On-page optimization is crucial for giving search engines the signals they need to understand your content and rank pages well.
Use these tactics to improve on-page SEO factors across your website:
1. Conduct Thorough Keyword Research
Always start with data-driven keyword research using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner.
Identify keywords with high search volume and low competition that align with your content pillars and products. Look for long tail variations too.
On-page optimization begins with matching content to keywords your audience actually searches for.
2. Include Keywords in Title Tags
Your title tags tell search engines the topic of each page. Keep them under 60 characters and incorporate your main keyword naturally:
<title>
How to Make the Perfect New York Cheesecake with Detailed Steps
</title>Titles with keywords up front perform best in searches.
3. Optimize Meta Descriptions for Clicks
Meta descriptions summarize the page in search snippets. While not directly ranking factors, compelling meta descriptions boost click-through-rate.
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Include keywords naturally while focusing on intriguing users.
## 4. Use Target Keywords in Image File Names
Name images descriptively with your keywords. For example:
`new-york-cheesecake-recipe.jpg`
Avoid generic filenames like image-123.jpg. Help search engines understand relevance.
## 5. Include Alt Text for Images and Videos
The alt attribute provides a text description of non-text content. Use it for images, graphics, and videos:
`<img src="cheesecake.jpg" alt="New York style cheesecake with a glass of milk">`
Describe images briefly while working in keywords.
## 6. Structure Data for Rich Results
Add schema.org structured data to pages when applicable to get rich result previews:HTML
Recipes, products, events, jobs, courses, etc. can all leverage structured data.
## 7. Use Keyword-Focused Headers
Break content into logical sections using headers like H2 and H3 tags. Incorporate keywords into descriptive headers:HTML
How to Prevent Cracks in New York Cheesecake
Headers make content more scannable while signaling relevance.
## 8. Include Keywords Early In Content
Get to the point fast. Mention target keywords within the first 100 words of page content.
For example: "This classic New York cheesecake recipe reveals the secret to perfect velvety texture with fewer cracks..."
Earlier keyword placement signals relevancy.
## 9. Check Your Keyword Density
What percentage of words on the page match your target keywords? 1-3% density is ideal for primary terms.
Too much looks spammy. Too little misses opportunities. Use a tool like Yoast to check.
## 10. Optimize Page URLs
Include keywords in the page URL whenever possible: website.com/new-york-cheesecake-recipe
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Avoid repetitive site-name-keyword-keyword patterns. Short, descriptive URLs are best.
11. Feature High Quality Internal Links
Link to related content across your site. Mention complementary posts, products, or resources naturally within content to recommend them.
Internal links indicate topical relevancy and authority. Just avoid overdoing it.
12. Format Content for Readability
Use bullet points, numbered steps, headings, tables, and other formatting to make content easily scannable.
Break up long paragraphs. Include quotes and multimedia. Good formatting improves user experience and signals quality.
Bonus: Promote New Content Extensively
Don’t stop optimizing once content is published – actively promote it! Outreach for backlinks, share socially, send email blasts, publish press releases, and so on.
Promotion and engagement show search engines the content is valuable.
Fine-tuning these details optimizes pages for relevance around target keywords. On-page SEO establishes critical search visibility fundamentals before other factors come into play.
Keep iterating content and optimization over time – you can always improve on-page elements to boost rankings.