On-Page Search Engine Optimization, in the simplest of terms, is basically a method of attracting more visitors to a particular site by making sure that the site is prominently shown by search engine results. We can´t stress enough on the importance of on-page SEO optimization. Although it might seem like the most monotonous thing to do in the world, it needs to be done nonetheless if you want your site to survive. On a short glance, you might think that on-page SEO only means the density of keywords and Meta tags, but let us tell you now that it is more than just that.
Sure, you don’t need reminding that we are in the year, 2017. And, just like we have seen vast improvements in technology over the last couple of years, Google´s algorithms no longer only focus on keyword density and Meta tags. Here´s what you need to do in order to ensure that you don´t lack in the on-page SEO department;
- Make sure that the URLs are short
Your site can reach a higher rank in the search engine results if you use shorter, relevant URLs The authorities at Google have stated its algorithms now only focus on the first five words of the URL; hence, you must include the target keywords in the first five words of your URL for better results.
- Use the target keyword and modifiers in the title of your content
There´s no two ways about it; you must simply use the target keyword in the title of your content. In addition to that, another important factor when it comes to on-page SEO is modifiers. When you use modifiers that function as an adjective or an adverb to describe the title, it can help you rank better.
- Use as many relevant images, videos, and graphs as possible
By adding relevant images, videos, and graphs, you can drastically decrease the bounce rate. Doing so will also guarantee that your visitors spend more time browsing through the site. As children, we hated text and content that didn’t have pictures, and as grown-ups, we are still the same. After all, there´s a kid in all of us. Google, these days, have been largely focusing on user-interaction signals; therefore, using images, videos, and graphs that visitors can link to on your site, will help boost your rankings.
- Is the target keyword included in the first 50 words?
If you have experience with SEO, you should know the importance of including the target keyword in the first 50 words. Many people start their posts, beating about the bush, going on about stuff, writing a prolog or an introduction like they were writing a novel; you should avoid doing that. Including the keyword in the first 50 words will provide Google with an idea of what your content is trying to convey.
- Make sure your mobile site is user-friendly
According to Google authorities, ¨Slow loading sites frustrate users and negatively impact publishers. In our new study, ¨The Need for Mobile Speed, ¨ we found that 53 percent of mobile site visits are abandoned if pages take longer than 3 seconds to load.¨ Hence, you should ensure that your site boasts of a responsive design and is mobile-friendly. You should be aware that Google no longer sits on the sidelines when they come across sites that are not mobile-friendly; these sites do face the music.
- Include keyword in an image file
A very easy way to optimize your site is by including a keyword in an image file. Including the keyword in an image file will provide Google with an idea of what your content is trying to convey. When you don´t do that, all that Google views is pictures that have either alt text¨ blue widgets¨ or alt text ¨green widgets¨ written, leading Google into believing that your site focuses only on widgets. When filling out the alt tags, it is necessary to only include a keyword or two. For instance, you should write alt=¨chocolate brownie¨ instead of alt=¨chocolate brownie best in the world cheap quality ingredients¨.
- Focus on the length of the content
Reports conducted by experts claim that the longer the content, the higher the rankings of the site and that length is strength. If you want to bring more long tail traffic, it is of paramount importance for your content to have a minimum of 2000 words. However, you should know that quality also matters; hence, your content can´t go off on tangents and must be super fixed on relevant content.
Check out his video which is one of the best about on-page SEO by Brian Dean:
Some important links for more information:
http://backlinko.com/on-page-seo
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnrampton/2017/03/30/12-most-effective-seo-strategies-for-2017/
http://semanticmastery.com/best-practices-on-on-page-optimization-and-protecting-money-sites/