SEO Checklist for New Posts

Posted on by Tim Brownlaw

Title

  • SEO-Friendly Title: Ensure the title is catchy, relevant, and includes the primary keyword.
  • Length: Keep the title under 60 characters to ensure it displays fully in search results.

Content

  • Keyword Placement: Use the primary keyword naturally throughout the content, especially in the first paragraph.
  • Headings: Use H2 and H3 tags for subheadings, incorporating keywords where appropriate.
  • Content Length: Aim for a minimum of 300 words, but longer, in-depth content (1000+ words) often performs better in search rankings.

Images

  • Image Optimisation: Compress images for faster loading times.
  • Descriptive File Names: Use relevant keywords in image file names (e.g., “wordpress-categories-tags.jpg”).
  • Alt Text: Include descriptive alt text for each image, incorporating keywords where relevant.

Categories

  • Relevant Categories: Select appropriate categories that reflect the main topics of your post.
  • SEO-Friendly URLs: Ensure the category structure is logical and contributes to a clean URL (e.g., yoursite.com/category/post-title).

Tags

  • Relevant Tags: Add 3-5 relevant tags that highlight specific topics within your post.
  • Avoid Over-Tagging: Limit the number of tags to keep your site organised and focused.

Meta Description

  • Compelling Meta Description: Write a concise meta description (150-160 characters) that summaries the post and includes the primary keyword.
  • Call to Action: Include a call to action to encourage clicks (e.g., “Learn more about…”).
  • Internal Links: Link to related posts on your site to improve navigation and keep readers engaged.
  • External Links: Include links to authoritative sources to provide additional value and context.

URL Structure

  • SEO-Friendly URL: Ensure the URL is short, descriptive, and includes the primary keyword (e.g., yoursite.com/posts-vs-pages-wordpress).

SEO Plugin

  • Use an SEO Plugin: Utilise an SEO plugin (like Yoast or Rank Math) to analyse and optimise your post for search engines.
  • Readability Check: Follow the plugin’s recommendations for improving readability and SEO.

Final Review

  • Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors.
  • Check Links: Ensure all internal and external links are working correctly.