10 Best SEO Practices that You Must Follow in 2023

Are you searching for the best SEO practices?

So, when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), adapting to the latest SEO practices is non-negotiable.

As we step into the year 2023, the landscape of SEO is undergoing significant transformations, demanding a fresh approach to maximize online visibility and drive organic traffic.

If you’re looking to conquer the search rankings and solidify your online presence, look no further.

In this article, we unveil the 15 best SEO practices that you absolutely must follow in 2023. 

Top SEO practices

1. Use HTTPs

HTTPS enhances the security of your website by encrypting the data transmitted between visitors and the server. This has been a significant ranking factor for Google since 2014.

To check if your site already uses HTTPS, simply observe the loading bar in your browser. If there is a lock icon preceding the URL, your site is secured.

If the lock icon is absent, you will need to install an SSL certificate.

Many web hosting providers include SSL certificates in their packages. However, if your hosting provider does not offer this feature, you can obtain a free SSL certificate from LetsEncrypt.

The good news is that transitioning to HTTPS is a one-time task. Once installed, all pages on your site, including future ones, will be secure.

2. Make sure your pages load fast

Page speed is a crucial aspect when it comes to attracting visitors to a website. The last thing anyone desires is to land on a page that takes an eternity to load. Consequently, search engines have recognized the significance of page speed as a ranking factor. Since 2010, desktop page speed has been considered, and since 2018, mobile page speed has also been taken into account.

Several factors contribute to the speed of a webpage, including the website’s code, server location, and images it contains. These elements can significantly impact the loading time of a page.

To assess how well your pages perform in terms of speed, you can utilize Google’s Pagespeed Insights tool. By simply entering a URL, the tool provides a score ranging from 0 to 100, accompanied by suggestions for improvement. This allows you to gain a general understanding of your page’s performance and receive recommendations for enhancing its speed.

A limitation of Pagespeed Insights is its ability to test only one page at a time, which can be quite cumbersome. However, you can overcome this by enrolling in Google Search Console and accessing the Speed report. This report offers insights into the specific pages that exhibit slow loading times on both desktop and mobile devices, along with explanations for the sluggishness. Since resolving these issues might require technical expertise, it is advisable to consult a developer or a technical SEO expert to address them effectively.

To ensure your pages maintain optimal speed, here are some general recommendations:

• Utilize a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Instead of relying on a single server in a specific location, CDNs distribute critical resources, such as images, across a network of servers worldwide. This localization of resources reduces the distance data has to travel, resulting in faster loading times for visitors.
• Compress images: Images tend to be large files, which can slow down page loading. By compressing images, you can reduce their file size without significantly compromising their quality. Striking the right balance between size and quality is crucial.
• Implement lazy-loading: Lazy-loading defers the loading of offscreen resources, like images, until they are actually needed. This approach allows the browser to prioritize the loading of visible content, enhancing the usability of the page.
• Choose an optimized theme: Opt for a website theme that is well-optimized and built with efficient code. It is recommended to test the theme’s demo using Google’s Pagespeed Insights tool to evaluate its performance and loading speed.

By following these guidelines, you can improve the speed of your pages, ensuring a better user experience for your visitors.

3. Choose a topic with “search traffic potential.”

Choosing a topic with “search traffic potential” means selecting a subject or theme for your content that has a high likelihood of attracting a significant number of people who are searching for information on that particular topic. In other words, it’s about picking a subject that many people are interested in and actively searching for online.

When you create content, such as articles or blog posts, you want to make sure that there is an audience out there who is actively looking for information related to what you’re writing about. By choosing a topic with “search traffic potential,” you increase the chances of your content being discovered by more people and attracting a larger number of readers or visitors to your website.

To determine the search traffic potential of a topic, you can use various tools and techniques, such as keyword research. This involves identifying the keywords or phrases that people commonly use when searching for information on a specific subject. By targeting these keywords in your content, you can optimize it for search engines and improve its visibility in search results.

4. Match search intent

Matching search intent refers to creating content that aligns with the specific purpose or intention behind a user’s search query. When people use search engines like Google, they have a specific goal or question in mind, and they type in keywords or phrases to find information that satisfies their needs.

