On-Page SEO Checklist

🎯 Overview

This comprehensive on-page SEO checklist ensures every page on your website is optimized for search engines and users. Use this checklist when publishing new content, optimizing existing pages, or conducting content audits.

Priority Levels

🔴 Critical: Essential for ranking - complete before publishing
🟡 High Impact: Significant SEO benefit - prioritize early
🟢 Optimization: Enhanced performance - implement when possible

📝 1. Title Tags

Title Tag Optimization

🔴 Include primary keyword near the beginning of the title
🔴 Keep title length between 50-60 characters (to avoid truncation)
🔴 Make every title tag unique across the site
🔴 Write compelling, clickable titles that encourage clicks
🟡 Include brand name at the end (if space allows)
🟡 Match title tag to user search intent
🟢 Use power words to increase click-through rate (CTR)
🟢 Consider adding year for evergreen content (e.g., "2024 Guide")

Tool: SERP Simulator to preview titles

Title Tag Testing

🟡 Verify title displays correctly in search results
🟡 A/B test different title variations for important pages
🟡 Monitor CTR in Google Search Console
🟢 Update titles based on performance data

📄 2. Meta Descriptions

Meta Description Best Practices

🔴 Write unique meta descriptions for every page
🔴 Keep length between 150-160 characters
🔴 Include primary and secondary keywords naturally
🔴 Write compelling copy that encourages clicks
🟡 Include a clear call-to-action (CTA)
🟡 Match description to page content and search intent
🟢 Use active voice and benefit-focused language
🟢 Consider emoji usage for increased visibility (test carefully)

Good Example: "Follow our 25-point on-page SEO checklist to optimize title tags, headers, content, and images. Proven strategies to boost rankings and traffic. ✓"

Note: Google may rewrite meta descriptions. Write them well, but don't obsess if they're changed.

Meta Description Optimization

🟡 Avoid duplicate meta descriptions across pages
🟡 Include unique value proposition
🟡 Monitor CTR and adjust based on performance
🟢 Use question format when appropriate (for FAQ/informational content)

📋 3. Header Tags (H1-H6)

H1 Optimization

🔴 Include exactly one H1 per page
🔴 Include primary keyword in H1
🔴 Make H1 clear, descriptive, and compelling
🟡 Keep H1 different from title tag (can be similar but not identical)
🟡 Front-load important keywords in H1
🟢 Make H1 between 20-70 characters

Example: If title is "On-Page SEO Checklist: 25 Steps | Omar Corral"
H1 could be: "Complete On-Page SEO Checklist for Higher Rankings"

Subheading Structure (H2-H6)

🔴 Use proper heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3, don't skip levels)
🔴 Include keywords in H2 and H3 tags naturally
🟡 Use descriptive subheadings that improve scannability
🟡 Break long content into logical sections with subheadings
🟡 Include semantic keywords and variations in subheadings
🟢 Optimize for featured snippet opportunities (use question-based H2s)

Best Practice: Aim for an H2 every 300-500 words for readability

✍️ 4. Content Quality & Optimization

Content Fundamentals

🔴 Create comprehensive, in-depth content (aim for 1,500+ words for competitive topics)
🔴 Focus on user search intent (informational, navigational, transactional, commercial)
🔴 Make content original and unique (no duplicate or thin content)
🔴 Ensure content is accurate, factual, and up-to-date
🟡 Write for humans first, search engines second
🟡 Structure content with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
🟡 Answer the primary question within the first 100 words
🟢 Include expert insights, data, and original research

Quality Check: Does this content provide more value than the top 3 ranking pages?

Keyword Optimization

🔴 Include primary keyword in first 100 words
🔴 Use primary keyword 3-5 times naturally throughout content
🟡 Include semantic keywords and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) terms
🟡 Use keyword variations and synonyms naturally
🟡 Avoid keyword stuffing (maintain natural reading flow)
🟢 Target related secondary keywords throughout content
🟢 Use question-based keywords for voice search optimization

Tool: Surfer SEO or Clearscope for content optimization

Content Structure

🔴 Use short paragraphs (2-4 sentences max)
🔴 Include bullet points and numbered lists for scannability
🟡 Add table of contents for long-form content (1,500+ words)
🟡 Use bold and italics to emphasize key points (sparingly)
🟡 Include visual elements (images, charts, infographics) every 300-500 words
🟢 Add expandable sections for detailed information
🟢 Include jump links to specific sections

E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

🔴 Cite authoritative sources for statistics and claims
🔴 Add author byline with credentials for YMYL topics
🟡 Include author bio and expertise indicators
🟡 Link to authoritative external sources
🟡 Add publication and last updated dates
🟢 Include expert quotes or interviews
🟢 Display trust signals (certifications, awards, testimonials)

