Are you aware that Google considers over 100 ranking factors for search results?Securing a high rank in search results necessitates optimizing your web pages to align with Google’s algorithmic requirements. However, with numerous ranking factors, many of which remain unknown, where should you begin?Fortunately, we have the solution!This page will delve into seven essential on-page ranking factors that are crucial for understanding, including:Keep exploring to gain deeper insights into these pivotal factors! P.S. Seeking the latest SEO tips and strategies to enhance your search engine optimization? Join the ranks of 200,000+ marketers by subscribing to our email newsletter!
On-page ranking factors are the elements within your business’s website that influence your page’s potential to rank in search results. Optimizing your site for these factors is essential to achieve relevant search rankings for your business.With numerous on-page SEO elements, how do you initiate your on-page SEO efforts? Let’s begin with these seven vital Google ranking factors:1. Keyword IncorporationOur first SEO ranking factor is the strategic use of keywords. To ensure your content appears in relevant search results, it is imperative to integrate keywords into your pages, as these terms trigger search results. Your keyword implementation significantly impacts your page’s ranking potential.Failure to utilize keywords or using them insufficiently may result in Google not being able to properly rank your pages. Conversely, overusing keywords, known as keyword stuffing, can negatively affect your page’s ranking. To discover relevant keywords, initiate with keyword research using tools such as KeywordsFX.Focus on long-tail keywords, consisting of three or more words, to enhance your chances of appearing in the correct search results. Once you identify your terms, integrate them into your site. It is advisable to incorporate your key terms into your:
Title tag
Meta description
Headings
Subheadings
Body text
Utilize our free keyword density checker to evaluate your keyword usage!2. Content QualityFollowing closely, page content is a fundamental on-page ranking factor. Page content refers to the information presented on your pages. Merely presenting a few pieces of information is insufficient.Your pages must provide valuable information that maintains user engagement. Page content is critical for two reasons:
It communicates the context of your page to search engines, enabling them to rank you in relevant search results
It prolongs user engagement on your page, sending a positive signal to Google regarding your page’s relevance
When crafting your pages, deliver high-quality content that aligns with search intent. You can uncover the search intent for your page by searching your core keyword on Google and observing what’s currently ranking. Your content should offer pertinent information that is beneficial to your audience.For instance, if you’re creating a page about the best gaming keyboards, a list of top keyboards without explanations won’t satisfy your audience’s needs. Instead, provide detailed insights into each keyboard and explain why it’s a top choice.Delivering informative and helpful content to your audience is crucial for achieving high rankings from search engines. Your content should provide comprehensive information on the topic, making it easy for readers to understand and engage with the material.3. Title Tag OptimizationThe title tag is a pivotal on-page SEO factor. It is what appears in search results when users conduct a search. Both search engines and users rely on this information to assess the relevance of your page in search results.Optimizing for this Google ranking factor is essential for improving your page’s search result ranking. Here are some best practices to create compelling title tags:
Integrate your core keyword: To assist search engines in recognizing the relevance of your page, include your core keyword in your title tag. It is advisable to place your core keyword toward the beginning to ensure both search engines and users immediately recognize its relevance.
Stay within the character limit: Title tags have a 60-character limit. To optimize for this on-page SEO factor, avoid truncating your title tag, which can lead to a cluttered appearance and prevent users from seeing all the necessary information.
Be informative: Avoid generic titles like “Gaming Keyboards.” Instead, opt for informative titles such as “8 Top Gaming Keyboards for 2024” to give your audience a clear expectation of the content on your page.
Utilize our free on-page SEO grader to assess your title tag optimization.4. URL StructureOne of the often-overlooked SEO ranking factors is URL structure. A well-structured URL provides search engines with a clearer understanding of your page’s content, thereby improving its ranking in search results. An example of a poor URL structure is:www.gamingpc.com/fsdak/eiw-3n398-23nSuch URLs do not provide search engines with meaningful context.However, an optimized URL, such as:www.gamingpc.com/pc-gaming/pc-gaming-accessories/gaming-keyboards/clearly communicates the page’s context and assists search engines in ranking the page more effectively.5. Page SpeedDid you know that 83% of users expect your website to load within three seconds or less? Users are unwilling to wait for your page to load to access information. Consequently, Google considers your site’s loading speed when ranking your page in search results.Utilize Google PageSpeed Insights to enhance your site’s load time. This tool will provide insights into your site’s current loading speed and offer suggestions for improvement, such as:
Reducing redirects
Enabling browser caching
Reducing image file sizes
Minimizing HTTP requests
For those unfamiliar with backend optimization, consider seeking assistance from a professional page speed service.6. Mobile ResponsivenessOur next on-page ranking factor is mobile-friendliness. Google has recently adopted a mobile-first index, meaning it considers your site’s mobile-friendliness when ranking your page in search results. Therefore, to improve your search rankings, a mobile-friendly website is essential.Creating a mobile-friendly website involves implementing responsive design, which allows your site to adapt to any device a user employs. Whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, or computer, users will see the most suitable version of your site for their device.This approach ensures a better user experience for your audience and helps your business rank higher in search results.7. Website SecurityThe final on-page SEO factor we will examine is website security. Users expect a secure environment when shopping or browsing on your site. They are unwilling to share personal information if it is not adequately protected.As user engagement is influenced by site security, Google considers it an on-page ranking factor for your business. To transition your site from HTTP to HTTPS, obtain a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. This certificate will safeguard your site and encrypt sensitive information shared by users.Your site is secure when you see “HTTPS” in your URL and a padlock icon next to it. Improving your website’s search rankings requires optimizing for critical on-page ranking factors. If you are unsure about where to start or how to optimize your site for these factors, WebFX can assist you.With a team of over 500 marketing experts well-versed in SEO optimization, we have propelled over $10 billion in revenue and over 24 million leads for our clients in the past five years. Are you ready to achieve better search rankings?Get in touch online or call us today at 888-601-5359 to speak with a strategist about our SEO services!