SEO for HTML Websites
HTML can get messy, especially with hidden content. If it’s hard for people to navigate, it’s also hard for search engines. And search engines are less patient than people! Even if your site will have many pages, start with clear steps. The simpler it is, the easier for users and search engines to use.
Name Your Pages With Clear, Keyword-Rich URLs
HTML lets you change page URLs manually. Utilize this tool to generate coherent URLs that are meaningful to both readers and search engines. For example, if it’s a page about SEO services, include “SEO services” in the URL. This might seem obvious, but many URLs use random characters and words that hurt a page’s SEO.
Write Useful Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions may not directly boost your site’s search engine ranking, but they are helpful for visitors. They summarize what your page is about. Aim to use long-tail keywords and phrases that attract ready-to-buy customers. Include geographic keywords in your business if it is specific to a certain location. Keep your meta description under 160 characters for best results.
Use the <head> Tag Wisely
The <head> tag in your website’s HTML code plays an important role, even though visitors may not notice it directly. Name your <head> tag clearly and include relevant keywords. Remember, it’s followed by the <title> tag, which is crucial for SEO.
Internal & External Linking
Linking within your website helps Google understand that one page is connected to others. It also lets readers easily navigate to other useful parts of your site. This SEO strategy shows both search engines and readers that you anticipate their needs and can boost traffic to other pages on your site.
Write Unique Content
Create content that is original and includes important keywords. By naturally using these keywords and phrases in your text, you not only help search engines understand what your page is about but also reassure readers they’ve found the right information. A good guideline is to sprinkle keywords throughout your text, aiming for about 1-2 times per 100 words. However, the key to success lies in choosing the right keywords that are popular and closely related to your website. This tactic enhances your visibility to Google and increases the worth of your content to readers.
Adding Alt Tags to Images & Videos
Tagging images and videos is essential for SEO. Alt tags give search engines descriptions of image or video content. For example, if you have a picture of a beautifully decorated cake, include keywords like “cake” and “decorated” in your tags. Make sure these descriptions are brief. While search engines can’t enjoy delicious cakes, descriptive tags can attract people who appreciate them to your website!
External links demonstrate to search engines and readers that your content is backed by trustworthy and authoritative sources. Links to .gov and .edu sites are especially credible. Linking to these sources demonstrates to readers that they can have faith in the information you are giving.
Avoid JavaScript & Flash Menus
Search engines can’t read JavaScript and Flash elements well. While some say these menus can be SEO-friendly with proper tagging, they can still affect your rankings. Use these menus cautiously and consider testing different types to see what works best for SEO.
Test Your Page Speed Regularly
Ensure your website loads fast by testing it often. Slow-loading pages can turn visitors away and may have errors that slow down search engines. Check everything, including font sizes, to improve speed.
SEO for HTML websites involves optimizing various elements mentioned above. By following these simple steps, you can improve your site’s visibility on search engines and attract more visitors. Remember, SEO is an ongoing process, so keep updating and refining your strategies to stay ahead.
