On-page and content optimization
- Create compelling titles and meta descriptions: Write unique, descriptive titles and meta descriptions that include relevant keywords and encourage clicks.
- Use header tags Employ <h1>is less than h 1 is greater than<ℎ1> to <h6>is less than h 6 is greater than<ℎ6> tags to structure your content with headings and subheadings, which helps search engines understand your hierarchy and topic.
- Incorporate keywords naturally: Weave relevant keywords into your content, titles, and headings, but avoid "keyword stuffing".
- Optimize images: Add descriptive alt text to all images to improve accessibility and help search engines understand the image's context.
- Write high-quality content: Create informative, well-researched content that addresses user needs and use long-tail keywords for more specific, high-intent searches.
Technical and structural optimization
- Structure URLs logically: Use clear, descriptive URLs that are easy for both users and search engines to read.
- Build internal and external links: Link to other relevant pages on your site to help with navigation and link equity. Also, link to reputable external sources to build credibility.
- Improve site architecture: Create a clear hierarchy for your pages and consider using hub pages to link out to multiple related topics.
- Ensure mobile responsiveness: Design your site to work well on all devices, as this is a key factor for user experience and SEO.
- Improve site speed: Optimize image file sizes and leverage browser caching to ensure your pages load quickly.
User experience and authority
- Enhance user experience (UX): A well-designed, easy-to-navigate site keeps users engaged longer and reduces bounce rates.
- Build backlinks: Earn high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites, which signals to search engines that your content is trustworthy and valuable.
- Keep content fresh: Regularly update existing content to keep it relevant and accurate.
Questions for an SEO agency or professional
- What is your approach to SEO, and is it based on a tailored strategy for my business?
- How do you conduct keyword research and what tools do you use?
- Can you walk me through your process for identifying and fixing technical SEO issues?
- How do you incorporate local SEO, and how does it differ from national SEO?
- What is your content strategy, and how do you create SEO-friendly content?
- How do you define and measure success for my campaign?
- What metrics do you use to track progress, and how do they align with my business goals?
- What kind of return on investment (ROI) should I expect, and how do you report on it?
- What kind of reporting can I expect to receive?
- Do you have experience in my specific industry?
- Do you work with any of my competitors?
- How do you handle websites that have been impacted by an algorithm update?
- Who will be my point of contact on your team?
- How often should I expect to hear from you?
- What do you need from my business to be effective?
- What are your reporting, deliverables, and pricing models?
- What is SEO and why is it important?
- How long does it typically take to see results from SEO?
- What are backlinks, and how are they important for SEO?
- What is the difference between "white hat" and "black hat" SEO?
- How does website speed affect SEO?