As technology and search engine algorithms continue to
change, it’s important to stay current with SEO best practices – not only so
your web site will rank high in search engine results but to gain relevant web
traffic as well. This includes on-page SEO, which is the method of optimizing
individual web pages through content and the HTML code. On-page SEO should play
a factor when creating new web pages on your web site and updating existing web
pages.
Here is a checklist of some key on-page SEO best practices
for your web site:
- HTTP vs. HTTPS. Make sure your URL contains HTTPS and not HTTP. HTTPS in an URL tells search engines that your web site has an SLL certificate in place and is, therefore, safe and secure. Search engines tend to rank web sites with an SSL certificate higher in search results.
- Responsive mobile design. Your web site should be optimized for mobile devices, which means your content and layout should be easy to view on all size screens. Search engines typically downgrade web sites that are not mobile responsive. If you aren’t sure if your web site is mobile responsive, view your web site on your own mobile devices, and ask your co-workers and friends to do the same.
- Visible CTA (Call to Action). Each of your web pages should contain a visible CTA for visitors, specifically your target audience. Examples of CTAs include signing up for your e-mail list, a free gift such as an e-book, or making a purchase on your web site.
- Page speed. Nobody likes slow web sites, including search engines. If your web site is slow, there is less chance that visitors will stay on your web site or return to your web site in the future. Compressing your images to a smaller size and using a reliable web hosting company can help increase the page speed.
- Social media sharing buttons. Let visitors to your web site share your content on social media by integrating social media sharing buttons. This is a great way to attract new visitors to your web site and potential new customers while letting your visitors do the marketing for you.
- High-quality content. Is the content on your web site unique, valuable, and relevant to your visitors? Not only can search engines determine this through algorithms, but quality content will also bring repeat traffic to your web site. You should also review the content on your web site regularly to make sure it is still current, and then update the content as necessary.
- Title tags and meta descriptions. These are bits of HTML code that display in the header of each web page, and also what displays in search results (often the first impression someone has of your web site). Title tags and meta descriptions help search engines understand the type of content that is on your web pages. Therefore, make sure your title tags and meta descriptions reflect the content on your web site.
Tactical Web Media can
assist your organization with web site design, content, and SEO optimization.
Please contact us to learn more about our free consultations.