SEO checklist
Here at Fresh Pies we are a full service web development agency. Our expert team has put together a comprehensive 10 step SEO checklist for website optimisation and best of all, it’s free!
1. Neglecting Local SEO for UK Markets
Ignoring local SEO can mean missed opportunities, especially in the UK where regional searches are very specific (e.g., “plumbers in Birmingham”). Make sure to set up a Google Business Profile, target location-based keywords, and add British towns or neighbourhoods in your metadata.
2. Stuffing Keywords in Content and Metadata
Keyword stuffing is tempting but outdated. Search engines (and readers!) prefer natural, informative language. Instead of filling an article with “best tea shops in London” every other sentence, try using varied phrases like “top places for afternoon tea in London”.
3. Overlooking Mobile Optimisation
Many people in the UK, like everywhere, browse predominantly on their mobiles. Not ensuring that your site is mobile-friendly can harm your rankings and user experience, as Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites in its rankings. Test your site on various devices to ensure it’s responsive.
4. Ignoring Slow Load Speeds
A slow website can be a dealbreaker. Visitors (especially those used to fast urban networks in cities like Manchester or London) won’t stick around waiting for a slow page to load. To speed things up, compress images, enable browser caching, and avoid excessive plug-ins.
5. Skipping Quality Backlinking
Backlinks from reputable UK-based sites (like trusted news sources, industry journals, or local blogs) boost your site’s authority. Avoid spammy or irrelevant backlinks—these can harm rankings and make Google suspicious of your site.
6. Failing to Include Image Alt Text
Images on your site need descriptions, or ‘alt text’, to tell search engines (and accessibility tools) what they represent. This can boost SEO and is especially valuable if your images are of British landmarks, cultural items, or local products.
7. Not Targeting Voice Search Phrases
With voice search growing rapidly, optimising for conversational, longer-tail keywords is essential. In the UK, common phrases might include “Where’s the nearest curry house?” or “Best place for a Sunday roast near me”. These can help your site get found in location-based searches.
8. Overlooking Content Quality for Quantity
Prioritising the amount of content over quality can lead to thin, repetitive pages that perform poorly. Instead, creating fewer, well-researched articles on topics like “Top hidden gems to visit in Yorkshire” will attract more visitors than lots of shorter, repetitive posts.
9. Forgetting Regular Site Maintenance
A website can’t be ‘set and forget.’ Links break, plugins need updating, and content needs refreshing. Regular checks keep your site healthy and can help you identify issues early, especially after algorithm updates.
10. Ignoring Social Signals
Social media engagement can support SEO indirectly by increasing visibility. For UK audiences, platforms like LinkedIn for B2B or Instagram for travel and lifestyle are key. Encourage shares by creating content that resonates with your audience’s interests and preferences.
Making these SEO adjustments can keep your website visible and competitive, whether you’re targeting local or broader UK markets!
For more interesting reads, head over to our blog page.
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