What is the search algorithm?

SEO companies use the term search algorithm to refer to Google’s secret recipe that determines how the search engine results page (SERP) is structured. Most SEO practitioners know of the basic main signals to rank a website’s relevance—but are otherwise blind about the exact formula. 

The search engine giant keeps it this way because it understands that knowing exactly how the algorithm works will open up ways to exploit it. It knows this by experience, as many early SEO companies and webmasters have done it in the past. 

Certain SEO practices may come and go, but what will always be crucial to ranking high on SERP are on-page optimization efforts.

What is On-Page Optimization?

On-page optimization is one of the significant components of SEO because it deals directly with the page. Whereas off-page optimization efforts, such as SEO link building, boost your authority and potentially help you rank higher, on-page optimization strives to please the Googlebot crawlers that directly index your website. 

On-page optimization includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

1 - Page Titles

The page title needs to contain the focus keyword and should be relevant to your page intent. Many SEO companies also recommend that the title fit within the 568-pixel width OR within 50-60 character length.  You can do a Page Title check here https://moz.com/learn/seo/title-tag

2 - Descriptive URLs

Stay clear of website URLs that use long strings of seemingly random letters and numbers. Google crawlers use the website address to understand your content better, so it’s best to make it descriptive. Much like the title, website URLs need to be concise and contain the focus keyword as well.

3 - Meta-Descriptions

The meta description appears below the page title on Google SERPs. It is a summary of your page content that should contain relevant keywords and be as descriptive as possible. 

Many SEO companies recommend that the meta description fit the 900-pixel width, which is about how much space you have on Google search results for meta descriptions.  A good rule is 120 to 158 characters in length.

4 - Keyword Placements

It’s not entirely an exaggeration to say that keywords can make or break an SEO campaign. If you can accurately predict which keywords your customers use for finding services, it will be easier for you to create relevant content and appear on top of SERPs. 

This is why keywords need to be present everywhere, such as in your page titles, URLs, and meta descriptions. Many SEO writers also recommend using your focus keyword on the first 100 words of your article. 

Don’t give in to the temptation of repeatedly using keywords without context. This is an old and disavowed SEO technique called “keyword stuffing,” which no longer works. In fact, implementing such strategies can get your website penalized and deleted from Google’s index database. 

In Summary

On-page optimization is one of those SEO tips and tricks that will never grow old. If your webpages are always optimized, you make it easier for Google’s crawlers to find and understand your website. Because the optimizations happen mostly at the code level, it’s essential to have IT experts look at your work. This way, you can ensure that nothing is holding you back from gaining traction online. 

About The Stack Group

If you’re looking for a local website designer and affordable SEO specialist to help you with your website’s SEO, then The Stack Group has you covered! Besides top-notch web design, we also offer affordable search engine optimization services. Contact us today to learn more about our services.