Following a structured SEO checklist helps you track exactly what you need to improve your website’s performance. This comprehensive guide covers technical SEO, on-page SEO, keyword research, and more.
It works for blogs, e-commerce sites, local businesses, affiliate projects, and nearly any website you want to grow.
Let’s look at how you can make the most of it.
How to Use This Checklist
This checklist has helped increase organic traffic by over 189% in 30 days and rank for competitive keywords like “on page SEO” and “link building tools.”
You don’t have to complete everything. Focus on the steps most relevant to your site.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with SEO basics, keyword research, and on-page SEO. If you already have lots of content with low traffic, prioritize the content and technical SEO sections. Experienced marketers can head straight for link building and advanced tactics.
Download the checklist template as a Google Doc to track your progress.
SEO Basics
Use these essential tools and practices to lay a strong foundation:
Set Up Google Search Console: Monitor keywords, submit sitemaps, check Core Web Vitals, and fix issues.
Install Bing Webmaster Tools: Bing reaches over 100 million daily users, making it worth your attention.
Set Up Google Analytics: Track traffic sources, engagement, and conversions. Connect it with Search Console for richer insights.
Install Yoast SEO: This plugin helps optimize WordPress or Shopify sites, manage sitemaps, and fine-tune on-page elements.
Define Your KPIs: Decide what success looks like—organic traffic, backlinks, keyword rankings, brand visibility, or sales.
Set Up Rank Tracking: Use tools like Semrush to monitor keyword positions.
Create a Free Semrush Account: Analyze competitors, run site audits, and review backlinks even on the free plan.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is the foundation of any SEO strategy.
Identify Your Audience: Understand who you want to reach, their needs, and their search habits.
Use Google Suggest: Start typing keywords and note suggested phrases.
Try Backlinko’s Keyword Tool: Enter a broad topic to see search volume and related terms.
Explore Communities: Search Reddit, Quora, and forums for real user questions and topics.
Identify Low-Competition Keywords: Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool helps you find easier opportunities to rank.
Look for Question Keywords: Tools like AnswerThePublic show question-based searches perfect for blog content.
Analyze Topical Authority: Use Google Search Console data to spot content gaps in your coverage.
On-Page SEO
These steps help optimize your content effectively:
Include Keywords in URLs: Keep URLs short and clear with your primary keyword.
Front-Load Keywords in Titles: Place your main keyword early in the title tag.
Add Modifiers: Words like “best,” “guide,” and the current year make titles more appealing.
Use Keywords Early: Mention your keyword within the first 150 words of your content.
Include Keywords in Headings: Add them naturally in H1, H2, or H3 tags.
Optimize Images: Use descriptive filenames and alt text to help search engines understand visuals.
Add Synonyms and Related Terms: These support context without keyword stuffing.
Link Out to Authoritative Sites: External links show your content is well-referenced.
Use Internal Links: Guide visitors to other relevant pages on your site.
Content Optimization
High-quality content is essential for ranking:
Break Up Text: Use short paragraphs and sections to improve readability.
Choose the Right Format: Original research, expert insights, and evergreen resources perform best.
Offer Information Gain: Provide something new beyond what’s already ranking.
Use Multimedia: Enhance articles with images, videos, charts, and interactive elements.
Technical SEO
Fixing technical issues can significantly improve visibility:
Check for Crawl and Index Errors: Use Google Search Console to spot problems.
Inspect Pages: See how Google views your content to catch issues.
Ensure Mobile-Friendliness: Responsive design is essential for rankings.
Fix Broken Links: Tools like DrLinkCheck help find and correct them.
Use HTTPS: Secure your site to meet Google’s expectations.
Test Site Speed: PageSpeed Insights shows how to improve load times and pass Core Web Vitals.
Implement Schema Markup: Use structured data to enhance search appearance.
Link Building
Earning quality backlinks remains crucial:
Contribute Expert Quotes: Platforms like Connectively (formerly HARO) connect you with journalists.
Create Linkable Assets: Original studies, surveys, and in-depth resources attract natural links.
Reverse Engineer Competitors: Analyze their backlinks to discover new opportunities.
Be a Podcast Guest: Appearances can earn links and drive traffic.
Mention Influencers: Feature them in content and let them know—they might share or link back.
Advanced SEO Tactics
Optimize User Signals: Use compelling titles and meta descriptions to improve click-through rates.
Delete Low-Value Pages: Remove thin, duplicate, or outdated content dragging down your site’s quality.
Update and Relaunch Content: Refresh old articles with new information, visuals, and better formatting.
