On-Page SEO Made Simple: A Comprehensive Checklist
Why On-Page SEO is Crucial for Your Shopify Store
If you're looking for an on-page seo checklist to boost your Shopify store's performance, you've come to the right place. Here's a quick rundown to get you started:
- Identify target keywords
- Optimize the title tag
- Write your headline in an H1 tag
- Write a meta description that boosts clicks
- Check the URL slug for SEO-friendliness
- Add target keywords to your body content
- Review your content quality
- Mark up subheadings with header tags
- Improve navigation with internal links
- Add engaging visual content
- Apply schema markup
SEO can feel overwhelming, but focusing on on-page elements ensures your content is both search-engine friendly and highly engaging for your audience.
I’m Chase Chappell, a digital marketing expert with experience in on-page seo checklist strategies. I’ve helped Shopify store owners boost their organic traffic through effective SEO practices.
Now, let's dive into the essentials of on-page SEO and how it can transform your Shopify store.
Basic on-page seo checklist vocab:- basic seo checklist- how to improve your seo- ecommerce seo checklist
What is On-Page SEO?
On-page SEO, also known as on-site SEO, is all about optimizing individual web pages to rank higher in search engines and attract more relevant traffic. This involves tweaking both the content and the HTML source code of a page.
Why On-Page SEO Matters
On-page SEO is crucial because it tells Google and other search engines what your page is about and how it provides value to visitors. Without it, your beautifully designed website might as well be invisible.
Remember: Google ranks websites based on three main factors:1. On-Page SEO - Elements directly on your page.2. Off-Page SEO - Activities outside your website, like backlinks.3. Technical SEO - Behind-the-scenes elements like site speed and mobile readiness.
Key Components of On-Page SEO
Here are the main components you need to optimize for effective on-page SEO:
1. Content Elements
- Keyword Research: Use tools to find relevant keywords.
- Visual Content: Incorporate images and videos to make your content engaging.
- Body Content: Add your target keywords naturally within the first paragraph and throughout your content.
2. HTML Elements
- Title Tags: Include your primary keyword and keep it between 50-60 characters.
- Headers (H1, H2, H3): Use header tags to structure your content and include secondary keywords.
- Meta Descriptions: Write compelling meta descriptions that include your primary keyword and are up to 120 characters long.
- Image Alt-Text: Describe your images for both search engines and visually impaired users.
3. Site Architecture Elements
- URL Slugs: Keep them short, descriptive, and include your primary keyword.
- Internal Linking: Link to other pages on your site to help search engines understand your content structure.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your site looks and functions well on mobile devices.
- Site Speed: Optimize for quick loading times to keep users engaged.
Google Algorithm and SEO Trilogy
Google's algorithm is complex and always changing, but it’s centered around three main pillars:
- On-Page SEO: Directly on your webpage.
- Off-Page SEO: External factors like backlinks.
- Technical SEO: Backend elements like site speed and mobile optimization.
These elements often overlap, making a holistic approach essential for effective SEO.
Pro Tip: Use tools to ensure you’re hitting all the critical elements.
By focusing on these on-page SEO elements, you set a strong foundation for your website’s visibility and user engagement.
Next, let's dive deeper into the On-Page SEO Checklist to guide you through the optimization process step-by-step.
Why On-Page SEO is Important
Boosts Google Ranking
On-page SEO is a critical factor for improving your website's ranking on Google. When you optimize your page, you make it easier for search engines to understand what your content is about. This helps Google rank your page higher for relevant keywords.
Fact: The first result on Google gets about 40-60% of all clicks for a search query. Ranking higher can make a huge difference in your website traffic.
Improves User Experience
Good on-page SEO is not just about pleasing search engines; it's also about improving the user experience. When your content is well-structured and easy to read, visitors are more likely to stay on your site longer and engage with your content.
Example: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings to make your content more readable. This keeps users engaged and reduces bounce rates, which is also good for SEO.
Helps Search Engine Bots
Search engine bots crawl your site to understand its content. On-page SEO elements like title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags make it easier for these bots to index your pages accurately.
Tip: Use tools like Semrush’s On Page SEO Checker to ensure your site is bot-friendly.
Increases Visibility
Optimizing your on-page elements helps your site appear in relevant search results. This increases your visibility and attracts more organic traffic.
Stat: Merely creating and publishing your website isn't enough. You need to optimize it for Google and other search engines to rank and attract new traffic.
Drives More Traffic
When you rank higher on Google, you get more clicks and more visitors. This not only increases your website traffic but also boosts your chances of converting visitors into customers.
Quote: "On-page SEO has the power to bring countless new visitors — and customers — right to your website." 
By focusing on these on-page SEO elements, you set a strong foundation for your website’s visibility and user engagement.
Next, let's dive deeper into the On-Page SEO Checklist to guide you through the optimization process step-by-step.
On-Page SEO Checklist
Identify Target Keywords
The first step in optimizing your page is identifying target keywords. These are the search queries your audience uses to find content like yours.
