On-page SEO checklist
In one line
An on-page SEO checklist is the set of content and HTML elements to optimise on each page so it's relevant, readable and easy for engines to understand.
The checklist
- One primary keyword, matched to clear search intent
- Title tag under ~60 characters, keyword near the front
- Meta description under ~155 characters that earns the click
- One H1 that matches the topic; logical H2/H3 structure
- The answer to the query stated early and directly
- Descriptive, keyword-aware URL (short, no clutter)
- Internal links to and from relevant pages, descriptive anchors
- Image alt text and compressed image sizes
- Schema markup where relevant (Article, FAQ, Product)
- No thin or duplicate content; genuinely useful depth
How to use it
Run every new page and every important existing page through this list. Fix the blockers first (intent match, title, headings, answer-first structure), then the polish (schema, internal links, images).
Frequently asked
How long should on-page content be?
Long enough to fully answer the intent, no filler. Match or slightly beat the depth of what's already ranking.
What's the single biggest on-page factor?
Matching search intent with a clear, answer-first structure. Nail that before micro-optimising.
Put this into practice
Grade your site against our 250-point AEO/GEO checklist and see exactly what to fix, free, no signup.