Getting your website to rank on Google can be tricky, especially if you have no skills in SEO.
Whether you’re running a personal blog or a business website, on-page SEO is a vital component to ensure your site is visible to your target audience.
But how do you optimise your WordPress site for Google search effectively?
More importantly, is on-page SEO alone enough to propel your site to the top of search results?
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I optimise my WordPress site for Google search?” or “What are the 7 key elements of an optimised website page?” you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through essential techniques for on-page SEO in 2024, answering these questions and more as we delve into the specifics of optimising your WordPress site.
Understanding On-Page SEO for WordPress
On-page SEO refers to the optimisation techniques that you can apply directly to your website to improve its visibility on search engines like Google.
Unlike off-page SEO, which involves external factors such as backlinks, on-page SEO is entirely within your control.
If you’re looking for “SEO for website free,” focusing on on-page optimisation is a great starting point.
So what is the top-most factor in on-page SEO is content?
Search engines prioritise quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to users’ queries.
But content alone isn’t enough. You need to ensure that your content is structured in a way that search engines can easily understand and rank.
The 7 Key Elements of an Optimised Page
So, what are the 7 key elements of an optimised web page? Here’s a breakdown:
- Title Tags: Your title tag is the first thing users and search engines see. It should be compelling, include your primary keyword, and be no longer than 60 characters.
- Meta Descriptions: While not a direct ranking factor, a well-crafted meta description can improve click-through rates. It should provide a concise summary of the page content and include relevant keywords like “best SEO tips” or “SEO for new website.”
- Header Tags (H1, H2, H3): These tags help structure your content, making it easier for search engines to crawl and understand. The H1 tag should include your main keyword, while H2 and H3 tags should support related keywords like “local SEO ranking” or “SEO on-page optimisation.”
- URL Structure: Clean, descriptive URLs that include keywords can improve your SEO. Avoid using long strings of numbers or special characters. Instead, opt for URLs like “/on-page-seo-techniques” or “/improve-seo-wordpress.”
- Keyword Optimisation: Integrate your main keyword naturally throughout your content, but avoid keyword stuffing. Use synonyms and related phrases like “simple SEO” or “SEO ranking tools” to diversify your keyword strategy. Make sure you have your target keyword 3-4 times in the first 150 characters.
- Internal Linking: Linking to other pages within your site helps search engines understand the relationship between your content. It also keeps users engaged longer, reducing bounce rates.
- Image Alt Text: Search engines can’t “see” images, so they rely on alt text to understand what an image is about. Include descriptive alt text with relevant keywords to optimise your images for SEO.
You can use these techniques on your website service pages and when you create SEO optimise blog articles.
How Long Does SEO Take to Rank a Website?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors influence how quickly your site will rank, including the competitiveness of your keywords, the quality of your content, and your overall SEO strategy.
Typically, you might start seeing some improvements in 4 to 6 months, but it can take up to a year to achieve significant results.
Patience and consistent effort are key. But if you want quicker results you can always consider Google ads and compare the results with organic SEO to see which works for you.
Do WordPress Sites Rank Better?
WordPress is a powerful platform, and its flexibility with plugins like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO Pack can give you an edge.
However, just using WordPress doesn’t guarantee better rankings. Your site’s success depends on how well you implement SEO best practices.
For instance, using a WordPress SEO agency to audit your site can identify areas for improvement. Additionally, integrating SEO tools like Google Analytics or Ahrefs can help track your progress and refine your strategy over time.
Why Is My WordPress Website Not Indexed by Google?
A frustrating issue many WordPress users face is discovering their site isn’t indexed by Google. Several factors could cause this, including:
- Did you add it to Google Search Console? Create a Google account and access search console to add your website if not done so already.
- Noindex Tags: Ensure that your site or specific pages are not accidentally set to “noindex,” which prevents search engines from indexing them.
- Poor Site Structure: A confusing or cluttered site structure can make it difficult for search engines to crawl your site effectively.
- Lack of Backlinks: Although on-page SEO is critical, backlinks from reputable sites signal to Google that your site is credible and worth indexing.
For a detailed guide on how to ensure your site gets indexed, you might want to check out Google’s Search Central for more information.
Is On-Page SEO Enough for Improving Rankings?
While on-page SEO is foundational, it’s not the only factor in ranking your website.
Off-page SEO, particularly backlinks, plays a significant role in boosting your site’s authority and rankings. Additionally, technical SEO elements like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and security (SSL) are crucial.
Think of on-page SEO as the first step. It’s essential, but to get to the top of Google search, you’ll need a comprehensive SEO strategy that includes on-page, off-page, and technical SEO.
The Best Free SEO Ranking Tools to Get You Started
1. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a go-to tool for anyone looking to do keyword research for free.
It’s designed primarily for advertisers, but it’s incredibly useful for SEO as well.
You can enter a keyword or a URL to get suggestions for related keywords, along with their search volumes and competition levels. It’s a great starting point to find “best keywords” and ideas for “local SEO near me.”
2. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest, developed by Neil Patel, is another excellent free tool for keyword research.
It provides insights into keyword volume, competition, and seasonal trends. Ubersuggest also offers a feature to track your website’s ranking over time.
This tool is particularly helpful for finding “long-tail keywords” and monitoring how well your pages perform in search engine results.
3. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is indispensable for tracking your website’s SEO performance.
It allows you to see which keywords are driving traffic to your site and where your pages rank in search results.
With Google Search Console, you can also identify issues that might be preventing your site from being indexed by Google, making it essential for ongoing SEO maintenance.
4. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a unique tool that generates keyword ideas based on what people are actually searching for.
It visualises these questions and phrases in an easy-to-digest format, making it great for content ideation.
It’s especially useful for understanding the questions your audience is asking, such as “how do I optimise my WordPress site for Google search?”
5. Moz’s Keyword Explorer
Moz’s Keyword Explorer offers 10 free keyword searches per month, providing comprehensive insights into keyword difficulty, opportunity, and potential organic CTR.
It also helps you prioritise keywords based on your goals. This tool is beneficial if you’re looking to balance competitiveness with search volume to identify the “best SEO tips” for your strategy.
These tools provide valuable insights without the need for a paid subscription, making them ideal for anyone looking to improve their website’s SEO on a budget.
Final thoughts
Optimising your WordPress site, or any website for that matter, as part of your digital marketing plan can seem like a daunting task, but by focusing on the core elements of on-page SEO, you can significantly improve your chances of ranking higher.
Remember, SEO is a long-term investment. Consistency, quality content, and continuous learning are key to climbing the search engine ranks.
So, what’s your next move? Will you take these steps to optimise your WordPress site, or are there other strategies you’re considering to get to the top of Google search?
Whatever you decide, remember that the best results come from a well-rounded approach to SEO.
