Uncovered: Essential SEO Tips Hidden in Plain Sight

Introduction to On-site SEO

On-site SEO, also known as on-page SEO, is about optimizing elements on your website instead of focusing solely on links from other websites and external signals. Although Google does not provide a complete "here's everything we look at" guide, many of the SEO practices that work today are often overlooked. This article highlights some of the lesser-known yet essential aspects of on-site SEO that can significantly impact your website's performance.

The Misconception of SEO Secrets

It's important to recognize that there are no hidden "SEO secrets" but rather numerous overlooked elements that can make a substantial difference in your SEO efforts. The truth is that while we have a good understanding of Google's preferences through direct experience and their occasional announcements, we don't have a comprehensive manual from Google detailing all their preferences. As a result, success in SEO comes from practical experience and keeping up with current best practices.

Commonly Overlooked SEO Items

Image Alt Text

Search engine crawlers can read websites, but they can't interpret images. Alt text is crucial because it tells these crawlers what your image represents. This is vital because a well-written alt text not only aids in SEO but also helps users who use screen readers.

File Names and Target Keywords

File names for images should be short and relevant. Try to incorporate your target keyword if possible. Since your image should reflect the subject of your page, ensuring relevance isn't difficult.

Proper SEO Architectural Hierarchy

Many websites suffer from poorly structured heading formats, which affect how Google reads the page. Understanding and implementing a strategic, logical, and properly placed H1, H2, H3, etc., hierarchy is essential. For instance, an H1 tag should be comprehensive and encompass the main topic of your page.

Content Strategy

Creating a lot of content without a plan is inefficient and often unproductive. Define your target keywords and research the topics and search queries that your audience is looking for. Content should be of high quality and provide real value to your visitors. Consistency in your content schedule is key to maintaining audience engagement.

Checking Canonicals

Canonicals are often overlooked. Ensure that you set your canonical tags correctly to avoid duplicate content issues. This helps in guiding search engines to the preferred version of the page, reducing the risk of undesired indexing.

Shoring Up Redirects

Limiting redirects and checking HTTP status codes is crucial. This ensures that your site is functioning optimally and that users or crawlers can access the correct pages without errors or delays.

Fixing Broken Links

Broken links can cause a variety of issues, from a poor user experience to issues with website health. Fix, remove, or replace any broken links to maintain a positive user experience.

Optimizing Internal Link Structure

Internal linking allows users to navigate your site easily, reducing bounce rates and improving the discoverability of new content. A well-structured internal linking network helps search engines index your content more quickly and provides a seamless user experience.

These tips, while not secret, are commonly overlooked yet can significantly enhance your on-site SEO. By paying attention to these areas, you can make substantial improvements to your website's performance and visibility on search engines.

Conclusion

While there may not be explicit "SEO secrets," there are several key areas where websites can improve their performance. Implementing these often-overlooked SEO tips can make a real difference in your site's ranking and user engagement. If you're serious about improving your SEO, don't overlook these essential strategies.

Jeremy Hartt
Aevum Media