SEO Basics

by Jeremias Duarte. .

Posted in


Basic Search Engine Optimization can be divided into the two simplest factors:

  1. On-Page Optimization.
  2. Off-Site Optimization.

Each of these SEO factors can be further subdivided into other important topics. The following outlines and highlights the most important of these topics to provide a suitable foundation for a website. In the end, following these basics will show a remarkable improvement not only in the ranking of your site, but also the experience your users receive.

On-Page Optimization

This is an easy task for most webmasters and developers, but for most website owners, may be more technical than you can endure. On-page optimization refers to the effective use of the best practices when writing HTML markup and CSS. Also, because website performance may affect rankings, the code used to drive your website may be just as important. Here’s a minimal list of on-page optimizations:

  1. Accurate and descriptive title tags.
  2. Concise and well-written meta descriptions.
  3. Image ALT attributes accurately descriptive.
  4. Proper use of title attributes and text for links.
  5. Quantity and quality of content.
  6. Short and descriptive URLs.
  7. Hierarchical URL structure.
  8. Inclusion of images when appropriate.
  9. Spelling and grammar corrections.
  10. Lower than 5 second page load time.
  11. Mobile versions for smart phone users.
  12. Appropriate use of structured data tags.
  13. Use of font-sizes and bold/italics for emphasis.
  14. Effective use of h1, h2, and h3 tags to provide content structure.

Off-Site Optimization

Off-site optimization is by far the most difficult part for those whose businesses are isolated to the Internet. Well, most of it. I say most of it because off-site refers to any marketing that can be done away from the website that you own. This includes social media, television, magazines, and public relations – a multitude of avenues that can be used for awareness. Because many of us spend the majority of our time on the web, it’s easy to forget that people are the most important aspect of any type of marketing. This is why social media engagement has become such an effective inclusion for search engines as indications of popularity. Nonetheless, here are a few off-site optimization ideas to get you started:

  1.  Social media involvement.
  2. Blog writing.
  3. Television advertising.
  4. Online advertising.
  5. Newsletters.
  6. Conferences and seminars/webinars.
  7. Book publishing.
  8. Non-profit support/philanthropy.
  9. Press-releases.