On-page SEO is crucial for improving your website's visibility and ensuring your Webflow site ranks well in search engine results.
From content structuring to technical elements, optimising your Webflow pages properly can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to mastering on-page SEO in Webflow.
Why On-Page SEO Matters
On-page SEO helps search engines understand your content, improves user experience, and drives organic traffic. Key benefits include:
- Higher rankings: Well-optimised pages are more likely to rank for relevant keywords.
- Improved user experience: Structured content and faster load times keep visitors engaged.
- Better indexing: Search engines can crawl and understand your site more effectively.
Step 1: Optimise Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Your page title and meta description are the first things users see in search results. Optimise them by:
- Keeping titles under 60 characters and including primary keywords.
- Writing compelling meta descriptions under 160 characters that encourage clicks.
- Ensuring each page has a unique title and description.
How to update in Webflow:
- Open the page settings.
- Add a concise, keyword-rich title under "Title Tag."
- Write a compelling meta description in the "Meta Description" field.
For more detail on creating the perfect meta data, please see my article: Adding Meta Titles and Descriptions in Webflow
Step 2: Structure Content with Headings
Proper heading structure improves readability and helps search engines understand your content hierarchy. Follow these guidelines:
- Use H1 for the main page title (one per page).
- Use H2 for main sections and H3-H6 for sub-sections.
- Include relevant keywords naturally within headings.
How to apply in Webflow:
- Select the heading element.
- Choose the appropriate heading level (H1, H2, etc.) in the element settings.
Step 3: Use Clean URL Structures
SEO-friendly URLs are concise and descriptive. Webflow allows you to customise URLs easily:
- Use lowercase letters and hyphens.
- Avoid unnecessary words and parameters.
- Include target keywords without overstuffing.
How to update in Webflow:
- Navigate to page settings.
- Edit the URL slug under "Page URL."
Step 4: Optimise Images for SEO
Images are an essential part of any page, but they need to be optimised to avoid slowing down your site. Best practices include:
- Compress images without losing quality.
- Use descriptive filenames (e.g.,
webflow-seo-guide.jpg
). - Add alt text with relevant keywords.
How to apply in Webflow:
- Upload your image to the assets panel.
- Add a descriptive alt text in the "Image Settings."
- Compress images inside Webflow, in both the assets panel and the CMS collection. Typically, the best file type to convert images to is AVIF. Here's a detailed guide from Webflow.
Step 5: Internal Linking Strategy
Internal links help distribute link equity across your site and guide users to relevant pages. Effective internal linking:
- Uses descriptive anchor text.
- Links to high-priority pages naturally.
- Helps reduce bounce rates by keeping users engaged.
How to add in Webflow:
- Select text or an element.
- Click the link icon and enter the target URL or select an existing page.
Step 6: Improve Page Load Speed
A fast website provides a better user experience and boosts SEO rankings. To optimise load times:
- Use Webflow's built-in image optimisation.
- Enable minification for CSS and JavaScript.
- Limit the use of heavy animations and third-party scripts.
- Make sure any background videos are hosted externally and not on the site.
How to optimise in Webflow:
- Go to "Site Settings."
- Enable minification under "Hosting."
Step 7: Implement Schema Markup
Schema markup helps search engines understand your content better and can enhance search results with rich snippets. In Webflow, you can:
- Use custom code embeds to add structured data.
- Implement schema types like FAQs, reviews, and events.
How to add in Webflow:
- Go to the page settings.
- Create Markup using a Markup Generator
- Add the schema markup script in the "Custom Code" section.
For more information, see my article on adding Scheme Markup to FAQs in Webflow
Step 8: Ensure Mobile-Friendliness
Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites. Webflow's responsive design tools make it easier to ensure your pages work across devices:
- Use Webflow's breakpoints to check layouts on different screen sizes.
- Optimise font sizes and button spacing for touchscreens.
- Test using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool.
Step 9: Monitor and Optimise with Analytics
Once your on-page SEO is in place, track your performance to make ongoing improvements:
- Use Google Analytics to monitor traffic and behaviour.
- Track rankings and keyword performance using Google Search Console.
- Regularly audit pages to spot new optimisation opportunities.
How to connect in Webflow:
- Add your Google Analytics tracking ID in "Project Settings."
- Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.
Conclusion
Optimising your Webflow site for on-page SEO is an ongoing process that requires attention to both content and technical elements.
By following these steps, you can improve visibility, attract more visitors, and enhance the overall user experience.
Start small, measure your progress, and refine your approach for the best results.