A comprehensive SEO checklist to optimize your website for search engines and improve visibility.

Before Publishing

Site Information

• Add a site title (under 60 characters) with relevant keywords
• Create a unique site description (50-300 characters) that may appear in search results
• Write unique SEO descriptions for all pages, blog posts, products, and events
• Configure page title formats for browser tabs, social shares, and search results

Site Design

• Add a browser icon (favicon) for brand visibility
• Include social sharing images for your site and individual pages
• Create a custom 404 page with helpful navigation links
• Review content following best practices

Domain and URL Setup

• Connect a custom domain for better brand recognition
• Link social media profiles and enable content sharing
• Enable SSL security
• Optimize URL slugs to reflect page content
• Configure blog post URL format

Location Information

• Add business location details
• Create a Google Business Profile
• Include contact information and map on website

After Publishing

Search Engine Verification

• Verify site with Google Search Console
• Submit site for Google indexing
• Verify with Bing Webmaster Tools
• Connect Google Analytics

Ongoing Optimization

Content Management

• Make strategic content updates
• Create URL redirects for changed pages
• Regularly add fresh content
• Monitor site traffic through analytics

Content Best Practices

Text Content

• Use strategic keywords
• Structure content with proper headings
• Maintain readable, valuable information

Image Optimization

• Add alt text to all images
• Use descriptive file names
• Keep images under 500 KB
• Maintain total page size under 5 MB

Page Organization

• Add social sharing images
• Include SEO descriptions
• Use tags and categories
• Create internal links
• Optimize URL slugs

Monitoring and Adjustment

• Track ranking changes
• Monitor analytics
• Adjust strategy based on performance
• Update keywords as needed

Remember that SEO results take time to materialize, and temporary ranking fluctuations are normal after making changes.

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