How to make a 100% SEO friendly website

Categories - SEO - Search Engine Optimization Tags - SEO   Maniruzzaman Akash   2 weeks ago   94   14 minutes   2

In today’s digital world, building a website is only the first step towards establishing an online presence. However, to be successful, your website needs to be SEO-friendly, which means it should be easily discovered and indexed by search engines like Google, Bing, and others. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for increasing your website’s visibility, driving organic traffic, and ensuring long-term success. In this article, we’ll explore what SEO is, why it’s crucial, different types of SEO, common SEO mistakes to avoid, and how to build a fully SEO-optimized website.

What is SEO?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, refers to the strategies, techniques, and tactics used to improve a website’s visibility on search engines. It’s all about making your website more attractive to search engines, helping them understand your content better and rank it higher in search results. The ultimate goal is to boost organic traffic by appearing in the top search results for relevant queries.

Search engines use complex algorithms to analyze and rank websites based on various factors, including keyword usage, site structure, content relevance, and user experience. A well-optimized site increases the chances of being found by potential customers when they search for specific terms related to your business.

Why Do I Need to Make My Website SEO-Friendly?

You build websites or business solutions to grow, gain visibility, and generate profit. However, profit can only come when people use your website. To drive traffic to your site, people first need to know it exists. This is where SEO plays a critical role. Without proper optimization, even the most beautifully designed website may struggle to attract visitors.

SEO is the bridge that connects your website with your target audience. A well-optimized website improves your chances of being discovered by potential customers searching for products or services related to your business. With higher search engine rankings, you’ll experience increased traffic, greater customer engagement, and, ultimately, higher profits.

Types of SEO

To achieve 100% SEO-friendliness, you need to focus on two major types of SEO: On-Page SEO and Off-Page SEO.

1. On-page SEO

On-page SEO refers to the various optimization techniques and practices you apply directly on your website to improve its search engine visibility. It focuses on both the content and the HTML source code of individual pages. Optimizing these elements helps search engines understand your content better and rank it higher for relevant search queries.

Let’s dive deeper into the essential elements of On-Page SEO:

1. Keyword Optimization

This remains one of the most fundamental aspects of On-Page SEO. The goal is to include relevant keywords naturally throughout your content without overstuffing or disrupting the flow.

  • Best Practices:

    • Include primary keywords in titles, headings (H1, H2, etc.), and the first 100 words of your content.
    • Use secondary keywords and synonyms throughout the content.
    • Avoid keyword stuffing, which can lead to search engine penalties.

  • Example:

    <h1>Best Hiking Boots for Outdoor Adventures</h1>
<p>If you're looking for the best hiking boots, you're in the right place. Our guide covers the top options for outdoor enthusiasts who love exploring rough terrain.</p>

2. Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Metadata plays a significant role in how search engines display your website in search results. The title tag and meta description are critical elements for SEO because they directly impact click-through rates (CTR) from search results.

  • Title Tag: This is the clickable headline shown in search results.

    • Should be under 60 characters.
    • Include the primary keyword as close to the beginning as possible.

    Example:

    <title>Best Hiking Boots for Outdoor Adventures | Your Brand</title>

  • Meta Description: This is a brief summary of the page content that appears beneath the title in search results.

    • Keep it between 150-160 characters.
    • Include primary and secondary keywords in a natural way.

    Example:

    <meta name="description" content="Discover the best hiking boots for outdoor adventures. Our guide helps you choose the perfect pair for exploring rough terrains.">

3. Header Tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.)

Using header tags properly helps break your content into manageable sections, making it easier for both search engines and users to read and understand.

  • Best Practices:

    • Use only one H1 tag per page (typically the main heading).
    • Use H2, H3, etc. for subheadings, organizing the content in a hierarchical structure.

    Example:

    <h1>Best Hiking Boots for Your Next Adventure</h1>
<h2>Why Choosing the Right Hiking Boot Matters</h2>
<h3>Types of Hiking Boots</h3>

4. Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Structured data (or schema markup) is a form of code that helps search engines understand the content of your page more effectively. It enhances search engine results with “rich snippets” like reviews, ratings, event times, or product information.

  • Types of Structured Data:

    • Breadcrumb Schema: Helps search engines understand the site’s hierarchy.
    • Product Schema: Useful for eCommerce websites to display products, prices, and ratings.
    • FAQ Schema: Adds questions and answers in rich snippets.

