Back to Blog[ ] SSL certificate installed (HTTPS) [ ] Mobile-responsive design verified on real devices [ ] Page load time under 3 seconds [ ] XML sitemap generated and submitted to Google Search Console [ ] robots.txt configured correctly [ ] Custom 404 page created [ ] Unique title tags for every page (under 60 characters) [ ] Meta descriptions for every page (under 160 characters) [ ] One H1 tag per page with your primary keyword [ ] Logical heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3) [ ] Alt text on all images [ ] Internal linking between related pages [ ] Homepage clearly states what you do and who you serve [ ] Service pages target specific keywords [ ] Blog section with at least 3-5 foundational articles [ ] Contact information visible on every page [ ] Google Analytics 4 installed [ ] Google Search Console verified [ ] Conversion tracking set up for forms and CTAs [ ] Google Business Profile claimed and optimized [ ] NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistent across the web [ ] Local keywords included in page titles and content [ ] Publish new content regularly (aim for 2-4 posts per month) [ ] Monitor Core Web Vitals and fix issues [ ] Build backlinks through guest posting and partnerships [ ] Update old content to keep it relevant
SEO
The Essential SEO Checklist for New Websites
·6 min read
Before Launch
Technical Foundation
On-Page SEO
Content
After Launch
Analytics & Tracking
Local SEO (if applicable)
Ongoing
This checklist gives you a strong foundation. SEO is a marathon, not a sprint — but starting right makes the journey much shorter.
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