Google Optimize: The Complete Checklist For SEO friendly websites 2019

Nearly four years ago, I published my first blog article. Without any strategy, without templates, but with much passion, I wrote a text about my passion, fitness. The view of visitor numbers in Google Analytics a few weeks later was disappointing. Hardly anyone seemed interested in it.

I still blog regularly. Today my articles are even read (and I no longer use my keyboard for nothing!). One reason for the higher number of visitors is the Google search engine optimization.

Similar to a training plan, I follow guidelines and best practices when writing so that the articles can be easily found on search engines later on. Search engines such as Google and Bing not only analyze the content of a website but also evaluate numerous other factors, such as the text length, the use of images and videos, headings and meta tags.

In this article, you will find tips for creating SEO-friendly websites. In addition, at the end of the blog, you will find a free checklist which can be printed out and used as a help in writing web content. The checklist also serves as a reference for Google optimizations.


Google Optimization - the three phases
Google Optimization Phase 1: Keyword Research

Every webmaster knows the potential to generate website traffic through organic search. Search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo regularly review websites and analyze hundreds of factors such as content, meta tags, customer reviews, page speed and social media signals. The collected data is stored in databases and ordered and categorized using specific algorithms. Based on this, the order in which each website is displayed on Google is defined. Anyone who effectively runs Google Optimization will appear higher on the Google search results page, ultimately leading to more website traffic and potential customers.

In order to exploit the potential of organic search, each website should be optimized for one or more keywords. With the use of keywords, you determine under which search term the article should be found on search engines.

• Create a clear website structure

Define a specific keyword for each page. If your site consists of 100 different pages, you can rank for 100 different keywords (or even more). For this reason, it is essential to consider Google optimization when creating a new website. A clear structure incl. Keyword Map should be defined.

• Do not use the same keyword twice

A clear structure is essential and ensures that no two pages are optimized for the same keyword. If this happens, your own page is competing and may lead to punishments.
Use keywords that are actively searched
for Optimizing a website for a keyword that no one is looking for is nonsense. Put yourself in the position of the potential customer and ask yourself which keywords you would search for on Google.

• Pay attention 

Pay attention to the competition The fewer websites that use the same keyword, the higher the chances of a good Google placement.

• Define a Keyword for Each New Page

Creating SEO-friendly websites starts even before you write. Research relevant keywords and choose a specific keyword before you start writing.

Tip: Use the free Google Keyword Planner to get keyword and statistics ideas on search volume and competition.

Google Optimization Phase 2: content and text design

When writing texts for online media, the guiding principle "Content is King" still applies. Good placement on Google is not worth much if the text found on the landing page is difficult to read or confusing.
Focus on quality content and make use of the free checklist when writing web content as well as implementing Google optimization measures.

• Write for your target audience - not for search engines

Try to make the text as natural as possible, after all, it should be easy and enjoyable to read. Only texts created for search engines (keyword stuffing) are penalized by Google.

• Use at least 300 words

A magical formula regarding text length does not exist. Nevertheless, there is still a correlation between long texts (from 1'000 words) and better Google placement. A website should be informative, but not overloaded - do not artificially prolong the text. This rule applies to all sites, regardless of the home page, landing page, category page or blog.

• Integrate the keyword in the Text

The use of keywords in the text helps search engines to better understand the content and categorize the URL. The desired keyword density is about 2%. Keep in mind that the text should be legible when writing - using the keyword in every other sentence is not a successful Google Optimization.

• Use the Keyword in the First Paragraph

The first paragraph of an article usually describes the theme and content of the blog. It's a good idea to include the keyword in this first paragraph to make it known to search engines like Google and Bing.

• Use the keyword in subtitles

Subtitles like H2, H3 or H4 are used to structure content and break up large blocks of text into small sections. Good Google optimization includes using the keyword in at least one subtitle.

• Be original

Search engines check URLs regularly for duplicates. If a copy is found, web visibility is negatively affected. Try to find your own personal style of writing and avoid copying entire sections or even articles.

• Pay attention to spelling

Qualitative and grammatically correct content is not only essential for the readers: Search engines take into account grammar, syntax and correct spelling. For this reason, it pays to have the text checked before publishing.

• Link your own website

So-called "inbound links" are hyperlinks that point to existing posts or pages of your own website. Include relevant hyperlinks in your text, making sure to use the keyword relevant to the corresponding URL as "anchor text".
For example, click Search Engine Optimization for information about Google Optimize Google.

• Link external URL

Link external URLs Outbound links are hyperlinks that point to external URLs. These should be used to announce sources and to inform readers of which link provides more information on a specific topic.
Example: The use of hyperlinks can have a positive effect on search engine positioning. Already in the first section of this blog, I built a hyperlink: «Without any strategy, without any templates, but I wrote a lot of passion articles for my fitness blog.

Google Optimization Phase 3: Optimization
If the content is written and checked for errors, it can always be published. There are, however, important aspects to consider, with which the visibility on Google can be improved and optimized.

• Use the keyword in the page title

A page title is usually formatted with the heading H1 and should appear only once per URL. It is part of SEO Best Practice to include the keyword in the page title.

• Use the keyword in the URL

Each website can be accessed via a URL. A search engine optimized URL is short, meaningful, and includes the keyword.
Example: In order to place the keyword "Search Engine Optimization" on Google, we use the URL +++++++++

• Use the keyword in the SEO title

Contrary to the page title, the SEO title on the website is not visible to visitors. The SEO title gives search engines hints about the content of the blog article. Make sure the keyword is integrated into it and the length of 55 characters is not exceeded.

• Include the keyword in the meta description

The meta-descriptions (as well as the SEO title) can be found on search engines on the results page. Try to animate the searcher to click and use the keyword in it. In addition, a meta description should not exceed the length of 155 characters.

• Use relevant categories and tags

Tags and categories are taxonomies and are used to organize the content of a blog and divide it into certain subject areas. The use of it gives search engines information about the blog content and counts as effective Google optimization.

• Use Old Tags for Images and Graphics

Images are an important factor for a website, as they are emotionally appealing to the visitor, increase the ranking and improve the user-friendliness of the website. When using images, make sure that they are compressed and use the keyword in the image alt tags.

• Check Your Google Optimization

Depending on the content management system, various SEO tools and plug-ins are available. For example, with WordPress, the Yoast SEO plugin can be used to check how often the keyword appears in the text, and it also shows which changes are recommended.

Are you ready to create SEO friendly websites?
With the checklist for SEO-friendly websites, you are well prepared to write search engine optimized articles and make Google optimizations!