Onpage optimization is the process by which various elements on
an individual web page are structured so that the web page can
be found by the search engines for specific keyword(s) or
keyword phrases.
Onpage optimization will not guarantee any top rating within a
search engine, only offpage optimization can offer that
guarantee. However, offpage optimization is far more effective
WHEN onpage optimization is in place.
Onpage optimization is not difficult. It does however take time
to make sure all the pieces are in place. Onpage optimization
should occur not only on the main web page of a web site, but on
every single content page within that site.
The very first question to ask when seeking to optimize a web
page is: What keyword(s)/keyword phrases is this page targeting?
This article will not explore how to find keywords, it assumes
you already have keywords chosen.
For this article, the following phrases will be used as an
example: designer argyle socks, plaid socks, paisley socks. Of
the three phrases, "designer argyle socks" will be the primary
phrase used for optimization.
Below is a list of onpage elements in which the keywords need to
be placed:
- Keywords in the <TITLE> tag(s)
- Every page should have <TITLE> tags. TITLE tags
appear on the status bar above the menu bar in a web browser.
The TITLE tags for the main page of your web site should look
like the following:
<TITLE> Supersocks.com - Designer Argyle Socks | Plaid
Socks | Paisley Socks</TITLE>
Generally the formula should be: website name -
keyword|keyword|keyword. Avoid using articles and conjunctions
like a, the, and. Use the pipe(|) or dash (-) to separate
keywords.
Do not "stuff" your title by repeating your keyword phrases over
and over. Search engines will ban sites for such practices.
- Keywords in <H1> or other headline
tags
- Somewhere near the top of the page place your primary
keyword phrase within h1 tags.
<H1>Designer Argyle Socks</H1>
The combination of the TITLE tag and H1 tag effectively act as
titling tags for your page. The search engine spider will begin
to see pretty quickly what your page is about if these two tags
are in place.
- Keywords in the body copy
- Use your keyword phrases throughout the copy of the
body of the web page. Use them in natural ways. Do not overuse
your keyword phrase. Avoid using hidden text. Try your best to
include your primary keyword phrase at/near the beginning of
your copy and at/near the end of your copy. Once, and only once,
make sure your primary keyword phrase is bolded.
- Keywords in ALT tags
- Many suggest that the alt tags on your images should
contain your keywords. Be careful. Some search engines see that
as spamming. If you do it, don't over do it.
- Keywords contained in the URL or site
address, e.g., http://www.keyword.com/keyword.htm
- If the primary phrase of our web page is "Designer
Argyle Socks", then the name of the actual HTML file would be
designerargylesocks.html, designer_argyle_socks.html or
designer-argyle-socks.html
- Keywords in the <META NAME="DESCRIPTION">
Meta tags are getting used less and less by the search engines.
However, it is still good practice to use the Description and
Keyword meta tags if only for your own reference.
<meta name="description">Supersocks.com is pleased to
offer designer argyle socks at low discount prices. In addition
see our selection of plaid socks and paisley socks. </meta>
- Keywords in the <META NAME="KEYWORD">
- Search engines like Google no longer look at the
Keywords meta tag. However, still include your keywords here.
They can serve as a point of reference for you in the future.
<meta name="keyword">keyword, keyword, keyword</meta>
Do not "stuff" this meta tag by repeating your keyword phrases
over and over. Search engines will ban sites for such practices.
About the author:
Paul Stefanski develops Recommended Web
Tools an online resource for web design beginners. See his
website for more information about onpage optimization.
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