On-page SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers to the practice of optimizing individual web pages to rank higher in search engines and earn more relevant traffic. It involves both content and HTML source code optimization (as opposed to off-page SEO, which involves external signals like backlinks).
🔍 Key On-Page SEO Elements
1. Title Tag
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Appears in browser tabs and SERPs (search engine results pages).
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Keep under 60 characters.
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Include the primary keyword near the beginning.
Example:
Best Hiking Boots for Women | OutdoorGearZone
2. Meta Description
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Summary of the page shown in SERPs.
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Keep under 155 characters.
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Include target keywords and a call to action.
Example:
Find the top-rated hiking boots for women. Lightweight, waterproof & ready for any trail. Shop now!
3. URL Structure
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Short, descriptive, and includes target keywords.
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Avoid dynamic URLs with symbols or numbers.
Good URL:
example.com/hiking-boots-women
Bad URL:
example.com/product?id=12345
4. Headings (H1, H2, H3…)
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Use H1 for the main title (only once).
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Use H2–H6 for subheadings to structure content clearly.
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Include keywords naturally.
5. Keyword Optimization
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Use primary keyword in the first 100 words.
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Sprinkle in LSI keywords (synonyms/related terms).
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Avoid keyword stuffing.
6. Content Quality
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Write unique, helpful, and comprehensive content.
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Target search intent (informational, transactional, etc.).
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Use images, bullet points, and videos to improve engagement.
7. Image Optimization
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Use descriptive file names (
womens-hiking-boots.jpg). -
Add alt text with relevant keywords.
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Compress images for fast loading.
8. Internal Linking
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Link to relevant content within your site.
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Use descriptive anchor text (not just “click here”).
9. External Linking
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Link to authoritative, relevant sources.
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Shows search engines your content is trustworthy.
10. Mobile Friendliness
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Ensure responsive design across devices.
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Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
11. Page Speed
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Compress images and use caching.
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Tools: Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Lighthouse.
12. Schema Markup (Structured Data)
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Add relevant schema (e.g., Article, Product, FAQ) for rich results.
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Use Schema.org and test with Rich Results Test.
13. Canonical Tags
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Prevent duplicate content issues by specifying the preferred version of a page.
14. User Experience (UX)
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Easy navigation, clear CTAs, readable font size.
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Reduce bounce rate and improve time on page.
