Search Engine Optimization
Pre-SEO Assessment
- Utilize tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs.
- Assess site speed, mobile usability, and overall design.
- Identify existing optimization efforts and their effectiveness.
- Document current keyword rankings and organic traffic levels.
- Review on-page elements like title tags and meta descriptions.
- Identify top competitors in your niche.
- Use tools like Moz or SpyFu for keyword analysis.
- Examine their backlink strategies and content topics.
- Assess their social media engagement and audience interaction.
- Document successful tactics that could inform your strategy.
- Utilize Google Analytics for traffic overview.
- Analyze bounce rates, session durations, and user paths.
- Identify traffic sources: organic, direct, referral, social.
- Evaluate conversion rates and goal completions.
- Look for trends over time in user engagement.
- Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
- Identify elements slowing down the site (images, scripts).
- Review server response times and hosting reliability.
- Document speed scores and recommended improvements.
- Test performance on different devices and browsers.
- Perform mobile usability tests using Google's Mobile-Friendly Test.
- Check responsive design across various screen sizes.
- Identify issues like text readability and button accessibility.
- Document necessary adjustments for improved mobile experience.
- Review user engagement metrics specifically for mobile users.
- Use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to analyze backlinks.
- Identify and document toxic or low-quality links.
- Check for spammy domains and unnatural link patterns.
- Create a disavow list for harmful backlinks.
- Monitor competitor backlinks for potential opportunities.
- Evaluate content for clarity, engagement, and usefulness.
- Check for keyword optimization and appropriate use of headers.
- Identify outdated or irrelevant content needing updates.
- Document content gaps and opportunities for new topics.
- Ensure proper internal linking and multimedia usage.
- Use Google Search Console for crawl error reports.
- Identify and document broken links throughout the site.
- Check for proper XML sitemap configuration.
- Review robots.txt file for any blocking issues.
- Ensure the site is easily crawlable by search engines.
- Evaluate intuitive navigation and logical structure.
- Check for clear calls-to-action and user-friendly design.
- Analyze user flow and identify potential roadblocks.
- Gather user feedback on site usability.
- Document recommendations for improved UX.
- Review social media profiles for consistency with branding.
- Check engagement metrics on posts and campaigns.
- Assess integration of social sharing buttons on site.
- Document opportunities for increased social engagement.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of social media in driving traffic.
- Evaluate visibility and placement of CTAs on pages.
- Analyze conversion rates associated with each CTA.
- Test various CTA wording and designs for effectiveness.
- Document user interactions and feedback on CTAs.
- Identify areas for optimization based on user behavior.
- Check for unique title tags and meta descriptions.
- Ensure keyword optimization without keyword stuffing.
- Document character limits for better display in SERPs.
- Evaluate effectiveness in driving click-through rates.
- Identify missing or duplicate meta tags for correction.
- Ensure each page has a unique H1 tag.
- Check for proper hierarchy in header tag usage.
- Document keyword usage in header tags for optimization.
- Evaluate clarity and relevance of headers for content.
- Identify opportunities for better structuring of content.
- Conduct keyword research to find high-potential terms.
- Analyze content performance against target keywords.
- Document keywords that competitors rank for but you don’t.
- Identify user intent behind potential keyword opportunities.
- Create a plan for content development based on gaps.
- Identify internal strengths related to SEO capabilities.
- Document weaknesses that could hinder SEO performance.
- Explore opportunities in emerging trends or niches.
- Assess external threats from competitors or market changes.
- Create a strategic plan based on the analysis.
- Check for a verified Google My Business listing.
- Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across platforms.
- Evaluate local keywords and their usage in content.
- Gather and respond to customer reviews for local engagement.
- Document opportunities for local link building.
- Use tools like Siteliner or Copyscape to find duplicates.
- Document pages with duplicate content issues.
- Implement canonical tags where necessary.
- Evaluate the impact of duplicates on SEO performance.
- Create a plan to consolidate or differentiate content.
Keyword Research
- Brainstorm core topics related to your business.
- List potential keywords clients might use.
- Categorize keywords into primary and secondary based on relevance.
- Consider synonyms and variations of keywords.
- Use customer feedback for keyword insights.
- Select reliable keyword research tools (e.g., Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush).
- Input your identified keywords into the tools.
- Review the search volume data for each keyword.
