On-Page SEO vs. Off-Page SEO: What’s the difference?
If you’ve been diving into the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), you’ve probably heard terms like "on-page SEO" and "off-page SEO". But what do they really mean, and why should you care? Let’s break it down and walk you through it, without the jargon.
What is On-Page SEO?
Imagine you own a physical store. On-page SEO is like organising your store, making sure everything is clean, the products are well-displayed, and the signs are easy to read. It’s about making your website as attractive and useful as possible to both search engines and the people who visit it.
Here’s what’s involved in on-page SEO:
Content quality: Think of this as the products in your store. You want to offer high-quality, relevant content that people actually want to read. Google loves content that’s well-written, helpful, and matches what people are searching for.
Core web vitals: This is a fancy term for how fast your site loads, how quickly it responds to clicks, and how stable it is while loading. Imagine walking into a store and the shelves are still being stocked while you shop – that’s not a great experience. The same goes for a slow or unstable website.
Mobile friendliness: More people are shopping (or browsing) on their phones these days, so your site needs to look good and work well on smaller screens. Google has been focusing on mobile-first for years now, so if your site isn’t mobile-friendly it’s like having a store that’s cluttered and hard to navigate – people will just leave.
Meta titles and descriptions: These are like the signs in your store. They don’t directly help you sell more products (or rank higher on Google), but they do help people understand what they’ll find in your store (or on your page). A catchy, clear meta description can encourage people to click on your link in search results.
Internal linking: This is like having clear directions in your store, guiding customers from one section to another. Internal links help visitors and search engines easily find their way around your site.
What is Off-Page SEO?
Now, let’s step outside your store. Off-page SEO is all about what people are saying about your store in the neighbourhood. Are other businesses recommending you? Are people talking about you on social media? This outside buzz helps build your store’s reputation – and the same goes for your website.
Here’s how off-page SEO works:
Backlinks: These are like word-of-mouth referrals. When other reputable websites link to your site, it’s like them saying, “Hey, check out this great store!” Google sees these links as votes of confidence, so the more quality backlinks you have, the better.
Social media engagement: Think of social media as your online word-of-mouth. When people share your content, talk about your brand, or interact with you on social platforms, it boosts your visibility and credibility, even though these actions might not directly affect your ranking.
Brand mentions: Even if someone mentions your store without a direct link, it still counts as buzz. In the online world, unlinked brand mentions can still boost your site’s credibility.
Local listings and citations: If your store is local, being listed in directories like Google My Business is crucial. It’s like being included in the neighbourhood directory – it helps local customers find you easily.
How On-Page and Off-Page SEO work together
On-page and off-page SEO might seem like they’re in separate worlds, but they actually work hand-in-hand. On-page SEO ensures your site is in top shape, ready to welcome visitors. Off-page SEO is like getting the word out and bringing more people through your door.
Which should you focus on first?
Start with on-page SEO. It’s like getting your store ready for business – you wouldn’t invite people in if your shelves were empty or your store was a mess. Once your website is in good shape, you can start focusing on off-page SEO to bring in more visitors and build your reputation.
A balanced approach is key
SEO can feel like a lot to juggle, but it’s all about balance. By focusing on both on-page and off-page SEO, you’re not just making sure your website looks good – you’re also making sure people know about it and trust it. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your existing strategy, remember, on-page gets your site ready, and off-page brings the people in.
