Hello, my SEO peeps!

This week’s tip is all about the essentials. If you’ve been reading my past newsletters, you know I love a good, practical SEO hack. But today, we’re keeping it classic with a breakdown of on-page SEO. You can have the most beautiful website in the world, but if you don’t optimize your on-page elements, it’s like throwing a party and not sending out any invites.

Let’s make sure Google (and your audience) knows exactly what each page of your site is offering!

Dad Joke:

Why did the SEO expert break up with their partner?

Because they were stuck on page 2.

I love when I can bring two things I love together: dad jokes and SEO 🤣

SEO Tip #5

On-page SEO is all about the details. Each part of your page communicates something to Google, and if you get these right, you’re more likely to rank. Let’s go through each one with some step-by-step action.

Step 1: Title Tags that Pack a Punch

Your title tag is one of the first things Google and users see. It’s what shows up in search results, so make it count! Here’s a simple formula I like to use:

Primary Keyword | Secondary Keyword | Brand Name

For example:
"Affordable SEO for Small Businesses | The SEO Marketing Dad"

Tips for title tags:

• Keep it under 60 characters. Google cuts off anything longer.

• Put your primary keyword first. Google places more weight on words at the beginning.

• Make it catchy. Think about what would make YOU want to click.

* you can test out my SERP Snippet Preview Tool to see what your title looks like to your users!

Step 2: Meta Descriptions that Drive Clicks

Meta descriptions don’t directly impact rankings, but they do influence clicks. This is your chance to give users a sneak peek into what they’ll find on the page. Think of it like a movie trailer—intriguing, but no spoilers.

Formula for meta descriptions:

• Describe the benefit the user will get from clicking.

• Include a call-to-action.

• Use your primary keyword naturally.

For example:
"Looking to improve your site’s SEO? Get actionable tips on optimizing title tags, headers, and more. Start ranking higher today!"

Tips for meta descriptions:

• Keep it around 150-160 characters.

• Include a call-to-action (like “Learn more,” “Discover,” or “Get started”).

• Use active language to make it engaging.

Step 3: Headers (H1, H2, H3) for Structure and Readability

Headers not only make your content easier to read but also help Google understand the structure of your page. Think of them as your page’s outline. Your H1 is your main title and should include your primary keyword. H2s and H3s can break down sections with related keywords.

Header hierarchy example:

1. H1: On-Page SEO Essentials: Boost Your Rankings

2. H2: Step 1: Title Tags

3. H3: Why Title Tags Matter for SEO

Tips for headers:

• Use one H1 per page. It’s the “big idea” of your page.

• Organize content with H2s and H3s to create a logical flow.

• Include keywords naturally—don’t stuff them in.

Step 4: Body Content with Value and Keywords

Google wants to provide users with the best answer to their search. So, your content needs to deliver value—solve a problem, answer a question, or offer something useful. And while you’re at it, weave in your keywords naturally. This isn’t 2005; keyword stuffing is a big no-no.

Body content tips:

• Focus on quality over quantity. Long-form content works, but only if it’s valuable.

• Use keywords naturally—aim for a keyword density of about 1-2%.

• Include images, lists, and bullet points to make it easy to read.

Pro Tip: Use your primary keyword in the first 100 words of your content. This helps Google understand what your page is about right from the start.

Step 5: Optimize Images for SEO

We went in-depth on image SEO in Tip #3, but it’s worth a quick refresher here. Every image on your page should be optimized to help with load times and SEO.

Quick image SEO checklist:

• Use descriptive file names (e.g., “seo-tips-header.jpg” instead of “IMG_1234.jpg”).

• Add alt text with your keyword if relevant.

• Compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

Final Step: Check Your Work!!!

Once you’ve optimized your title tag, meta description, headers, and body content, it’s time to check it over. Use a tool like Yoast SEO (for WordPress) or check Google Search Console to see if you’re hitting the right marks. If you’re not, adjust as needed. SEO is about continuous improvement.

And that’s a wrap!

On-page SEO might seem simple, but getting these elements right makes a huge difference. It’s the foundation of every successful SEO strategy, so take the time to get it right.

Thank you for following along each week! My goal is to help small business owners like you optimize smarter, not harder. Remember, if you’re too busy to handle your own SEO, I’m always here to help at theseomarketingdad.com. Reach out if you have questions, or just want to say hi!

Until next time!

PS If you are having trouble with your SEO please reach out! I offer consultations and retainer contracts for SEO services!