- Check competition levels to gauge difficulty.
- Prioritize keywords based on volume and competition.
- Identify longer, more specific keyword phrases.
- Evaluate search volume and competition for these phrases.
- Consider user intent behind long-tail keywords.
- Incorporate relevant long-tail keywords into your content strategy.
- Utilize long-tail keywords to attract targeted traffic.
On-Page SEO
- Include the primary keyword at the beginning.
- Keep the title length under 60 characters.
- Make it engaging to increase click-through rates.
- Avoid keyword stuffing; maintain natural readability.
- Summarize the page content succinctly.
- Use the target keyword naturally within the description.
- Keep the length between 150-160 characters.
- Incorporate a call to action to entice clicks.
- Use only one H1 tag per page for the main title.
- Include relevant keywords in H2 and H3 tags.
- Maintain a logical hierarchy for user readability.
- Avoid over-optimization; keep headers natural.
- Make URLs readable and user-friendly.
- Include primary keywords in the URL.
- Use hyphens to separate words.
- Keep URLs short and avoid unnecessary parameters.
- Describe the image accurately using keywords.
- Keep alt text concise; under 125 characters is ideal.
- Avoid keyword stuffing; focus on clarity.
- Ensure each image has unique alt text.
- Link to relevant internal pages using descriptive anchor text.
- Use a logical structure for easy navigation.
- Avoid excessive linking; maintain a clean layout.
- Regularly check for broken links and fix them.
- Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity.
- Answer questions directly within the content.
- Highlight key information at the beginning.
- Use headings to separate different sections.
- Identify relevant schema types for your content.
- Implement schema markup using JSON-LD format.
- Validate your markup with Google's Structured Data Testing Tool.
- Regularly update schema to reflect content changes.
- Use responsive design techniques for layouts.
- Test content on various devices for usability.
- Optimize images and fonts for mobile viewing.
- Ensure buttons and links are easily clickable.
- Compress images without losing quality.
- Enable browser caching to speed up returning visits.
- Minimize HTTP requests by combining files.
- Use Content Delivery Networks (CDN) to serve content faster.
- Research related keywords to include in the content.
- Incorporate LSI keywords naturally within the text.
- Avoid overusing primary keywords to maintain balance.
- Use synonyms and variations to enhance relevance.
- Understand your audience's needs and preferences.
- Provide comprehensive answers to common questions.
- Use storytelling elements to engage readers.
- Regularly update content to maintain relevance.
- Create a clear breadcrumb trail for users.
- Link each breadcrumb to the corresponding page.
- Keep breadcrumbs consistent across the site.
- Ensure they are visible and easy to follow.
- Review content periodically for accuracy and updates.
- Add new information or insights as necessary.
- Remove outdated references or links.
- Promote refreshed content through social media.
- Include share buttons on all relevant pages.
- Make buttons easily accessible and visible.
- Encourage users to share by highlighting sharing benefits.
- Track sharing metrics to analyze engagement.
- Use analytics tools to track user behavior.
- Identify pages with high bounce rates for improvement.
- Enhance content and design to improve dwell time.
- Regularly review and adjust based on user feedback.
Content Strategy
- Identify user needs and preferences.
- Research relevant topics and industry trends.
- Write clear, informative, and well-structured content.
- Use visuals to support textual information.
- Ensure content aligns with user intent.
- Conduct keyword research to find relevant terms.
- Use primary keywords in headings and subheadings.
- Distribute secondary keywords throughout the text.
- Avoid keyword stuffing; prioritize readability.
- Monitor keyword performance for adjustments.
- Review content for outdated information.
- Add new statistics, examples, or insights.
- Change publication dates to reflect updates.
- Improve SEO elements like titles and meta descriptions.
- Engage with user feedback for further enhancements.
- Assess audience preferences for content types.
- Create a mix of formats for diverse engagement.
- Ensure all formats align with brand messaging.
- Optimize each format for SEO where applicable.
- Track performance across different formats.
- Utilize surveys and questionnaires for feedback.
- Analyze social media interactions and comments.
- Review competitor audience engagement strategies.
- Segment audience based on demographics and behavior.
- Adjust content strategy based on insights gained.
- Outline key themes and topics for each month.
- Assign deadlines and responsible team members.
- Include important dates and events for relevance.
