SEO Priority List: What to Optimize First for Better Rankings and Visibility

An SEO checklist for beginners should prioritize the tasks most likely to create maximum impact and success. As confusing as SEO can seem today in the face of no-click AI searches, brands can stay visible and drive conversions while utilizing best practices for the long-term. This guide to improved search rankings and increased visibility is all about what is required for a startup website, new business, or beginner to launch and scale success in the search arena.

Your Website Content Is Essential To SEO

The quality of content on your website matters, not just with how it’s structured in tone and grammar but with its keyword, internal links, and technical aspects of search engine optimization.

1. Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research

Keyword research is the foundation of any effective SEO strategy. Start by identifying relevant keywords that your target audience is actively searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to discover search volume, keyword difficulty, and user intent. Prioritize long-tail keywords for more specific targeting and lower competition. Your keyword list will guide all content creation, on-page optimization, and site architecture decisions.

2. Analyze Search Intent Behind Each Keyword

Understanding user intent is just as important as identifying keywords. Categorize each keyword based on whether the searcher is looking for information, making a comparison, or ready to purchase. Align your content format and tone with the searcher’s intent to increase engagement and lower bounce rates.

3. Focus on High-Quality, Keyword-Optimized Content

Content remains a top-ranking factor, but quality and relevance trump keyword stuffing. Create in-depth content that fully addresses the topic and answers all related user queries. Integrate your target and secondary keywords naturally throughout the text without compromising readability. Incorporate statistics, examples, and external references to build trust and authority. Regularly update content to maintain freshness and accuracy.

4. Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions

Title tags and meta descriptions are among the first elements Google and users see. Each page should have a unique, compelling title under 60 characters that includes your target keyword. Meta descriptions should summarize the page content in 150–160 characters while enticing users to click. While meta descriptions are not a ranking factor, they impact click-through rates, which can indirectly affect rankings. Keep them natural, actionable, and aligned with the search query.

5. Structure Headers for SEO and Readability

Proper header hierarchy not only improves on-page SEO but also enhances the user experience. Use one H1 per page that clearly defines the topic and includes the primary keyword. Subheadings (H2s and H3s) should organize content logically and support semantic relevance. Including secondary keywords and variations in your headers helps reinforce the topical depth.

Your Website Structure Should Be Carefully Audited And Kept Current

From a technical SEO standpoint, ensure the design and structure of your website utilizes SEO best practices.

1. Structure URLs Cleanly and Intuitively

URL structure plays a role in both SEO and user experience. Ensure your URLs are short, descriptive, and include target keywords where appropriate. Avoid long strings of numbers or unnecessary parameters that confuse both users and crawlers. Consistent URL hierarchies also help signal content importance and site architecture.

2. Optimize for Mobile Responsiveness

With mobile-first indexing in full swing, optimizing for mobile devices is non-negotiable. Your website must be fully responsive across all screen sizes, ensuring usability and fast loading on smartphones and tablets. Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool to identify and resolve compatibility issues.

3. Implement Internal Linking Strategically

Internal links guide both users and search engines through your website’s structure. Use relevant anchor text to link related blog posts, product pages, or service sections. This distributes link equity across your site and helps boost underperforming pages. Create content silos by linking topically related articles, enhancing topical relevance. Ensure all internal links work and point to active, optimized pages.

4. Submit and Maintain an XML Sitemap

An XML sitemap helps search engines discover and index your site efficiently. Generate a sitemap using tools like Yoast SEO or Screaming Frog. Include all important, canonicalized URLs and exclude noindexed or duplicate pages. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. Regularly update your sitemap as you publish new content or make structural changes.

5. Implement Schema Markup for Rich Results

Structured data, or schema markup, helps search engines better understand your content and enables rich snippets. Implement relevant schema types like Article, Product, Review, FAQ, and LocalBusiness where appropriate. Use Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or manually insert JSON-LD into your HTML. Validate your markup with Google’s Rich Results Test tool. Proper implementation can lead to higher click-through rates and enhanced SERP visibility.

Prioritize Strong Website Performance To Rank Higher

How your website performs in terms of speed, loading, and security all has a direct impact on your search engine rank.

