Website SEO Checklist: 7 Steps to Better Rankings
-
Fix On-Page SEO Basics
- Write clear, keyword-focused title tags and meta descriptions.
- Use proper header tags (H1, H2, H3) and create clean URLs.
- Add descriptive image alt text for accessibility and rankings.
-
Speed Up Your Website
- Optimize images (use WebP, SVG formats).
- Enable caching, compress files, and use a CDN.
- Fix Core Web Vitals like page load speed and layout shifts.
-
Write High-Quality Content
- Focus on detailed, keyword-rich content (aim for 1,500+ words).
- Use long-tail keywords and make content easy to read.
- Add internal links to connect related pages.
-
Fix Technical SEO Issues
- Create an XML sitemap and set up robots.txt.
- Use schema markup for rich snippets.
- Switch to HTTPS for secure browsing.
-
Build Quality Backlinks
- Write guest posts for authoritative sites.
- Fix broken links and pitch your content as a replacement.
- Get listed on resource pages in your niche.
-
Improve Local SEO
- Optimize your Google Business Profile (add photos, reviews).
- Ensure consistent business info (name, address, phone) across directories.
- Write content targeting local keywords and events.
-
Track and Update Results Regularly
- Use Google Search Console and Analytics to monitor performance.
- Check keyword rankings, click-through rates, and bounce rates.
- Refresh underperforming content and adjust strategies every 4–6 months.
SEO is an ongoing process. Start with these steps, track your progress, and update your strategy regularly to stay ahead.
The COMPLETE SEO Checklist for 2024
Step 1: Fix Basic On-Page SEO Elements
On-page SEO is the backbone of any website’s search performance. These elements help search engines understand your content and determine its relevance. Nailing these basics can set you up for better rankings and visibility.
Write Clear Title Tags and Meta Descriptions
Title tags and meta descriptions are essential for summarizing your page to both search engines and users. Title tags directly influence rankings [2], while strong meta descriptions can boost click-through rates.
What makes a great title tag?
- Put your main keyword near the start.
- Keep it between 50–60 characters.
- Add the current year if it makes sense.
- Use numbers or attention-grabbing words.
For instance, instead of a plain title like “SEO Guide”, go for something like “7 SEO Strategies to Boost Rankings in 2025.”
“We will never quit rewriting titles. We’ve seen so many sites whose titles really suck. A lot of sites have no title; a lot of sites have a title saying ‘Top Page.’ In fact, Google almost always rewrites titles. We couldn’t provide useful results to our users if we quit rewriting titles. Experiments showed us users preferred written titles. So, we’ll continue to write titles.” - Gary Illyes, Google [2]
Meta descriptions tip: Since Google rewrites 71% of them in mobile results [3], aim to control your narrative by:
- Writing a unique description for every page.
- Naturally including relevant keywords.
- Adding a clear call-to-action.
- Keeping it under 155 characters.
Use Header Tags Correctly
Headers organize your content and make it easier for both users and search engines to follow. Use them logically, starting with H1 for the main topic, followed by H2s for sections, and H3s for subsections.
| Header Level | Purpose | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | Main topic | Use only once per page; include your main keyword |
| H2 | Major sections | Divide content into clear sections |
| H3 | Subsections | Add details to H2 topics |
Tom Capper from Moz notes: “From a direct ranking perspective, a clear heading on a page is an important signal of what a page is about” [4].
Create Clean URLs and Image Alt Text
Clean URLs make your pages easier to navigate and understand. Stick to these tips:
- Use hyphens between words.
- Keep them short and descriptive.
- Avoid special characters.
- Stick to lowercase letters.
Image alt text serves two purposes: improving accessibility and helping with image search rankings. John Mueller from Google confirms this is a ranking factor [5]. Here’s how to write effective alt text:
- Clearly describe the image.
- Naturally include keywords.
- Skip redundant phrases like “image of.”
- Follow accessibility standards.
For example, instead of <img alt="logo">, use something like <img alt="Lideroo SEO Analytics Dashboard">. This makes your content more useful for both search engines and visually impaired users.
Step 2: Speed Up Your Website
A fast website improves both engagement and search rankings. Let’s focus on making your site load faster.
Reduce Page Load Time
A site that loads in just 1 second converts 2.5× more than one that takes 5 seconds [9]. Here’s how you can improve load times:
Optimize Your Images
Images account for 21% of a webpage’s weight [6]. Choosing the right formats can make a big difference:
| Optimization Type | Best Format | Size Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Photos & Graphics | WebP | 25–34% smaller compared to JPEG |
| Logos & Icons | SVG | Scalable vector format |
| Standard Images | PNG | 26% smaller with WebP lossless |
Other Speed Boosters:
- Enable browser caching (e.g., .htaccess headers)
- Use a CDN to deliver assets quickly
- Compress text files and minify CSS/JavaScript
- Implement lazy loading for images below the fold
“Getting caching right yields huge performance benefits, saves bandwidth, and reduces server costs, but many sites half-arse their caching.”
