The Ultimate SEO Checklist for New Websites

The Ultimate SEO Checklist for New Websites

Launch

Launching a new website is an exciting moment for any small business or startup. But your site also needs to be optimized for search engines (SEO) to ensure your audience can find you online. Here’s the ultimate SEO checklist for new websites to help you start off on the right foot.

Behind-the-Scenes Tech

Choose the right hosting provider

Your digital foundation. Choose a stable and reliable partner. Think of it as choosing the right place to build your house.

Mobile responsiveness

Today, it's a given. Make sure your site looks great even on small screens.

SSL Security

Security is crucial. Google favors secure sites, and so do your visitors.

XML Sitemap

Give Google a map so it can easily navigate your site.

Clean and clear URLs

Make it easy for both people and search engines to understand what your page is about.

Fast load times are gold

No one likes waiting, not even Google. Optimizing image sizes and scripts can make a big difference.

Content is king (or queen)

Do your keyword research

Understand what your visitors are searching for and meet them there.

Valuable and engaging content

Tailor your content to your audience's needs and interests.

Compelling titles and meta descriptions

Your first impression in the search results. Use titles that attract and engage.

Structure with headings

Make the text easy to read and accessible for both people and search engines.

Optimize your images

Large images can slow down a website significantly. Optimize and convert them to modern file formats (WebP is great).

Keep your content fresh

A lively website is a beloved website.

Off-Page SEO

Backlinks

Links from trustworthy websites increase your site’s authority.

Be active on social media

Share your content and interact with your audience.

Google My Business for local SEO

Make it easy for people to find you. Create a business profile on Google.

User Experience in Focus

Simple and smart navigation

Make it easy for your visitors to find what they're looking for.

The experience matters

High user interaction signals to search engines that your website is valuable.

Measure, Learn & Improve

Google Analytics

Who visits your site and why?

Google Search Console

Keep track of your site's technical status and areas for improvement.

Set goals and follow up

Adjust your strategy based on results.

Testing

So you’ve built a new website, great! But how does it perform in terms of speed and SEO? That’s where tools come into play. At Developly, we’ve built a tool that’s efficient and easy to use. It gives you tips and tricks to boost your speed and helps you uncover what works – and what doesn’t.

Link to Developly’s performance test

By balancing technical finesse with engaging content and an excellent user experience, you lay a solid foundation for your website's success. And remember, SEO is a journey, not a destination. So be ready to adapt and update your strategy as you learn what works best for your site. Good luck!

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