Search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect of digital marketing, and technical SEO is an integral part of it. Technical SEO refers to optimising a website’s technical aspects to improve its ranking on search engine result pages (or SERPs, for short).
Technical SEO may seem like a complicated process with lots of technical jargon, but it’s essential to understand it to improve your website’s search engine visibility.
In this blog post, we will break down the technical SEO jargon and provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding technical SEO.
What Is Technical SEO?
Technical SEO refers to the practice of improving a website’s technical components to enhance its compatibility with search engines.
This includes various aspects of a website’s structure and backend code, such as website speed, mobile responsiveness, URL structure, meta tags, schema markup, and more.
Technical SEO also includes optimising website security, ensuring that the website is free from errors and broken links, and optimising XML sitemaps for better indexing by search engines.
Sounds technical right? Well, that’s because it is!
How Is Technical SEO Different From Other Types Of SEO?
Technical SEO is different from other types of SEO in that it focuses on the technical aspects of a website that affect its ranking on SERPs.
On the other hand, on-page SEO focuses on optimising the content on a website, such as keyword research, content creation, and optimisation of meta tags, headings, and images.
Off-page SEO encompasses the process of creating external links that point to a website with the aim of enhancing its credibility and standing.
Technical SEO is the foundation of SEO, and without it, other types of SEO will not be as effective.
Why Is Technical SEO Important?
Technical SEO is important because it determines how well search engines can crawl and index a website.
So what does this mean?
Well, a well-optimised website can dramatically improve its visibility on SERPs, attract more organic traffic, and improve its overall user experience.
This not only means you’ll generate more traffic, but you’ll also have your website visitors stick around longer and be more engaged with your website’s content.
Technical SEO can also help in identifying and fixing website errors, improving website speed, and making a website more accessible to users.
Finally, technical SEO is also essential for mobile optimisation, as mobile searches now account for over half of all internet traffic.
Technical SEO tools
Several technical SEO tools can help you optimise your website’s technical aspects. These tools include:
Google Search Console
This free tool from Google can help you monitor your website’s performance, including indexing status, search analytics, and more.
Screaming Frog
This website crawler tool can help you identify website errors, broken links, and other issues that affect website performance.
GTmetrix
This tool can help you test your website’s speed and identify areas for improvement.
SEMrush
This all-in-one SEO tool can help you with keyword research, website audits, and competitor analysis.
Moz Pro
This tool offers features such as website audits, rank tracking, and backlink analysis.
Technical SEO Best Practices
To optimise your website’s technical aspects, here are some technical SEO best practices you should follow:
Improve Your Website Speed
A faster website can improve user experience and ranking on SERPs. Use tools like GTmetrix to identify areas for improvement and optimise your website’s speed.
Optimise Your Website For Mobile
With over half of all internet traffic coming from mobile devices, mobile optimization is crucial. Use responsive design, optimise images, and improve website speed for mobile devices.
Optimise Your URL Structure
Use descriptive URLs that include target keywords, optimise URL length, and avoid using parameters and dynamic URLs.
Use A Schema Markup
Schema markup can help search engines understand the content on your website better, improving its visibility on SERPs.
Optimise Your Meta Tags
Use relevant and descriptive meta titles and descriptions that include target keywords.
Keep Out The Hackers By Improving Website Security
Use HTTPS and TLS protocols to secure your website and prevent malicious attacks.
Optimise Your XML Sitemap
Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engines for better indexing.
By following these best practices, you can improve the technical aspects of your website and boost its visibility on SERPs.
Technical SEO may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and approach, it can be managed effectively.
Summary
Technical SEO is an essential part of any successful digital marketing strategy. It helps search engines crawl and index your website, improves its visibility on SERPs, and drives more organic traffic to it.
Following the best practices outlined in this article such as optimising for mobile devices, improving website speed, using schema markup, creating descriptive URLs with target keywords and improving security can help you make sure that your technical SEO efforts are effective.
If you need assistance implementing these strategies or have questions about how they will affect your business’s online presence contact us today – our team of experts are here to help!
