10. Find Low-Competition Keywords

Low-competition keywords are easier to rank for and bring steady traffic with less effort. These keywords have search demand but face fewer competitors.

How to Find Them

1. Use Semrush Keyword Difficulty (KD) Score – Semrush assigns a KD score (0-100) to each keyword.
   • 0-30 (Easy) – Best for new websites.
   • 31-60 (Moderate) – Requires some authority.
   • 61+ (Hard) – Needs strong backlinks and content.
2. Check Google Auto-Suggest & PAA – Find long-tail keywords with lower competition.
3. Analyze Competitor Keywords – Use Semrush’s Organic Research Tool to check keywords smaller websites rank for.
4. Look at Forums & Social Media<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Platforms like Quora and Reddit reveal common search queries.

Focus on keywords with KD under 30 for easy wins. As your site gains authority, target higher KD keywords for long-term growth.

11. Target Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that are easier to rank for and attract the right audience. These keywords help improve rankings as part of an SEO plan checklist.

How to Find Them

1. Use Google Auto-Suggest & People Also Ask – Type a keyword and check Google’s suggestions.
2. Use Keyword Tools – Semrush, Ahrefs, and Ubersuggest show low-competition, high-intent phrases.
3. Check Forums & Q&A Sites – Reddit, Quora, and niche forums reveal real user queries.

Focus on long-tail keywords first to build momentum, then expand to broader terms over time.

12. Analyze Search Intent

Search intent tells you why someone is searching for a keyword. Understanding this helps create content that meets user expectations and improves rankings in an SEO roadmap.

Types of Search Intent

1. Informational – The user wants information (e.g., “how to do keyword research”).
2. Navigational – The user looks for a specific site or brand (e.g., “Semrush login”).
3. Transactional – The user is ready to buy (e.g., “best SEO tools discount”).
4. Commercial Investigation – The user compares options before deciding (e.g., “Ahrefs vs. Moz review”).

13. Check Competitor Keywords 

Finding the right keywords doesn’t always mean starting from zero. Checking competitor keywords helps you see what’s already working and gives insights for your SEO strategy checklist.

How to Find Competitor Keywords

1. Use SEO Tools – Tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Ubersuggest show competitor rankings.
2. Google Search – Search your topic and check top-ranking pages.
3. Analyze Their Content – Look at titles, headings, and meta descriptions to spot patterns.

3. On-Page SEO Checklist

Optimize your pages for higher rankings and better user experience.

14. Write Click-Worthy Page Titles & Meta Descriptions 

Your page title and meta description are what users see first in search results. A strong one increases click-through rates (CTR) and improves on-page SEO.

How to Write a Strong Page Title

• Keep it under 60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off.
• Use your main keyword naturally.
• Make it clear and compelling (e.g., “Best SEO Tools for 2025 – Expert Picks”).

How to Write an Effective Meta Description

• Stay under 160 characters for full visibility.
• Give a short, engaging summary of the page.
• Add secondary keywords where they fit naturally.

A well-written title and description can boost clicks even if your ranking stays the same. Try different versions to see what works best.

15. Keep URLs Short & SEO-Friendly

Short URLs help search engines and users understand your page faster. They improve SEO rankings and make sharing easier.

How to Structure an SEO-Friendly URL

• Keep it short – 3-5 words is ideal.
• Include your main keyword – Helps with SEO visibility.
• Avoid unnecessary words – Skip “and,” “the,” or “of.”
• **Use hyphens (-), not underscores (_) ** – Google reads hyphens as spaces.

A clean URL improves user experience and click-through rates.

Example:

✅ example.com/seo-checklist (Clear & effective)
❌ example.com/how-to-do-seo-step-by-step-in-2025 (Too long)

16. Use Proper Headings (H1, H2, H3)

Headings organize content for readers and search engines. A clear structure improves SEO and user experience.

How to Use Headings Correctly

• H1 – Main title of the page (use only one).
• H2 – Major sections of the content.
• H3-H6 – Subsections under H2s.

Why Headings Matter

• Make content easier to read.
• Help search engines understand page structure.
• Improve SEO rankings by organizing topics clearly.

Think of it like a book: H1 is the title, H2s are chapters, and H3s break down those chapters further.

