If you want your website to rank higher in Google and attract more visitors, optimizing your content for search engines is a must. Whether you’re using Squarespace, Shopify, Wix, WordPress, or another platform, there are some tried-and-true SEO practices that can help you show up in search results—and drive the right traffic to your site.
This post walks you through a universal SEO checklist, designed to help you focus on one keyword per page and understand where and how to use that keyword effectively. Plus, we’ll cover other key elements like internal links, media, and user experience that influence how well your content performs in search.
Why One Page = One Keyword
Each page on your site should be optimized for one main keyword or phrase. This helps search engines—and users—quickly understand what the page is about.
Trying to rank a single page for multiple unrelated keywords is like trying to have a conversation about five different topics at once. Instead, give each page a clear, focused purpose. This makes it easier to rank and improves the user experience. Follow our easy SEO Checklist for each individual page SEO improvements. Be sure to select your focused keyword for each page and make sure it is unique and has not been used before on your site. This will insure that your page gets the most attention for this keyword.
✅ The On-Page SEO Checklist
Here’s a complete checklist you can use every time you publish a new page or blog post:
1. Use Your Keyword in Key Locations
Make sure your primary keyword appears naturally in these spots:
-
Page Title (H1) – This is usually the main headline. Include your keyword.
-
URL (Web Address) – Keep it short and include the keyword if possible.
-
First Paragraph – Mention your keyword early in the content to establish context.
-
Subheadings (H2, H3, etc.) – Use variations and related terms to reinforce the topic.
-
Image Alt Text – Describe your images and include the keyword where relevant.
-
Meta Title & Description – These appear in search engine results and should be clear, compelling, and keyword-friendly.
Tip: Even if your platform doesn’t allow full control over metadata, some SEO apps or plugins can help you manage this. On Shopify, for example, you can edit meta titles/descriptions under “Search engine listing preview.”
2. Write High-Quality, Relevant Content
-
Aim for 600–800 words or more depending on your topic.
-
Provide value and answer questions your audience may be searching for.
-
Use natural variations of your keyword—don’t overstuff it.
-
Include a clear call to action (what you want your visitor to do next).
3. Include Internal & External Links
-
Internal Links – Link to other relevant pages on your site (e.g., related blog posts, product pages, services).
-
External Links – Link to reputable sources to support your content and boost credibility.
Both types of links help users navigate and show search engines that your content is well-connected and trustworthy.
4. Use Images and Media
-
Add at least one image to break up your content and keep readers engaged.
-
Use descriptive file names and alt text that relate to your topic.
-
Compress images to reduce load times and improve page speed.
5. Make Sure Your Site Is Mobile-Friendly
With mobile-first indexing, your site needs to work flawlessly on smartphones and tablets. Double-check that:
-
Text is easy to read on smaller screens.
-
Buttons and links are easy to tap.
-
Layout adapts to different screen sizes.
Most modern website builders are responsive by default, but it’s still worth testing.
6. Optimize for Speed
Page speed is both a ranking factor and a user experience factor. Here’s what you can do:
-
Compress large images.
-
Avoid using too many animations or autoplay videos.
-
Use fewer third-party scripts (like extra tracking pixels or embedded widgets).
-
Consider enabling lazy loading for images.
You can test your page speed using free tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
7. Add Structured Data (Schema) If Possible
If your platform supports it, adding structured data (schema markup) helps search engines better understand your content. This can enhance your listings with things like:
-
Star ratings
-
Product prices and availability
-
Event details
Even without coding, some platforms offer apps or plugins to help with this.
Final Thoughts
This on-page SEO checklist gives you a repeatable process to follow every time you create a new page or blog post. By focusing on one main keyword, using it in the right places, and supporting it with valuable content and clean structure, you’ll improve your chances of ranking—and provide a better experience for your visitors.
SEO isn’t just about pleasing search engines—it’s about creating content that’s clear, helpful, and easy to navigate. When you do that, rankings tend to follow.
