The is the same on-page SEO checklist I use to write every post on my blog.
Most of it has nothing to do with Yoast, in fact I ignore most of Yoast’s recommendations since they put too much emphasis on keyword density and not enough on real on-page SEO factors.
Instead, I focus on finding a long-tail keyword which has low competition in Google’s search results, then creating in-depth content that is organized with a table of contents and nice graphics. I also talk about lesser-known strategies like targeting variations of a keyword, optimizing your table of contents to get in Google’s featured snippets, and making content format properly on Facebook/Twitter (using Yoast). I don’t have an infographic like Backlinko, but these are all actionable tips that will improve your on-page SEO, especially for WordPress.
I have gotten many requests to write this, so I hope it’s useful. Comment if you need help.
1. Find A Long-Tail Keyword
Use Google Autocomplete to find a long-tail keyword with 3+ words.
If you start Googling the keyword and it has lots of Autocomplete results below it, that keyword is probably too competitive and in most cases, you should choose one of the more specific (long-tail) phrases. The only time you should consider choosing a broad, competitive keyword is if you plan on creating in-depth content, and if your site has high domain authority.
2. Learn The Keyword’s Competition
Google the keyword and review the content in the top results.
A keyword is more competitive if:
- It’s broad
- Top results have strong content
- Top results have high DA/PA in MozBar
- It has high competition in Keywords Everywhere
- Top results are populated with authority websites
- You see lots of advertisements from Google AdWords
- Top results have strong signals (links, comments, shares)
- There are lots of search results (11.6 million is a lot, but I’m giving it a shot)
Tools I Use:
Keywords Everywhere – Google any keyword and see it’s monthly search volume, CPC (cost per click), and estimated competition. Manually researching the top results is better though.
MozBar – Google any keyword and see each search result’s DA (domain authority) and PA (page authority). Choose keywords
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This article was written by Tom Dupuis and originally published on Tom Dupuis.