Note: E-E-A-T is especially critical for YMYL (Your Money Your Life) content

🔗 5. Internal Linking

Internal Link Strategy

🔴 Include 2-5 relevant internal links per page
🔴 Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text (avoid "click here")
🔴 Link to related, topically relevant content
🟡 Link to important conversion pages from high-traffic content
🟡 Ensure all pages are within 3 clicks from homepage
🟡 Create topic clusters with pillar pages and supporting content
🟢 Update old content with links to new related pages
🟢 Use contextual links within body content (not just footer/sidebar)

Best Practice: Link from high-authority pages to pages you want to boost

Internal Link Optimization

🔴 Fix all broken internal links
🟡 Vary anchor text naturally (avoid exact match for every link)
🟡 Implement breadcrumb navigation
🟡 Add "related posts" or "recommended reading" sections
🟢 Use sitewide links sparingly (navigation only)
🟢 Monitor internal link equity distribution

Tool: Screaming Frog SEO Spider to audit internal links

🔗 6. External Linking

External Link Best Practices

🔴 Link to authoritative, relevant external sources
🔴 Ensure all external links work (no broken links)
🟡 Open external links in new tab (user experience)
🟡 Use rel="nofollow" for untrusted or sponsored links
🟡 Include 2-4 relevant external links per 1,000 words
🟢 Add rel="noopener noreferrer" for security
🟢 Link to original sources for statistics and data

Credibility Boost: Linking to authoritative sites can increase your content's trustworthiness

External Link Management

🟡 Regularly audit external links for broken pages
🟡 Update links to outdated or removed resources
🟢 Monitor reciprocal linking (avoid excessive link exchanges)

🖼️ 7. Image Optimization

Image Technical Optimization

🔴 Compress images to reduce file size (aim for < 100KB per image)
🔴 Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names (e.g., "on-page-seo-checklist.jpg")
🔴 Add alt text to every image (describe image content + include keywords)
🟡 Use WebP format for better compression (with JPG/PNG fallback)
🟡 Implement lazy loading for below-the-fold images
🟡 Specify width and height attributes to prevent layout shift
🟢 Use responsive images with srcset attribute
🟢 Implement CDN for faster image delivery

Good Alt Text: "On-page SEO checklist showing title tag and meta description optimization"
Bad Alt Text: "Image1.jpg" or stuffing keywords

Tool: TinyPNG or ImageOptim for compression

Image SEO Best Practices

🔴 Include at least one relevant image per page
🟡 Add title attribute to important images
🟡 Use original images when possible (vs. stock photos)
🟡 Create custom graphics, infographics, and charts
🟢 Implement image sitemap for important visual content
🟢 Add structured data for images (schema markup)

Note: Google Images can drive significant traffic for visual content

🎬 8. Multimedia Content

Video Optimization

🟡 Host videos on YouTube and embed (for better reach)
🟡 Add video transcripts on page (indexable text content)
🟡 Use video schema markup for rich results
🟡 Include keyword in video title and description
🟢 Create video thumbnail with compelling text overlay
🟢 Implement video sitemap

Other Media

🟡 Provide downloadable resources (PDFs, templates, checklists)
🟢 Include audio transcripts for podcasts
🟢 Optimize embedded content loading (iframes, widgets)

🔧 9. URL Optimization

URL Structure

🔴 Use short, descriptive URLs (3-5 words ideal)
🔴 Include primary keyword in URL
🔴 Use hyphens to separate words (not underscores or spaces)
🔴 Use lowercase letters only
🟡 Keep URL structure logical and hierarchical
🟡 Avoid unnecessary parameters and session IDs
🟢 Remove stop words (a, the, and, or) if URL becomes too long

Good URL: https://omar-corral.com/seo-resources/on-page-checklist/
Bad URL: https://omar-corral.com/page.php?id=123&cat=seo

URL Management

🔴 Never change URLs without implementing 301 redirects
🟡 Set preferred URL version (with/without trailing slash)
🟢 Implement breadcrumb schema matching URL structure

🎯 10. Call-to-Action (CTA) Optimization

CTA Elements

🔴 Include clear CTA on every page (except purely informational content)
🟡 Place primary CTA above the fold
🟡 Use action-oriented language ("Get Started," "Download Now")
🟡 Make CTA buttons visually prominent
🟢 Add secondary CTA at page bottom
🟢 Test different CTA placements and copy

Conversion Focus: Every page should guide users to the next action

📱 11. Mobile Optimization

Mobile User Experience

🔴 Ensure text is readable without zooming (16px minimum)
🔴 Make buttons and links large enough to tap easily (48x48px)
🔴 Avoid horizontal scrolling
🟡 Test page on actual mobile devices
🟡 Ensure forms are easy to complete on mobile
🟡 Optimize for mobile Core Web Vitals
🟢 Implement mobile-specific features (click-to-call buttons)