    Example: Product Schema Markup (in JSON-LD format):

    <script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org/",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots",
  "image": [
    "https://example.com/photos/1x1/photo.jpg",
    "https://example.com/photos/4x3/photo.jpg"
   ],
  "description": "Men's waterproof hiking boots with non-slip soles and superior comfort.",
  "sku": "0447G",
  "mpn": "123456",
  "brand": {
    "@type": "Brand",
    "name": "Outdoor Gear Co."
  },
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "url": "https://example.com/hiking-boots",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "price": "79.99",
    "priceValidUntil": "2024-12-31",
    "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
  }
}
</script>

Using schema markup helps your pages stand out in search results with rich snippets, which can significantly improve your click-through rate.

5. Image Optimization

Images should be optimized for both SEO and page speed. Properly optimized images can help improve your rankings and enhance user experience.

  • Best Practices:

    • Use descriptive file names (e.g., “hiking-boots.jpg” instead of “image123.jpg”).
    • Include alt text that describes the image in detail. This helps with accessibility and provides search engines with context about the image.
    • Compress images to reduce file size and improve page load times.

    Example:

    <img src="hiking-boots.jpg" alt="Waterproof men's hiking boots on rocky terrain">

6. Internal Linking

Internal links are links that point to other pages on the same website. These links help users and search engines navigate your site, as well as pass SEO value between pages.

  • Best Practices:

    • Link to relevant content within your site using descriptive anchor text.
    • Ensure that important pages receive more internal links to boost their authority.

    Example:

    <p>For more information on outdoor gear, check out our <a href="/best-outdoor-backpacks">Best Outdoor Backpacks</a> guide.</p>

7. Mobile Optimization

With the rise of mobile searches, having a mobile-friendly website is a non-negotiable aspect of onsite SEO. Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning the mobile version of your site is the starting point for what Google includes in its index.

  • Best Practices:
    • Use a responsive design that adjusts your site’s layout based on the device.
    • Make sure all content is accessible and readable on smaller screens.
    • Ensure fast load times, as mobile users are more likely to abandon slow websites.

8. Page Speed Optimization

Page speed is a crucial ranking factor in both desktop and mobile searches. A fast-loading website improves user experience, reduces bounce rates, and ranks better on search engines.

  • Best Practices:
    • Compress images and videos.
    • Minimize the use of large JavaScript and CSS files.
    • Use browser caching and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to reduce load times.

9. URL Structure

URLs should be clean, descriptive, and include the target keyword where possible. A well-structured URL is easy to read by both users and search engines, providing an additional clue about the page’s content.

  • Best Practices:

    • Keep URLs short and descriptive.
    • Use hyphens (-) to separate words, avoiding underscores (_).
    • Include primary keywords naturally in the URL.

    Example:

    https://example.com/best-hiking-boots

10. Content Quality and Relevance

No amount of SEO optimization can replace the need for high-quality content. Your content must be valuable, informative, and relevant to the searcher’s intent. Search engines increasingly focus on user experience, meaning that content should meet the user’s needs in the most efficient way possible.

  • Best Practices:
    • Write in-depth, original content that answers common user queries.
    • Use multimedia like images, videos, and infographics to engage readers.
    • Ensure the content is regularly updated and remains relevant over time.

2. Off-page SEO

While On-Page SEO focuses on optimizing elements within your website, off-page SEO refers to the actions taken outside your website to improve its authority, relevance, and ranking in search engine results. The primary goal of off-page SEO is to build a strong reputation for your site, which search engines will interpret as a signal of trustworthiness, relevance, and authority. This is done through a combination of link building, brand mentions, and various other external signals that help drive traffic and enhance your site’s credibility.

Let’s explore the most effective strategies for off-page SEO, their importance, and how you can implement them to boost your site’s search engine performance.

1. Backlink Building

Backlinks, or inbound links, are one of the most important factors in off-page SEO. These are links from other websites that point to your site. Search engines see backlinks as “votes of confidence,” meaning the more high-quality, authoritative sites link to your content, the more likely your site will rank higher in search results.

  • Best Practices for Backlink Building:

    • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on acquiring links from reputable, high-authority websites. A single link from a high-domain authority (DA) site is worth more than dozens of links from low-quality sources.
    • Natural Link Building: Create valuable, shareable content that others want to link to naturally. Google prefers organic, natural links over paid or manipulated ones.
    • Avoid Spammy Links: Links from spammy or irrelevant websites can negatively impact your rankings. Disavow such links if necessary using Google’s Disavow Tool.

