Blog Post

Let’s get something straight—great content alone doesn’t rank. I’ve seen amazing pages buried on page three of search results simply because they ignored the basics of on-page SEO.

That’s the difference between content that sits and content that performs.

In this guide, I’m sharing the on-page SEO practices I use every day to help pages rank higher, engage longer, and convert better. No fluff. Just what works in 2025 and what I consistently apply across the board.

• The key elements I focus on when optimizing content
  
• Where I place keywords (and where I don’t)
  
• How structure impacts both rankings and user engagement
  
• My content checklist before hitting publish
  

If you’re completely new to on-page SEO, start with this beginner-friendly intro to get your footing.

On-page SEO is the part I can control. It’s where I shape how search engines and users experience each piece of content.

By aligning what’s on the page with what people are actually searching for, I improve rankings—and more importantly—I make the content useful.

So no, on-page SEO isn’t “just for search engines.” It’s for your audience too.

Every page I optimize answers one simple question first:

What is the visitor looking for?

That single focus drives:

• The keyword choice
  
• The tone of the content
  
• The structure of the page
  
• The call-to-action (CTA)
  

When intent and content don’t match, you get clicks… followed by instant exits. Not a good look.

I don’t stuff. I place—intentionally.

• In the title tag
  
• In the H1 (if natural)
  
• In the first paragraph
  
• Once in a subheading (if relevant)
  
• Sparingly throughout the body
  

I also include semantic variations—phrases and terms related to the main keyword—without going overboard.

You can get a deeper breakdown of how I manage placement in this guide.

Google doesn’t want a novel. And neither does your reader.

Here’s how I make content skimmable without dumbing it down:

• Use clear H2s for main sections
  
• Use H3s under them for added depth
  
• Keep paragraphs short (2–4 lines max)
  
• Use bullet points where appropriate
  
• Include bolded takeaways for key insights
  

More on this in my post on using header tags the right way.

Yes, I optimize. But I never sacrifice clarity just to sneak in a keyword.

My priorities:

• Simple language, 9th-grade reading level
  
• Active voice
  
• Clear headings that explain what’s next
  
• Examples that feel real, not abstract
  

When the content is readable, useful, and aligned with intent, ranking becomes easier.

Internal linking is underrated. It:

• Helps users discover more content
  
• Strengthens topical relevance
  
• Distributes link equity across the site
  

I add 2–4 contextual links per page, like this one on common on-page SEO mistakes.

And I don’t just link for the sake of it. The link has to add value or support the next logical question.

I include images to:

• Break up text
  
• Support key points
  
• Add visual engagement
  

But I don’t forget to:

• Compress images before upload
  
• Use descriptive alt text
  
• Give each image a file name that reflects the content
  

It’s a small thing, but I’ve seen images drive extra traffic from Google Image Search alone.

Every page should nudge the user toward something. Whether it’s subscribing, downloading, contacting, or just reading another post.

I place my CTAs:

• After delivering value
  
• In-line with the topic (not aggressive)
  
• Using action-focused language
  

Think: “See the checklist,” not “Sign up now or else.”

I test all content on mobile before pushing it live. What looks great on desktop can feel broken on a phone.

I make sure:

• Headings aren’t too big
  
• Paragraphs don’t become walls of text
  
• CTAs are easy to tap
  
• Images scale properly
  

You’d be surprised how many bounce issues come from bad mobile UX.

Your page could rank—but if the snippet doesn’t make people click, it won’t matter.

I always write:

• A title tag under 60 characters, with the main keyword
  
• A meta description under 160 characters that clearly says what the page is about
  

Need examples? I break down click-worthy snippets right here.

Before I publish, I run through this quick list:

• Does the intro hook the reader?
  
• Does every section deliver unique value?
  
• Are there clear headers and internal links?
  
• Does the content answer the query it targets?
  
• Would I read this all the way through?
  

If I can say yes, the page goes live. If not, I tweak until it’s worth publishing.

SEO doesn’t stop when you hit publish.

I revisit top-performing content every few months to:

• Add internal links to newer posts
  
• Update outdated stats or screenshots
  
• Refresh titles and meta tags
  
• Tighten the intro or CTA if needed
  

Content decay is real. But it’s also easy to fix if you stay proactive.

On-page SEO isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about giving content the structure, clarity, and alignment it needs to do its job.

I use these best practices on every post I write or optimize. Why? Because they work. No hacks, no tricks. Just smart content, structured with purpose.

If you’re looking to build content that ranks and keeps readers coming back, this is where I’d start—every single time.

Need help applying this to your own site? That’s what I do.