Not Another SEO Checklist [2023]

Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by SERP Kingz

Do We Really Need Another SEO Checklist?

You know what they say: SEO checklists are like opinions. Everyone’s got one.

There’s no denying that these ubiquitous little blog posts are helpful, to someone, in theory.

A panacea for all your search engine optimization woes—or at least, that’s what Neil they’d like you to believe.

These days, it seems that SEO checklists multiply across the Internet like rabbits—much to the delight of well-meaning entrepreneurs and business owners who snatch them up with the fervor of kids on an Easter Egg Hunt [2023].

But have you ever paused to ask yourself: how helpful are these checklists, actually?

Overcomplicating or Just Scratching the Surface?

The SEO checklist: a tool teetering on the edge of being too basic to be helpful for SEO-savvy business owners—while also threatening to dive headfirst into the abyss of overcomplication.

Let’s pause for a moment to ponder the bizarre existence of such lists (before we get into our own, below).

It’s like trying to find a balance between a picture book and a doctoral thesis. On one hand, you have checklists that are the equivalent of The Secret, offering nothing but basic information that most business owners already know.

On the other hand, you have checklists that seem to require a degree in computer science to understand how to read them.

So, what are we left with? A checklist that’s either too basic to offer any real value… or so overly comprehensive that it requires an SEO professional to read and implement it.

Honestly, do you really need an itemized list of tasks to remind you to, say, add alt tags to your images?

Or to use the keyword in the title?

It’s time to break free from Checklist Culture and learn to trust your own instincts (and, dare I say, common sense).

Let’s face it: SEO checklists are like that overly loquacious SEO blogger who makes a few good points here and there, but often just rambles on and on about absolutely nothing. At first it’s entertaining, but eventually, it’s just exhausting.

A Modest Proposal

Now, don’t get me wrong: I’m not suggesting that we abandon the concept of checklists in all areas of life. Instead, we recommend ditching the endless parade of mediocre lists that focus on getting backlinks like it’s still 2014—in favor of a single, definitive SEO checklist that covers all the bases.

A resource that’s adaptable, flexible—perhaps even occasionally updated to reflect the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization.

We could call it something like “The Complete SEO Checklist” or “The Ultimate SEO Checklist” or “The Only SEO Checklist You Need.” (Assuming those names aren’t taken)

But since you’re here, you’re probably hoping for at least some answers to your search engine ranking needs.

Well, buckle up—because we’ve got a game-changer for you: the ONE (and only) SEO checklist you’ll ever need.

THIS is the one list that’ll separate the SEO wheat from the SEO chaff, once and for all:

The Supreme, Final, Definitive, Ultimate, End-All SEO Checklist to Rule Them All (April 2023 Edition)