Keyword research tools can help. They offer data on search volume, keyword difficulty, and search intent. For example, if you’re running a flower shop, you might think "blue flowers" is a good keyword. But if the intent behind most searches is informational, you might not attract buyers. Look for keywords that match your goals and have a balance of volume and competition.
Optimize the Title Tag
Your title tag is the clickable headline in search results. It should include your primary keyword and be compelling enough to attract clicks.
Best practices:- Keep it between 50-60 characters to prevent truncation.- Front-load your primary keyword.- Avoid keyword stuffing—make it natural.
For example, instead of "Item 35672 - YourStore," use "Buy Pink Running Shoes | YourStore."
Tool tip: Use on-page SEO checkers to ensure your title tag is optimized without keyword stuffing.
Write Your Headline in an H1 Tag
Your H1 tag should be similar to your title tag but can be more descriptive. It appears on your page and helps both users and search engines understand the content.
Best practices:- Include your primary keyword.- Keep it clear and relevant.- Avoid keyword stuffing.
For example, "Pink Running Shoes - Lightweight & Comfortable" is better than "Welcome to Our Shoe Store."
Write a Meta Description That Boosts Clicks
The meta description is a short summary of your page that appears in search results. While it’s not a direct ranking factor, it can boost your click-through rate.
Best practices:- Include your primary keyword.- Keep it under 120 characters to avoid truncation.- Make it compelling and relevant.
Google sometimes rewrites meta descriptions, but optimizing them reduces this risk. Use on-page SEO checkers to check for keyword usage and potential rewrites.
Check the URL Slug for SEO-Friendliness
The URL slug is the part of the URL that identifies a specific page. It should be concise and descriptive.
Best practices:- Include your primary keyword.- Use hyphens to separate words.- Avoid stop words like "and," "or," "the."
For example, https://www.yourstore.com/pink-running-shoes is better than https://www.yourstore.com/collection/item-35672.
Add Target Keywords to Your Body Content
Google uses keywords in your body content to understand the page’s relevance. Use your primary keyword naturally within the first paragraph and scatter secondary keywords throughout.
Best practices:- Avoid keyword stuffing.- Maintain readability.- Use related terms for better context.
Tool tip: Use SEO content templates to analyze top-ranking pages and get keyword recommendations.
Review Your Content Quality
High-quality content is crucial for both users and search engines. Ensure your content is accurate, original, and engaging.
Best practices:- Aim for at least 500 words.- Use short paragraphs, headers, and bullet points.- Maintain a consistent tone of voice.
Tool tip: Use SEO writing assistants to check readability and originality.
Mark Up Subheadings with Header Tags
Header tags (H2, H3, H4) organize your content and make it easier to read. They also help search engines understand your page structure.
Best practices:- Use secondary keywords in subheadings.- Keep subheadings relevant to the content.- Avoid keyword stuffing.
Improve Navigation with Internal Links
Internal links guide users to other helpful pages on your site, improving navigation and user experience.
Best practices:- Use descriptive anchor text.- Link to relevant pages.- Regularly check for broken links.
Add Engaging Visual Content
Visual content like images and videos can make your page more engaging. Optimize them for SEO to improve load times and visibility.
Best practices:- Use descriptive alt text with keywords.- Compress images without losing quality.- Host videos on platforms like YouTube.
Apply Schema Markup
Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better, leading to rich results like review stars or images.
Best practices:- Use tools like Google Structured Data Markup Helper to add schema.- Test your markup with Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
Next, let's explore the technical aspects of SEO to ensure your page is fully optimized.
Bonus: Start on Your Technical SEO
Make Sure Your Page Is Indexed
For your page to show up in search results, it must be indexed by Google. You can check this using Google Search Console.
Steps to follow:1. Inspect URL: Enter your page’s URL in the search bar.2. Check Index Status: Look for a message indicating whether your URL is on Google.
If your URL isn’t indexed, you can request indexing through Google Search Console. Alternatively, use a site audit tool to find and fix crawlability issues. This tool can help you identify what’s preventing your page from being indexed and provide suggestions for resolving these issues.
Increase Page Speed
Page speed is crucial for both user experience and Google rankings. Even a small delay can drive visitors away. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze your page speed.
Core Web Vitals to focus on:- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Time it takes for the main content to load.- First Input Delay (FID): Time it takes for the page to respond to the first user interaction.- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measure of unexpected layout shifts during page loading.
Quick fixes:- Compress Images: Use tools like TinyPNG to reduce image file sizes.- Minify Resources: Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files to remove unnecessary characters and spaces.- Enable Browser Caching: Store static files locally on users' devices to reduce load times for returning visitors.
Use a site audit tool to get a detailed Core Web Vitals report and identify specific areas for improvement.
Make Sure Your Page Is Mobile-Friendly
With more than 60% of Google searches happening on mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is essential. Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means it primarily uses the mobile version of your site for ranking.
Steps to check mobile-friendliness:1. Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test: Enter your URL in the Mobile-Friendly Test tool.2. Review Results: If your page isn’t mobile-friendly, the tool will list issues and suggestions for improvement.