1. Prioritize Regularly Scheduled Technical SEO Audits

Once you know your keyword targets, ensure your site’s technical foundation supports indexing and crawling. Perform a full technical SEO audit using platforms like Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, or Google Search Console. Look for issues like crawl errors, broken links, duplicate content, and slow-loading pages. A technically sound website improves both user experience and search engine accessibility. Without this, even well-optimized content may fail to rank.

2. Improve Page Speed Performance

Search engines like Google factor in page speed when determining rankings, particularly for mobile users. Use tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test load times and receive actionable suggestions. Compress images, leverage browser caching, and minimize JavaScript and CSS files to enhance speed. Fast-loading pages improve dwell time, reduce bounce rate, and contribute to higher conversion rates.

3. Fix Crawl Errors and Indexing Issues

Search engines must be able to access and index your content. Use Google Search Console to identify crawl errors, such as 404 pages or incorrect redirects. Submit updated XML sitemaps and ensure your robots.txt file isn’t accidentally blocking important content. Fixing these issues helps search engines properly index your pages, increasing the chances that your site appears in search results. Clean architecture also improves internal linking efficiency.

4. Use HTTPS for Site Security

Security is a trust signal and a confirmed ranking factor. If your website still uses HTTP, migrating to HTTPS should be an immediate priority. Purchase an SSL certificate and implement it across your entire domain. Make sure all internal links, canonical tags, and third-party integrations reflect the HTTPS version. After migration, set up 301 redirects and update your Google Search Console profile.

5. Set Up and Optimize Google Search Console

Google Search Console provides essential insights into how your website performs in search results. Verify your site, submit your XML sitemap, and monitor indexing status regularly. Use the Performance Report to track clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position by query. Identify and fix indexing issues, crawl errors, or mobile usability problems flagged by Google. Use the URL Inspection Tool to monitor individual page performance and indexation.

6. Fix Broken Links and Redirect Chains

Broken links can frustrate users and reduce your crawl budget. Use tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to scan your site for 404 errors, broken outbound links, or redirect loops. Fix these issues by updating URLs or implementing 301 redirects where necessary. Avoid redirect chains and internal 302 redirects, which can dilute link equity. Regular link maintenance keeps your site healthy and SEO-friendly.

Long-Term SEO Priorities That Are Essential To Site Growth

After your basics are covered, here are the priorities to keep on your SEO checklist for beginners to continually optimize.

1. Build Authoritative Backlinks from Relevant Sources

Backlinks remain one of Google’s top-ranking signals, especially when they come from authoritative domains. Create a backlinks strategy. Prioritize quality over quantity by focusing on earning links from reputable websites within your niche. Use strategies like guest posting, broken link outreach, digital PR, and linkable assets (such as original research or infographics). Don’t forget to monitor your backlink profile using Ahrefs or Moz to identify toxic links and disavow when necessary.

2. Optimize for Local SEO (If Applicable)

If your business serves a local audience, optimizing for local SEO is crucial. Set up and verify your Google Business Profile and keep it up to date. Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency across all directories and citations. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Include local keywords and create location-specific landing pages to improve your visibility in local search results.

3. Monitor and Improve User Engagement Metrics

Metrics like bounce rate, average session duration, and pages per session provide insight into user experience. High engagement signals tell Google that users find your content valuable. Use Google Analytics and tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity to track behavior and identify friction points. Improve readability, include multimedia content, and create clear calls to action to retain visitors. A well-optimized experience encourages longer sessions and deeper interaction.

Evolve Your SEO: From Beginner To Advanced With Lets Nurture

SEO continues to evolve with each passing year. Algorithms advanced. New tools and software are released. AI continues to be re-interpreted and fine-tuned into new applications. As your SEO strategists, the team at Lets Nurture can aid you in taking your website to the next level.

Don’t try to go it alone. This is a mistake too many websites and small business owners make. The result is a ton of time and opportunity wasted. Connect with a team of experienced search engine optimization experts who know what strategies to execute, how, where, and when.

Your SEO checklist for beginners provides you with insights into how to start but there is so much more to learn.

Let us be your marketing team and assemble the best SEO playbook for your website. Lets Nurture will create and run a search strategy that ensures your website puts users first and works in the way it needs to in order to achieve the highest search rankings possible.