  • How to Build Backlinks:

    • Guest Blogging: Write high-quality articles for reputable blogs in your industry, including links back to relevant pages on your site.
    • Broken Link Building: Find broken links on other websites and suggest replacing them with a link to your relevant content.
    • Create Shareable Content: Develop resources like infographics, guides, or original research that people will want to link to.

    Example of a Backlink from a High-Authority Site:

    <a href="https://yourwebsite.com/best-hiking-boots" rel="nofollow">Check out this guide to the best hiking boots</a>

2. Social Media Signals

Although social media shares are not a direct ranking factor, they can significantly contribute to your off-page SEO by driving traffic to your website and increasing brand exposure. The more people engage with your content on social media, the more likely it is to be shared, linked to, and viewed by a broader audience.

  • Best Practices for Social Media SEO:

    • Create Engaging Content: Produce content that is highly shareable on social platforms (e.g., blog posts, infographics, videos).
    • Promote Your Content: Share your blog posts, guides, and other valuable resources on social media to increase visibility and encourage natural backlinks.
    • Engage with Followers: Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and foster a community around your brand on social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    Example of Social Media Promotion:

    • Posting a link to your recent blog post on Twitter with relevant hashtags to boost visibility.
    • Sharing an infographic on Instagram and encouraging followers to visit your site for more information.

3. Brand Mentions

Brand mentions, even without a hyperlink, can positively impact your off-page SEO. When other websites or users mention your brand name, search engines see this as a sign of credibility and popularity.

  • Best Practices for Brand Mentions:

    • Monitor Mentions: Use tools like Google Alerts or Mention to keep track of when your brand is mentioned online.
    • Encourage Positive Mentions: Partner with influencers, participate in online discussions, and produce quality content that gets people talking about your brand.
    • Turn Mentions into Backlinks: Reach out to sites that mention your brand but don’t link to you, and ask them to add a link.

    Example of a Brand Mention:

    • A news article mentioning your eCommerce store for selling high-quality outdoor gear without linking back to your site. You can politely request a link to increase your authority.

4. Guest Blogging

Guest blogging is one of the most effective strategies for building authority and backlinks. By writing high-quality, informative posts for other blogs or websites within your niche, you can expand your audience and build credibility.

  • Best Practices for Guest Blogging:

    • Choose Reputable Blogs: Always guest post on high-authority sites within your industry.
    • Provide Value: Write original, high-quality content that offers value to the readers of the host blog.
    • Use Natural Links: Include a few links back to relevant content on your site within the body of your guest post or in your author bio.

    Example: A guest post titled “How to Choose the Perfect Hiking Boots” on a popular outdoor blog with a link to your guide on hiking gear.

5. Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with influencers in your industry can help drive traffic, generate brand awareness, and lead to natural backlinks. Influencers have established trust with their audiences, and a recommendation from them can significantly boost your site’s authority.

  • Best Practices for Influencer Marketing:

    • Identify Relevant Influencers: Work with influencers whose audience aligns with your target market.
    • Create Partnerships: Offer influencers products, services, or compensation in exchange for reviews, mentions, or social shares.
    • Encourage Natural Links: Influencers can provide natural links to your site in their blog posts, videos, or social media content.

    Example: A well-known travel blogger reviews your line of hiking boots, linking back to your eCommerce site in their post.

6. Forum Participation and Community Engagement

Active participation in online communities related to your industry can help establish your expertise and gain traffic to your site. While it’s essential to avoid spammy self-promotion, contributing genuinely valuable insights can result in natural backlinks and brand mentions.

  • Best Practices for Forum Participation:

    • Join Reputable Communities: Participate in forums like Reddit, Quora, or niche-specific groups where your target audience gathers.
    • Offer Helpful Information: Provide expert advice and solutions to users’ problems rather than overtly promoting your site.
    • Use Links Sparingly: Only include links when relevant and helpful to the discussion.

    Example: Answering a question on Quora about hiking gear, while linking back to your guide on outdoor backpacks when appropriate.

7. Citations and Local SEO

For local businesses, citations (mentions of your business name, address, and phone number) in local directories can improve local search rankings. Consistent citations across various online directories are crucial for Local SEO.

