If you’ve started a blog and are wondering how to get people to actually find your content on Google, the answer lies in on-page SEO. Don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds.
On-page SEO is about making sure each blog post is structured, written, and optimized so that both Google and humans understand what it’s about. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do it.
Here’s your complete, beginner-friendly on-page SEO checklist—made for small blogs that want big results.
What Is On-Page SEO?
On-page SEO refers to everything you can do on your website to help it rank better in search engines. It includes things like your:
- Page title
- Headings
- Content
- Images
- Internal links
- Meta tags
In short: It’s all the stuff you control directly.
On-Page SEO Checklist for Small Blogs
Here’s a step-by-step checklist you can follow for every blog post you publish:
1. Use One Focus Keyword per Post
Pick one main keyword your post is targeting. It should match what someone would search for.
Example:
If your post is about “easy vegan dinner recipes,” make that your focus keyword.
Use tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner to find keyword ideas.
2. Include the Keyword in Key Places
Use your focus keyword in these spots:
- Page title (H1)
- URL slug (e.g.,
yourblog.com/easy-vegan-dinners) - First 100 words of content
- At least one subheading (H2 or H3)
- Meta description
- Image alt text
Don’t overdo it! Just a few natural placements are enough.
3. Write a Killer Title (With the Keyword)
Your title should be:
- Clear and descriptive
- Include the focus keyword
- Under 60 characters (so it doesn’t get cut off in Google results)
- Click-worthy
Bad Title: Recipes
Better Title: Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes (Ready in 20 Minutes)
4. Craft a Compelling Meta Description
This short summary (under 160 characters) appears under your title on Google. It should:
- Include the focus keyword
- Summarize the blog clearly
- Encourage clicks
Example:
Quick and easy vegan dinner recipes anyone can cook. Tasty, healthy meals in under 30 minutes!
5. Use Headings to Organize Your Content
Break your content into sections using:
- H1 for the main title (use once)
- H2 for key sections
- H3 for sub-sections
This makes your post easier to read—and Google loves organized content.
6. Write for Humans First
Keep your writing:
- Clear and conversational
- Short paragraphs (2–4 lines max)
- Simple words and active voice
Tip: Use Hemingway Editor to check your readability. Aim for grade 6–8 level.
7. Add Internal Links
Link to 1–3 other relevant posts on your site. This:
- Helps Google crawl your site
- Keeps users on your blog longer
- Boosts SEO for older posts
8. Optimize Images
Every image should:
- Be compressed (use TinyPNG)
- Have descriptive file names (e.g.,
vegan-burger.jpg) - Include alt text that explains what the image shows (use your keyword when relevant)
9. Use Short, Clean URLs
Avoid messy URLs like this:yourblog.com/123?id=post-xyz
Use clean slugs:yourblog.com/easy-vegan-dinner-recipes
Shorter = better for SEO and easier to share.
10. Add a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Every blog post should end with something like:
- “Leave a comment below!”
- “Check out our related post…”
- “Download the free checklist”
- “Subscribe to the newsletter”
This helps with engagement, which Google also pays attention to.
Bonus Tips for Small Blogs
- Update old posts with new content, links, and keywords.
- Use Google Search Console to track what keywords your posts rank for.
- Don’t copy content – always write original, useful info.
FAQs
- 1. What is On-page SEO?
On-page SEO is the process of optimizing individual web pages to rank higher in search engines by improving content, structure, and HTML tags.
- 2. Why is on-page SEO important for blogs?
It helps your blog show up on Google, increases organic traffic, and improves user experience—especially crucial for small blogs with low budgets.
- 3. What’s the most important on-page SEO factor?
The title tag (H1) with your focus keyword is the most important. It tells Google and users what your post is about.
- 4. How many keywords should I use per blog post?
Focus on one main keyword, and optionally include 2–3 related keywords. Always write naturally—avoid keyword stuffing.
- 5. How do I know if my on-page SEO is working?
Use Google Search Console to monitor keyword rankings, impressions, and clicks. You should see gradual traffic growth.
- 6. Do I need plugins for on-page SEO?
Not necessarily. But if you use WordPress, plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help guide your optimization.
