SEO Checklist for new websites
A step-by-step checklist to help you set up SEO foundations, index your site fast, and start ranking from day one.
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Domain & Hosting Setup
Choose a Clean, Brandable Domain
Pick a short, memorable domain name that clearly represents your brand. Avoid numbers, hyphens, or keyword stuffing. Before buying, check it on Whois or Wayback Machine to make sure it doesn’t have a spammy past.
Use Reliable, Fast Hosting
A slow or unstable server can hurt SEO. Choose a host with solid uptime (99.9%+), fast response times, and data centers close to your main audience.
Enable HTTPS (SSL Certificate)
Install an SSL certificate so your site uses HTTPS instead of HTTP. This keeps data secure and shows the padlock icon in browsers — a small but important Google ranking factor.
Set a Preferred Domain Version
Decide whether you’ll use www or non-www (e.g., https://example.com or https://www.example.com). Redirect all other versions to one to avoid duplicate indexing.
Use Fast, Stable Hosting and a CDN
Add a Content Delivery Network (CDN) such as Cloudflare or Fastly to serve your site’s images and scripts from locations closest to your visitors, reducing load times. Test performance from different countries using tools like GTmetrix or WebPageTest.
Basic SEO Setup
Set Up Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools
These free tools show how your site performs in search, what errors Google finds, and which keywords drive clicks. Add and verify your site as soon as it goes live.
Install Google Analytics (GA4)
Analytics helps you track visitor behavior, traffic sources, and conversions. Install the code on all pages and test that it records data correctly.
Connect Google Tag Manager (Optional)
If you’ll run multiple scripts (Analytics, pixels, etc.), use Google Tag Manager to manage them easily without changing your site’s code repeatedly.
Create and Submit an XML Sitemap
A sitemap lists all important pages. Use plugins like Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or Screaming Frog to generate one, then submit it in Search Console.
Create a robots.txt File
This small file tells search engines what to crawl or ignore. Allow access to important pages, and block areas like admin sections or testing folders.
Site Architecture & Technical SEO
Plan a Logical Site Structure
Organize your content in a clear hierarchy — for example: Home → Category → Subcategory → Page. A well-planned structure helps both users and search engines find your pages easily.
Use Short, Descriptive URLs
Keep URLs simple, lowercase, and keyword-friendly (e.g., /seo-basics instead of /page?id=1234). Avoid symbols or unnecessary words.
Ensure Mobile Responsiveness
Your site should automatically adjust to any screen size. Test on different devices using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Optimize for Speed and Core Web Vitals
Use PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to test how quickly pages load. Compress images, use browser caching, and minimize heavy scripts. Focus on the key metrics: LCP (how fast main content loads) INP (how responsive the page is) CLS (how stable the layout is).
Check for Crawlability and Indexability
Run a crawl using Screaming Frog or Ahrefs to make sure Google can access all pages. Fix blocked URLs, noindex tags, or broken internal links.
Create Custom 404 and 301 Redirect Pages
Design a friendly 404 error page that guides visitors back to live content. Set up 301 redirects for any pages you remove or rename, to preserve SEO value.
Minify, Defer, and Reduce JavaScript and CSS
Remove unnecessary JavaScript or CSS that doesn’t affect how the page looks or behaves. “Minifying” means stripping out spaces and extra characters to make files smaller. Defer non-critical scripts so they load after the main content, and inline small bits of CSS needed for the first screen. This helps pages load faster and improves Core Web Vitals metrics like LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) and INP (Interaction to Next Paint).
Verify How Google Renders Your Pages
Sometimes, content that appears fine to users doesn’t load correctly for Google’s crawler, especially on JavaScript-heavy sites. Use the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console to view how Googlebot renders your page. If essential content or links are missing, consider using server-side rendering (SSR) or pre-rendering so Google can read everything properly.
On-Page SEO Optimization
Write Unique Title Tags for Every Page
Each page should have its own title tag (under 60 characters) that includes your main keyword naturally and describes what’s on the page.
Add Meta Descriptions
Write short summaries (under 155 characters) that explain what users will learn. Use persuasive language to boost click-throughs in search results.
Structure Headings Properly (H1, H2, H3)
Use H1 for your main topic and H2/H3 for subtopics. This makes content easier to read and helps Google understand the flow.
Place Keywords Naturally in Content
Include your target keyword early (within the first 100 words), and sprinkle related terms throughout. Don’t overuse them — write naturally for readers first.
Add Internal Links Between Related Pages
Link from one page to another relevant one using clear anchor text (like “learn about SEO audits”). It helps users explore and spreads ranking power.
Use Descriptive, Keyword-Based Image Alt Text
Add a short alt text describing each image (e.g., “SEO audit report example”). It improves accessibility and helps images appear in search results.
Add Structured Data (Schema Markup)
Use schema to help Google understand what your page is about (like Article, FAQ, or Product schema). You can generate code using Merkle Schema Builder or Yoast SEO.
Create Readable, Engaging Content
Write in short paragraphs, use bullet points, and include visuals. Tools like Hemingway App help check readability.
Include Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Guide visitors toward next steps — “Contact Us,” “Download Now,” or “Shop Here.” CTAs improve user flow and conversions.
Content & Keyword Strategy
Do Basic Keyword Research
Use Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to find what people search for. Start with lower-competition keywords and grow gradually.
Create Core Pages First
Launch with essential pages: Home, About, Services/Products, Contact, and a few helpful blog posts. Don’t publish empty placeholders like “Coming Soon.”
Add FAQ Sections Where Useful
Answer common questions at the end of relevant pages. These can appear in Google’s “People Also Ask” or Featured Snippets if structured clearly.
Add a Blog or Resource Section
A blog helps you attract organic traffic by targeting long-tail keywords. Keep it educational and consistent — don’t publish only company updates.
Link Building & Authority
Set Up Social Media Profiles and Link to Your Sit
Create profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use consistent NAP (name, address, phone) and link back to your website.
List Your Site on Key Directories
Submit your site to relevant business or industry directories (like Crunchbase, Clutch, or local listings). These citations help early visibility.
Reach Out for Initial Backlinks
Contact partners, suppliers, or industry blogs to get your site mentioned or linked. Even a few quality backlinks help Google trust new domains faster.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Set Up Error and Uptime Monitoring
Use tools like UptimeRobot or your hosting dashboard to get alerts if your site goes down. Downtime hurts both SEO and conversions.
Track Performance and Fix Issues Early
Check Google Search Console weekly for new errors or drops. Track which pages gain or lose traffic, and keep improving content and structure regularly.