Best practices:- Responsive Design: Ensure your site looks great on all devices. A responsive design adjusts the layout based on the screen size.- Avoid Flash: Flash content isn’t supported on most mobile devices. Use HTML5 for animations and videos.- Large Buttons: Make buttons easy to tap by making them larger and placing them in easily accessible areas.- Readable Font Sizes: Use larger font sizes to ensure text is readable without zooming.- Minimize Pop-ups: Pop-ups can be particularly annoying on mobile devices. Limit their use to avoid frustrating users.
Improving mobile-friendliness may take some time, but it's usually worth the investment. A mobile-friendly site improves user experience and can lead to higher engagement and better rankings.
Next, let's explore frequently asked questions about the on-page SEO checklist to clarify common doubts and provide additional insights.
Frequently Asked Questions about On-Page SEO Checklist
What is the most important element of on-page SEO?
The most important element of on-page SEO is keyword optimization. This involves selecting the right keywords and strategically placing them within your content. Keyword research is the first step in creating high-quality content. It helps search engines understand what your page is about and match it to relevant search queries.
Key areas to include your primary keyword:- Title Tag- Meta Description- H1 Tag- URL- Body Content
How often should I update my on-page SEO?
Updating your on-page SEO should be a regular practice. The frequency depends on several factors such as changes in search algorithms, keyword trends, and business goals. Keeping your SEO updated ensures that your website remains relevant and optimized for search engines.
General guidelines:- Quarterly Reviews: Conduct a comprehensive SEO audit every three months.- Content Updates: Refresh outdated content and add new information as needed.- Algorithm Changes: Adapt your SEO strategy in response to major search algorithm updates.- Keyword Trends: Regularly review and update keywords based on search trends and user behavior.
Can I do on-page SEO myself or should I hire a professional?
You can definitely handle on-page SEO yourself, especially with the help of various tools and resources. However, hiring a professional can be beneficial if you lack the time or expertise. There are many free tools available to help you get started, such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and various SEO plugins.
DIY On-Page SEO:- Pros: Cost-effective, complete control, learn valuable skills.- Cons: Time-consuming, steep learning curve, potential for mistakes.
Hiring a Professional:- Pros: Expertise, saves time, custom strategies.- Cons: Cost, finding a reliable expert, less hands-on control.
The choice depends on your specific needs and resources. If you're new to SEO, starting with the basics yourself can be a good learning experience. For more complex tasks, consulting with a professional might be the best route.
Next, let's explore some advanced tips and tools to further improve your on-page SEO efforts.
Conclusion
Optimizing your Shopify store for on-page SEO is crucial for achieving sustained growth and success. By following the comprehensive checklist provided, you can ensure that your store ranks higher on search engines, attracts more visitors, and converts them into loyal customers.
Sirge's AI-Powered Growth Solutions
At Sirge, we understand that managing an ecommerce store can be overwhelming. That's why we offer AI-powered growth solutions specifically designed for Shopify brands. Our tools simplify ecommerce management by providing centralized insights and automating various tasks.
Key features of Sirge's solutions include:
Personalized Recommendations: Our AI analyzes your store's data to offer custom advice that aligns with your specific business goals. This helps you make informed decisions and optimize your marketing strategies effectively.
Ecommerce Management: From inventory management to customer support, our tools streamline your operations, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Advanced CRO Tools: Our advanced Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) tools provide detailed before and after visual recommendations. These insights help you improve critical areas such as the homepage, checkout process, product detail pages (PDP), collection pages, and cart experience.
Free Website Auditor: Use our free website auditor tool to audit your Shopify website. It provides actionable recommendations to help increase conversions and improve overall site performance.
Library of Calculators: We offer a range of calculators, including a Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) calculator, to help marketers and store owners make data-driven decisions.
By leveraging Sirge's AI-powered tools, you can set your Shopify store up for long-term success. Our solutions not only improve your on-page SEO but also improve overall site performance, user experience, and conversion rates.
Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Explore our toolbox for more information on how Sirge can help you achieve explosive growth.
With a solid foundation and the right tools, your Shopify store can reach new heights. Keep refining your strategies, stay updated with the latest trends, and always prioritize the user experience. By doing so, you'll ensure sustained growth and success for your ecommerce business.
Data Accuracy and Source
First, rest assured that Sirge’s data is accurate. However, the way we track and attribute conversions differs from ad platforms:
- Sirge Attribution: We track a user’s journey from the initial click on an ad all the way to the purchase, giving you a full picture of what drives sales.
- Ad Platform Attribution: Ad platforms often attribute a sale to an ad if there was a click and a later purchase, even if the purchase wasn't directly influenced by that click. This can lead to over-attribution.
Where Does Sirge's Data Come From?
Sirge collects data directly from your website interactions and integrates it with data from your ad platforms. Here’s how:
- Website Interactions: We track user behavior on your site from the first ad click to the final purchase.
- Ad Platform Data: We pull in data from your ad platforms to understand ad interactions, then combine it with our tracking for complete attribution insights.
The Impact of When You Set Up Sirge
Another reason for discrepancies is the timing of your Sirge setup:
- No Retroactive Data: Sirge does not track data from before you set up tracking. If you start using Sirge after running ads, past interactions won’t be captured, which can initially cause data differences.
