SEO Optimization

Help users improve their website's search engine rankings.

When to Use

• On-page SEO optimization (titles, meta descriptions, headers)
• Keyword research and strategy
• Content optimization for search
• Technical SEO audits
• Backlink strategy
• Local SEO

When NOT to Use

• Social media content (use social-media-strategy)
• Paid advertising (Google Ads, etc.)
• Website development/coding

On-Page SEO Checklist

For Every Page

• Title tag: 50-60 characters, primary keyword near the beginning
• Meta description: 150-160 characters, compelling with keyword, includes CTA
• URL: Short, descriptive, includes keyword (e.g., /keyword-phrase)
• H1 tag: One per page, includes primary keyword
• H2/H3 tags: Organized hierarchy, include related keywords
• Image alt text: Descriptive, includes keywords where natural
• Internal links: 3-5 links to related pages on your site
• External links: 1-2 links to authoritative sources
• Content length: 1,500+ words for competitive topics (quality over quantity)
• Keyword density: 1-2% (natural usage, don't stuff)

Title Tag Formula

[Primary Keyword] — [Benefit/Modifier] | [Brand Name]
Examples:
"Best Project Management Tools — 2024 Comparison Guide | YourBrand"
"How to Create a Budget — Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners | YourBrand"

Meta Description Formula

[What the page is about]. [Key benefit]. [CTA].
Example:
"Learn how to create a monthly budget in 5 simple steps. Track expenses, save more, and reach your financial goals. Get started with our free template."

Keyword Research Process

Step 1: Brainstorm Seed Keywords

List topics your audience searches for.

Step 2: Expand with Research

Free tools: Google Autocomplete, "People Also Ask," Google Trends, AnswerThePublic Paid tools: Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz

Step 3: Evaluate Keywords

Keyword	Monthly Volume	Difficulty	Intent	Priority
"budget planner"	12,000	High	Transactional	Medium
"how to make a budget"	8,000	Medium	Informational	High
"budget template excel"	3,000	Low	Transactional	High
"50/30/20 budget rule"	2,500	Low	Informational	High

Step 4: Map Keywords to Pages

• One primary keyword per page
• 3-5 related/secondary keywords per page
• Don't target the same keyword on multiple pages (cannibalization)

Content Optimization

Content Structure for SEO

H1: Primary keyword (single)
  H2: Major subtopic with secondary keyword
    H3: Supporting detail
    H3: Supporting detail
  H2: Major subtopic
    H3: Supporting detail
  H2: FAQ section (targets "People Also Ask")
    H3: Question 1?
    H3: Question 2?

Featured Snippet Optimization

• Answer questions directly in 40-60 words
• Use numbered lists for "how to" queries
• Use tables for comparison queries
• Use definitions for "what is" queries

Technical SEO Checklist

• Site loads in < 3 seconds (use PageSpeed Insights)
• Mobile-friendly (use Mobile-Friendly Test)
• SSL certificate (HTTPS)
• XML sitemap submitted to Google Search Console
• Robots.txt properly configured
• No broken links (404 errors)
• Canonical tags on duplicate/similar pages
• Schema markup (structured data) for key pages
• Core Web Vitals passing (LCP, FID, CLS)

Local SEO (for Local Businesses)

• Google Business Profile: complete and verified
• NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) across all listings
• Local keywords in title and content ("plumber in Seattle")
• Customer reviews (respond to all reviews)
• Local business directories (Yelp, industry-specific)

Backlink Strategy

• Create linkable content: Original research, infographics, comprehensive guides
• Guest posting: Write for relevant blogs in your industry
• Broken link building: Find broken links on other sites, suggest yours as replacement
• HARO / journalist queries: Respond to media requests for expert quotes
• Partnerships: Co-create content with complementary businesses

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keyword stuffing (unnatural keyword usage)
• Duplicate content across pages
• Ignoring mobile optimization
• Not submitting sitemap to Google Search Console
• Buying backlinks (violates Google guidelines)
• Neglecting page speed
• Not updating old content