On-page SEO: The basis for better search engine rankings

On-page SEO is an essential onder part of search engine optimisation. It focuses on all the optimisations you within your own website you can implement to rank better in search engines such as Google. Think about improving content, optimising HTML elements and optimising the user experience. But what exactly does on-page SEO entail and how do you apply it effectively? In this article, you will learn how to make your website more findable with practical on-page SEO techniques.

What is on-page SEO and why is it important?

On-page SEO includes all the changes you can make directly on your web pages to make them perform better in search results. This is opposite off-page SEO, focusing on external factors such as backlinks and social media signals. Whereas with on-page SEO you have full control over your optimisations, with off-page SEO depending on external factors such as the authority of your domain, link building and mentions on other websites.

A good on-page SEO strategy contributes to:

• Higher rankings: Relevant, optimised content is better understood and rewarded by search engines.
• More organic traffic: Because you rank higher in search results, you attract more visitors.
• Better user experience: A well-structured page with clear headings and fast load times ensures satisfied visitors.
• Higher conversions: An optimised website makes it easier for visitors to onderake action, such as a purchase or contact request.

But how exactly do you tackle this? Hereonder we cover the key onder parts of on-page SEO.

The role of keywords in on-page SEO

Keywords are the foundation of any SEO strategy. By understanding what terms your target audience uses, you can tailor your content accordingly. Keywords should be incorporated in strategic places, such as:

• The title tag and meta description: This is the first thing users see in search results.
• The H1 header: This is the main headline of the page and should summarise the mainonderopic.
• Subheads (H2, H3, etc.): Provide logical and relevant headlines that reflect keywords naturally.
• The first paragraph of your text: Google values the introduction of your content.
• Alt text of images: Image descriptions help with findability in Google Images and contribute to the accessibility of your website.

It is important to put keywords on a natural way use. Overuse can actually be counterproductive, as search engines may consider it 'keyword stuffing'. So make sure keywords are logically incorporated in the text.

Content optimisation: quality over quantity

In addition to keywords, the quality of your content one of the most important factors for SEO. Google judges content not only on relevance, but also on how valuable it is to the user. Therefore, make sure your content:

• Unique and original is: Do not copy text from other websites.
• Well-structured is: Use clear headings, bullet points and short paragraphs.
• Answers the search intent: Offer valuable information that is of real use to the reader.
• Topical is: Update your content regularly to stay relevant.

When you optimise your content properly, you increase the chances of Google considering your page as a valuable resource. This can lead to a better position in search results and ultimately more organic traffic.

Technical optimisation for a better user experience

Besides textual content, the technical side of on-page SEO plays a big role. This includes onder others:

• Page speed: A fast website provides a better user experience and prevents visitors from dropping out.
• Mobile-friendly: Google rates websites on how well they function on mobile devices.
• User-friendly URL structure: Short, clear URLs with relevant keywords help both search engines and users.
• Internal link structure: Adding internal links helps search engines understand your website better and encourages visitors to stay longer on your site.

By getting these technical aspects right, you ensure that your website not only ranks better in Google, but also that visitors find what they are looking for more easily.

Internal links: the hidden power of SEO

Internal links not only help visitors navigate your website, but they also boost the SEO value of your pages. By cleverly adding internal links, you can:

• Giving important pages extra authority: The more often a page is linked, the more important it appears to search engines.
• Keeping users on your site longer: By offering relevant links, visitors stay longer.
• Improving the structure of your website: A logical internal link structure makes it easier for search engines to crawl your site.

By having a well-built internal link structure, you make it easier for search engines to determine which pages are most relevant for certain searches.

Meta tags and structured data: how to make your website more attractive to Google

Meta tags are short descriptions that help search engines understand your content. The two most important meta tags are:

• Title tag: This is the title displayed in the search results. Make sure this unique is and contains the most important keyword.
• Meta description: A brief summary of the page that encourages users to click through.

In addition, you can structured data use to add extra information to your search results, such as star ratings, product information and frequently asked questions. This helps to stand out more in the search results and can increase the click-through rate (CTR) increase.

Want to get started with SEO yourself?

On-page SEO is an ongoing process that needs constant optimisation. Want to learn more about how to apply this yourself? Then check out our free SEO training for beginners. Here you will learn step by step how to make your website more findable and get instant results.