To match search intent effectively, it’s essential to understand the different types of search queries and the intent behind them. There are generally four main categories of search intent:

• Informational intent: Users are looking for information or answers to their questions. They may be seeking explanations, definitions, or research on a particular topic.
• Navigational intent: Users are trying to reach a specific website or web page. They already have a destination in mind and use search engines as a convenient way to find it.
• Transactional intent: Users want to complete a specific action or transaction, such as making a purchase, signing up for a service, or downloading a file.
• Commercial intent: Users are interested in buying a product or service but may still be researching and comparing options before making a decision.

5. Target a topic in your wheelhouse

Targeting a topic in your “wheelhouse” means focusing on a subject or area that you are knowledgeable and experienced in. It refers to selecting a topic that falls within your expertise or comfort zone.

When you choose a topic in your wheelhouse, you have a deeper understanding of the subject matter and can provide valuable insights and information to your audience. It allows you to leverage your existing knowledge, skills, and experiences to create high-quality content.

By targeting a topic in your wheelhouse, you can:

• Demonstrate expertise: Since you are familiar with the topic, you can showcase your knowledge and establish yourself as an authority in that particular area. 
• Provide valuable content: Your expertise enables you to offer valuable and relevant information that genuinely helps your audience. You can share insights, tips, and practical advice based on your own experiences, making your content more useful and engaging.
• Stand out from the competition: Focusing on a topic within your wheelhouse allows you to differentiate yourself from others who may not have the same level of expertise. This specialization can attract a specific audience seeking in-depth information or guidance on that subject.
• Enjoy the process: When you choose a topic you are passionate about or have extensive knowledge of creating content becomes more enjoyable. It becomes an opportunity to share your expertise, engage with your audience, and contribute to discussions within your niche.

6. Use a short URL

According to Google, it is advisable to steer clear of lengthy URLs as they might appear overwhelming to searchers. Consequently, using the precise target query as the URL may not always be the most optimal approach.

Let’s consider an example: if your target keyword is “how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist.” Not only is this phrase quite long (pun unintended), but it is also likely to be shortened in the search results.

To create a shorter and more concise URL that maintains the essential keywords, it is recommended to eliminate stop words and unnecessary details. This approach will result in a URL that is both shorter and more focused on the important words.

7. Use a compelling title tag and meta description

Enhancing your website for search engines goes beyond boosting rankings; it also involves enticing clicks. That’s why it is crucial to craft compelling title tags and meta descriptions, as they both appear in search results.

Your title tag and description serve as your persuasive sales pitch. If they fail to stand out among the competition, searchers will opt for alternative results. However, aside from incorporating your target keyword, there are additional ways to enhance your click-through rate (CTR).

Firstly, strive to keep your title tag within 60 characters and your descriptions within 150 characters to prevent truncation.

Secondly, utilize a title case for titles and a sentence case for descriptions.

Thirdly, align your title and description with the search intent of users.

8. Optimize images

Image compression is essential for ensuring fast-loading pages, but it’s not the sole method for optimizing images from an SEO perspective.

In addition, it’s crucial to incorporate alt tags and utilize descriptive filenames.

Both these practices assist Google in comprehending your images, subsequently aiding your pages in ranking for long-tail keywords in web search results and Google Images.

The significance of Google Images should not be underestimated. Over the past three months alone, it has generated more than 5,500 clicks for us.

Optimizing file names is a straightforward process. Simply describe your image using descriptive words and separate them with hyphens.

9. Write detailed content

Writing thorough content is crucial for capturing the attention and engagement of your audience. When you provide comprehensive and detailed information on a topic, you establish yourself as a reliable and knowledgeable source.

Thorough content not only meets the needs of your readers but also helps search engines understand the value and relevance of your webpage. By offering in-depth explanations, insightful analysis, and supporting evidence, you can establish credibility and authority within your field.

Thorough content keeps readers engaged, encourages social sharing, and enhances the overall user experience. It’s an essential element in building a strong online presence and attracting organic traffic to your website.

10. Add internal links from other relevant pages

Adding internal links from other relevant pages is a valuable practice for optimizing your website. Internal linking helps search engines discover and navigate through your content more effectively, improving the overall visibility and accessibility of your website.

By strategically linking to other relevant pages within your site, you provide additional context, guide users to related topics, and enhance their browsing experience. Furthermore, internal links distribute authority and link equity throughout your website, boosting the rankings of linked pages in search engine results.

By incorporating a thoughtful internal linking strategy, you can enhance your website’s SEO, encourage user engagement, and create a cohesive network of interconnected content that benefits both search engines and users alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing these 10 best SEO practices in 2023 will greatly enhance your website’s visibility and organic search rankings.