- Review and adjust the calendar regularly.
- Ensure consistency in publication frequency.
- Use headings to break up large text blocks.
- Incorporate bullet points for easy scanning.
- Limit paragraphs to 2-3 sentences for clarity.
- Choose simple language to facilitate understanding.
- Utilize whitespace effectively for better layout.
- Link to relevant internal pages to keep users engaged.
- Source credible external references to support claims.
- Use descriptive anchor text for clarity.
- Check links regularly to avoid broken links.
- Monitor user engagement with linked content.
- Define clear objectives for each piece of content.
- Place CTAs strategically within the content.
- Use action-oriented language to motivate users.
- Test different CTA designs and placements.
- Analyze conversion rates to assess effectiveness.
- Encourage audience participation through contests or polls.
- Highlight user testimonials and reviews.
- Share user-generated content on official channels.
- Provide guidelines for submissions to maintain quality.
- Engage with users who contribute content.
- Develop a social media strategy for content sharing.
- Use appropriate hashtags for wider reach.
- Engage with followers to encourage sharing.
- Schedule posts for optimal times based on analytics.
- Monitor engagement and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Select appropriate SEO tools for analysis.
- Review key metrics like traffic, bounce rate, and conversions.
- Identify high-performing content for replication.
- Spot underperforming areas for improvement.
- Regularly update strategies based on tool insights.
- Identify relevant influencers in your niche.
- Reach out with collaboration proposals.
- Co-create valuable content that benefits both parties.
- Promote collaborative content across all channels.
- Measure the impact of collaborations on reach.
- Follow industry news and updates regularly.
- Use tools to track trending topics in real-time.
- Engage with industry forums and discussions.
- Adapt content strategy to include relevant trends.
- Analyze audience response to timely content.
Technical SEO
- Use responsive design techniques for layout.
- Test on various devices and screen sizes.
- Ensure touch elements are accessible.
- Optimize navigation for mobile users.
- Minimize HTTP requests by reducing file sizes.
- Enable browser caching for static resources.
- Optimize images using compression tools.
- Utilize asynchronous loading for scripts.
- Obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted provider.
- Install the certificate on your server.
- Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
- Update internal links to use HTTPS.
- Generate an XML sitemap using online tools.
- Include all relevant URLs in the sitemap.
- Submit the sitemap via Google Search Console.
- Update the sitemap regularly for new content.
- Create a robots.txt file in the root directory.
- Specify which pages to allow or disallow for crawling.
- Avoid blocking important resources like CSS and JS.
- Test the file using the robots.txt Tester tool.
- Use hyphens to separate words in URLs.
- Keep URLs concise and relevant to the content.
- Include target keywords where appropriate.
- Avoid using special characters or unnecessary parameters.
- Identify which types of schema markup to use.
- Add JSON-LD or Microdata formats to your HTML.
- Test the markup using Google's Structured Data Testing Tool.
- Monitor search result enhancements in Google Search Console.
- Compress images to reduce file size without quality loss.
- Use descriptive filenames for images.
- Add alt text that describes the image content.
- Utilize responsive images with different resolutions.
- Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to identify broken links.
- Update or remove links that lead to 404 pages.
- Regularly check both internal and external links.
- Document changes for future reference.
- Identify pages with duplicate content.
- Add a canonical tag to the preferred version.
- Ensure the canonical tag points to the correct URL.
- Test the implementation with SEO tools.
- Implement rel=prev and rel=next tags on paginated pages.
- Ensure each page has unique titles and meta descriptions.
- Limit the number of items per page for usability.
- Consider lazy loading for better performance.
- Use one H1 tag per page for the main title.
- Utilize H2 tags for section headings.
- Employ H3 and H4 tags for subheadings as needed.
- Maintain a logical hierarchy in headings.
- Use the 'loading' attribute in image tags.
- Implement lazy loading scripts for non-image elements.
- Test loading behavior to ensure proper functionality.
- Monitor performance improvements using analytics tools.
- Use Google Search Console to check indexing status.
- Look for any pages that are excluded from indexing.
- Submit a reindex request for important pages.
- Review the robots.txt and meta tags for restrictions.
- Regularly check the Coverage report for errors.
- Identify and fix 404 errors and server issues.
- Ensure redirects are correctly implemented.
