SEO Cheatsheet: Mastering the Essentials for Your Website
When it comes to optimising your website for search engines, focusing on the right priorities can make all the difference. At James Anthony Consulting, we’ve distilled the essentials into a handy SEO cheatsheet to help you navigate the complexities of SEO and drive results. Let’s break it down.
1. Prioritise Website Speed
Site speed is critical for both user experience and search engine rankings. A slow website can frustrate visitors and send them straight to your competitors. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, or GTmetrix to identify bottlenecks and improve load times.
Key Actions:
Optimise images and compress files.
Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
Leverage browser caching and a content delivery network (CDN).
2. Fix Search Console Errors
Search Console is your direct line to Google’s insights about your site. Errors flagged here often indicate significant problems, such as pages not indexed or broken links.
Key Actions:
Resolve crawl errors.
Submit an updated sitemap.
Ensure mobile usability meets Google’s standards.
3. Address SEMRush Errors
SEMRush errors highlight critical SEO roadblocks, including broken links, duplicate content, and HTTPS issues.
Key Actions:
Run a SEMRush Site Audit scan on your website.
Fix anything highlighted as an error by the scan, eg. 404s, 302s.
Re-scan and continue fixing until no errors remain.
4. Optimise Site Content
Content is king—but only when it aligns with Google’s rules. Your content must be fresh, unique, readable, and relevant to capture attention and rank highly.
Key Actions:
Regularly update outdated pages.
Conduct keyword research to target relevant terms.
Use structured headings (H1, H2, etc.) and bullet points for readability.
Use Rich Snippets / schema.org tags to highlight the type of content on pages.
5. Focus on Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO) and UX Improvements
A well-optimised site doesn't just attract visitors; it converts them. Take cues from successful examples like Shiels Jewellers and Statewide Super, which excel in creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences.
Key Actions:
Simplify navigation and reduce friction points in the buyer journey.
Implement clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and easy-to-use forms.
Test and refine layouts using A/B testing.
6. Address Search Console Warnings
Warnings in Search Console, while less critical than errors, can still impact your site's performance over time.
Key Actions:
Review warnings for structured data issues.
Fix duplicate meta descriptions and missing alt text.
Resolve any other warnings indicated in Google Search Console.
7. Resolve SEMRush Warnings
Warnings in SEMRush often relate to areas for improvement, such as missing meta tags or suboptimal keyword usage. Resolving these improves and individual page’s ability to gain rank.
Key Actions:
Scan with SEMRush Site Audit.
Resolve any warnings displayed, eg. absent meta descriptions, duplicate title tags.
Ensure all pages have descriptive alt text for images.
Re-scan until no warnings remain.
Google Content Rules: The Golden Standard
Google rewards content that is:
Fresh: Keep content updated regularly to show relevance.
Unique: Avoid duplicate content at all costs.
Readable: Use plain language, short paragraphs, and visual aids to enhance comprehension.
Relevant: Create content that directly addresses your audience's needs and queries.
Final Thoughts
By focusing on site speed, resolving critical errors, and creating high-quality content, you’ll position your website for SEO success. Remember, the goal is not just to rank but to engage and convert visitors. At James Anthony Consulting, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to boost your website's SEO? Contact us to get started today!