- Jake Archibald, Developer [7]
Once you’ve improved speed, it’s time to ensure your site works seamlessly on mobile devices.
Make Your Site Mobile-Ready
With 58% of Google searches happening on mobile [8], mobile optimization is critical. Plus, Google’s mobile-first indexing means your mobile site’s performance directly impacts rankings [9].
Key Mobile Optimizations:
- Use responsive design
- Set text size to at least 14px
- Add adequate spacing for clickable elements
- Avoid intrusive pop-ups
- Test your site on actual mobile devices
“Businesses with slow mobile sites may see a decrease in mobile organic rankings on Google” [10]
Now, let’s tackle the metrics that matter most for performance.
Fix Core Web Vitals
Core Web Vitals are key indicators of site performance and can reduce user abandonment by 24% [11].
| Metric | Target | What to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Largest Contentful Paint | Under 2.5s | Optimize the largest page element |
| First Input Delay | Under 100ms | Minimize JavaScript execution |
| Cumulative Layout Shift | Under 0.1 | Prevent unexpected layout shifts |
Easy Fixes:
- Specify image dimensions
- Reserve space for ads and dynamic content
- Remove unused CSS and JavaScript
- Defer non-critical scripts
- Use the CSS aspect-ratio property
Improving these metrics will not only enhance user experience but also boost your site’s search engine rankings.
Step 3: Write Better Content
Creating detailed, high-quality content is key to improving rankings. On average, pages in the top 10 search results contain about 1,447 words [1].
Research and Use Keywords
Keyword research helps you understand what your audience is looking for. Here’s how to use keywords to attract more visitors:
Choose the Right Keywords
| Keyword Type | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Head Terms | Short, high-traffic phrases (e.g., “SEO tips”) | Building authority on a topic |
| Long-tail | Specific, detailed phrases (e.g., “how to optimize website for Google search”) | Easier to rank and drives conversions |
| Local Terms | Location-focused keywords (e.g., “SEO agency Chicago”) | Reaching local customers |
“Targeting those long-tail keywords, because a lot of times the competition is lower on them. And it allows you to really develop a niche and allows you to rank.” - Kalepp [12]
Implement Keywords Effectively
- Add keywords in the first 150 words.
- Use them in H1, H2, or H3 tags.
- Include in image alt text.
- Add them to meta descriptions.
- Focus on 2–5 related keywords per page [13].
Once your keywords are in place, shift your focus to making your content easy to read.
Make Content Readable
A clear and organized structure keeps readers engaged and improves SEO performance. Tools like Lideroo’s AI can help create content that’s both readable and optimized for search engines.
Formatting Best Practices:
- Keep paragraphs short (2–3 sentences).
- Use descriptive subheadings to guide readers.
- Add white space between sections for better flow.
- Highlight important points with bold text.
- Break up text with relevant visuals.
“The brands that go the extra mile to create unique and valuable content will stand out from the brands that get lazy and lean on AI tools too much.” - Noah Kain, owner of Noah Kain Consulting [1]
Link Between Your Pages
Once you’ve nailed your content and keyword strategy, internal linking can take your site to the next level. Experts say that a solid internal linking strategy can boost the rankings of key pages [14].
Internal Linking Strategy:
- Link related articles to main topic pages.
- Use descriptive anchor text that includes keywords.
- Place key links higher up in the content.
- Update older articles with links to new content.
- Connect hierarchical pages (e.g., parent and child pages).
“Great content utilizes keywords and search terms in the H1, H2, and H3 tags. This lets Google and other search engines know what the content is about, and establishes the site as an authority on that content, therefore increasing rankings sitewide.” - Robert Lehmann, owner of Fair Wind Fasteners [1]
Step 4: Fix Technical SEO Issues
Technical SEO makes sure search engines can properly access and understand your content. According to W3Techs, 91% of the top 1,000 websites use HTTPS, showing how crucial these optimizations are [17].
Create an XML Sitemap
An XML sitemap helps search engines find and index all the pages on your site. This is especially useful for sites with over 100 pages [15].
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. URL Collection | Gather all website URLs | Ensures all pages are included |
| 2. XML Formatting | Use proper sitemap tags | Keeps it compliant with search engine requirements |
| 3. Submission | Submit via Google Search Console | Speeds up the indexing process |
“Building and submitting a sitemap is one of the best ways to ensure all of the valuable content on your site can be found by search engines.”
- Nick Haigler, Seer Interactive [15]
Once your sitemap is ready, you should also configure your robots.txt file and add schema markup to provide even more guidance for search engines.