17. Make Content Easy to Read 

Simple, clear content keeps visitors engaged and improves SEO rankings. If readers stay longer, search engines see your content as valuable.

How to Improve Readability

• Use short paragraphs – 2-3 sentences max.
• Break up text with bullet points and subheadings.
• Use simple words – Avoid jargon or complex terms.
• Write in an active voice – Keeps sentences direct and easy to understand.

18. Optimize Images 

Images improve user experience, but large files slow down your site and affect SEO. Optimizing them helps pages load faster and rank better.

How to Optimize Images

• Compress files – Use TinyPNG or ShortPixel to reduce size.
• Rename images – Use descriptive keywords (e.g., seo-checklist.png instead of IMG1234.png).
• Add alt text – Helps search engines understand images.
• Choose the right format – Use JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics, and WebP for better compression.

Why It Matters

• Speeds up your website and improves rankings.
• Helps images appear in Google Image Search.
• Supports on-page SEO checklists with better accessibility.

Enable lazy loading so images load only when needed, improving page speed.

19. Use Internal Links

Internal links help users navigate your site and keep them engaged. They also help search engines understand your content structure, which can improve rankings.

How to Use Internal Links

• Link to relevant pages – Guide users to helpful content.
• Use clear anchor text<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Instead of “click here,” use meaningful words.
• Keep it balanced – Too many links can overwhelm readers.

Prioritize linking to important pages, like service pages or key blog posts. This helps direct traffic to the most valuable parts of your site.

20. Use External Links 

External links add credibility to your content by referencing trusted sources. They help search engines understand your page better and improve SEO best practices.

How to Use External Links

• Link to reputable websites – Use sources like research studies, industry blogs, or news sites.
• Keep links relevant – Only link to content that adds value to your topic.
• Set links to open in a new tab – Keeps visitors on your site while they explore the reference.

Use external links wisely. Linking to high-authority sites improves trust, while low-quality links can harm your SEO.

4. Technical SEO Checklist

Ensure your website runs fast, smooth, and error-free.

21. Improve Page Speed 

A slow website drives visitors away and hurts rankings. Faster pages keep users engaged and support technical SEO.

How to Speed Up Your Website

• Compress images – Use TinyPNG or WebP to reduce file size.
• Enable caching – This stores site data for faster loading.
• Minify code – Remove extra spaces in CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
• Choose a reliable host – A good server improves speed.

Check Google PageSpeed Insights for specific speed issues and fixes.

22. Ensure Mobile-Friendliness

Most users browse on mobile, and Google ranks mobile-friendly sites higher. If your site doesn’t work well on phones, you lose visitors.

How to Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly

• Use a responsive design – Adapts to all screen sizes.
• Check mobile usability – Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
• Optimize page speed – Compress images and enable caching.
• Make text and buttons easy to tap – No zooming required.

Open your site on a phone. If it’s hard to read or navigate, it needs adjustments.

23. Use HTTPS (SSL Certificate) 

Google prioritizes secure websites, and visitors trust sites with HTTPS. If your site is still on HTTP, it’s time to upgrade.

How to Secure Your Site with HTTPS

• Get an SSL certificate – Available from hosting providers or free via Let’s Encrypt.
• Install and activate it – Most hosting services offer easy setup.
• Redirect HTTP to HTTPS – Use 301 redirects to avoid broken links.
• Check for mixed content – Ensure all images, scripts, and links use HTTPS.

24. Create and Submit an XML Sitemap 

An XML sitemap helps search engines find and index your website pages faster. It improves SEO rankings and ensures all important pages are crawled.

How to Create & Submit an XML Sitemap

• Generate a sitemap – Use tools like Yoast SEO (WordPress) or XML-Sitemaps.com.
• Include important pages – Avoid duplicate or low-value pages.
• Submit it to Google – In Google Search Console, go to Sitemaps and add your sitemap URL.
• Keep it updated – Ensure new pages get indexed.

Visit yoursite.com/sitemap.xml to see if it exists. If not, create one to help search engines crawl your site efficiently.

25. Fix Broken Links 

Broken links hurt SEO rankings and frustrate visitors. They make your site look outdated and can lower user trust.

How to Find & Fix Broken Links

• Scan your site – Use tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to detect broken links.
• Update or remove them – Replace dead links with working ones or remove them if unnecessary.
• Redirect if needed – Use 301 redirects to send users to a relevant page.

