You may already know that Google and other search engines assess websites based on a few different factors. When a page is found to match a user’s search intent, Google ranks it higher for the user.
This process favors content that is relevant and engaging for audiences. It can be hard to understand and keep ahead of Google’s algorithm, but it appears content written for people – not algorithms – is still king.
If your goal is to craft meaningful and useful content that will attract paying customers, an understanding of on-page SEO is essential.
On-Page SEO: The Basics
“On-page SEO” is an overarching term that describes the use of both technical and content-based SEO techniques to optimize individual pages. Content in this category includes headlines and body text, but also meta/title tags, meta descriptions, links, images and more.
A successful strategy for on-page SEO will help your content rank higher on Google and drive more organic traffic to your website.
It will also likely take into account a range of off-page components.
On-Page SEO v Off-Page SEO
What is the difference between on-page and off-page elements?
- On-Page SEO: This refers to anything you can include on a public or private webpage to boost your SEO rankings.
- Off-Page SEO: This covers any optimizations you make outside of or external to your website, including backlinks, social media and PR.
Ideally, you will consider how all these components can work together – not only for your business and customers but for search engines.
6 Winning On-Page SEO Techniques
There are many different approaches to crafting on-page SEO, but the below methods are some of the most tried and tested.
1. Write Content For Your Audience
Your on-page SEO strategy should prioritize unique, engaging content.
First, perform relevant keyword research. You should pay attention to a number of metrics, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and intent.
Once you’ve decided on your primary and secondary keywords, you can start crafting awesome blog articles, feature and service pages, and more.
Your goal should always be to write content that matches your user’s intent, as this will rank higher in Google and be more useful to readers.
2. Focus on Keyword Density and Placement
When writing your content, it’s also important to place keywords strategically.
Make sure you include your focus keywords in these areas:
- Your H1 headings
- Your subheadings – H2s, H3s, H4s etc.
- Your introduction
3. Use Headings and Subheadings
As suggested above, the way you structure your content on the page – including headings and subheadings – is also crucial.
A webpage with an organized structure is not only easier for your audience to scan and navigate, but will help Google determine whether your page will match search intent, and should therefore rank higher.
4. Incorporate Internal Linking
You should also consider including strategic hyperlinks to other pages or content on your website.
These internal links show Google that the linked-to pages are valuable, and also encourage users to linger on your website.
5. Add and Optimize Images
Don’t forget about your images! Web content with images is more likely to rank in Google Images and increase your organic search traffic.
You can optimize your images for SEO – and also make them friendly for people using screen readers – by adding alt (or alternative) text.
6. Include Meta Titles and Descriptions
Last but not least, make sure you consider meta titles and descriptions.
Meta titles and descriptions are pieces of HTML code that display on SERPs (search engine result pages), social media posts, and browser tabs.
They should briefly and clearly make the purpose of the web page clear to both Google and users – so they feel enticed to click.
Conquer On-Page SEO With Digital Edge
To recap: on-page SEO describes the process of optimizing websites for search engines and users. You can use on-page SEO components to win Google’s highly praised favor and drive more organic traffic.
Our highly experienced team at Digital Edge can help you create and implement a strategy inclusive of both on-page and off-page components.
For more information and to book in a consultation, get in touch today.
