Fundamentals of SEO Optimization for Pages Targeting Relevant Search Queries

The results page delivers variants in each individual case, as it is formatted by search engines in accordance with the requests given. In the process of site ranking, the search engine takes into account a multitude of different factors, with one of the key criteria being the relevance of the published content on the page to the user’s query formulation. Search algorithms are capable of identifying correlations between the content of the web resource and the query in terms of key terms.

However, it is also essential to distribute “keys” within the text correctly. In this article, you will find detailed answers to such questions: in what parts of the textual block should key terms necessarily be present, in what quantity, how to harmoniously integrate them into your article, etc.

What Do Official Sources Say?

SEO analysts from Google emphasize the strategic importance of utilizing key terms in publications while creating recommendations for web developers. Generally speaking, engaging in semantic core selection for your site must be taken seriously if you truly aim to elevate your online platform to the top of search output. Think about diversifying away from the general theme of your site to consider what phrases and words can potentially “attract” users to your webpage. Similar reflections, as well as competition analysis, studying other factors relevant to the domain, will assist you in assembling the most complete set of “useful” terms.

What Parts of the Textual Block to Add “Keys”?

For the search engine to accurately rank the site, key terms must be evenly distributed throughout the entire document structure, and they should specifically be added to such parts of the site as:

• Domain name;
• URL address;
• HTML meta tags: Title, Description;
• Main heading H1 and subheadings h2-h3…h6;
• Main text block;
• Alt attribute for images;
• File name.

Pay Attention to Each Mentioned Element Above

Domain Name

The domain name reflects the name of the web resource. It should be short and easy to remember. Including the key query in the domain name will not directly impact the site’s ranking, but it will be much easier for the search engine to identify the category to which your site belongs. Moreover, users will immediately understand at first glance the thematic direction of the internet platform. Writing the targeted query in the domain name can be done both in Latin script, in transliteration, or in an English way.

URL Address

To start, set up your URL. As a result of similar transformations, the URL address of the page will automatically repeat the H1 heading of the article. Additionally, if desired, it can be written manually. A user-friendly URL is more comprehensive, both for users and search engines.

HTML Meta Tags: Title, Description

If reference to key terms in the domain name and URL address is an optional condition, then the absence of targeted queries in the title and description is detrimental for the site. The Title is a short but informative heading that appears as a single line in search output and fully reflects the content of the published page and information. Ideally, the length of the title should not exceed 60 characters. However, meaningful key terms should be placed at the beginning of the title to ensure they immediately fall within the user’s field of vision.

Description is a more detailed description of the content of the web page (usually composed of up to 300 characters without spaces but may vary depending on the search engine used). In the description, it is optimal to include 1-2 key phrases, placing them in the first half of the sentence at an equal distance from each other.

When creating the meta tags title and description, it is best to avoid the following actions:

• Duplicating key phrases;
• Unnecessarily listing key queries without context;
• Using outdated key queries (thus, you create a false impression for the user);
• Ignoring basic rules of terminology formation in the Russian language, artificially overstretching the structure, e.g., “order a cheap family meal.”

Main Heading H1 & Subheadings h2-h3…h6

The h1 tag is the primary heading on the page; therefore, it is extraordinarily important that it is unique and contains relevant content. The h1 heading should mention key terms in broader formulations. Then, the subheadings in the range h2-h6 should be made specific, reflecting the themes of the corresponding content section.

Main Text Block

Distribute keys throughout the main text block, following these rules:

• Only include “valuable” key queries that relate to your area of activity;
• Avoid cluttering with keys—use new similarities minimally and after every previous one;
• Separate informational keys from commercial ones;
• Ensure text quality exceeds the amount of specified phrases;
• Do not emphasize keys in the text (by highlighting them or using bold)—this distorts the visual structure of content and is not favored by search engines in ranking;
• Apply LSI techniques, diversifying keys with synonyms.

If you want your site to quickly rise in rankings and not fall under the sanctions of search engines, you must adhere to the recommendations provided above.

Title, Alt Attributes for Images

The title attribute acts as the header for an image; it often influences user behavior on the site. To view the content of the title, it is necessary to hover the cursor over the image.

The alt attribute is what users see when an image fails to load for various reasons. If the title is not aligned with SEO promotion criteria, then alt is attached to them instead. Here are some tips for formatting titles and alt for images:

• In title and alt, use no more than one key phrase, at most fully conveying its meaning when describing the image;
• Avoid commercial keys, focusing instead on conveying the significance of the image;
• For each distinct image, describe a new, unique attribute.

File Name

If your textual block contains interactive videos, infographics, PDF files, and other documents, make sure the file name maximally reflects the content of the page alongside its illustrative, informative keys.

Naming files should optimally be in Latin script, in transliteration or in English.

Conclusion

To evaluate the effectiveness of the optimization efforts made on the site’s pages, each step must be clearly defined to harness the potential of the site in the selected market niche. Typically, the settings of smaller internet platforms (up to 50 pages) are manually checked, focusing on meta tags, text modules, and various details. However, one can take another route by using specialized automated tools that can help identify current deficiencies in the optimization process of the page, such as Screaming Frog.