Click on links in your content. If any lead to a 404 error, fix them immediately to maintain a healthy website SEO checklist.

26. Use Schema Markup 

Schema Markup helps search engines understand your content and enhances your SEO rankings. It also makes your pages stand out with rich snippets like ratings, FAQs, and product information.

How to Add Schema Markup

• Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper – Generates schema code for your content.
• Apply the right schema type – Choose FAQ, Article, Product, or Review schema based on your page.
• Test it – Use Google’s Rich Results Test to ensure it works properly.

Schema Markup boosts click-through rates and improves technical SEO, making your site more visible in search results.

27. Check for Duplicate Content 

Duplicate content can hurt your SEO rankings by confusing search engines about which page to rank. It often happens when similar product pages, blog categories, or copied descriptions appear multiple times.

How to Identify & Fix Duplicate Content

• Use Copyscape or Siteliner – Find duplicate content within your site or across the web.
• Fix URL variations – Ensure pages don’t load with and without “www” or “https.” Use 301 redirects to avoid duplicates.
• Use canonical tags<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – If pages are similar, tell Google which one is the main version.
• Create unique content<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Avoid copying the same text across multiple pages.

5. Content SEO Checklist

Create high-quality content that ranks and keeps visitors engaged.

28. Write Evergreen Content 

Evergreen content stays relevant for years and keeps driving traffic without constant updates. It’s the foundation of a strong SEO strategy checklist since it consistently attracts searchers.

How to Create Evergreen Content That Ranks

• Pick topics with lasting demand – Examples: “Beginner’s Guide to SEO” or “How to Improve Website Speed.”
• Avoid dates and short-term trends – Keep information timeless so it doesn’t become irrelevant.
• Answer common search queries – Use Google’s People Also Ask to find year-round FAQs.
• Refresh periodically – Update stats or examples to maintain accuracy.

Keep It Relevant Longer

Use long-tail keywords that people keep searching for. These help your content stay visible in search results for extended periods.

29. Use Multimedia 

Multimedia makes content more engaging and easier to understand. It also improves SEO rankings by keeping visitors on the page longer.

How to Use Multimedia Effectively

• Use original images – Custom visuals, screenshots, and infographics work better than generic stock photos.
• Embed short videos – Tutorials, demonstrations, or expert insights boost engagement.
• Add interactive elements – Quizzes, charts, and GIFs can make content more appealing.
• Optimize everything – Compress images, use alt text, and host videos on YouTube to keep site speed fast.

Turn Content into a Visual Asset

If you have a data-heavy post, create an infographic. It makes complex information digestible and encourages shares and backlinks.

30. Follow E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) 

Google ranks websites based on credibility, not just keywords. E-E-A-T helps prove you know what you’re talking about and builds trust with both readers and search engines.

How to Apply E-E-A-T to Your Content

• Write from experience – Share real-world insights, case studies, or personal expertise to add depth.
• Highlight author credibility – Show credentials, industry experience, or achievements in the author bio.
• Use reliable sources – Link to research, studies, or government websites to support claims.
• Earn mentions on trusted sites – Backlinks from authority sources improve your reputation.

31. Optimize for Featured Snippets 

Featured snippets give your content prime visibility at the top of Google’s search results. These short answers pull directly from web pages, helping users find quick information.

How to Rank for Featured Snippets

• Give clear, direct answers – Keep responses 40-60 words for best results.
• Use structured formatting – Google favors bullet points, lists, and tables for easy scanning.
• Target common questions – Look at Google’s People Also Ask to see what users want to know.
• Optimize headers – Use H2 or H3 for questions and place the answer immediately below.

Find a snippet a competitor holds. If their answer is unclear or too long, rewrite yours to be crisper and more to the point—Google may replace them with your page.

32. Avoid Keyword Stuffing 

Using too many keywords unnaturally in your content won’t help rankings—it can actually hurt them. Google looks at context, readability, and user experience over the number of times a keyword appears.

How to Use Keywords the Right Way

• Keep it natural – If a sentence sounds forced, remove or rephrase the keyword.
• Use variations – Mix in synonyms and related phrases instead of repeating the same keyword.
• Check keyword balance – Tools like Yoast SEO, SurferSEO, or Clearscope can help ensure proper usage.