- Document errors and resolutions for future reference.
- Create a clear hierarchy with main categories and subcategories.
- Use descriptive anchor text for internal links.
- Limit the number of clicks needed to reach content.
- Review and update internal links regularly.
- Select a reliable CDN provider.
- Integrate the CDN with your website.
- Cache static resources to improve load times.
- Monitor performance improvements post-implementation.
- Use tools like UglifyJS for JavaScript minification.
- Leverage CSS minifiers to compress stylesheets.
- Combine multiple files into single files to reduce requests.
- Test site functionality after minification.
- Create AMP versions of your web pages.
- Ensure compliance with AMP HTML standards.
- Test AMP pages using the AMP Validator.
- Monitor performance improvements and user engagement.
- Set reminders for SSL certificate expiration dates.
- Renew the certificate ahead of its expiration.
- Update the server with the new certificate.
- Verify that HTTPS is functioning correctly post-renewal.
Off-Page SEO
- Identify authoritative websites in your niche.
- Create compelling content that others want to link to.
- Reach out to website owners with personalized emails.
- Utilize tools like Ahrefs or Moz for link tracking.
- Regularly update your strategy based on results.
- Create accounts on major social platforms.
- Share engaging and relevant content regularly.
- Interact with followers through comments and messages.
- Use targeted ads to reach a larger audience.
- Analyze engagement metrics to refine your approach.
- Set up Google Alerts for brand mentions.
- Regularly check review sites for feedback.
- Respond promptly and professionally to reviews.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
- Address negative feedback constructively and swiftly.
- Identify influencers or bloggers relevant to your niche.
- Craft a compelling pitch for collaboration.
- Offer to write quality content in exchange for exposure.
- Share the content widely to maximize reach.
- Build long-term relationships for future collaborations.
- Join forums and groups relevant to your industry.
- Contribute valuable insights and answers to questions.
- Include links to your site when appropriate.
- Avoid spamming; focus on building relationships.
- Monitor discussions for opportunities to engage.
- Research local directories relevant to your industry.
- Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across listings.
- Engage with local businesses for partnerships.
- Attend local events to network and enhance visibility.
- Collect local reviews to boost local SEO.
- Develop visually appealing and informative infographics.
- Produce engaging videos that address audience pain points.
- Promote content on social media and email newsletters.
- Encourage sharing by including social share buttons.
- Track shares and links generated from your content.
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze competitors.
- Identify their high-quality backlinks.
- Reach out to similar sites for your own backlinks.
- Explore content topics that attract backlinks.
- Adapt successful strategies for your own site.
- Create a media kit with essential information.
- Craft compelling press releases for newsworthy events.
- Build relationships with journalists and editors.
- Pitch story ideas that align with their interests.
- Follow up on submissions to maintain engagement.
- Attend industry conferences and networking events.
- Engage in conversations with attendees and speakers.
- Exchange contact information for future collaboration.
- Follow up with meaningful connections after the event.
- Discuss potential content partnerships for backlinks.
- Identify popular bookmarking sites relevant to your niche.
- Create engaging titles and descriptions for your content.
- Share links to your website and blog posts.
- Encourage others to bookmark and share your content.
- Monitor traffic from these sites for effectiveness.
- Compile a list of relevant websites to target.
- Craft personalized outreach emails for each contact.
- Propose value-driven collaboration ideas.
- Follow up if there is no response after a week.
- Track responses and adjust your approach as needed.
- Regularly review competitor backlinks and content strategies.
- Identify trends and successful tactics in their approach.
- Adapt strategies that align with your goals.
- Experiment with new tactics based on competitor insights.
- Document findings to refine your own strategy.
- Identify topics that are valuable to your audience.
- Compile and present information in an organized manner.
- Promote the resource page through social media and email.
- Encourage others to link to your resource for credibility.
- Update the resource regularly to maintain value.
Monitoring and Analytics
- Create accounts for both tools.
- Add tracking codes to website's header.
- Verify website ownership in Google Search Console.
- Link Google Analytics with Search Console for integrated data.
- Use tracking tools to check keyword positions weekly.
- Review organic traffic sources in Google Analytics.
- Compare performance against previous periods.
- Identify trends and fluctuations for adjustments.
- Access engagement reports in Google Analytics.
- Identify pages with high bounce rates.
