AI Checklist Generator

From the makers of Manifestly Checklists

Home > Marketing > seo technical

seo technical

1. Website Structure

  • Organize content into categories and subcategories.
  • Use a top-down approach for navigation menus.
  • Ensure each category is easily accessible from the homepage.
  • Limit the number of top-level categories to avoid confusion.
  • Generate an XML sitemap using tools like Yoast or Screaming Frog.
  • Ensure all important pages are included in the sitemap.
  • Submit the sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.
  • Regularly update the sitemap with new content.
  • Add breadcrumb links to the top of each page.
  • Ensure breadcrumbs reflect the site structure accurately.
  • Make breadcrumbs clickable to improve navigation.
  • Style breadcrumbs clearly to distinguish them from other content.
  • Use keywords in category names for SEO benefits.
  • Ensure names are intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Avoid jargon and overly complex terms.
  • Keep names concise yet descriptive.
  • Map out the user journey to identify click paths.
  • Reorganize content if pages are more than three clicks deep.
  • Use dropdown menus for easier access to subcategories.
  • Regularly test navigation paths for efficiency.
  • Create URLs that are short and descriptive.
  • Avoid using excessive parameters or subfolders.
  • Implement a consistent URL format across the site.
  • Use hyphens to separate words in URLs.
  • Identify key pages that need visibility.
  • Include these pages in the main navigation.
  • Regularly review and update the main navigation as needed.
  • Avoid cluttering the menu; prioritize essential links.
  • Use flexible layouts that adjust to screen sizes.
  • Test the site on various devices and browsers.
  • Optimize images and media for faster loading.
  • Ensure navigation is user-friendly on mobile devices.
  • Schedule periodic audits of the site structure.
  • Analyze user behavior with tools like Google Analytics.
  • Adjust categories and navigation based on insights.
  • Stay informed on industry trends to anticipate changes.
  • Identify pages that have changed URLs.
  • Set up 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones.
  • Test redirects to ensure they work correctly.
  • Update internal links to point to new URLs.
  • Identify main topics or services for your audience.
  • Design dedicated landing pages for these areas.
  • Include targeted keywords and relevant content.
  • Optimize landing pages for conversions.
  • Craft descriptive title tags that include primary keywords.
  • Write unique meta descriptions for each page.
  • Keep title tags under 60 characters and meta descriptions under 160.
  • Regularly review and update tags as content changes.

2. URL Structure

  • Incorporate primary keywords relevant to the page content.
  • Ensure the URL accurately reflects the topic of the page.
  • Avoid unnecessary words that do not add value.
  • Limit URL structure to letters, numbers, and hyphens.
  • Remove query strings and session IDs when possible.
  • Keep URLs user-friendly and easy to type.
  • Set up 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones.
  • Ensure all links pointing to outdated URLs are updated.
  • Test redirects to confirm they work correctly.
  • Replace spaces with hyphens to improve URL clarity.
  • Avoid underscores as they can be misread by search engines.
  • Maintain consistency in hyphen usage across URLs.
  • Limit the length of the URL to under 60 characters.
  • Remove unnecessary words while retaining key information.
  • Focus on the main topic of the page.
  • Check for existing URLs before creating new ones.
  • Use variations or modifiers if similar content exists.
  • Establish a URL naming convention to maintain uniqueness.
  • Standardize URL structure to use only lowercase letters.
  • Avoid mixed-case URLs which may lead to duplicate content.
  • Implement redirects for any uppercase URLs.
  • Structure URLs with a maximum of two subdirectories.
  • Organize content logically to reduce complexity.
  • Simplify URLs to enhance user experience.
  • Place the primary keyword at the start of the URL.
  • Ensure keywords reflect the content accurately.
  • Avoid overloading the beginning with multiple keywords.
  • Use keywords in a way that reads naturally.
  • Limit the frequency of keywords to maintain readability.
  • Focus on user intent rather than cramming keywords.
  • Use tools to identify broken links on the site.
  • Update or redirect broken URLs to functional pages.
  • Schedule regular audits to maintain URL health.
  • Design URLs to mirror site navigation and content categories.
  • Use clear, descriptive names for each section.
  • Maintain a consistent structure across all URLs.
  • Implement canonical tags on duplicate content pages.
  • Specify the main version of the URL for search engines.
  • Keep track of canonical URLs for all key pages.