33. Update Old Content

Search engines prioritize fresh content. If an article is outdated, it may lose rankings even if it was once performing well. Instead of letting it fade, revamp it with fresh insights, better structure, and improved SEO.

Ways to Refresh Your Content

• Fix outdated information – Replace old stats, update links, and ensure accuracy.
• Check competitors – See what top-ranking pages are doing better and improve yours.
• Make it easier to read – Shorten long paragraphs, use bullet points, and improve formatting.
• Target new keywords – Find updated search terms and naturally include them.
• Add new media – Fresh images, videos, or infographics improve engagement.

6. Link Building Checklist

Backlinks help boost your rankings & site authority.

34. Earn Backlinks from High-Authority Sites 

Getting backlinks from well-known, trusted websites can boost your rankings and make your site more credible. Google values links from authority sites because they signal trust and relevance. But earning these links takes the right approach.

How to Get High-Quality Backlinks

• Guest Posts on Niche Sites – Write useful content for industry blogs and get a link in return.
• Unlinked Brand Mentions<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> – Find websites that mention your brand but don’t link to you—ask them to add a link.
• HARO & PR Opportunities – Answer journalist queries and get featured on news sites.
• Resource Pages & Link Replacements – Find outdated links on other sites and offer your content as a better replacement.

35. Fix Broken Links 

Broken links hurt both user experience and SEO. When visitors click on a link and land on a 404 error page, it creates frustration. Google also sees too many broken links as a sign of a poorly maintained website.

How to Find and Fix Broken Links

• Use SEO Tools – Ahrefs, Semrush, and Screaming Frog can scan your site for broken links.
• Check Google Search Console – It highlights pages with crawl errors.
• Replace or Redirect – Update the broken link with a working one or use 301 redirects to send traffic to a relevant page.
• Reach Out for Link Replacements – If your content is linked on another site but now broken, request the site owner to update the link.

Find broken links on other websites in your niche and pitch your content as a replacement. It’s an easy, ethical way to earn backlinks while helping site owners fix their errors. A win-win strategy!

36. Use Internal Links Smartly 

Internal linking isn’t just about site navigation—it’s also a powerful link-building strategy when done right. Instead of just connecting pages, use internal links to distribute link authority and improve rankings across your website.

How to Use Internal Links for Link Building

• Pass Link Equity – Link from high-authority pages to newer ones to boost their visibility.
• Create Content Clusters – Group related pages together with strategic linking to strengthen topic relevance.
• Use Deep Links – Don’t just link to your homepage or main category pages; connect to in-depth content to spread ranking power.
• Regularly Audit Links – Find and update outdated links to keep them relevant and effective.

37. Leverage Local Link Building

Local links help businesses show up in searches for their area. The right links can bring more customers and stronger rankings.

How to Get Local Links That Work

• List Your Business – Add your site to Google My Business, Yelp, and local directories.
• Collaborate with Nearby Businesses – Exchange links with related businesses in your area.
• Join Local Groups – Get links from community websites, business associations, and chambers of commerce.
• Pitch to Local News – A mention in a news article can drive traffic and boost authority.

Search engines trust local sites. A strong local backlink profile helps you rank better for city-based searches and makes your business more visible.

38. Promote Your Content

Great content won’t help if no one finds it. You need to actively promote it to reach the right people and get valuable backlinks.

How to Promote Your Content Effectively

• Share on Social Media – Post on LinkedIn, Twitter, and niche groups where your audience hangs out.
• Email Your List – Send updates to subscribers and drive consistent traffic.
• Turn It Into Different Formats – Repurpose a blog into a video, infographic, or podcast.
• Join the Conversation – Share insights in forums, Quora, and online communities.
• Reach Out for Links – If your content is helpful, relevant sites may link to it.

Find discussions on your topic and add value before sharing your content. A well-placed link in a relevant conversation can drive real traffic.

7. Advanced SEO Techniques

Take your SEO game to the next level with these advanced tactics.

39. Optimize for Google Discover

To get your content featured on Google Discover:

1. Use Engaging Images: High-quality images improve your chances of being shown.
2. Catchy Titles: Make your titles compelling but clear.
3. Stay Relevant: Focus on trending and timely topics.
4. Mobile-Friendly: Optimize your content for mobile since most Discover traffic is mobile.
5. Update Content Regularly: Fresh content is more likely to be featured.

