Rank and Roll: The SEO Launch Playbook
Want to launch your website without losing rankings? I’ve got the steps here.
Before you hit “publish,” use this checklist to ensure your website is optimised for search engines and visitors.
*To note first: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the art and science of enhancing your website to make it more visible to search engines like Google. By aligning your content, structure, and technical elements with best practices, SEO helps your site rank higher in search results, driving more organic traffic. At its core, SEO is about understanding what your audience is searching for and ensuring your website delivers it effectively, from relevant keywords to seamless navigation. Mastering SEO is vital for standing out in a crowded online space and connecting with the right audience.
For hands-on support or a deeper dive into SEO best practices, we’re here to help.
Essential Site Information
Site Title: Add a concise, keyword-rich title (under 60 characters), even if your logo is the primary identifier. Search engines love text-based clues.
Site Description: Write a short, engaging description (50–300 characters) summarising your site. This could appear in search results, so make it count!
SEO Descriptions: Each page should have a unique description that reflects its content. Keep it succinct yet informative.
Title Formats: Customise how page titles display in browser tabs and search results. Include keywords for better indexing.
Polished Site Design
Browser Icon (Favicon): Add a recognisable favicon to boost brand visibility in browser tabs and search results.
Social Sharing Images: Optimise visuals for sharing on social media. Use custom images for individual pages, blog posts, or products.
Custom 404 Page: Design a helpful 404 page with links to key areas of your site to keep users engaged.
Domain and URL Management
Custom Domain: Secure a branded domain for credibility and improved search visibility.
SSL Certification: Ensure your site is set to "Secure" in SSL settings. Unsecured sites may be penalised in search rankings.
URL Slugs: Review all slugs for readability and relevance. Avoid generic strings—use descriptive keywords that reflect page content.
Location Optimisation
Add Your Location: For local SEO, include a physical address or service area. Create a dedicated “Contact Us” page with a map for added convenience.
Online Listings: Ensure your business information is consistent across platforms like Google My Business.
Post-Publish Essentials
Google Search Console: Verify your site to manage how it appears in search results and access performance insights.
Bing Webmaster Tools: Don’t forget about Bing and Yahoo! Verify your site there, too, for broader visibility.
Google Analytics: Integrate analytics to monitor traffic, user behaviour, and conversion rates.
Enable AMP: For bloggers, enabling AMP ensures faster mobile load times, boosting user experience and rankings.
Keep Improving
Optimise New Content: Continue following best practices for SEO and structure as your site evolves.
Redirect Broken Links: Update any changed URLs with redirects to maintain seamless navigation.
Track Analytics: Regularly review analytics tools to identify trends and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.
Pro Tips for Content Creation
Keyword Placement: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into text, titles, and meta descriptions. Avoid keyword stuffing.
Image Optimisation: Add alt text to images for accessibility and SEO. Keep file sizes under 500 KB to improve load times.
Internal Linking: Connect related pages to enhance user experience and encourage longer site visits.
Remember, SEO is an ongoing journey. Consistency in updates, engagement, and optimisation will help your website maintain and grow its visibility in search rankings.
Need help setting up or refining your SEO strategy? Contact us today!
