On-Page SEO Checklist for New Websites

Okay, real talk—
You’ve just launched your shiny new website. It’s got the pretty layout, the fonts that scream “I’m professional but cool”, and maybe even a sleek logo you paid way too much for on Fiverr. But there’s one small (huge) problem: no one’s finding you. Like, not even your mom.

It’s not that your content isn’t good—it probably slaps. But let me break it to you gently:
If your on-page SEO isn’t solid, your site might as well be a message in a bottle.

Let’s fix that. I’ve been there—launching sites with high hopes and zero traffic. So I put together a checklist that even my dog could follow (OK, maybe not.. and not really). It is real, its raw, and it works.

The Problem: Great Content, But Zero Clicks

You’ve poured your soul into blog posts, services pages, maybe even a heartfelt About Me. But Google’s giving you the silent treatment. No rankings, no impressions, nada.

It’s demoralizing. You refresh Google Search Console like it owes you money.
Still… nothing.

Why?
Because Google isn’t a mind reader.
It needs signals. Structure. Strategy.

The Agitation: Wasted Effort, Frustration & the “Is This Even Worth It?” Spiral

Here’s the harsh truth:
Writing killer content without SEO is like speaking into a hurricane.

You’re doing all the hard work, but no one is hearing you!
You start questioning everything:

“Should I have just started a TikTok instead?”
“Is SEO too technical for me?”
“Why did I choose this niche again?”

Hold up. You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doomed.

The Solution: An On-Page SEO Checklist That Doesn’t Make You Want to Cry

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. No fluff here. It’s your no BS on-page SEO checklist; for new websites with heart, hustle, and probably a few night edits.

1. One Keyword = One Page

Pick a primary keyword for each page.
Not a whole bowl of them—just one main thing you’re targeting.

Example:
If you’re writing about “best coffee grinders under $100”, don’t toss in “cheap espresso machines” and “how to clean a French press” just for fun. Keep it tight.

Why?
Google likes clarity. If your page is all over the place, it won’t know where to rank you—so it just… won’t.

2. Title Tags That Slap

This is the blue clickable link people see on Google. Make it catchy and clear.

Bad: Home
Better: Affordable Graphic Design Services | YourBrand
Best: Stunning Design for Small Biz Owners (Without the Big Agency Price)

Use your keyword near the start, but don’t sound like a robot. Seriously. Nobody clicks on that.

3. Meta Descriptions That Don’t Suck

This little blurb under your title? Yeah, it matters.
You’ve got 160 characters to make people care.

Use action words. Add a little intrigue. And slide in your keyword naturally.

“Struggling to get noticed online? Here’s how small websites are using smart SEO to climb Google’s ranks—without the overwhelm.”

Boom.

4. Use Headings Like a Pro

Break your content into sections with H1, H2, H3, etc.
Think of them like your content’s skeleton. It helps users and Google understand the structure.

Only one H1 per page—usually the page title. After that, go wild with H2s and H3s as needed.

5. Don’t Sleep on URLs

Keep your URLs clean and readable.

Bad: yoursite.com/post?id=3847
Better: yoursite.com/blog/best-coffee-grinders

Include the keyword if you can. And avoid weird symbols, random numbers, or full-on novels in the slug.

6. Internal Linking = Free SEO Juice

Link to other pages or blog posts on your own site. Not 300 of them—just enough to help users explore naturally.

“Looking for more SEO tips? Check out my full guide on keyword research for beginners.”

See what I did there? 

7. Image Optimization: No More Lazy Uploads

You have to name your image files properly.

Not IMG_0234.jpg but coffee-grinder-top-pick.jpg.
Then add descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO.

Also, compress those bad boys. A slow site kills rankings and patience.

8. Mobile-Friendly or Bust

More than half your visitors are on their phones. If your site looks like a broken puzzle on mobile, you’re in trouble.

Test it. Tweak it. Don’t just assume it’s fine because “it looked okay on your phone.” (I made that mistake once—lost 2 weeks of traffic. Don’t be me.)

9. Schema Markup (If You’re Feeling Fancy)

This one’s optional but powerful. Adding schema helps search engines understand your content better.

Blog post? Add Article schema.
Local biz? Add LocalBusiness schema.

Tools like Schema.org or plugins like Rank Math make it easier than it sounds.

10. Make Content Actually Useful

Sounds obvious, but I’ve gotta say it.

Don’t just stuff in keywords and hope for the best. Solve problems. Be helpful. Be real.

Google’s smarter than ever—and it knows when you’re phoning it in.

Quick Bonus Tips (Because You’re Still Here )

• Use short paragraphs and line breaks. Your readers (and their eyeballs) will thank you.
  
• Add bullet points where it makes sense.
  
• Keep it conversational.
  
• Track changes with Google Search Console. That tool? Lifesaver.
  
• Update old posts every now and then. Freshness matters.
  

Let’s Be Real for a Second…

You’re not gonna get it all perfect right out of the gate. And that’s fine.

But if you tackle even half this checklist with intention, you’re already way ahead of most newbies who give up at “meta what now?”

SEO is a slow burn—but it’s one that works, especially for small sites that show up consistently.

So grab your tea, block out an afternoon, and start ticking off the list.
Your future traffic stats will thank you.