What is On-page SEO? Do’s and Don’ts [2025]

Imagine you have a website, but no one is visiting it. That’s frustrating, right? This is where On-page SEO comes in. It’s like giving your website a makeover so search engines and people can find it easily.

The formal brief answer to the question, “What is On-page SEO?” is that On-page SEO improves your website’s content and design to help it rank higher on search engines like Google.

In 2025, SEO rules keep changing, and staying updated is a must. By learning the do’s and don’ts, you can make your site rank higher and attract the right audience.

This blog will guide you step by step with an on-page SEO checklist (Do’s and Don'ts), examples and tips.

What is On-page SEO?

On-page SEO is the process of tweaking the elements of a webpage—like titles, content, images, meta descriptions and URLs—to make it better for search engines and users.

Whenever On-page SEO comes up, you must also understand Off-page SEO because they work together to improve your website’s performance.

Does On-Page SEO Still Matter with Google’s Updates?

Yes, On-page SEO still matters. Even with all the 2024 Google updates, optimizing your website’s content and structure is super important. Google wants websites to be helpful, user-friendly, and high-quality. 

On-page SEO is your way of telling Google, “My content is valuable for users!”

Here’s how the 2024 updates connect to On-page SEO:

Proof That Traditional SEO Still Matters
 

Even though Google has advanced AI, keywords still play an important role in rankings. 

Here’s the proof:

1. Google’s Own Process

Google itself says it still scans pages for specific keywords to understand what they’re about. Even with smarter systems, old-school SEO tactics work.

2. Real-Life Searches

When you search for something like “best phones 2024”, the top-ranking pages usually have this exact phrase in their title tag.

Example:

✅ A title like “best phones for 2024” ranks higher.

❌ A title like “Top Phones for the Year” ranks lower, even if it’s good content.

This shows that using the right keywords in titles still matters.

3. Click Rates (CTR)

Pages with keywords in their meta description and titles get more clicks. More clicks tell Google your page is helpful, which helps you rank higher.

Your keywords will appear in bold in the meta description.

You can check out this informative blog to learn about the five best CTR manipulation tools and software.

4. Featured Snippets and Headers

Google likes clear headings that include keywords.

For example, if someone searches “how to lose weight fast”:

• A page with H1: “How to Lose Weight Fast” is more likely to rank high.
• A page with H1: “Effective Weight Loss Tips” may rank lower.

Do’s of On-page SEO (With Examples)

SEO Has Changed Over Time

Years ago, optimizing a page was easy. You focused on a few basics, like repeating your keyword enough times. That was it.

Now, on-page SEO involves more steps and deeper strategies. It can feel overwhelming, but tools and checklists can simplify the process.

Tools That Make On-Page SEO Easy

1. SEMrush On-Page SEO Checker

This tool checks if your keyword is in the right spots, like:

• The title (H1)
• Body text
• Meta description

It also gives you tips to improve your content.

Why It Helps

Using related keywords (semantic keywords) helps Google understand your topic better.

How to Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions for SEO

Optimizing title tags and meta descriptions is super important for SEO. 

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Why Title Tags Matter

Title tags are still one of the most important SEO factors. Google uses them to understand what your page is about. The better your title, the better your chances to rank higher in search results.

How to Make Title Tags Click-Worthy

You want users to click on your link, right? So, the title needs to grab attention.

✅Frontload your keyword: Put the main keyword at the start of the title.

✅Use modifiers like “best,” “guide,” or “checklist” to rank for long-tail keywords. For example:

“Best Free SEO Tools for Beginners” – This helps rank for long-tail keywords like “best SEO tools” or “free SEO tools”.

Example:

✅Good Title: "Easy Healthy Recipes," “49 Low Effort and Healthy Dinner Recipes,” “20 Healthy Meals You Can Make in 20 Minutes.”

❌Bad Title: "Healthy Recipes for Beginners" (too vague)

2. Tips for Writing SEO-Friendly Meta Descriptions

Meta descriptions help searchers decide if they want to click on your page. While Google may not use it for rankings, a good meta description can improve your click-through rate.

Example:

✅Good Meta Description: “New to SEO? From writing content to optimizing Google My Business, there's a lot to cover. Use these SEO tips for beginners to get started!”

❌Bad Meta Description: "SEO tips for beginners."

3. Tools to Help You Optimize Title Tags & Meta Descriptions

Here are some tools to make sure your title tags and descriptions are up to snuff:

4. Checklist for Creating Great Meta Descriptions

✅ Keep it under 155 characters.
✅ Make sure each page of your site has its own description to avoid duplication.
✅ Show what makes your page special.
✅ Be clear about what your page is about.
✅ Put key details at the beginning.
✅ Avoid clickbait. Say that is what you actually offer.

Use Proper Heading Tags (H1, H2, H3)

Headings are like road signs for both search engines and users. They help everyone find their way through your content. 

