On-Site Optimization Techniques

Search engine optimization requires both on-site optimization and off-site optimization techniques in order to achieve high ranking in search engines. On-page optimization refers to the many optimization elements that you have control of – keyword research and analysis, keyword density, content writing, links, text and images, etc., for the website to be properly detected and found by search engine crawlers for every search query made by users for specific relevant keywords.

On-site optimization is actually the initial step in telling Google and other search engines what the site is about. Google and search engines should know this so that when someone makes a search for a specific topic or subject, and your page has relevant content, Google can show your pages as one of the sites users can visit to get the information they need.

A good content with relevant information for the site is the best way to begin with the optimization techniques. This strategy has been proven effective in getting search engine rankings, especially for newly-launched websites. A site’s content should target the readers and not the search engines. This means, content should have useful and informative data to make it easier for both the readers and search engines to locate the website. The soonest your site is found by search engine crawlers the better ranking your site will have.  

The following are some of the on-site optimization techniques which can positively impact the rankings of your site in search engines.

• The Title Tag. The title tag should :
• describe your page content. It is important that the title and the actual content on the page match.
• have keywords placed as far left as possible
• be safely within 70 characters
• be unique for every page on the site
• be optimized with just one or two relevant keywords
• mention your geographical location (city or country) if you are targeting local customers
• should not be over-stuffed with keywords

• The Page’s URL. The URL is another important component of on-site optimization techniques. The URL should:
• have the most relevant or important keyword for specific page
• be accurately short
• preferably be static than dynamic

• Images. Images with alt tag, filename should make use of targeted keywords so that search engine crawlers can ‘read’ what the picture or image is all about and will index accordingly.

• Keyword usage. This is also known as keyword density. Repeat your keywords or key phrases for up to three times for a short to medium length page and up to six times for a longer page. It is best to write the content without worrying about the number of times the keywords or key phrases were used.  When the article or content is finished, you can count the number of times such keywords or key phrases were mentioned throughout the content. Modify accordingly – add if you have less keywords or key phrases and reduce if you have more than the acceptable number. This will really depend on the length and the content. Don’t just insert keywords or phrases for the sake of keyword density, the content will lose its sense.

• Anchor Text. This is used for easy website navigation. You are making it easier for anyone who is viewing a page in your website to visit or see other pages, services, or products. This is a form of encouraging your audience to go see what else your website can offer. Just make sure that you use variable keywords as your anchor text to avoid getting penalized. Anchor text can also serve as reference if you are pointing it to an external website.

• Use of H1, H2 and H3. Emphasizing your most important keyword with the use of H1 will tell search robots that the phrase or word is important. Your targeted or primary keyword or your page headline must use H1. H2 and H3 are used for subtopics which are made of your secondary keywords or key phrases.

• Use of Bold, Italics or Underline. Highlighting important words or phrases is essential in every article or content. It makes it a lot easier for internet users to see the most important part of the content. These styles are actually used to give your secondary or other related keywords emphasis.

• Side Links. Side links help internet users have flawless website navigation. Side links helps lessen a website’s bounce rate because it shows internet users other options they can look at. It serves as a website map which shows available pages. Other targeted keywords that describe another page can be used as side link.   

Do remember that every time there is a chance to put strong emphasis on your targeted keyword, do so. It’s sort of reiterating to search engine crawlers and your audience that your website speaks of those words or phrases. Avoid over optimization which could cause more harm than good to your website and business. Just optimize what is necessary to not look like you are manipulating spiders.

If these words or techniques sound foreign to you, you have the option to let those experienced do it for you. Internet marketing outsourcing or hiring web developers who have search engine optimization background are your best options. Entrusting your on-site optimization to people who really knows what they’re doing will greatly help in positioning your business online.