  • Best Practices for Citations:

    • Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing: Ensure your business information (NAP: Name, Address, Phone Number) is accurate.
    • Use Consistent Information: Ensure that your NAP is consistent across all directories (e.g., Yelp, Yellow Pages, etc.).
    • Encourage Positive Reviews: Positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can boost your local SEO rankings.

    Example: Registering your business in local directories such as Yelp, Bing Places, or Yellow Pages with accurate and consistent information.

8. Press Releases and News Coverage

Press releases and news coverage from credible sources can give your site a significant SEO boost. When you launch a new product, service, or have newsworthy information, publishing a press release can attract media attention, resulting in backlinks and brand mentions.

  • Best Practices for Press Releases:

    • Publish Newsworthy Content: Only issue press releases for newsworthy events (e.g., product launches, significant business updates).
    • Distribute to Reputable Outlets: Submit press releases to credible PR platforms like PR Newswire, Business Wire, or directly to relevant journalists.

    Example: A press release about the launch of your new hiking boot line, leading to coverage on authoritative news sites and industry blogs.

9. Content Marketing (Off-Site)

Content marketing plays a vital role in off-page SEO. Creating and distributing high-quality content on other platforms can help build your brand and attract links back to your website.

  • Best Practices for Content Marketing:

    • Publish on Third-Party Platforms: Share your content on Medium, LinkedIn, or industry-specific sites to increase visibility.
    • Create Infographics and Videos: These types of content are highly shareable and can attract natural backlinks.

    Example: Publishing an in-depth article on LinkedIn about “The Future of Sustainable Outdoor Gear” with a link to your website.

Common SEO Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your site’s SEO performance. Here are some common SEO mistakes to avoid:

1. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

In today’s mobile-driven world, failing to optimize your website for mobile users can severely impact your rankings. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites, so make sure your site offers a seamless experience across all devices.

2. Overstuffing Keywords

Keyword optimization is crucial, but overusing or “stuffing” keywords into your content can lead to penalties from search engines. Always prioritize user experience over keyword density. Keywords should be used naturally and strategically within the content.

3. Not Using Analytics Tools

Failing to monitor your website’s performance and track your SEO efforts can result in missed opportunities for improvement. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track key metrics such as traffic, bounce rates, and rankings, and make data-driven decisions to improve your site.

4. Ignoring Metadata

Neglecting to optimize title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags is a common mistake. These elements are critical for helping search engines understand the content of your page and improving click-through rates from search results.

5. Poor Content Quality

Focusing solely on technical SEO aspects and ignoring the importance of high-quality content can hinder your SEO efforts. Always prioritize creating valuable, informative, and engaging content that meets the needs of your audience.

SEO Solutions

Now that you have a basic understanding of how SEO can be added to your site, you might be wondering if there are any solutions that can automate the process or notify you about SEO improvements. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools designed to do just that.

What These Solutions Can Do

SEO tools can automate a variety of tasks to ensure your content is optimized. They can:

  • Check post details such as:
    • Post title length
    • Meta description length
    • Page content length
    • Focus keywords
    • Ratio of passive to active voice in the article
    • And much more
  • Identify broken links
  • Detect and help fix redirect issues
  • And many other SEO-related tasks to improve the overall performance of your site.

Solutions for WordPress Websites

If your website is built on WordPress, you can leverage some of the top SEO plugins, including:

These plugins will help boost your WordPress SEO from many different angles, providing insights and automated improvements.

Solutions for Non-WordPress Websites

For websites built with other technologies such as Laravel, React, Python, Golang, Django, or C#, there are several powerful SEO tools available, including:

These platforms offer similar features to WordPress plugins, helping you manage and improve the SEO of your site, regardless of the technology used.

By using these tools, you can ensure that your site’s SEO is continuously optimized, helping you achieve better search rankings and traffic.

Conclusion

Building a 100% SEO-friendly website is essential for achieving long-term success in the digital landscape. By focusing on both onsite and offsite SEO, avoiding common mistakes, and prioritizing user experience, you can significantly boost your website’s visibility on search engines. This will lead to increased traffic, greater customer engagement, and ultimately, higher profitability. Remember, SEO is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and optimization.


Investing in SEO is investing in the future growth of your business. With the right strategies and a commitment to continuous improvement, your website can climb the search engine rankings and reach its full potential.