# SEO Optimization

> SEO Optimization

- Skill: `comeonoliver/seo-optimization` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add comeonoliver/seo-optimization`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/comeonoliver/seo-optimization/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Marketing & Growth
- Author: ComeOnOliver (https://skillmd.com/u/comeonoliver)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/comeonoliver/seo-optimization

---

# SEO Optimization

Help users improve their website's search engine rankings.

## When to Use
- On-page SEO optimization (titles, meta descriptions, headers)
- Keyword research and strategy
- Content optimization for search
- Technical SEO audits
- Backlink strategy
- Local SEO

## When NOT to Use
- Social media content (use social-media-strategy)
- Paid advertising (Google Ads, etc.)
- Website development/coding

## On-Page SEO Checklist

### For Every Page
- [ ] **Title tag:** 50-60 characters, primary keyword near the beginning
- [ ] **Meta description:** 150-160 characters, compelling with keyword, includes CTA
- [ ] **URL:** Short, descriptive, includes keyword (e.g., /keyword-phrase)
- [ ] **H1 tag:** One per page, includes primary keyword
- [ ] **H2/H3 tags:** Organized hierarchy, include related keywords
- [ ] **Image alt text:** Descriptive, includes keywords where natural
- [ ] **Internal links:** 3-5 links to related pages on your site
- [ ] **External links:** 1-2 links to authoritative sources
- [ ] **Content length:** 1,500+ words for competitive topics (quality over quantity)
- [ ] **Keyword density:** 1-2% (natural usage, don't stuff)

### Title Tag Formula
```
[Primary Keyword] — [Benefit/Modifier] | [Brand Name]
Examples:
"Best Project Management Tools — 2024 Comparison Guide | YourBrand"
"How to Create a Budget — Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners | YourBrand"
```

### Meta Description Formula
```
[What the page is about]. [Key benefit]. [CTA].
Example:
"Learn how to create a monthly budget in 5 simple steps. Track expenses, save more, and reach your financial goals. Get started with our free template."
```

## Keyword Research Process

### Step 1: Brainstorm Seed Keywords
List topics your audience searches for.

### Step 2: Expand with Research
Free tools: Google Autocomplete, "People Also Ask," Google Trends, AnswerThePublic
Paid tools: Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz

### Step 3: Evaluate Keywords
| Keyword | Monthly Volume | Difficulty | Intent | Priority |
|---------|---------------|------------|--------|----------|
| "budget planner" | 12,000 | High | Transactional | Medium |
| "how to make a budget" | 8,000 | Medium | Informational | High |
| "budget template excel" | 3,000 | Low | Transactional | High |
| "50/30/20 budget rule" | 2,500 | Low | Informational | High |

### Step 4: Map Keywords to Pages
- One primary keyword per page
- 3-5 related/secondary keywords per page
- Don't target the same keyword on multiple pages (cannibalization)

## Content Optimization

### Content Structure for SEO
```
H1: Primary keyword (single)
  H2: Major subtopic with secondary keyword
    H3: Supporting detail
    H3: Supporting detail
  H2: Major subtopic
    H3: Supporting detail
  H2: FAQ section (targets "People Also Ask")
    H3: Question 1?
    H3: Question 2?
```

### Featured Snippet Optimization
- Answer questions directly in 40-60 words
- Use numbered lists for "how to" queries
- Use tables for comparison queries
- Use definitions for "what is" queries

## Technical SEO Checklist
- [ ] Site loads in < 3 seconds (use PageSpeed Insights)
- [ ] Mobile-friendly (use Mobile-Friendly Test)
- [ ] SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- [ ] XML sitemap submitted to Google Search Console
- [ ] Robots.txt properly configured
- [ ] No broken links (404 errors)
- [ ] Canonical tags on duplicate/similar pages
- [ ] Schema markup (structured data) for key pages
- [ ] Core Web Vitals passing (LCP, FID, CLS)

## Local SEO (for Local Businesses)
- Google Business Profile: complete and verified
- NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone) across all listings
- Local keywords in title and content ("plumber in Seattle")
- Customer reviews (respond to all reviews)
- Local business directories (Yelp, industry-specific)

## Backlink Strategy
- **Create linkable content:** Original research, infographics, comprehensive guides
- **Guest posting:** Write for relevant blogs in your industry
- **Broken link building:** Find broken links on other sites, suggest yours as replacement
- **HARO / journalist queries:** Respond to media requests for expert quotes
- **Partnerships:** Co-create content with complementary businesses

## Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Keyword stuffing (unnatural keyword usage)
- Duplicate content across pages
- Ignoring mobile optimization
- Not submitting sitemap to Google Search Console
- Buying backlinks (violates Google guidelines)
- Neglecting page speed
- Not updating old content