On-Page SEO Basics: Mastering Meta Tags, Content Optimization, and Internal Linking

While both are crucial in a website’s ranking and visibility, On-Page SEO provides more control over optimizing web pages. When you start typing a query in Google Search, you are presented with a list of possible phrases to use in your search. This means that to make your content more relevant to broad topics, you need to enrich your content with related keywords. This is necessary to determine what search terms users are typing in the search box and create content that satisfies their intent. Before publishing content (text, images, audio, or video), the first step is to do keyword research. The page meta description is shown on the search engine results page (SERPS).

On-Page SEO in 2025

on-page seo

URLs are a minor ranking factor search engines use when determining a particular page or resource’s SEO Anomaly relevance to a search query.Keyword use in a URL can also act as a ranking factor. There are several online tools you can use to check your rankings, e.g. the Seobility Ranking Checker. The tool will immediately display your domain’s ranking as well as the top 100 URLs ranking for this keyword. You’ll also want to incorporate your keyword into the alternative text.

It also indicates that you have researched and added value for your readers. Headings (H1, H2, etc.) organize your content and make it easier for users and search engines to understand. You can also use Ahrefs’ Competitive Analysis tool to improve your content.

on-page seo

That’s because schema markup gives AI models more information about your page. High-performing SEO campaigns contain both short and long-tail keywords — and the terms you choose to target will depend on your business and goals. Use clean, organized URLs — like the first example above — to improve your site’s architecture and help you rank higher in relevant search results.

  • You have over 120 metrics in the tool that can help you audit your site efficiently and avoid even the slight details that could hamper your SEO results.
  • Consider both on- and off-page methods when devising your SEO strategy.
  • Creating good title tags will boost your on-page SEO efforts significantly, here are a few ways to create the perfect page titles.
  • Header tags range from H1 to H6, creating a structured outline of your content.
  • In SEO, the terms users type into the search bar when making queries are called keywords.

Meta tags are pieces of HTML code, but don’t worry—you don’t have to be a programmer to add HTML meta tags to a web page. Here’s a simple explanation of meta tags SEO, with tips for adding meta tags to any website. If a shopper is won over by your product description, you need to make it easy for them to add that item to their cart. A clear call-to-action button, such as “add to cart” or “proceed to checkout” will ensure that they follow through with a purchase. In August 2022, Google rolled out its first “helpful content update” to reward websites producing original, people-first content.

on-page seo

Use a descriptive and optimized URL

This guide explores 13 essential on-page SEO elements, from E-E-A-T and keyword semantics to HTML tags and site architecture. It’s useful to start page by page when incorporating SEO into your site. Pick a webpage, then decide what you want to communicate, the target audience, and what you want someone to do after viewing the page.

on-page seo

Applying your keyword research

on-page seo

Choose keywords with a large search volume so that you don’t waste money on keywords that don’t drive traffic. They will influence users and increase your clickthrough rate (CTR). You’ll attract more people that are interested in your business by optimizing your tags. There are many factors that search engines take into consideration when ranking your site. In fact, 83% of Internet users expect a website to load in three seconds or less!

For example, Soak&Sleep has internal links to its “single duvets” and “single mattresses” categories in its “single bedding” page description. So, meeting search intent isn’t just good for the user—it’s good for your business, too. Search intent is one of the most important factors to consider when looking at your content’s quality. If you aren’t giving the user what they want, they’re likely to leave the page. Creating quality content involves multiple factors—from accuracy to readability.