3. Mobile Optimization

  • Use a fluid grid layout that adapts to various screen sizes.
  • Implement CSS media queries to adjust styles for different devices.
  • Test across multiple devices and browsers for consistency.
  • Check for any horizontal scrolling issues on mobile.
  • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze load times.
  • Compress images and utilize modern formats like WebP.
  • Minimize HTTP requests by combining CSS and JavaScript files.
  • Leverage browser caching and a content delivery network (CDN).
  • Follow AMP HTML guidelines for creating optimized pages.
  • Validate AMP pages using the AMP Validator tool.
  • Ensure that all essential content is included in AMP versions.
  • Use AMP Cache for improved loading speed.
  • Use responsive images with the 'srcset' attribute.
  • Compress images without sacrificing quality.
  • Avoid large video files; consider using streaming instead.
  • Utilize lazy loading for off-screen images.
  • Set base font size to at least 16px for body text.
  • Use contrasting colors for text and background for readability.
  • Avoid using too many different font styles.
  • Limit line length to enhance reading comfort.
  • Make buttons at least 44px in height and width.
  • Space links at least 10px apart to prevent mis-clicks.
  • Ensure that interactive elements are easily accessible.
  • Use clear labels for buttons and links.
  • Use a hamburger menu to save space on smaller screens.
  • Ensure navigation links are easily identifiable.
  • Limit the number of menu items to avoid clutter.
  • Consider sticky navigation for easy access.
  • Enter your website URL into the testing tool.
  • Review the report for any identified issues.
  • Fix any problems highlighted in the report.
  • Retest after making changes to ensure improvements.
  • Limit the use of pop-ups to essential messages only.
  • Ensure that pop-ups can be easily closed.
  • Avoid full-screen interstitials that block content.
  • Test how pop-ups affect user engagement metrics.
  • Add the viewport meta tag in the head section of your HTML.
  • Set the width to 'device-width' for responsive scaling.
  • Use initial-scale=1.0 for proper zoom settings.
  • Test on various devices to ensure proper rendering.
  • Use appropriate input types (e.g., email, tel) for better UX.
  • Label fields clearly and consider using placeholders.
  • Enable autofill features in form fields.
  • Keep forms short and only ask for essential information.
  • Analyze user data and behavior regularly.
  • Stay updated on mobile optimization best practices.
  • Test new techniques and features regularly.
  • Gather user feedback to identify pain points.
  • Set up Google Analytics to track mobile users.
  • Review conversion funnels specifically for mobile traffic.
  • Identify drop-off points and optimize accordingly.
  • Regularly compare mobile metrics with desktop performance.

4. Site Speed

  • Visit the Google PageSpeed Insights website.
  • Enter your website URL in the provided field.
  • Click 'Analyze' to receive performance scores.
  • Review recommendations for improving load times.
  • Identify images on your site that need optimization.
  • Use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to compress images.
  • Convert images to appropriate formats (e.g., JPEG, PNG, WebP).
  • Replace original images with optimized versions.
  • Identify CSS and JavaScript files that can be combined.
  • Use tools like Webpack or Gulp to merge files.
  • Ensure functionality remains intact after combining.
  • Update your HTML to reference the new combined files.
  • Edit your server configuration (e.g., .htaccess for Apache).
  • Set expiration dates for static resources.
  • Use cache-control headers to specify caching policies.
  • Test caching with tools like GTmetrix.
  • Choose a CDN provider (e.g., Cloudflare, Akamai).
  • Sign up and configure your account.
  • Point your domain to the CDN's servers.
  • Test your site to ensure resources are delivered via the CDN.
  • Analyze server performance using tools like Pingdom.
  • Upgrade to a faster hosting plan if necessary.
  • Optimize database queries and clean up unused data.
  • Implement server caching mechanisms.
  • Identify images and videos on your pages.
  • Use the 'loading' attribute with 'lazy' in your HTML.
  • Implement JavaScript solutions if necessary for older browsers.
  • Test functionality to ensure media loads correctly.
  • Use tools like CSSNano or UglifyJS for minification.
  • Remove unused CSS and JavaScript code.
  • Combine files after minification for efficiency.
  • Test to ensure site functionality remains intact.
  • Add 'async' or 'defer' attributes to script tags.
  • Place JavaScript files at the bottom of your HTML.
  • Test the impact on page load speed.
  • Monitor for any issues related to script execution.
  • Research and compare web hosting providers.
  • Look for uptime guarantees and performance reviews.
  • Choose a plan that suits your traffic needs.
  • Migrate your site if switching providers.
  • Audit your current redirects using a tool.
  • Remove unnecessary or outdated redirects.
  • Consolidate multiple redirects into a single one where possible.
  • Test to ensure all links function correctly.
  • Schedule regular performance audits using tools.
  • Keep track of load times over time.
  • Address any identified issues promptly.
  • Document changes and their effects on performance.
  • Learn about AMP and its requirements.
  • Implement AMP HTML for critical pages.
  • Test AMP pages with the AMP Validator.
  • Monitor performance improvements in mobile traffic.

