Introduction: Is Google Still All About Keywords?
It’s 2025, and Google’s algorithm now reads more like a human than a robot. It rewards quality, relevance, and user experience. So where does that leave on-page SEO?
Right where it belongs—at the centre of your digital marketing strategy.
Whether you run a consultancy in Cambridge or an online store in Lagos, this updated SEO checklist will help you rise above the noise. And yes—you can download the whole thing at the end of this post.
What is On-Page SEO (And Why Does It Matter in 2025)?
On-page SEO refers to everything you can control directly on your web pages to improve their visibility on search engines. This includes your content, meta tags, structure, speed, and internal linking.
While off-page SEO (like backlinks) builds authority, on-page SEO ensures search engines know what your page is about—and that it’s worth showing to users.
The 2025 On-Page SEO Checklist
Let’s break it down. These aren’t theories—they’re what we implement for clients every week at HydeasTech.
1. Primary Keyword in the Page Title (H1)
- Make sure your title contains the exact keyword people are searching for.
- Keep it under 60 characters so Google doesn’t cut it off.
Example:
“Affordable Web Design in Lagos – 2025 Packages”
2. SEO-Friendly URL Structure
Use clean, short URLs with your keyword:
/web-design-lagos not /page?id=1234
3. Meta Title & Meta Description
- Meta title = SEO ranking factor
- Meta description = click-through rate booster
- Include your primary keyword, and keep it compelling and under 155 characters.
4. Subheadings (H2, H3) With Keywords
- Break up your content using logical subheadings.
- Include secondary keywords and synonyms where relevant.
5. Internal Linking
- Link to at least 2–3 other pages or blog posts on your website.
- Use descriptive anchor text (not “click here”).
Why? Google follows these links to understand your site structure and topic relevance.
6. External Links to Trusted Sources
- Reference authority sites like gov.uk, HubSpot, or Search Engine Journal
- Helps establish credibility and context
7. Optimised Images (With Alt Text)
- Compress images to improve load speed
- Use descriptive alt tags that include relevant keywords
- Bonus: Alt text helps with Google Image rankings
8. Mobile Responsiveness
- Over 70% of users access websites via smartphones
- Google ranks mobile-first, so if your site isn’t responsive, you’re losing out
Test your page: Google Mobile-Friendly Test
9. Fast Page Load Time
- Aim for under 2.5 seconds · Use tools like GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights
- Compress images, reduce redirects, and optimise hosting
10. Schema Markup
- Add structured data (using tools like RankMath or Schema.org)
- Enables rich snippets on Google: FAQs, ratings, reviews, etc.
- Especially useful for local businesses
11. Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Every page should guide the visitor to do something:
- Download
- Contact
- Book a call
- Subscribe
12. Content Depth & Quality
- Aim for 800–1500 words per blog post
- Include FAQs, bullet points, bolding, and relevant examples
- Write in natural, human language – Google knows when it’s stuffed or robotic
Final Tip: Update Your Old Posts
Don’t just focus on new content. Take 15 minutes a week to revisit older posts and:
- Update headers and meta tags
- Add internal links to newer posts
- Improve readability and CTAs
Google loves fresh content – and even more so when it’s well-structured.
Need help implementing all this?
Book a free SEO audit with HydeasTech; we’ll show you how to improve your rankings without spending on ads.