Of the more than 200 SEO ranking factors, many of the most important involve on-page optimization. And how you optimize your website will dramatically impact your search engine visibility. When paired with keyword research, technical SEO and schema markup, quality content writing can greatly improve on-page SEO. If you’re looking to improve search engine placement for your business, it’s worth examining why on-page factors matter – and how you can optimize them for the best results.
Why On-Page SEO Is Essential for a Business Website
On-page SEO helps search engines understand a website’s content, allowing Google, Bing and other search engines to display pages accurately for the most appropriate searches. Optimizing each page will also provide users with high-quality, relevant information and a positive user experience.
Of course, off-site factors like backlinks, directory citations and social signals are also integral to SEO. However, what happens on your website is completely within your control, allowing you to build a solid foundation on fast loading times, straightforward navigation and informative content.
How to Apply On-Page SEO Techniques for Optimal Results
As we discussed in a recent post on why technical SEO is a must, website backend features are critical for SEO. Today we’re focusing on the visible factors of on-page optimization, from the content to the anchor text and more.
1. Content Writing
Before writing any content, consider the user intent. Is the searcher looking for information or to buy a product or service? Knowing the answer allows you to create content tailored to the user, integrating primary and secondary keywords without harming the readability.
2. Headings
H1, H2 and H3 tags with integrated keywords help search engines categorize the page’s content. This approach also makes the content more digestible for the reader, typically increasing engagement and reducing the bounce rate.
At Rocks Digital, we tell those new to writing to think of an essay they would write in high school.
The title of the page would be the title of the essay. The H1 can be the same as the title or similar to it.
The H2s would be topics that the writer plans to cover within the paragraphs of the essay. They should support the title and the H1.
H3s would fall under the respective H2, and support the H2 above it. Note that you will not always have H3s on a page.
You will always have a title, only one H1 – and we recommend at least two H2s. We prefer three H2s if possible.
3. Formatting
Good formatting will directly influence whether users stay on your page or click the back button. Taking an extra few minutes to work on formatting goes a long way in improving the on-page experience.
Best practices include using short paragraphs, adding bullet points, using numbered lists when it makes sense, as well as leaving plenty of white space for easy scanning.
Using these items (and/or questions and answers) will also improve the likelihood of getting a featured snippet in search results.
4. Pillar Pages
Pillar pages are comprehensive pieces of content built around a broad topic. For business websites, these pages will likely be about the primary services within the industry.
Subsequent blog posts and supplementary pages can link to the pillar page, helping increase its authority and search engine visibility.
Both building out supporting content on the website, and off the website via off-page SEO, are essential.
5. Anchor Text
Anchor text is an important ranking signal, as it helps search engines and users understand a page’s content.
Professional SEO services perform keyword research and build a site hierarchy, so internal linking with natural, descriptive anchor text can pass authority and relevance throughout the website.
At Rocks Digital we always attempt to include keywords within our anchor text links. If you review the text on the links above you will see they all tie to SEO, and at least one will tie to the main topic via on-page SEO.
On-Page SEO Specialists for Local Businesses
If you want to enhance your search engine visibility and increase website traffic, speak with the SEO team at Rocks Digital. We provide comprehensive content writing, SEO strategy, on-page SEO services and much more. Call (214) 989-7549 or request an SEO evaluation today.
Lissa Duty
Lissa Duty is Social Media Coach, Author, Speaker & Trainer. 20 years of marketing, administrative and management experience working to grow your business.
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