Optimization

  • [  ]Primary Keyword Identified: Each page targets one primary keyword that aligns with user search intent.
  • [  ]Primary Keyword in Title Tag: The primary keyword is included, ideally near the beginning, of the page's title tag (under 60 characters).
  • [  ]Primary Keyword in Meta Description: The primary keyword is naturally integrated into the meta description (150-160 characters), making it compelling for clicks.
  • [  ]Primary Keyword in H1 Tag: The H1 tag includes the primary keyword and accurately reflects the page's main topic.
  • [  ]Primary Keyword in URL: The URL is short, readable, includes the primary keyword, and uses hyphens for separation (e.g., yourdomain.com/primary-keyword).
  • [  ]Keyword Density: Primary and secondary keywords are used naturally throughout the content (aim for 1-2% density for the primary keyword).
  • [  ]LSI Keywords/Synonyms: Relevant variations and synonyms of the primary keyword are included to enrich context and capture broader searches.

Content Quality & Structure

  • [  ]Original & Relevant Content: Content is unique, provides value, and thoroughly answers the user's search query.
  • [  ]Comprehensive Length: Content depth is appropriate for the topic and competitive landscape (no thin content).
  • [  ]Readability: Content is easy to read, uses short sentences, clear language, and avoids excessive jargon (aim for an accessible reading level).
  • [  ]Grammar & Spelling: Content is free from grammatical errors and typos.
  • [  ]Content Structure (Headings): Logical hierarchy is established using H1, H2, H3 tags, etc., to break up text and improve scannability. Only one H1 per page.
  • [  ]Engaging Introduction: The first 100-150 words introduce the topic, include the primary keyword, and hook the reader.
  • [  ]Clear Conclusion: Summarizes key takeaways and provides a call to action.

Media Optimization

  • [  ]Image File Names: Images have descriptive, keyword-rich file names (e.g., blue-widget-product.jpg).
  • [  ]Image Alt Text: All images include descriptive alt text that describes the image content and, where natural, includes relevant keywords.
  • [  ]Image Compression: Images are compressed to optimize page load speed without significant loss of quality.
  • [  ]Responsive Images: Images adapt and display correctly on various screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop).
  • [  ]Video Optimization: If videos are used, they are embedded efficiently, and include titles, descriptions, and potentially transcripts.

Internal & External Linking

  • [  ]Relevant Internal Links: The page links naturally to other relevant, authoritative pages within your website using descriptive anchor text.
  • [  ]No Broken Internal Links: All internal links function correctly.
  • [  ]Strategic Internal Linking: Important pages receive internal links from relevant, high-authority pages on your site.
  • [  ]Quality External Links: The page links out to high-authority, relevant external resources where appropriate to add value (open in new tab).
  • [  ]No Broken External Links: All external links function correctly.

User Experience (UX) & Technical Elements

  • [  ]Mobile-Friendliness: The page is fully responsive and provides an excellent experience on mobile devices.
  • [  ]Page Load Speed: The page loads quickly (check Core Web Vitals in Google Search Console).
  • [  ]HTTPS: The page is served over HTTPS for security.
  • [  ]Canonical Tag: If duplicate content issues are a concern, a canonical tag points to the preferred version of the page.
  • [  ]Schema Markup: Relevant schema markup (e.g., Article, Product, FAQ, Local Business) is implemented to enhance SERP appearance.
  • [  ]Call to Action (CTA): Clear and compelling CTAs are present to guide users to the next step.
  • [  ]Social Sharing Buttons: Easy social sharing options are available if content is shareable.

Post-Publication

  • [  ]Submit to Google Search Console: New or significantly updated pages are submitted for indexing.
  • [  ]Monitor Rankings & Traffic: Track keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user engagement metrics (bounce rate, time on page) in Google Analytics and GSC.
  • [  ]Review & Update: Periodically review content for freshness, accuracy, and continued relevance.
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