5. Secure Website

  • Obtain an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority.
  • Update your website configuration to redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS.
  • Verify that all pages are accessible via HTTPS.
  • Test website functionality to ensure no issues arise from the change.
  • Check the expiry date of your current SSL certificate.
  • Renew the certificate at least a month before it expires.
  • Use tools to verify the certificate installation and configuration.
  • Regularly monitor for any certificate warnings or errors.
  • Use browser developer tools to identify mixed content warnings.
  • Update all links and resources to use HTTPS.
  • Implement a content scanner to catch future mixed content issues.
  • Test your site after changes to ensure proper loading.
  • Add the HSTS header to your server configuration.
  • Set a reasonable max-age for the HSTS policy.
  • Include the preload directive if you want to be included in browsers’ HSTS preload lists.
  • Test the implementation using online HSTS validators.
  • Configure your web server to include necessary security headers.
  • Define a Content Security Policy to restrict resource loading.
  • Set the X-Content-Type-Options header to prevent MIME type sniffing.
  • Use X-Frame-Options to protect against clickjacking.
  • Schedule audits at least quarterly or after major updates.
  • Use automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities.
  • Review server configurations and permissions.
  • Document findings and remediate any identified issues.
  • Regularly check for updates from software vendors.
  • Enable automatic updates where possible.
  • Test updates on a staging environment before live deployment.
  • Remove unused plugins and software to minimize vulnerabilities.
  • Set up logging to capture all access attempts.
  • Use monitoring tools to alert you of suspicious activities.
  • Regularly review logs for unusual patterns or access.
  • Implement a firewall to block malicious traffic.
  • Draft a privacy policy that complies with relevant regulations.
  • Clearly outline data collection, usage, and sharing practices.
  • Make the privacy policy easily accessible on your website.
  • Regularly review and update the policy as needed.
  • Research and select reputable security plugins or services.
  • Install and configure selected plugins according to best practices.
  • Enable firewall and malware scanning features.
  • Regularly review security reports generated by the plugins.
  • Schedule automated backups at regular intervals.
  • Store backups in multiple locations (local and cloud).
  • Test backup restoration processes periodically.
  • Ensure backup includes all files, databases, and configurations.

