On-Page SEO: Optimizing Webpages
On-page SEO refers to the optimization of individual web pages to improve their ranking in search engine results. By leveraging specific on-page techniques, businesses can boost search visibility and attract more qualified visitors.
Keyword Research
The first step in on-page SEO is finding relevant keywords and phrases related to a page’s topic. Keywords represent what customers search for when trying to find products or information similar to what the page offers.
Research involves examining:
- Search volume: Higher volume keywords indicate more searcher interest.
- Competition: Lower competition keywords may rank easier, especially for smaller sites.
- Intent: Determining if keywords match informational, navigational or transactional intent.
- Synonyms and related terms: Variations and phrases using the same keywords.
This informs the remainder of the on-page SEO optimization process.
Page Titles and URLs
Also, page titles and URLs should incorporate relevant keywords while staying concise and natural. Search engines consider:
- Title length: Between 50-60 characters is ideal.
- Keywords in title: Include 2-3 main keywords, ordered by importance.
- URL structure: Use keywords and hyphens to separate words in URLs.
- URL length: Keep under 100 characters if possible.
Also, search engines extract keywords from titles and URLs to determine relevancy.
Content Optimization
In addition, page content requires strategically placing keywords:
- Naturally: Within prose without being overstated.
- Title: In headings to indicate what each section covers.
- Links: In anchor text pointing to other internal pages.
- Image alt attributes: To describe pictures.
- Throughout: Use targeted keywords multiple times to signal relevancy.
Additional elements to optimize SEO include:
- Internal links: Linking relevant pages to improve internal linking structure.
- Bullet points and lists: To break up dense passages and highlight important info.
- Multimedia: Images, videos and maps when helpful.
- Calls-to-action: Guiding readers to desired conversions.
Meta Descriptions
Furthermore, the meta description tag summarizes page content for search listings. It should:
- Be between 120-155 characters in length.
- Contain targeted keywords.
- Provide an accurate, compelling overview to entice clicks.
- Describe unique value proposition or solution.
- Focus on benefits, not just features.
Finally, by incorporating consistent on-page optimization targeting relevant keywords across pages tailored to specific intent, businesses can improve their search rank for target terms and attract customers researching related products and services.