Tool: Mobile-Friendly Test

⚡ 12. Page Speed & Performance

Performance Optimization

🔴 Achieve PageSpeed Insights score > 85 on mobile
🔴 Ensure LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) < 2.5 seconds
🟡 Minimize render-blocking resources
🟡 Enable browser caching
🟡 Minify CSS and JavaScript
🟢 Implement critical CSS for above-the-fold content
🟢 Use HTTP/2 or HTTP/3

Tool: PageSpeed Insights

🏷️ 13. Schema Markup

Structured Data Implementation

🔴 Implement appropriate schema type (Article, Product, FAQ, HowTo, etc.)
🟡 Add breadcrumb schema
🟡 Include Organization schema on homepage
🟡 Validate schema with Rich Results Test
🟢 Add Review/Rating schema when applicable
🟢 Implement FAQ schema for Q&A content

Tool: Rich Results Test

📊 14. Content Freshness & Updates

Content Maintenance

🟡 Add publication date and last updated date
🟡 Review and update content annually (at minimum)
🟡 Update statistics and data to current year
🟢 Add new sections covering emerging topics
🟢 Remove or update outdated information
🟢 Refresh images and screenshots

Tip: Add "Last Updated: [Date]" badge to show content freshness

🔍 15. Search Intent Alignment

Intent Matching

🔴 Identify primary search intent (informational, navigational, transactional, commercial)
🔴 Analyze top-ranking pages for target keyword
🔴 Match content format to intent (guide, list, comparison, etc.)
🟡 Address secondary search intents within content
🟡 Include elements users expect (pricing, reviews, how-tos)
🟢 Add FAQ section addressing related queries

Analysis: Review Google's top 10 results and identify common patterns

📋 16. User Experience (UX) Elements

UX Optimization

🔴 Ensure page loads in < 3 seconds
🔴 Make content easy to scan (headings, bullets, short paragraphs)
🟡 Use white space effectively to avoid visual clutter
🟡 Implement sticky navigation for long-form content
🟡 Add "Back to Top" button on long pages
🟢 Include progress bar for multi-step processes
🟢 Ensure sufficient color contrast for accessibility (WCAG AA)

Engagement Signals

🟡 Monitor bounce rate and dwell time
🟡 Add interactive elements (calculators, quizzes, tools)
🟢 Include social proof (testimonials, case studies, stats)
🟢 Add estimated reading time for long articles

✅ Pre-Publication Checklist

Before publishing any page, verify:

🎯 Post-Publication Optimization

Monitoring & Iteration

Week 1: Monitor indexing status in Google Search Console
Week 2-4: Track initial rankings and organic traffic
Month 2: Analyze user engagement metrics (bounce rate, time on page)
Month 3: Review CTR and consider title/description adjustments
Quarterly: Update content and refresh as needed

Key Metrics to Track

Rankings: Target keyword positions in Google
Traffic: Organic sessions and pageviews
Engagement: Bounce rate, avg. time on page, pages per session
Conversions: Goal completions, form submissions, clicks
CTR: Click-through rate from search results

🔗 Additional Resources

💡 Quick Win Checklist

Start with these high-impact, easy optimizations:

Last Updated: November 2024
Optimization Frequency: Review monthly for priority pages, quarterly for all content
Maintained By: Omar Corral

🎯 Overview​

📝 1. Title Tags​

Title Tag Optimization​

Title Tag Testing​

📄 2. Meta Descriptions​

Meta Description Best Practices​

Meta Description Optimization​

📋 3. Header Tags (H1-H6)​

H1 Optimization​

Subheading Structure (H2-H6)​

✍️ 4. Content Quality & Optimization​

Content Fundamentals​

Keyword Optimization​

Content Structure​

E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)​

🔗 5. Internal Linking​

Internal Link Strategy​

Internal Link Optimization​

🔗 6. External Linking​

External Link Best Practices​

External Link Management​

🖼️ 7. Image Optimization​

Image Technical Optimization​

Image SEO Best Practices​

🎬 8. Multimedia Content​

Video Optimization​

Other Media​

🔧 9. URL Optimization​

URL Structure​

URL Management​

🎯 10. Call-to-Action (CTA) Optimization​

CTA Elements​

📱 11. Mobile Optimization​

Mobile User Experience​

⚡ 12. Page Speed & Performance​

Performance Optimization​

🏷️ 13. Schema Markup​

Structured Data Implementation​

📊 14. Content Freshness & Updates​

Content Maintenance​

🔍 15. Search Intent Alignment​

Intent Matching​

📋 16. User Experience (UX) Elements​

UX Optimization​

Engagement Signals​

✅ Pre-Publication Checklist​

🎯 Post-Publication Optimization​

Monitoring & Iteration​

Key Metrics to Track​

🔗 Additional Resources​

💡 Quick Win Checklist​