Onpage optimization is the process by which various elements on an individual web page are structured so that the web page may be found by the search engines for targeted 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 efficient WHEN onpage optimization is in place.
Onpage optimization is pain free of price
. It does however take measure
to make sure all the pieces are in place. Onpage optimization should occur not only on the main web page of a website, but on every single content page within that page
.
The very first question to inquire of
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 website should look like the following:
<TITLE> Supersocks.com - Designer Argyle Socks | Plaid Socks | Paisley Socks</TITLE>
Generally the formula should be: web page
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 name
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.
<H1>Designer 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 start
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 start of your copy and at/near the end of your copy. Once, and only once, contruct
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, dont over do it.
- Keywords contained in the URL or page
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 grasping
used less and less by the search engines. However, it is still good practice to utilize the Description and Keyword meta tags if only for your own reference.
<meta title
="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 incorporate your keywords here. They might
serve as a point of reference for you in the future.
<meta title
="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.