Here’s how to use them correctly:

What Are Heading Tags?

• H1 is your main title, like the name of a book.
• H2 is for section titles, like chapters in that book.
• H3 is for smaller sub-sections, like paragraphs in each chapter.

Why Do They Matter?

• Search Engines: Google uses heading tags to understand your page's structure. So, using them correctly helps improve your ranking.
• Users: Proper headings make your content easier to read. They break your page into organized sections.

Tips for Using Heading Tags

✅ Use One H1 per Page: This is your main title. It should describe what the page is about.

✅ Use H2 for Sections: These are your main content sections.

✅ Use H3 for Sub-sections: These break down the H2 sections into smaller pieces.

Check if Your H1 is Missing

Use tools like Semrush’s Site Audit to check if any of your pages are missing H1 tags or if the keywords aren’t in them. If your page is missing an H1, you can add one with the main keyword.

Do Heading Tags Directly Impact SEO?

Not hugely, but they help. Using your keyword in an H2 tag can make a small difference. For example, for the keyword "content marketing tools," including it in an H2 tag can show search engines that your page is relevant to that topic.

Optimize Images with Alt Text

Optimizing images is a must for SEO. 

Here’s why:

✅Search engines can’t view images like humans. So, you need to describe them clearly.

✅Optimized images show up in image search, which helps more people find your page.

✅Properly optimized on-page SEO images make your page load faster, improving SEO.

What is Alt Text?

Alt text is a simple description of an image. It helps Google understand images and aids visually impaired users. 

When alt text matches the page content and uses the right keywords, your page ranks better.

Example:

✅Good Alt Text: "A glass of mixed berry smoothie with two colorful straws."

❌Bad Alt Text: "Smoothie"

The first one is clear and helpful. The second is too vague.

Tips for Writing Alt Text

✅ Explain what the image shows.
✅ Avoid Keyword Stuffing. Keep it natural.

• Good: "SEO tools on a laptop."
• Bad: "Best SEO tools SEO tools for website SEO"

✅ Aim for under 125 characters.

✅ Describe the image in detail.

✅Always use the focus keyword in the featured image. Like if your focus keyword is "how to become a mental health support worker," you could use this alt text:

"An image showing how to become a mental health support worker, with a professional comforting a person in need."

✅ Think about who will view the image.

✅ Don’t use the same text for all images.

✅Give your image a keyword-rich filename. This also helps Google.

Example:

• Good Filename: "chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg"
• Bad Filename: "IMG12345.jpg"

How to Optimize Image for Speed

• Don’t use large images. Compress them.
• JPEG for photos, PNG for simple images.

Implement Internal Linking

Internal linking means connecting pages on your website to each other. It helps users explore more of your content and stay on your site longer.

• Internal links help search engines find and understand your pages.
• They pass link authority from strong pages to weaker pages, helping them rank better.

How to do it

• Link to Related Pages: If you have a blog about "SEO basics," link to another article like "Off-page SEO guide."
• Use Keyword-Rich Anchor Text: The text you click on should tell users what the linked page is about. Example: "driving website traffic" will direct you to a page related to how to get traffic to your website.

Boost Low Authority Pages: Find your most popular pages and add links to pages that need more attention. Tools like Semrush can show you which pages are the most powerful/ indexed.

Implement External Linking

External links (outbound links) are links from your website to other authoritative sites. They help Google understand your content and improve rankings.

✅Link to useful, relevant content for your readers.

✅Place links where they make sense in your content.

✅Ensure the page you link to is useful and matches your topic.

✅Only link to pages that give more value to your readers.

✅Avoid linking to irrelevant topics.

✅Remove links that don’t add value

Crafting Content That Ranks #1

To create content that ranks #1, make sure it’s unique, valuable, and answers what people are searching for. 

Also, make sure your content follows E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

Here’s how to do it:

Make it Unique

• Don’t copy what’s already online. 

• Add new tips, practical examples, case studies, or guides to stand out.

Make it Valuable

• Use clear steps, images, and examples to keep readers engaged. 
• Update it regularly with accurate, useful information.

Follow E-E-A-T

• Share content that reflects your personal experience and expertise. 
• Establish trust with reliable, well-researched, and credible information.

Match Search Intent

• Focus on what people are looking for. 
• Answer their questions directly and meet their needs.
• Don’t just write content; write what people need.

**For example, instead of writing general content about "Indeed Scrapers," I focused on "Best Indeed Scrapers." I included reviews, comparisons, and pros and cons so readers get all the details they need to make smart choices

Focus on User Experience (UX)

User experience (UX) is about making your website easy to use and enjoyable. Google cares about how people interact with your site, like —

• how long they stay (Dwell Time) 
• or if they quickly leave (Bounce Rate).

These signals help Google decide if your page is helpful.

Key UX Tips

✅Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly

• Many people browse on phones. Make sure your site works well on all devices.
• Use responsive design so your site adjusts to different screen sizes.

