What is the frequency with which Google updates its search algorithm? Google conducted over 600,000 trials in 2020 and changed its algorithm over 4,500 times. The business is on a quest to build the world’s smartest search engine, and they’re doing a very decent job at it so far.

Despite its continuous advancements, it isn’t flawless. Google still requires assistance in deciphering fresh material. On-page search engine optimization (SEO) can help with this.

On-page SEO aids Google’s understanding of your website. As a result, your rankings rise, resulting in more organic visitors. In this step-by-step on-page SEO tutorial, I’ll show you how to implement the most essential page-specific optimization industry standards on your own website, as well as why they’re so crucial to your overall SEO strategy.

What is on-page SEO, and how does it work?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on the Page. The technique of optimizing web pages for targeted keywords in order to enhance search visibility and traffic is known as on-page SEO (or on-site SEO). It entails aligning words with page-specific components such as title tags, headers, content, and internal links.

On-page SEO vs. technical SEO

Some SEOs mix together on-page and technical SEO. However, I like to keep them apart. In this step-by-step on-page SEO tutorial, I’ll show you how to implement the most essential page-specific optimization industry standards on your own website, as well as why they’re so crucial to your overall SEO strategy.

Then there is also off-page SEO, such include things like link building and brand mentions that occur outside of your website.

Why is on-page SEO so crucial?

If you want search terms to provide you with page-one prominence, you must take your on-page SEO approach seriously. Over the previous two decades, a lot has changed. While Google still looks for keywords in your text, keyword stuffing is no longer effective since it degrades the user experience.

  • On-page SEO elements that are user-focused will become more essential as the Google search algorithm becomes more complex. On-site SEO allows search engines to comprehend your content and rank the much more relevant URLs for search terms when done correctly. On-page SEO also provides structure and clarity, which consumers will enjoy.
  • On-page navigation is aided with URLs. SEO
  • Google has claimed that URLs assist them in better understanding the content of a website. 

So, how can you make your URLs more optimized?

  • Include a phrase in the URL: Including your core keyword in the URL aids both search engines and people in comprehending the content of a page.
  • Focus left: In the URL, place the term as far to the left as feasible.
  • Use genuine words in your URL more than possible, rather than the incomprehensible nonsense that certain content management systems churn out.
  • Keep things short and sweet: Your URL structure would ideally be short and simple to grasp for both search engines and people.

The easier Google can figure out what kind of information is on the page, the better. In addition, Google frequently displays URLs in search results. A lengthy string of random characters and numbers in a website URL does not assist readers in understanding your page. They are more likely to click on the search result if they grasp the objective of your page.

Between words, use apostrophes: Hyphens make URLs easier to understand. Use the URL www.yourcompany.com/coffee-bean-grinders for a page on coffee bean grinders, for example. Session IDs should be avoided: Avoid include session IDs in your URLs as much as possible, as they result in an avalanche of URLs for much the same page. Instead, Google recommends that you utilize cookies.

Meta descriptions and title tags

Page titles, in particular, are one of the most significant on-page SEO elements. Every webpage has a title tag, which displays as a headline in search results. On search results, the topic sentence is a brief overview of the page that displays beneath the title. Both are critical in assisting search engines and visitors in comprehending the goal of a page.

While sitemaps are not a fundamental on-page SEO ranking element, the title tag is.

The title and meta description of an item in the search results have a big impact on whether or not someone clicks on it. When both the title and meta description are improved, the Click-Through Rate (CTR) rises, indicating that you will receive more traffic.

Unfortunately, in August 2022, Google changed the way it interprets title tags. Following the upgrade, Google may rewrite page names depending on other on-page characteristics, such as headers and inbound link keyword phrases. Although this change has no bearing on rankings, it can have a significant influence on CTR if the new title isn’t up to par.

In fact, CTR at Wordstream has dropped by 37%. To see how they rectified it, go to their article here.

Meta tag SEO (on-page SEO)

Examining your title and meta description should always be the first stage in your on-page SEO audit. take the following steps:

  • Your major keyword should be near the start of the title.
  • To avoid being cut off in results pages, keep the name to 55 or 60 characters. If your meta tags are too lengthy, WordPress plugins such as Yoast can notify you.
  • In your title tags, don’t use all capitals.
  • To avoid Google thinking you have duplicate web pages, give each page a meaning that is different.
  • Create titles that are clear and appealing so that users will want to click on them.
  • In your meta description, provide your primary keyword. When somebody types the keyword into Google, it will be bolded in the search results.
  • The meta description should be no more than 155 characters long.
  • Make sure that your meta description correctly represents the page. Treat it as if it were advertising, and wordsmith it to get them to click.

On-page SEO benefits from headers.

Multiple header tags (H1 tag, H2, H3, etc.) on your pages aid SEO in a number of ways. It makes it a lot easier for readers to read your material, for starters. When visitors come upon a website with a wall of content, they are far less likely to want to read it and will frequently quit the page. Multiple headers make it easier for consumers to understand the information, which enhances the overall customer experience (an important factor for Google).

Second, subheadings aid Google’s understanding of a page’s contents. Use your primary term in at least one or two H2 headings whenever creating headers. Include the main keywords in the H3 or other headings if it makes sense in the context. Long-tail keywords should also be included in some headers to provide Google with more information about the overall topic.

On-page SEO elements

Let’s go through the most important on-page SEO tactics to remember:

Use page URLs that are brief and descriptive.

  • Title tags should be optimized.
  • Create engaging meta descriptions.
  • Implement data that is structured.
  • Headers should be optimized.
  • Best practices for SEO copywriting should be implemented.
  • Within the first 100 words, use the target term.
  • Maintain a healthy keyword density.
  • Create material that meets the user’s needs.
  • Create writing that is easy to read.
  • Include both internal and external links.
  • Images should be optimized for Google.

Keep in mind that on-page SEO is crucial. With these things in mind, you’ll be well on your path to improved organic search engine results! Do you want to delve even further? Take a look at our comprehensive SEO checklist.