Have you noticed why some sites are always on Google’s first page while others are nowhere to be found? It’s not a slice of magic; it's all about proper optimization of the site with the help of SEO elements. To drive traffic to your website, you should consider having an SEO audit because it is one of the most effective strategies. But here’s the thing: or shall we say that even when you have carried out an audit before, how certain are you that you are not missing out on something? Sometimes, what you are doing may not be properly targeting the correct on-page SEO factors.
On-page SEO audit is like a check-up on your website's health. Just as it is proper to visit a doctor for a check-up, it is also proper to check up on your site and make sure it is in good shape. Having a professional SEO audit consultant can enable one to identify the areas that require improvement or addition to improve your website.
In this blog, we’ll explore 15 on-page SEO factors that one needs to consider during the next SEO audit. You will be glad to know what is important to on-page SEO. Let’s get started!
1. Title Tags Optimization
Meta tags, particularly title tags, are one of the most significant factors in search engine optimization. They are required if you want to rank within the search results and are great for making people click the link. Your title should be clear, contain the keywords, and not exceed 60 characters.
2. Meta Descriptions
Surprisingly, meta description, which is not a direct signal of ranking factor, is one of the factors affecting click-through rates. Be sure that all the pages have unique and engaging meta descriptions that will encourage users to use them. The description shouldn’t exceed 160 characters and should feature the main keyword at least once.
3. URL Structure
One critical factor contributing to good search engine ranking is the use of clean, simple, and descriptive URLs. Do not use long, complex keyword strings that are difficult to read, and include as many keywords as possible in the URL string. For example, instead of URLs such as www.example.com/category?id=1234, it is recommended to use a URL such as www.example.com/category-name.
4. Heading Tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
The heading tags assist search engines in determining the hierarchy and content of your web page. Your main heading must be an H1, and each subheading will be an H2, H3, and so on. Every heading should include terms related to the page's focus to improve its ranking on SERPs.
5. Keyword Optimization
Are you targeting the right keywords in your content? That is why keyword research is crucial for achieving higher positions in search engine results. Ensure that the primary keyword is placed within the title, heading tags, and content of your site. But remember, don’t overuse the keywords; incorporate them appropriately.
6. Content Quality
Google prefers websites with quality, relevant, and interesting information. If you update your content very frequently and ensure that it remains fresh and useful for users, you can also be propelled up the rankings. Make sure that the content responds to the user’s queries and offers the highest quality.
7. Internal Linking
These include links that you establish between the various pages of your website. This is beneficial for both search engine crawlers and the end customer when it comes to perusing your site. Linking to other relevant pages within the site provides link juice to the whole site, as these links are internal and are used to move link juice around the site.
8. Image Optimization
Indeed, the images that are used in the context of a particular website may cause certain issues – namely, the time it takes the site to load. Ensure your images are optimized for display, have the right dimensions, and are correctly labeled as to their content. Of course it does, it ensures ease of mobility and also improves the chances of getting to the top of the Search Engine Result Page.
9. Mobile-Friendliness
As many people access the internet through smartphones, optimizing your site for mobile devices is crucial. Google considers the mobile version of your site first before it considers the actual site. Perform browser compatibility tests to ensure that the site can be operated with relative ease on a mobile device and loads very fast.
10. Page Speed
Among the many aspects impacting a website's ranking, the speed of the website is a crucial factor. A slow website is not only inconvenient for users but may also affect your ranking. Use image optimization techniques, minimize the number of redirects, and turn on browser caching to make your site load faster.
11. User Experience (UX)
User experience is a critical factor in SEO. If people come to your site and cannot find their way around, they will soon move on to another site. A high bounce rate may be a sign to search engines that your website is not serving the expected value to users. Some common tips include ensuring your website gives a good user experience, is good-looking, and is not difficult to navigate.
12. Schema Markup
It’s a special form of structured data that assists in defining how search engines view your site's content. When you implement a schema on your site, you will be able to improve rich snippets like star rating, price range, or the date of an event. It enhances promptness and can lead to a rise in CTR.
13. SSL Certificate (HTTPS)
Google prefers sites with security. If you do not have an SSL certificate and it warns users with ‘Not Secure’ in the browser, it can influence your rankings. Ensure that your website is HTTPS secure, not for the SEO ranking but to ensure the safety of those who use your website.
14. Canonical Tags
In some cases, one piece of content can be accessible through several URLs—this is called duplicate content. You should use Canonical tags to let search engines know which of the versions is the original and thus avoid penalties. This eliminates cases of duplicate content and ensures the right page receives credit in terms of rankings.
15. Social Sharing Buttons
It has been observed that social media signals do not have a direct effect on rankings, but they are highly effective in making your business visible. Allowing users to share your content with friends and other people on social pages helps drive traffic to your websites and even backlinks.
Conclusion
An on-page SEO audit is crucial for enhancing your website's search engine rankings. By considering these 15 factors, you maximize your website's search engine visibility and functionality. Whether you do the audit alone or hire an SEO audit agency, addressing these concentrated on-page SEO issues will enhance your chances of ranking higher.
Just be aware that SEO is not a one-time thing but a steady and continuous process.