✅Speed Matters

• Fast websites are better for both users and SEO.
• Use Google PageSpeed Insights to check and fix slow pages.

✅Simplify Navigation:

• Make it easy for users to find what they need. Use clear menus and links.

How to Improve UX for Google

✅Push Content Above the Fold:

• When people land on your page, they want to see the content right away, not just images. Keep your headline and intro visible first.

❌Bad Example: A huge image pushing the text down. 

✅Good Example: Headline and text at the top, with images below.

✅Chunk Your Content:

• People don’t read everything. They skim. 
• Use headings (H2), bullet points, and images to break up text. This makes it easier to read.

Have an Active Community

Encourage comments on your blog. Engaged readers can reduce your Bounce Rate and add more content to your page.

Respond to comments, ask questions, and build a discussion.

• Add a Call to Action at the end of your post, like: “What do you think? Share your thoughts below!”
• This keeps users engaged and makes them stay longer on your site.

URL Structure: Make It Simple for SEO

A clean, descriptive URL helps both search engines and users understand what your page is about. It's important for your site’s SEO. 

Here’s how to create SEO-friendly URLs:

Why URLs Matter

• URLs show up in search results. Having clear, keyword-rich URLs helps Google know what your page is about.
• Clean URLs are more user-friendly, and search engines love that.

How to Make SEO-Friendly URLs

✅Keep It Short and Simple:

• Short URLs are easy to remember and look cleaner in search results.
• Avoid long, complicated URLs with lots of random numbers or characters.

Example:

❌Bad URL:

www.example.com/1234567

✅Good URL:

• www.example.com/seo-friendly-urls

✅Use Keywords in the URL:

Always include a relevant keyword in the URL. This helps your page rank for that keyword.

Example:

• If your content is about “link building,” use: www.example.com/link-building-guide
• This tells Google exactly what the page is about.

✅Add Descriptive Words (Optional):

You can add a few extra words to make your URL more descriptive without making it too long.

Example:

• www.example.com/video-marketing-strategy
• The keyword “video marketing” is clear, and adding “strategy” makes it more specific.

✅Use Subfolders if Needed:

If you have a category or section on your site, use a subfolder to organize your URLs better.

Example:

• www.example.com/blog/seo-tips
• This shows that it’s a blog post about SEO.

Pro Tips

Avoid Special Characters: Keep it simple. Don’t use unnecessary symbols like ?, &, or % in your URL.

Use Hyphens to Separate Words: Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) to separate words in the URL

Don’ts of On-page SEO (With Examples)

1. Avoid Keyword Stuffing

• Don’t overload your page with keywords.
• Write naturally for humans, not search engines.

Example:

❌Poor:

• "Healthy recipes are great. Try these Healthy recipes  for your healthy diet."

✅Better:

"Explore these healthy recipes to enhance your diet."

2. Avoid Duplicate Content

• Every page should have unique content.
• Don’t copy meta descriptions or paragraphs across pages.

Example:

         ❌Poor:

• "Buy shoes online. Best deals on shoes." (repeated on every product page).
  
  ✅Better:
• "Find comfortable running shoes for every occasion at great prices."

3. Don’t Use Unoptimized Images

• Large images slow down your site.
• Compress images using tools like TinyPNG.

**Tip:

Use WebP format for faster load times.

4. Avoid Neglecting Structured Data

Structured data (schema markup) helps search engines understand your content.

Example:
For a recipe blog:

5. Don’t Overlook Analytics

• Track performance using Google Search Console.
• Fix errors to improve rankings.

On-page SEO Trends for 2025

AI-Driven Search Optimization

• AI is changing how people search. Focus on conversational keywords.

Example:

❌Instead of::

• “Buy cheap shoes”, 

✅Optimize for:

• "Where can I buy affordable shoes online?"

Focus on Core Web Vitals

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Optimize hero images.
• First Input Delay (FID): Make buttons and forms responsive.
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Ensure your page layout doesn’t shift while loading.

Tools to Master On-page SEO in 2025

• Yoast SEO Plugin: Use Yoast to check if your meta tags are the right length and well-optimized.
• Ahrefs and SEMrush: Discover what keywords your competitors rank for and adjust your content accordingly.
• Google PageSpeed Insights: Identify and resolve issues slowing down your website’s load time.

Want to learn why you should invest in SEO? Then, you can check out this informative blog now.

Wrapping Up

I know this is a long content. But I’ve tried to cover all the important details here so that you can get a detailed answer to your question, “What is On-page SEO?” On-page SEO is essential for success in 2025.

By following the mentioned do’s and avoiding the mentioned don’ts, you’ll improve your rankings and user satisfaction.

Remember:

• Stay updated on trends.
• Use tools to analyze and improve your site regularly.

With these strategies, you’ll stay ahead in the SEO game!

Share your experience with On-page SEO in the comments—what works best for you?

FAQs