Onpage optimization is the process by which various elements on an individual web page are structured so that the web page can be found by the search engines for specific keyword(s) or keyword phrases.
Onpage optimization will not guarantee any top rating within a search engine, only offpage optimization can offer that guarantee. However, offpage optimization is far more effective WHEN onpage optimization is in place.
Onpage optimization is not difficult. It does however take time to make sure all the pieces are in place. Onpage optimization should occur not only on the main web page of a web site, but on every single content page within that site.
The very first question to ask when seeking to optimize a web page is: What keyword(s)/keyword phrases is this page targeting? This article will not explore how to find keywords, it assumes you already have keywords chosen.
For this article, the following phrases will be used as an example: designer argyle socks, plaid socks, paisley socks. Of the three phrases, "designer argyle socks" will be the primary phrase used for optimization.
Below is a list of onpage elements in which the keywords need to be placed:
** Keywords in the TITLE tag(s)
Every page should have TITLE tags. TITLE tags appear on the status bar above the menu bar in a web browser. The TITLE tags for the main page of your web site should look like the following:
TITLE Supersocks.com - Designer Argyle Socks | Plaid Socks | Paisley Socks /TITLE
Generally the formula should be: website name - keyword|keyword|keyword. Avoid using articles and conjunctions like a, the, and. Use the pipe(|) or dash (-) to separate keywords.
Do not "stuff" your title by repeating your keyword phrases over and over. Search engines will ban sites for such practices.
** Keywords in H1 or other headline tags
Somewhere near the top of the page place your primary keyword phrase within h1 tags.
H1Designer Argyle Socks/H1
The combination of the TITLE tag and H1 tag effectively act as titling tags for your page. The search engine spider will begin to see pretty quickly what your page is about if these two tags are in place.
** Keywords in the body copy
Use your keyword phrases throughout the copy of the body of the web page. Use them in natural ways. Do not overuse your keyword phrase. Avoid using hidden text. Try your best to include your primary keyword phrase at/near the beginning of your copy and at/near the end of your copy. Once, and only once, make sure your primary keyword phrase is bolded.
** Keywords in ALT tags
Many suggest that the alt tags on your images should contain your keywords. Be careful. Some search engines see that as spamming. If you do it, don't over do it.
** Keywords contained in the URL or site address, e.g., http://www.keyword.com/keyword.htm
If the primary phrase of our web page is "Designer Argyle Socks", then the name of the actual HTML file would be designerargylesocks.html, designer_argyle_socks.html or designer-argyle-socks.html
** Keywords in the META NAME="DESCRIPTION"
Meta tags are getting used less and less by the search engines. However, it is still good practice to use the Description and Keyword meta tags if only for your own reference.
meta name="description"Supersocks.com is pleased to offer designer argyle socks at low discount prices. In addition see our selection of plaid socks and paisley socks. /meta
** Keywords in the META NAME="KEYWORD"
Search engines like Google no longer look at the Keywords meta tag. However, still include your keywords here. They can serve as a point of reference for you in the future.
meta name="keyword" keyword, keyword, keyword /meta
Do not "stuff" this meta tag by repeating your keyword phrases over and over. Search engines will ban sites for such practices.
Paul Stefanski develops Recommended Web Tools, an online resource for web design beginners. Visit his website to find out more about onpage optimization.
Google does not accept payment for inclusion in their main... Read More
Ask any business person who's website is at the top... Read More
Over the past few years, there have been many debates... Read More
It seems I now do this rant every single year... Read More
In order to get a top 10 google ranking it... Read More
Five FAQ about Google PageRank1. What is PageRank and why... Read More
In a fluke, I was able to notice something about... Read More
There has been endless webmaster speculation and worry about the... Read More
Since search engines are the first stop for people on... Read More
SEO is a never ending battle! So is SEO... Read More
Use a keyword density of about 1 to 2%. Use... Read More
When you get an e-mail from SEO Company with content... Read More
Do you have a website that has little or no... Read More
There are certain tricks and techniques in SEO industry, which... Read More
The popularity of weblogs or blogs has gotten a lot... Read More
For those who haven't heard: article marketing is the new... Read More
There are many websites that fail to target their required... Read More
MLM has been around way before the Internet. It is... Read More
Trillions of Billions of content pages make up the wide... Read More
It is by now a proven fact that content is... Read More
Anybody who has their own website or is involved in... Read More
According to the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization (SEMPO), advertisers... Read More
I often talk to people who have lost faith in... Read More
Some of the Search engines want only original content. So... Read More
The importance of keywordsKeywords or key phrases you choose will... Read More
From the perspective of a business owner, webmaster, or marketing... Read More
Google's PageRank has been around for years, and in the... Read More
Ever see a website that seems to speak a foreign... Read More
Let me guess, you've read article after article on how... Read More
Woaah! Wait a minute. Before I exclusively reveal these insider... Read More
As a member of several search engine optimization forums, I... Read More
Thanks to a unique algorithm that produces most relevant results... Read More
We all know the ease of using a search engine... Read More
I couldn’t agree more with the headline of this article... Read More
If you've been involved in SEO (search engine optimization) for... Read More
With apologies for the cheap trick of mentioning Paris Hilton... Read More
Just for a change, rather than a technical article, I... Read More
Search Engine Optimization nowadays has a lot to do with... Read More
I don't mind admitting that every time some new fangled... Read More
It's interesting how potential clients have preconceived notions about which... Read More
As we all know Google uses their PageRank technology to... Read More
There are many techniques that SEM/SEO experts use to optimize... Read More
In the Global Internet era the industry presence is undoubtedly... Read More
"This is a continuation of the pervious part, split into... Read More
What Are Search Engines?A search engine is a database system... Read More
What is the Google Algorithm?An algorithm is a mathematical equation... Read More
Whether you launch a search engine optimization program in-house or... Read More
I set out with the intention of writing a self... Read More
Often, sites view seo and PPC marketing as exclusive marketing... Read More
A higher search ranking is what many website owners dream... Read More
Adding fresh, updated content to your website is the surest... Read More
When does long term SEO show ranking results? It takes... Read More
Non-Reciprocal Link Building For Higher Search Engine Positioning By Dave... Read More
In order that someone finds your website and buys your... Read More
Finding Targeted Keyword Phrases Your Competitors MissFinding keyword phrases your... Read More
Do you ever wonder how people search for things on... Read More
Part 2 Tips 4 tagsMeta tags are the descriptive tags... Read More
The importance to the algorithmic web crawlers that speed throughout... Read More
Long before the days of researching phrases with the helpful... Read More
Reciprocal linking scams have increased immensely during the past year.... Read More
What do the words "Search Engine" make you think of?... Read More
Getting top search engine listing is perhaps one of the... Read More
Computers have become a way of life for people around... Read More
Anchor Text (also called phrase linking) can significantly improve your... Read More
Your website is ready. Your content is in place, you... Read More
Search Engine Optimization popularly known as SEO.SEO is the process... Read More
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) |