Image Credit: Photo by Merakist on Unsplash
We are all aware that embracing the proper search engine optimization techniques will often determine success or failure. However, it is still important to remember that there are two main types of SEO which can be employed:
- On-page SEO
- Off-Page SEO
We will be focusing on the role that on-page SEO plays within this article. What exactly is on-page SEO? Why is it important? What steps can you take to ensure that your efforts are pointed in the right direction? If you have been struggling with your current website rankings, read on to learn more.
On-Page SEO Defined
A good web design is vital to your On-page SEO. On-page SEO involves anything that occurs within a website that will impact its search engine results page (SERP) ranking and the overall user experience. Examples of on-page SEO include HTML tags, URLs, quality content, and internal links.
Note that this is different than off-page SEO. Off-page SEO is more concerned with variables existing outside of the website. These can include social media posts, user reviews, backlinks, and blogs. Let’s now take a closer look at why on-page SEO should represent a critical component of any successful business model.
On-Page SEO: Catering to Modern Search Engine Demigods
One of the challenges associated with any SEO is that rules and guidelines tend to change regularly. This is not done to frustrate website owners but rather to cater to the needs of the end-user.
Stated, search engine optimization demands have become more targeted than ever before. This is also when on-page SEO comes into play. Here are two metrics which on-page search engine optimization is intended to address:
- Allowing search engines to understand better what is contained within a website.
- Enabling users to be directed to a site that contains information relevant to their search queries.
Stated, implementing the right on-page SEO techniques at the appropriate time will result in more robust SERP rankings and a greater amount of inbound website traffic.
It is now clear that on-page SEO should never be overlooked. However, assuming that you are less than happy with the recent performance of your website, what steps can be taken?
On-Page SEO Tips and Tricks
One issue with on-page SEO involves its seemingly complex technical nature. The good news is that this hardly the case if we break the concept down into easily digestible recommendations. Some of the most recognized strategies are listed immediately below.
Cutting Down Page Loading Times
How long does it take for your website to load? Page loading times are one of the metrics which can influence your SERP rankings. Furthermore, users will often look elsewhere if the content within your site fails to display correctly within a handful of seconds. Assuming that you are encountering a fair amount of latency, what steps can be taken?
One strategy involves eliminating HTML coding that is unnecessary. For example, in many cases, incorrectly sized images can negatively impact page loading times. Likewise, if the content within your website is “bloated,” it will inevitably impact loading speeds.
Taking Title Tags into Account
Judging a book by its cover is a perfectly relevant analogy in this sense. We all know that HTML title tags are meant to illustrate the information contained within a specific page. These tags are critical in terms of search engine results and social media sharing. However, some “black-hat” techniques could actually torpedo your efforts.
One common example is keyword stuffing. Search engines have become much more adept at detecting this strategy, and your page ranking could be penalized as a result. Furthermore, try to create a unique title tag for each page; Google might otherwise interpret these listings as duplicate content.
On-Site Content: Fleshing Out Your SEO Techniques
Quality content and effective SEO have already enjoyed a hand-in-hand relationship. Unsurprisingly, this observation is just as relevant in these changing times. Providing users with relevant and actionable information is therefore critical.
Well-written and engaging content can have several positive effects upon your SERP ranking and overall exposure. These include:
- Increased levels of inbound traffic.
- Higher engagement rates.
- Increased brand recognition.
- More thorough descriptions of specific products and services.
Let’s also remember that material should be written for the individual as opposed to the search engine. While personalization is important in organic appeal, let’s remember that traditional concerns such as keyword placement and density are just as crucial to address.
The Notion of a “Link-Worthy” Website
We have all come across calls-to-action using phrases (such as “contact us” or “click here”). It is a well-known fact that this type of internal linking offers a user-friendly appeal. It can also help to increase the SERP status of your site. However, a caveat needs to be mentioned.
It is better to avoid generic internal links, as they hold little value when being assessed by search engine algorithms. Therefore, try to include relevant keywords and key phrases within their structure. These are excellent on-site SEO tactics in terms of search engines. Furthermore, they help to provide a clearer digital “road map” to the user.
On-Page SEO: All About the Finer Details
On-page search engine optimization should comprise a key component of your overall approach to SEO. While some aspects (such as HTML coding) may be slightly technical in nature, the majority are relatively easy to employ in a timely fashion. Adopting a proactive mindset is the best way to keep well ahead of the digital curve, so feel free to refer back to this article in the future when needed.
Author Bio
Ian Carroll has been an SEO and Digital Marketing specialist for over ten years, and he is currently Director of Digital Funnel, which provides SEO Services in Cork.
Why is On-Page SEO Important?
Local SEO Packages – Search Engine Optimization for Small Business Success