Set Up Robots.txt and Schema
A robots.txt file tells search engines which parts of your site they can or cannot access. Here’s a simple example:
-
Basic Setup
User-agent: * Disallow: Sitemap: https://yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml -
Specific Restrictions
User-agent: * Disallow: /admin/ Disallow: /private/ Allow: /public/
“A robots.txt file tells search engine crawlers which URLs the crawler can access on your site. This is used mainly to avoid overloading your site with requests; it is not a mechanism for keeping a web page out of Google.”
- Google Search Central [16]
Schema markup, on the other hand, helps search engines understand your content better. It can make your site eligible for rich snippets, enhancing its visibility in search results.
Switch to HTTPS
Switching to HTTPS secures your site and can improve your rankings [17][18]. Here’s how to make the switch:
- Purchase and install a trusted SSL certificate.
- Update internal links and set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS.
- Verify the HTTPS version of your site in Google Search Console.
“HTTPS is a ranking factor the absence of which can harm your SEO.”
- Sherrie Gossett, SEO Analyst [19]
Step 5: Get Quality Backlinks
High-quality backlinks are essential for boosting your site’s authority and improving its rankings. Recent data shows that 44% of SEO professionals recommend resource page link building as an effective method [21]. These strategies complement your on-page and technical SEO efforts, signaling trust and relevance to search engines.
Write Guest Posts
Guest posting means creating valuable content for other websites in your niche to earn authoritative backlinks. It’s a powerful way to build credibility and expand your reach.
| Guest Post Element | Best Practice | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Content Type | Case studies, research findings, expert guides | Increases acceptance rate |
| Length | 1,500–2,500 words | Drives better engagement |
| Supporting Media | Custom images, charts, infographics | Boosts shareability |
| Bio Section | Highlight credentials and achievements | Enhances credibility |
“Crafting compelling and shareable guest posts requires a thoughtful approach. Firstly, understand the audience of the platform you’re contributing to, tailoring your content to their interests. Start with a captivating headline that sparks curiosity. Provide value by offering insights, practical tips, or unique perspectives.”
– Chris A. Baird, Self-Publishing Secrets Checklist Creator [20]
Once you’ve secured guest post opportunities, consider leveraging another strategy: fixing broken links.
Fix Broken Links
Broken link building is all about turning dead links into opportunities. By replacing outdated or non-functional links with your content, you can improve your site’s visibility and authority.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use tools like Ahrefs, Google Search Console, or Screaming Frog to find broken links.
- Evaluate the potential value and traffic of each link.
- Create relevant replacement content.
- Reach out to site owners with a clear, compelling pitch.
This approach not only helps website owners fix errors but also positions your content as a valuable resource.
Get Listed on Resource Pages
Resource pages are curated lists of helpful content within specific niches. Getting your content listed on these pages can significantly enhance your backlink profile.
| Action | Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Find and Assess Pages | Google search operators, SEO tools | Locate high-authority resource pages |
| Track Outreach | BuzzStream | Organize contact details and emails |
| Monitor Links | LinkMiner Chrome extension | Spot broken link opportunities |
When reaching out to resource page owners, emphasize how your content adds unique value to their audience.
Finally, avoid shortcuts like paid links, as Google considers them “link spam” created to manipulate rankings [22]. Instead, focus on building backlinks through meaningful content and authentic relationships.
Step 6: Improve Local Search Results
Optimizing for local search is a must for increasing business visibility. With 97% of people searching online to learn about local businesses [25], having a strong local presence can directly impact how easily customers find you and how they engage with your business. This approach works hand-in-hand with your on-page and technical SEO efforts to target customers in your area.
Set Up Google My Business
A well-maintained Google Business Profile (GBP) plays a big role in local search rankings. In fact, 84% of GBP views come from discovery searches - when users look for products or services rather than specific business names [24].
| Profile Element | Impact on Business | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Photos | 520% more calls, 2,717% more direction requests | Add new photos weekly |
| Business Hours | Builds trust and improves visibility | Keep hours updated, especially for holidays |
| Reviews | 62% of customers write reviews if asked | Respond quickly to all reviews |
| Description | Helps you rank for relevant searches | Use the full 750 characters |
“To maximize how often users find your business in local search results, ensure that your business information in Business Profile is accurate, complete, and engaging.” [23]
List Your Business in Directories
Consistency is key when listing your business in online directories. Over half of smartphone users contact businesses directly through these listings [26]. Alongside optimizing your Google Business Profile, accurate and uniform information across directories strengthens your local credibility.
Here are some key directories to focus on:
- Industry-specific directories
- Local business associations
- Review platforms
- Social media platforms
Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details are consistent everywhere to avoid confusing potential customers.
