A 10-Point SEO Checklist for New Websites
Launching a new website is exciting, but ensuring people can find it is crucial for its success. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can seem complex, but by following a simple checklist, you can build a strong foundation from day one. Here are 10 essential steps for any new website.
1. Set Up Google Analytics
You can't improve what you don't measure. Installing Google Analytics is a non-negotiable first step. It allows you to track how many visitors you're getting, where they're coming from, and what pages they're looking at.
2. Set Up Google Search Console
This is your communication channel with Google. Search Console helps you monitor your site's performance, submit sitemaps, and identify any technical issues Google has while trying to crawl your site.
3. Perform Initial Keyword Research
Before you write a single page, you need to know what terms your audience is searching for. Use a keyword generator to brainstorm a list of relevant topics and phrases for your core pages.
4. Craft Unique Titles and Meta Descriptions
Every page on your site should have a unique, descriptive title tag and meta description. The title is a major ranking factor, and the description is your chance to convince a user to click on your result in the search listings.
5. Plan Your Site Structure & Internal Links
A logical site structure helps both users and search engines navigate your site. Your most important pages should be easily accessible from your main navigation. Link between relevant pages to distribute authority and help Google understand the context of your content.
6. Ensure Your Site is Mobile-Friendly
Google now operates on a "mobile-first" index, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of your site for ranking. Your website must be fully responsive and easy to use on a smartphone.
7. Check Your Site Speed
Page speed is a confirmed ranking factor. A slow website leads to a poor user experience and higher bounce rates. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve your loading times.
8. Create a Sitemap and `robots.txt` File
A `sitemap.xml` file lists all the important pages on your site for search engines to find. A `robots.txt` file tells search engines which pages or sections to avoid (like admin areas).
9. Secure Your Site with HTTPS
Having an SSL certificate and using HTTPS is not just a best practice for security; it's also a minor ranking signal. It builds trust with users and search engines alike.
10. Run an Initial SEO Audit
Once you have the basics in place, run a full site audit. A tool like our SEO Analyzer can crawl your website and identify any broken links, missing tags, or other technical issues that could be holding you back.
By following this checklist, you'll give your new website the best possible start in its journey to the top of the search results.