The ultimate SEO checklist

Your checklist for ranking higher on SERPs.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect of digital marketing that enables websites to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). With over 3.5 billion searches made daily on Google alone, it's essential to optimize your website to ensure that it appears on the first page of SERPs. One of the best ways to do this is by understanding what Google looks for to rank higher in SEO. Here are the top things that Google looks for to rank higher in SEO.

• Content Quality

Everyone has heard that content is king in SEO and it is true. Google looks for websites that provide high-quality, relevant, and valuable content. Your content should be easy to read and engaging to keep visitors on your website for longer periods. The more time visitors spend on your website, the more valuable your content appears to Google, and the higher your website will rank.

• Keyword Optimization

Keywords are an essential part of SEO. Google looks for websites that use relevant keywords in their content, titles, and meta descriptions. However, it's important to avoid overusing keywords, which can lead to keyword stuffing and a penalty from Google. Use keywords naturally and in a way that makes sense to your readers. It’s also important to do your research when it comes to keywords. What are your competitors ranking for, and what keywords drive conversions on your website? I think it’s also important to know your competitive landscape. If you’re a small company looking to compete with Amazon, it’s probably not going to happen so don’t listen to agencies that will say they can get you ranked “#1 on Google!”. It’s all about what keywords you can be competitive with and then start from there.

• Website Speed

Google wants to provide its users with the best possible experience. Website speed is critical in determining how users interact with your website. If your website takes too long to load, visitors will quickly leave, leading to a higher bounce rate. Google looks for websites that load quickly to provide the best user experience.

• Mobile Optimization

In 2021, over half of all website traffic came from mobile devices. Google recognizes this trend and prioritizes websites that are mobile-friendly. A mobile-friendly website is one that is responsive and easy to navigate on mobile devices. If your website isn't mobile-friendly, it's likely to rank lower on SERPs.

• Backlinks

Backlinks are links from other websites that lead to your website. Google sees backlinks as a vote of confidence in your website's authority and relevance. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more likely Google is to see your website as a reliable source of information. However, it's important to note that not all backlinks are created equal. Google looks for high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your industry.

• User Experience

Google wants to provide its users with the best possible experience. User experience (UX) is a critical factor in determining how users interact with your website. If your website is difficult to navigate, visitors are likely to leave quickly, leading to a higher bounce rate. Google looks for websites that provide a positive user experience to rank higher in SEO.

• Social Signals

Social signals refer to the likes, shares, and comments your content receives on social media platforms. Google sees social signals as a vote of confidence in your website's authority and relevance. The more social signals your content receives, the more likely Google is to see your website as a reliable source of information.

Basically understanding what Google looks for to rank higher in SEO is essential to ensuring that your website appears on the first page of SERPs. By focusing on content quality, keyword optimization, website speed, mobile optimization, backlinks, user experience, and social signals, you can improve your website's SEO and drive more traffic to your website.