6. On-Page SEO

  • Research primary and secondary keywords.
  • Craft unique title tags under 60 characters.
  • Write compelling meta descriptions under 160 characters.
  • Include keywords naturally in both title and description.
  • Use H1 for the main title only.
  • Employ H2 for section headings and H3 for subsections.
  • Ensure headers are keyword-rich and descriptive.
  • Maintain a logical structure for improved readability.
  • Describe the image contextually in the alt text.
  • Incorporate relevant keywords where appropriate.
  • Keep alt text concise, ideally under 125 characters.
  • Ensure every image on the page includes alt text.
  • Identify primary keywords for the page.
  • Integrate keywords naturally in the opening paragraph.
  • Avoid keyword stuffing; focus on readability.
  • Use synonyms to enhance context and relevance.
  • Create content that addresses user queries.
  • Utilize a conversational tone for engagement.
  • Incorporate data, examples, and visuals to enhance value.
  • Regularly assess content performance and adjust as needed.
  • Keep URLs short and descriptive.
  • Include primary keywords in the URL structure.
  • Use hyphens to separate words for readability.
  • Avoid unnecessary parameters and numbers.
  • Link to relevant pages within your site.
  • Use descriptive anchor text for links.
  • Ensure important pages are easily accessible.
  • Review and update links regularly to avoid broken links.
  • Identify a range of related keywords.
  • Incorporate synonyms naturally into the text.
  • Avoid overusing any one keyword to prevent penalties.
  • Use keyword variations to enhance context.
  • Use responsive design techniques for all pages.
  • Ensure text is legible on smaller screens.
  • Optimize images for faster loading on mobile.
  • Test usability on various mobile devices.
  • Choose appropriate schema types for your content.
  • Implement structured data using JSON-LD format.
  • Test schema with Google's Rich Results Test.
  • Regularly update schema as content changes.
  • Identify common questions in your niche.
  • Structure content with clear headings and bullet points.
  • Provide concise answers at the beginning of sections.
  • Use lists, tables, and other formats for clarity.
  • Set a schedule for content review.
  • Add new information and insights as they arise.
  • Remove outdated content or redirect users.
  • Promote updated content to drive traffic.
  • Identify duplicate content across your site.
  • Implement canonical tags on duplicate pages.
  • Ensure canonical tags point to the preferred version.
  • Test canonical tags using SEO tools.
  • Choose prominent locations for sharing buttons.
  • Use recognizable icons for social platforms.
  • Track shares through analytics tools.
  • Encourage users to share with call-to-action prompts.
  • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights for analysis.
  • Optimize images and leverage browser caching.
  • Minimize HTTP requests and reduce server response time.
  • Regularly check speeds to ensure optimal performance.

7. Crawlability and Indexability

  • Create a robots.txt file in the root directory.
  • Specify which pages or sections to allow or disallow.
  • Use 'User-agent' to target specific search engine bots.
  • Test the file using Google's Robots Testing Tool.
  • Review your robots.txt file for disallow directives.
  • Identify key pages that should be accessible.
  • Adjust the file to allow crawling of essential content.
  • Verify changes with a crawlability test.
  • Access Google Search Console and navigate to the 'Coverage' report.
  • Review any listed errors or warnings.
  • Identify the affected URLs and their issues.
  • Resolve errors and request re-indexing if necessary.
  • Generate a sitemap.xml file using an online tool or CMS plugin.
  • Upload the sitemap to the root directory of your site.
  • Submit the sitemap URL in Google Search Console.
  • Verify submission success in the console.
  • Set a schedule for regular sitemap updates.
  • Add new URLs when content is published or modified.
  • Remove URLs that are no longer valid.
  • Re-submit the updated sitemap to search engines.
  • Identify pages with similar content on your site.
  • Add a canonical link element in the section.
  • Point the canonical tag to the preferred version of the content.
  • Test the implementation for accuracy.
  • Audit your site for unnecessary redirects.
  • Eliminate or consolidate redirects where possible.
  • Use 301 redirects for permanent changes.
  • Ensure redirects lead directly to the final destination.
  • Use Google Search Console to identify 404 errors.
  • Create custom 404 pages with helpful links.
  • Redirect broken links to relevant content.
  • Regularly check for new 404 errors.
  • Implement rel="next" and rel="prev" links on paginated pages.
  • Avoid using 'noindex' on paginated content.
  • Ensure all pages are accessible through internal links.
  • Review pagination setup with SEO tools.
  • Implement hreflang tags in the section of your pages.
  • Specify language and regional targeting for each page.
  • Ensure all variations point to the correct URLs.
  • Test implementation using hreflang testing tools.
  • Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to assess speed.
  • Optimize images and use compression techniques.
  • Minimize HTTP requests and leverage browser caching.
  • Consider using a content delivery network (CDN).
  • Access server logs to review bot activity.
  • Look for patterns in crawling frequency and pages visited.
  • Identify any potential crawling issues or bottlenecks.
  • Adjust your site's configuration based on findings.
  • Choose the appropriate schema markup for your content type.
  • Add structured data in JSON-LD format to pages.
  • Validate the structured data using Google's Rich Results Test.
  • Monitor performance in search results for improvements.

