If you are new to the website optimization arena, the task of creating a site with effective search engine optimization (SEO) can be somewhat daunting. Odds are, even if you think you know everything there is to know about SEO, you will likely end up missing something along the way without the right guidance. The following is a useful checklist of some of the most important elements of a strong, SEO-optimised website.
For Individual Pages
1. Head Section Information
Always make sure that your Meta Tags for each page are presented in the correct order: Page title, description, and keywords. The information placed inside these tags is what search engines use to render the title and description in the page results.
2. Title and Description Tags
Make sure your most important keywords are used within the first 70 characters of your page title and the first 160 characters of your page description to ensure they aren’t get cut off. Bear in mind that number includes spaces. The title tag should always be about nine words, give or take two or three at the very most. Your should have a title and description that are relevant and which compel the visitor to click to explore your site.
3. Page Heading Tags
Edit your page’s HTML to ensure the first heading begins with the appropriate tag: <h1>. The headings that follow should then be numbered in sequence: <h2>, <h3> and so on. These tags should also function as the table of contents for your page.
4. Word Count
Never let word count drop below 250. Keeping your word count between 250 and 450 will allow you to optimize keyword content. Remember: quality content is essential for good search engine ranking.
5. Use Dashes, Not Underscores in page URLs
Many people don’t realize it, but dashes separate words in search engines, underscores do not. Use dashes in your page URLs but keep them to a minimum. Too many can be construed as spam.
For the Full Site
7. Use an HTML and XML Site Map
Every page on your website should link to and from your site map. The page footer is the best place to insert this.
8. Make Use of Web Analytics
Ensure that analytics are set up for your site and keep track of them. Be certain that your keywords are generating enough traffic and that you are using good ones.
9. Text is Better Than Images
If you have the choice between using text and images, opt for text. This helps the search engines better understand the content and theme of your site. Images used to to enhance the look of text will always be less effective since search engine spiders cannot read a picture. Once the user is on your site, have a few well-positioned and well-themed images to draw them in and hold their attention.
10 . Beware of Duplicate Content
Make sure the content on your site is unique. If it exists elsewhere on the Web, it is not likely to get indexed. Copyscape is a small investment but it can save you a good deal of time and aggravation. Use it on all of your content, especially if you outsource to copywriters and don’t write it yourself.
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