Write Local Content
Publishing location-specific content can help attract local audiences and boost engagement. By addressing local interests and including geographic terms, you can improve your visibility in local searches.
| Local Content Type | Example | SEO Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| City Guides | “Best Coffee Shops in Sedona” | Targets location-based searches |
| Event Coverage | “Aspen Winter Festival 2025” | Highlights local relevance |
| Area-Specific Posts | “Plumbing Tips for Eureka Homes” | Draws in local search traffic |
| Community Updates | “New Business District in Galena” | Establishes authority in the area |
“Localization is a robust process that involves adapting content, products, or services to suit a specific target market or audience’s cultural, linguistic, and regional preferences.” - Meredith Hutchinson, Think Global Forum [27]
Businesses that regularly update their profiles and create localized content see much higher engagement. For example, businesses with over 100 photos on their profiles receive 1,065% more website clicks compared to those with fewer images [24].
Step 7: Track SEO Results
Once you’ve optimized your site’s on-page, technical, and off-page elements, it’s crucial to track your progress. Monitoring your SEO performance with the right tools and metrics allows you to make informed adjustments and sustain improvements.
Use Google’s SEO Tools
Google Search Console and Google Analytics are essential for effective SEO tracking. These tools offer detailed insights into your website’s search performance and user behavior.
| Metric | What to Track | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Search Traffic | Clicks and impressions | Shows how visible and appealing your content is |
| Technical Issues | Crawl errors and mobile usability | Highlights problems that could hurt rankings |
| User Behavior | Time on page and bounce rate | Reflects content quality and relevance |
| Core Web Vitals | Loading, interactivity, stability | Impacts search ranking factors |
“Search Console tools and reports help you measure your site’s Search traffic and performance, fix issues, and make your site shine in Google Search results” [28].
For example, 412 Food Rescue reduced reporting time by 50% by using Google Analytics to study user behavior across platforms [29]. Similarly, McDonald’s Hong Kong saw a 550% jump in in-app orders after leveraging Google Analytics 4 for tracking [29].
These tools provide real-time insights into how your content, technical updates, and backlink strategies are performing.
Check Keyword Rankings
Keep an eye on your keyword rankings to see how well your content aligns with search intent. Google Search Console stores keyword data for up to 16 months [30], making it easier to analyze trends over time.
Key metrics to monitor include:
- Click-through rate (CTR) for individual pages
- Average position changes over time
- Top-performing queries
- Pages with low CTR
Update Your SEO Regularly
SEO isn’t a one-and-done task. To maintain your progress, schedule regular reviews and updates every 4-6 months [31].
| Time Period | Review Tasks | Action Items |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Check technical issues | Fix crawl errors and broken links |
| Monthly | Analyze keyword performance | Refresh underperforming content |
| Quarterly | Review content strategy | Plan new content based on current trends |
| Bi-annually | Audit backlink profile | Remove harmful links and build new ones |
Staying proactive can help you avoid potential problems. For instance, Lider reduced its Cost Per Acquisition by 85% and increased its conversion rate 18X using Google Analytics [29].
Regular updates ensure your SEO strategy stays relevant and adapts to changes in search trends.
Conclusion: Next Steps for Better Rankings
SEO is a constant process. With Google rolling out over 600 algorithm updates every year [32], keeping up-to-date with the latest SEO practices is key to maintaining and improving your search rankings.
The SEO industry is expected to hit $122 billion globally by 2028 [33], showing just how crucial search optimization has become. While it may take 4–12 months to see noticeable results [33], the rewards are worth it: the first organic search result gets ten times more clicks than the result in the tenth spot [33].
| Time Period | Key Actions | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| First Month | Conduct a technical SEO audit and fix major issues | Better crawlability |
| Months 2–3 | Optimize content and start building backlinks | Improved keyword visibility |
| Months 4–6 | Track metrics and adjust strategies | Increased organic traffic |
| Ongoing | Update strategies every 3–6 months | Consistent ranking growth |
“Your SEO strategy needs to be revamped every three to six months because if you keep doing the same thing, you’ll see the same results.” - Adam Heitzman [32]
Stick to this timeline to guide your efforts, and enhance your approach with advanced tools.
AI-powered tools like Lideroo can simplify technical SEO tasks such as:
- Generating meta tags automatically
- Creating XML sitemaps
- Adding schema markup
- Offering SEO recommendations
- Suggesting content improvements
For continuous monitoring, pair Lideroo’s features with platforms like Google Search Console or Semrush [34][35] to gain detailed insights and stay ahead.
Search engines focus heavily on user experience and relevant content. As Ryan Law and Jimmy Daly explain, “Freshness is one of Google’s indirect ranking factors, as they prefer that your pages be updated regularly, especially if your target keyword demands it” [32]. Regular updates and strategic adjustments will keep your content competitive.
