SEO might sound like a tech wizard’s game, but the truth is, it’s not that complicated. If you’ve got a website and want people to find it, then mastering some basic SEO skills is a must. Let’s break it down with this simple, no-nonsense on-page SEO checklist for 2024.

1. Nail Your Title Tags

Your title tag is the first thing people see in search results. Keep it between 50-60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off. Include your main keyword and make it catchy enough to make someone want to click. Think of it like a headline – grab attention, but keep it relevant.

2. Perfect Your Meta Descriptions

The meta description is the short snippet that appears below your title tag in search results. It doesn’t directly impact rankings but can influence whether someone clicks on your link or skips it. Aim for 150-160 characters. Summarise the page content and include a call to action, like “Learn more” or “Find out how.”

3. Use Headers Properly (H1, H2, H3, etc.)

Headers organise your content and make it easier to read. Use one H1 tag per page, which should include your main keyword. Use H2 tags for main sections, and H3s for subsections. This structure helps Google understand the hierarchy of your content and improves user experience.

4. Optimise Your Images

Images can slow down your site if not optimised. Compress images to reduce file size without losing quality. Use descriptive file names (not “IMG_1234.jpg”) and include alt text that describes the image and naturally includes your keyword.

5. Internal Linking

Link to other relevant pages on your site. It keeps users on your site longer and helps search engines understand the structure of your website. Use descriptive anchor text – instead of “click here,” try “learn more about our services.”

6. URL Structure

Keep URLs clean and simple. Use hyphens to separate words, avoid unnecessary numbers or special characters, and include your main keyword if it makes sense. A good URL is short, descriptive, and easy to read.

7. Content Is (Still) King

Content is the heart of SEO. Make sure your content is valuable, original, and answers the questions your audience is asking. Use your main keyword naturally – don’t stuff it in every sentence. Aim for a word count that fully covers the topic (typically 1,000-2,000 words), but focus on quality over quantity.

8. Mobile Optimisation

More people are searching on mobile than ever before. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly. Use responsive design, so your site looks good on any device. Google also considers mobile performance when ranking sites, so this isn’t optional.

9. Page Speed

Nobody likes a slow website. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s speed and find out what’s slowing it down. Compress images, enable browser caching, and consider using a content delivery network (CDN) to speed things up.

10. Schema Markup

Schema markup is like a cheat code for search engines. It helps Google understand what your content is about beyond just text. Use schema to enhance your search listings with star ratings, event details, or product prices, making them more appealing.

11. SSL Certificate

Google has been pushing for a secure web. Having an SSL certificate (which changes your site from HTTP to HTTPS) is a ranking factor. Plus, it makes your site more trustworthy to visitors.

12. User Experience (UX)

A good user experience keeps people on your site longer. Make sure your site is easy to navigate, content is easy to find, and there are no broken links or annoying pop-ups. Happy users lead to happy search engines.

13. Avoid Duplicate Content

Google hates duplicate content. If your content is the same as, or very similar to, content on another site (even your own), it can harm your rankings. Use tools like Copyscape to check for duplicates and consider rewriting or using canonical tags.

14. Regular Updates

Fresh content signals to Google that your site is active and relevant. Regularly update old posts with new information, correct outdated links, and refresh images or media. This doesn’t mean a complete overhaul, just keeping things current.

Final Thoughts

SEO isn’t rocket science, but it does take consistent effort. Follow this checklist, keep learning, and tweak your approach as search engine algorithms evolve. It’s about making your site as user-friendly and valuable as possible, which is what search engines are looking for anyway.

Start with these basics, and you’ll be on your way to climbing those search rankings in 2024.

Do you need assistance with your search engine optimisation? Hire the best SEO company in the UK today!