If you have a website or blog, you might have heard about “SEO” (Search Engine Optimization). But what exactly is on-page SEO, and why does it matter? Don’t worry—this guide will explain everything in simple words. Let’s start with the basics!

What Is On-Page SEO?

On-page SEO means optimizing parts of your website that you can control to help it rank higher on search engines like Google. Think of it like organizing a store so customers (and search engines) can easily find what they need. When your site is well-organized, Google understands it better and shows it to more people.

According to experts at Moz, a leading SEO resource, on-page SEO includes elements like titles, headings, content, and images. Let’s break these down step by step.

Start with Keyword Research

Keywords are words or phrases people type into search engines. For example, if you sell handmade candles, your keywords might be “organic soy candles” or “affordable handmade candles.”

How to Use Keywords

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush or Ahrefs to find popular keywords.

• Place your main keyword in important spots: the page title, headings, and first paragraph.

• Avoid stuffing: Use keywords naturally. Too many keywords make your content hard to read.

Write Clear and Helpful Content

Google loves content that answers people’s questions. Imagine you’re explaining your topic to a friend. Use short sentences and simple words.

Tips for Better Content

• Solve problems: If your page is about “how to fix a leaky faucet,” give step-by-step instructions.

• Make it scannable: Use bullet points, subheadings (like H2 or H3), and short paragraphs.

• Update regularly: Old or outdated content can hurt your rankings.

As Google’s guidelines say, focus on creating “people-first content.”

Optimize Your Page Titles and Headings

Your page title (the blue link you see on Google) and headings (H1, H2, etc.) act like signposts for search engines.

Best Practices

• Keep titles under 60 characters so they don’t get cut off.

• Include your main keyword in the title and H1 heading.

• Use H2 or H3 headings to break up sections (like this guide does!).

For example, a good title could be:
“How to Bake Bread at Home | Easy Recipe for Beginners”

Use Descriptive URLs

A URL is your web page's address (like www.yoursite.com/bake-bread). Clean URLs are easier for Google and users to understand.

How to Improve URLs

• Avoid long URLs with random numbers or symbols.

• Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_).

• Include keywords: yoursite.com/on-page-seo-guide is better than yoursite.com/page123.

Optimize Images

Images make your content engaging, but they need to be optimized for SEO.

Quick Fixes for Images

• Compress images: Use tools like TinyPNG to reduce file size. Faster pages rank better!

• Add alt text: Describe the image in 1-2 sentences. For example, “woman baking sourdough bread in the oven.” Alt text helps Google “see” the image and improves accessibility.

Link to Other Pages (Internal Links)

Internal links connect your website’s pages. For example, if you mention “keyword research” in a blog post, link it to your guide on keyword research.

Why Internal Links Matter

• They help users discover more content.

• They show Google which pages are important.

But don’t overdo it—only link when it makes sense.

Write Meta Descriptions

A meta description is the short text under your page title on Google. It tells users what your page is about.

Tips for Meta Descriptions

• Keep it under 160 characters.

• Include your keyword and a call to action.

• Example: “Learn how to bake bread at home with this easy guide. Perfect for beginners!”

While Google doesn’t use meta descriptions for rankings, they improve click-through rates.

Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly

Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile phones, says Statista. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, Google will rank it lower.

How to Check Mobile-Friendliness

• Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

• Choose responsive website themes (WordPress or Shopify have many).

Improve Page Speed

Slow websites frustrate users and hurt rankings. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can show your site’s speed and suggest fixes.

Easy Speed Fixes

• Compress images.

• Reduce plugins or apps.

• Use a fast web host.

Take It Step by Step

On-page SEO might feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to do everything at once. Start with small changes:

1. Research keywords.

2. Optimize one blog post.

3. Check your page speed.

Remember, SEO is a long-term game. As Ahrefs says, “Focus on progress, not perfection.”

By following these steps, your website will become more visible, user-friendly, and ready to grow!

Shazid Al Mahmud

Author’s Information: Hello, I am a content writer and copywriter with over 4 years of experience in blog and article writing. Worked with well-known newspapers like Prothom Alo and Financial Express BD on the way.