1. Perform keyword research.
2. Identify long-tail keywords.
3. Analyze competitor keywords.
4. Prioritize keywords based on search volume and difficulty.
5. Optimize your website’s title tags.
6. Create compelling meta descriptions.
7. Include header tags (H1, H2, H3) with keywords.
8. Use keywords naturally in your content.
9. Maintain a proper keyword density.
10. Include LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords, even though they don’t exist.
11. Optimize your URLs with keywords.
12. Implement schema markup.
13. Verify your site with Google Search Console.
14. Create an XML sitemap.
15. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
16. Create a robots.txt file.
17. Improve website speed.
18. Optimize images with alt tags and compression.
19. Use descriptive file names for images.
20. Implement responsive web design for mobile users.
21. Avoid intrusive interstitials on mobile.
22. Minimize layout shift.
23. Use a clear and concise URL structure.
24. Implement breadcrumb navigation.
25. Avoid duplicate content.
26. Fix broken links.
27. Use 301 redirects for moved pages.
28. Use canonical tags for similar content.
29. Create a custom 404 page.
30. Set up Google Analytics.
31. Monitor and analyze website traffic.
32. Track conversions and goals.
33. Optimize your site for local SEO.
34. Optimize your Google My Business listing (including posting regular content).
35. Use NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistently.
36. Encourage customer reviews.
37. Add location-specific keywords.
38. Utilize social media platforms.
39. Create and maintain a company blog.
40. Develop high-quality content.
41. Utilize content marketing strategies.
42. Use relevant internal linking.
43. Gain high-quality backlinks.
44. Monitor and manage backlink profile.
45. Remove low-quality or spammy backlinks.
46. Guest post on reputable websites. (Don’t buy links or create spammy profile/forum links)
47. Use influencer outreach strategies.
48. Utilize HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for press opportunities.
49. Optimize content for featured snippets.
50. Implement structured data for rich snippets.
51. Implement Open Graph tags for social media.
52. Utilize Twitter cards.
53. Use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) for website security.
54. Implement HTTPS for secure browsing.
55. Optimize website navigation.
56. Utilize white space for better readability.
57. Use clear and concise headings.
58. Optimize content for voice search.
59. Utilize video marketing.
60. Optimize videos with keywords, descriptions, and tags.
61. Use engaging CTAs (Call to Action).
62. Use email marketing strategies.
63. Implement a content calendar.
64. Utilize social sharing buttons.
65. Encourage user-generated content.
66. Optimize content for Google E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust).
67. Use topic clusters and pillar pages.
68. Utilize FAQs for quick answers.
69. Set up and optimize Bing Webmaster Tools.
70. Utilize XML sitemap for Bing Webmaster Tools.
71. Monitor Bing search performance.
72. Utilize Google Trends for content ideas.
73. Use Google Alerts for brand monitoring.
74. Use relevant and descriptive anchor text.
75. Keep content fresh and up-to-date.
76. Conduct regular SEO audits.
77. Create a knowledge base.
78. Use Google’s Page Experience signals.
79. Avoid keyword cannibalization.
80. Create cornerstone content.
81. Use multimedia elements (images, videos, infographics).
82. Use conversational language for user engagement.
83. Optimize content for reading ease.
84. Leverage user behavior analytics.
85. Monitor and improve your site’s bounce rate.
86. Optimize your site for Core Web Vitals.
87. Ensure cross-browser compatibility.
88. Utilize A/B testing to optimize conversions.
89. Set up proper site hierarchy.
90. Use descriptive and keyword-rich categories.
91. Monitor and address crawl errors.
92. Use pagination and canonical tags for paginated content.
93. Avoid thin content pages.
94. Use meta robots tags for noindex, nofollow pages.
95. Use hreflang tags for multilingual content.
96. Create an informative and engaging “About Us” page.
97. Implement clear and concise privacy and terms of service pages.
98. Optimize content for Google’s RankBrain algorithm.
99. Foster a strong brand presence online.
100. Use a site search feature to improve user experience.
101. Use a reputable and fast web host.
102. Implement a content delivery network (CDN) for faster load times.
103. Utilize server-side caching.
104. Optimize website database.
105. Compress website files with Gzip.
106. Minify CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
107. Utilize lazy loading for images and videos.
108. Employ AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) for faster mobile performance.
109. Leverage browser caching.
110. Create SEO-friendly WordPress permalinks.
111. Use an SEO plugin for your CMS.
112. Implement sitelinks search box schema.
113. Optimize your site for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) guidelines.
114. Create an editorial guidelines document.
115. Develop a link-building strategy.
116. Use Google’s Disavow Tool to remove the effects of harmful backlinks.
117. Monitor domain authority and page authority.
118. Identify and optimize content gaps.
119. Optimize site for long-clicks.
120. Use enticing and clickable headlines.
121. Employ storytelling in your content.
122. Encourage social proof with testimonials and case studies.
123. Optimize product pages for search intent.
124. Implement product schema markup.
125. Use psychological triggers for better engagement.
126. Use exit-intent popups to retain visitors.
127. Create evergreen content for long-term SEO benefits.
128. Utilize content hubs for better organization.
129. Use eye-catching visuals to break up text.
130. Monitor click-through rates (CTR) in Google Search Console.
131. Leverage Google’s Autocomplete for keyword and content ideas.
132. Monitor and address orphaned pages.
133. Utilize Google Tag Manager for easy tag management.
134. Stabilize your rear deflectors
135. Watch for negative SEO attacks from competitors
136. Use enticing and keyword-rich anchor text for internal links.
137. Analyze and understand user search intent.
138. Utilize tools like Google’s Lighthouse for performance analysis.
139. Leverage AI Management for Marketing.
140. Monitor and optimize your site’s crawl budget.
141. Attend SEO conferences and webinars to stay current.
142. Network with other SEO professionals.
143. Address potential penalties with Google’s Manual Actions report.
144. Implement social schema markup for better social sharing.
145. Stay up-to-date with industry news and constant Google algorithm updates.

Remember that this comprehensive checklist is meant to cover various aspects of SEO, and not all items may be applicable to your specific website or business. It’s essential to prioritize tasks based on your unique needs and goals.

The Secret to SEO: It’s Not in a Checklist

Hey, it may not be the SEO checklist we always dreamt of—but it’s the SEO checklist we deserve.

The truth?

You don’t need another checklist.

You need an intervention.

And don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Our team of expert SEO professionals are happy to take the reins and help you and your business navigate the complex world of search engine optimization. We can customize our services to fit your unique business needs, whether that means tackling the entire checklist (and more) or just a few select items.

We’ll work with you to ensure your website is optimized for the search engines, so you can focus on running your business.

Say goodbye to the headaches of SEO and hello to the peace of mind that comes with having your search engine optimization and marketing handled by The King of Search. Contact us to get started!