🔍 1. Technical SEO Basics

Before diving into content, make sure your website is technically sound. If Google can’t crawl and index your site properly, all your SEO efforts could go to waste.

• 🛠️ Set up Google Search Console – Submit your sitemap and monitor site performance.
• 📍 Install Google Analytics – Track traffic, behaviour, and conversions.
• 🚀 Improve site speed – Use tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
• 📱 Ensure mobile-friendliness – Your site must be responsive on all devices.
• 🔒 Enable HTTPS – A secure site is a ranking factor (and builds trust).
• 🧭 Check for crawl errors – Use Search Console to fix any indexing issues.

✍️ 2. On-Page SEO Essentials

On-page SEO is about what you do on each page to make it understandable and attractive to both users and search engines.

• 🎯 One keyword per page – Focus each page on one main search term.
• 📛 Optimise page titles – Include your keyword and keep under 60 characters.
• 📝 Use H1, H2 and H3 headings properly – Structure your content clearly.
• 📸 Include images with ALT tags – Descriptive text helps SEO and accessibility.
• 🔗 Use internal links – Help visitors (and Google) navigate your site.
• 🧩 Write unique meta descriptions – Summarise your page in under 160 characters.

🧠 3. Content That Converts

Great SEO needs great content. Google rewards useful, original, and engaging content that answers users’ questions.

• 🪜 Follow E-E-A-T principles – Show Expertise, Experience, Authority and Trust.
• 📅 Create a content calendar – Plan regular updates and blog posts.
• 🧲 Target long-tail keywords – Attract more relevant, less competitive traffic.
• 📚 Write in plain English – Avoid jargon and speak your audience’s language.
• 🔁 Update old content – Keep it fresh and up to date.

🔗 4. Off-Page SEO Actions

Off-page SEO helps build your site’s reputation and authority through links and mentions from other websites.

• 🔍 List your site in business directories – Especially local ones relevant to your niche.
• 🤝 Build relationships with partners – Guest post or collaborate for backlinks.
• 💬 Encourage online reviews – Particularly for Google Business Profile.
• 📢 Promote your content on social media – Drive traffic and improve visibility.

🧹 5. SEO Housekeeping

Ongoing SEO isn’t glamorous – but it’s necessary. These tasks keep your website tidy and search-friendly.

• 🧽 Fix broken links – Use tools like Screaming Frog or Broken Link Checker.
• 🎭 Use redirects wisely – 301 old pages instead of deleting them.
• 🗑️ Remove duplicate content – Google dislikes repetition.
• 🗂️ Keep your sitemap updated – Reflect new and removed content.
• 🕵️ Review your SEO monthly – Don’t let it gather dust.

📥 Download the Full Printable Checklist

Prefer something you can tick off as you go? Download our free printable SEO checklist in PDF format. It’s perfect for beginners and a handy reminder for pros.

📄 Click here to download your free SEO checklist

🚀 Ready to Take the Next Step?

This checklist is just the beginning. If you’d like to go deeper, explore our DIY SEO Guide, or check out our beginner-friendly breakdowns of key topics like keywords, backlinks, and technical SEO.

👉 Read the DIY SEO Guide