8. Structured Data

  • Research schema types that fit your content.
  • Use schema.org to find relevant markup examples.
  • Add schema markup to HTML of your web pages.
  • Ensure markup is placed within the or tags.
  • Access the Structured Data Testing Tool online.
  • Paste your URL or code snippet into the tool.
  • Review validation results for errors or warnings.
  • Fix any issues and re-test until validation is successful.
  • Research schema types that fit your content.
  • Use schema.org to find relevant markup examples.
  • Add schema markup to HTML of your web pages.
  • Ensure markup is placed within the or tags.
  • Access the Structured Data Testing Tool online.
  • Paste your URL or code snippet into the tool.
  • Review validation results for errors or warnings.
  • Fix any issues and re-test until validation is successful.
  • Identify the primary purpose of your content.
  • Visit schema.org to browse available types.
  • Select the most specific schema type that matches your content.
  • Consider nested properties for detailed information.
  • Review Google's structured data guidelines thoroughly.
  • Check for prohibited markup practices.
  • Ensure all required fields for your chosen schema are populated.
  • Avoid misleading or irrelevant structured data.
  • Set a schedule to review structured data regularly.
  • Update markup to reflect changes in content or offerings.
  • Remove outdated or irrelevant structured data.
  • Document changes for future reference.
  • Access Google Search Console and navigate to 'Performance'.
  • Check for impressions and clicks on rich results.
  • Analyze which structured data types perform best.
  • Adjust your strategy based on performance insights.
  • Choose JSON-LD for its simplicity and ease of use.
  • Include the

    Related Checklists

    Website and Content Checklist

    A website and content checklist is essential for ensuring that all of your marketing content is accurate, up-to-date, and optimized for search engine visibility.

    view →
    Copywriting Checklist

    A copywriting checklist is essential for ensuring that all essential elements of effective copy are present in a text, allowing it to effectively communicate the desired message.

    view →
    Video Marketing Checklist

    A Video Marketing Checklist helps ensure that all important steps are taken to create effective, successful video content.

    view →
    Client Onboarding Checklist

    A Client Onboarding Checklist helps ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure a successful customer relationship.

    view →
    Paid Advertising Checklist

    A paid advertising checklist helps marketers ensure that their campaigns are optimized for maximum reach and ROI.

    view →
    Email Marketing Checklist

    The Email Marketing Checklist helps ensure that all necessary steps are taken to optimize the effectiveness of email campaigns and maximize the return on investment.

    view →
    Client Offboarding Checklist

    A Client Offboarding Checklist is an important tool for ensuring that all necessary steps have been taken to end the relationship with a client in an organized and efficient manner.

    view →
    Social Media Checklist

    A social media checklist helps to ensure that all aspects of an organization's social media marketing efforts are taken into account in an efficient and organized manner.

    view →
    CRM Checklist

    CRM Checklist helps streamline customer relationship management processes, enabling marketers to better understand, nurture, and engage with their target audiences.

    view →
    Analytics Checklist

    Analytics Checklist is an important tool used to identify, measure, and analyze key performance indicators to inform strategic marketing decisions.

    view →
    Lead Generation Checklist

    A Lead Generation Checklist provides businesses with an organized approach to tackle the process of generating leads, helping them to identify and capitalize on potential sales opportunities.

    view →
    SEO Checklist

    A SEO Checklist is essential for ensuring a website is optimized for search engine visibility and improved organic search rankings.

    view →
    Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist

    Conversion Rate Optimization Checklist helps to identify areas of improvement in the customer journey, resulting in improved customer engagement and increased sales.

    view →
    Mobile Optimization Checklist

    A Mobile Optimization Checklist is essential to ensure a successful digital marketing strategy, as it helps to ensure that your website is compatible with mobile devices and provides a positive user experience.

    view →