On-Page SEO is all about optimizing what’s on your website — from your content and keywords to your images and code. It helps search engines understand what your pages are about and makes your site user-friendly too.
research keywords, optimize titles and meta descriptions, create high-quality content, structure content with headings, optimize URLs, implement internal linking, and improve image optimization
Optimizing webpage content for both search engines and visitors is referred to as “on-page SEO” or “on-site SEO.” Optimizing title tags, content, internal links, URLs, and other ranking elements are examples of common on-page SEO techniques.
Off-page SEO, or optimizing for signals that occur off of your website, is not the same as this.
Digital PR, social media marketing, guest posting, and backlink building are a few examples of off-page SEO strategies.
What Is On-Page SEO?
, and digital PR.
| On-Page SEO | Off-Page SEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Optimization of elements on a website’s pages | Strategies performed outside the website to boost authority and visibility |
| Goal | Enhance individual page visibility and relevance | Boost overall website authority and trustworthiness |
| Examples | Keyword optimization Meta tags Schema markup Internal linking Images Featured snippet optimization |
Link building Social media Public relations Influencer marketing Local SEO Brand mentions |
| Tools Used | On-page analysis tools, content optimization tools, site crawlers, analytics tools, AI tools | Backlink analysis tools, social media analytics and platforms, Google Business Profile, outreach management tools |
Does traditional on-page SEO still make a difference in 2025?
Yup! Google’s “How Search Works” report tells us that the “most basic signal” that content is relevant is the presence of the same keywords as the user’s search query:
Even though Google is MUCH smarter than it was back in the day, it still uses old-school stuff (like looking for a specific keyword on your page).
The top-ranking pages nearly always have the exact keyword in their title tag if you search for any competitive phrase.
Obviously, title optimization is just one aspect of on-page SEO. But it’s clear these things still matter in 2025.
Why Is On-Page SEO Important?
Because it can increase traffic and ranks for individual pages of your website that target particular keywords, on-page SEO is crucial. You can increase the likelihood that targeted traffic will become subscribers or customers by doing this.
But beyond keywords, you also need to optimize your content for:
- User experience
- Bounce rate and dwell time
- Search intent
- Page loading speed
- Click-through rate
- Desktop and mobile devices
On-page SEO is about making your content stand out and providing value that users want to read AND that search engines want to rank.
Let’s find out how to do that.
Optimize Title and Description Tags
Search engines get a high-level summary of the content of your page from your title tag. This makes it possibly one of the most crucial on-page SEO elements.
My experience has shown that, when all other aspects are taken into account, your chances of ranking for a term increase with its proximity to the beginning of the title tag.
Your keyword doesn’t necessarily have to be at the very beginning of your title. It doesn’t always make sense to do that. But in most cases, the closer your keyword is to the front of your title tag, the better. For both search engines AND users
Because users will instantly know that your content matches their search query (which can make them more likely to click).
But there are other ways to get them to click on your site.
Using modifiers like “best,” “guide,” “checklist,” “fast,” and “review” can help you rank for long tail versions of your target keyword.
For example, our SEO tools post includes the modifiers “best” and “free.”
Make Use of Original, Useful Meta Descriptions
Your meta description is not used by Google to determine your ranking. Additionally, depending on the exact search term, the search engine frequently selects its own description to show in search results.
However, that does not exclude you from optimizing them.
This is due to the fact that a well-written meta description makes your result more noticeable, which might increase your organic CTR.
This is a sample description that I use and suggest:
You also want to include your keyword in your description.
Not because it’ll influence your rankings. But because Google bolds terms that match the person’s query.
Other pointers for creating click-worthy meta descriptions are as follows:
- Be concise: Keep your meta description under ~160 characters to ensure it displays fully in search results (keeping it under ~120 characters can help ensure it displays properly on mobile devices)
- Use unique descriptions: Craft distinct meta descriptions for each page to avoid duplication and improve your click-through rates
- Focus on value: Highlight the unique selling points or key information that sets your page apart
- Be clear: Communicate the content and purpose of your page to manage user expectations
- Front-load important information: Place critical details near the beginning to ensure they don’t get truncated
- Avoid clickbait: Make sure your meta description aligns with your content to build trust with users
Craft Captivating and Valuable SEO Content
I’m not merely referring about avoiding duplicating content when I say “unique.” I’m referring to publishing something that doesn’t simply restate previously published material. Stated differently: new material that offers a unique perspective. This might be characterized as adding “information gain.”
That something new can be:
- A new tip or strategy
- A better list of curated resources
- Strong design and UX
- A new case study
- Downloadable resources
- A streamlined step-by-step process
Do you believe that my high keyword usage is the reason I rank? That was probably helpful. However, utilizing keywords alone is insufficient for a term with this level of competition.
My page is unique, which is why it ranks at the top.
Yes, it contains strategies and advice that are available everywhere. However, it also contains a wealth of advice and examples that no one else is discussing.
SEO content insanely valuable:
- Go into detail: Images, screenshots, and clear steps make it easy for someone to put your content into practice
- Use crisp writing: Strong copywriting will make your content more engaging
- Use up-to-date material: Brand new strategies, steps that work today, and fresh examples go a long way
- Consult expert authors: Most content is written by people that have never done the thing they’re telling you to do. Content from someone with first-hand experience is going to be more valuable than something written by a random freelance writer.
- Keep it accurate: Provide trustworthy, up-to-date information for your audience
The main thing that makes my SEO checklist post so valuable is the checklist itself.
It starts off with beginner-friendly stuff.
Fulfill the Search Intent Content
that is valuable and unique can help you rank on Google’s first page. However, your page must meet search intent if you wish to remain there.
Stated differently:
A Google searcher must find exactly what they’re looking for on your page. If not, your page will probably end up on the third page.
I made the decision to look at the search engine results pages (SERPs) for that term a few days after I wrote that piece. And I soon discovered that all of the stuff on the first page of the search results was tools.