- Evaluate average session duration.
- Adjust content and layout to improve engagement.
- Identify underperforming keywords and content.
- Update meta tags and on-page elements.
- Refine targeting based on analytics insights.
- Test new strategies for continuous improvement.
- Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush for audits.
- Identify toxic or irrelevant backlinks.
- Disavow harmful links in Google Search Console.
- Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks.
- Set up conversion goals in Google Analytics.
- Monitor goal completions regularly.
- Analyze user pathways leading to conversions.
- Adjust strategies based on conversion data.
- Implement heatmap tools like Hotjar or Crazy Egg.
- Analyze where users click and scroll.
- Review session recordings for user interactions.
- Identify areas for UX improvements.
- Run tests on PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
- Identify factors affecting load speed.
- Optimize images and scripts for faster loading.
- Ensure mobile responsiveness across devices.
- Use Google Analytics to create custom alerts.
- Set thresholds for traffic drops or ranking changes.
- Review alerts regularly and investigate causes.
- Adjust strategies based on alert findings.
- Use tools like SEMrush or Moz for competitor analysis.
- Identify competitor keywords and backlink strategies.
- Evaluate their content and engagement tactics.
- Adapt successful strategies to your own approach.
- Review page analytics for traffic and engagement.
- Identify content with low performance metrics.
- Update or enhance underperforming content.
- Monitor improvements after changes are made.
- Schedule regular reviews of current goals.
- Adjust KPIs based on business changes.
- Ensure all tracking aligns with overall strategy.
- Document changes for future reference.
- Set clear objectives for A/B tests.
- Use tools like Google Optimize for testing.
- Compare performance of variations against control.
- Implement winning changes based on data.
- Maintain a centralized document for insights.
- Regularly update findings from analyses.
- Share insights with the team for collaboration.
- Use documentation to guide future strategies.
Continuous Improvement
- Follow industry blogs and news websites.
- Subscribe to newsletters from SEO thought leaders.
- Attend webinars and conferences for the latest insights.
- Join relevant online communities and forums.
- Use tools like Google Analytics for performance metrics.
- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for success.
- A/B test different strategies to see what works.
- Adjust tactics based on data-driven results.
- Schedule audits quarterly or bi-annually.
- Check for broken links, page speed, and mobile-friendliness.
- Review keyword rankings and on-page SEO elements.
- Identify and rectify any technical SEO issues.
- Hold regular brainstorming sessions with the team.
- Create a shared document for idea submissions.
- Pair team members with different skill sets.
- Celebrate and implement successful ideas as a team.
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs for competitor analysis.
- Identify their top-performing keywords and content.
- Analyze their backlink profiles for potential link opportunities.
- Adapt successful tactics to fit your own strategy.
- Conduct surveys or feedback forms on your website.
- Utilize tools like Hotjar for user behavior insights.
- Analyze feedback for common trends or issues.
- Make data-driven changes based on user suggestions.
- Test blog posts, videos, infographics, and podcasts.
- Experiment with social media platforms for distribution.
- Monitor engagement metrics to determine effectiveness.
- Adjust content strategy based on user preferences.
- Identify outdated content through regular audits.
- Refresh statistics, links, and keywords in old articles.
- Consider republishing or promoting updated content.
- Ensure all information aligns with current practices.
- Define clear objectives for traffic, rankings, and conversions.
- Use SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Review goals monthly or quarterly.
- Adjust strategies based on goal progress.
- Join popular SEO forums like Moz or Search Engine Roundtable.
- Contribute to discussions and ask questions.
- Network with other professionals for best practices.
- Share your insights and learn from shared experiences.
- Identify elements to test (headlines, images, layouts).
- Use tools like Optimizely or Google Optimize for testing.
- Monitor performance metrics for each variation.
- Implement the winning version based on results.
- Use analytics tools to track user engagement.
- Identify trends in traffic sources and user interactions.
- Adapt content and SEO strategies based on findings.
- Stay responsive to shifts in user preferences.
- Provide access to online courses and certifications.
- Encourage attendance at industry conferences.
- Share valuable resources and articles within the team.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Research AI tools for content optimization.
- Test automation tools for SEO tasks.
- Stay informed about new SEO software releases.
- Evaluate tools based on team needs and budget.
Use in Manifestly