Optimize your content for Discover to gain more visibility and traffic, even without relying on traditional search rankings.

40. Use AI-Powered SEO Strategies

Advanced SEO techniques can help take your website’s ranking to the next level by using tools and methods that streamline tasks and provide smarter insights.

1. Efficient Keyword Research: Use tools to find high-value keywords quickly, cutting down on time spent manually searching for the best keywords.
2. Content Optimization: Get suggestions for improving your content to make it SEO-friendly, like ensuring proper keyword placement and improving readability.
3. Automated Tracking: Track your performance automatically and get detailed insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.

These strategies won’t replace your strategy but will make it more efficient. Use tools to handle repetitive tasks, so you can focus on creating valuable content and building authority in your niche.

41. Monitor Core Web Vitals

Core Web Vitals measure user experience on your site. The key metrics are:

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Time taken for the largest visible element to load. Target: under 2.5 seconds.
   • Tip: Optimize images, improve server speed, and reduce JavaScript.
2. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measures layout stability. Target: under 0.1.
   • Tip: Set dimensions for images and ads to prevent shifts.
3. Interaction to Next Paint (INP): Time from user interaction to visual feedback. Target: under 200ms.
   • Tip: Optimize JavaScript to reduce delays in response.

Pro Tip: Regularly monitor these metrics with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to keep your website fast, responsive, and user-friendly.

42. Exploit Parasite SEO

Parasite SEO uses the authority of high-traffic websites to boost your rankings. By posting on these sites, you gain exposure and backlinks.

How to Use Parasite SEO

1. Find High-Authority Sites: Use platforms like Medium or Reddit, which already have strong authority.
2. Create Quality Content: Provide real value. The better your content, the higher the chances of gaining links.
3. Link Back to Your Site: Always include links to your site in your content.

Focus on high-traffic but low-competition sites for better results. Parasite SEO can offer quick wins, but long-term strategies should remain the focus.

43. Optimize for Zero-Click Searches

Zero-click searches happen when users get the information they need directly on the search results page without clicking on a link (e.g., a featured snippet or knowledge panel).

How to Optimize for Zero-Click Searches:

1. Target Question-Based Keywords: Answer common questions in your content, like “What is…?” or “How to…?” This can increase your chances of appearing in featured snippets.
2. Structure Content for Snippets: Use bullet points, numbered lists, and tables to make it easy for Google to pull your content as a snippet.
3. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup): Mark up your content with schema to help Google understand and feature your content in the answer boxes.
4. Provide Direct Answers: In your content, provide concise, direct answers at the beginning of your paragraphs, so Google can easily grab them.

Even if you’re not in the snippet box, optimizing for zero-click searches can increase visibility and traffic to your site. Focus on relevance and clarity.

Staying Updated on Algorithm Changes

Google updates its algorithm regularly. Staying informed helps protect your rankings and adjust your strategy in time. Here’s how to keep up:

• Google Search Central Blog: Direct updates from Google, where you’ll find the latest changes straight from the source.
• Moz Blog & Semrush Blog: Both offer SEO insights, case studies, and detailed analysis of Google’s moves.
• Search Engine Journal & Search Engine Land: These sites cover industry trends, providing valuable context for understanding the updates.
• Follow SEO Experts on Twitter: Keep an eye on Google’s John Mueller (@JohnMu) and Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) for real-time advice and updates.
• SEO YouTube Channels: Matt Diggity, Neil Patel, and Ahrefs provide in-depth analysis and actionable insights about algorithm changes on their YouTube channels.
• Google’s Official Twitter (@googlesearchc): Google shares its algorithm updates and important information directly on its official Twitter account.

Be proactive, not reactive. Regularly check these sources and tweak your strategy in line with Google’s updates to maintain or boost your rankings.

Conclusion

SEO is an ongoing journey, not a one-time task. The key is consistency—making small, smart changes over time that lead to long-term results.

Remember, SEO isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Keep improving, keep learning, and stay focused on your goals. Success will follow.

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. With the right mindset and approach, you can navigate SEO with confidence and see your efforts pay off. Stay committed, and your website will shine.

FAQs on SEO Checklist