Track Your SEO Progress

SEO Checklist That Gets Results

Follow our comprehensive checklist to optimize every aspect of your website. Track your progress and watch your rankings improve.

Your SEO Progress

Track your optimization progress across all categories

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Tasks Completed

On-Page SEO

Optimize individual pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic

Progress
%

Optimize title tags (50-60 characters)

Create unique, keyword-rich titles that accurately describe page content while staying under 60 characters. Frontload important keywords and include your brand name when possible.

Use a formula like "Primary Keyword | Secondary Keyword | Brand Name" to maintain consistency across your site.
Done

Write compelling meta descriptions (150-160 characters)

Craft engaging meta descriptions that summarize page content and include a clear call-to-action. While not a direct ranking factor, well-written descriptions improve click-through rates from search results.

Include your target keyword naturally and add action words like "Learn," "Discover," or "Find out" to encourage clicks.
Done

Use only one H1 tag per page

Include your primary keyword in a single, clear H1 tag that accurately represents the page's main topic. This helps search engines understand your page's primary focus and hierarchy.

Your H1 doesn't need to exactly match your title tag, but it should reinforce the same topic and intent.
Done

Structure content with H2-H6 tags

Create a logical content hierarchy with properly nested headings. Use H2s for main sections and H3-H6 for subsections, incorporating relevant keywords naturally where appropriate.

Search engines use heading structure to better understand content organization and key topics covered on your page.
Done

Include target keyword in first 100 words

Naturally incorporate your primary keyword early in your content to immediately signal relevance to both users and search engines. This helps establish topic clarity from the beginning.

Don't force it—the keyword should fit naturally within your introductory context.
Done

Optimize images with descriptive alt text

Add relevant alt text to all images that accurately describes the image content while including target keywords where appropriate. This improves accessibility for screen readers and helps images appear in search results.

Keep alt text under 125 characters and describe the image content clearly rather than stuffing with keywords.
Done

Use descriptive, keyword-rich URLs

Create clean, readable URLs that include your target keyword and clearly describe page content. Avoid using dates, numbers, or unnecessary parameters that don't add contextual value.

Shorter URLs (3-5 words) tend to perform better in search results and are easier for users to share and remember.
Done

Add strategic internal links

Connect related content with descriptive anchor text to help users and search engines navigate your site. A strong internal linking structure distributes page authority and helps establish topical relevance.

Use keyword-rich anchor text that accurately describes the destination page content, rather than generic "click here" phrases.
Done

Include external links to authoritative sources

Link to credible, relevant external websites to support your claims and provide additional value to readers. This builds trust with your audience and signals topical relevance to search engines.

Choose quality over quantity and consider opening external links in new tabs to keep visitors on your site.
Done

Create comprehensive content (2000+ words for competitive topics)

Develop thorough content that fully addresses user intent and covers the topic in depth. Longer content tends to rank better for competitive terms, but quality and relevance always trump arbitrary word count.

Focus on answering all possible user questions related to your topic rather than hitting a specific word count.
Done

Optimize for featured snippets

Structure content with clear questions and concise answers, definitions, steps, or lists to increase chances of being selected for featured snippets. This can dramatically improve visibility and click-through rates.

Research existing featured snippets for your target keywords and format your content to provide a more comprehensive answer.
Done

Implement schema markup for rich results

Add appropriate structured data to help search engines understand your content and display rich results like star ratings, FAQs, how-tos, or product information directly in search results.

Use Google's Rich Results Test to validate your structured data implementation before publishing.
Done

Optimize for user intent

Ensure your content matches the search intent behind your target keywords, whether informational, navigational, commercial, or transactional. Aligning content with intent is crucial for ranking success.

Analyze the current top-ranking pages for your target keyword to better understand what type of content users expect.
Done

Improve content readability

Format content for easy scanning with short paragraphs, bulleted lists, and ample white space. Aim for a reading level appropriate to your audience, typically around 6th-8th grade for general content.

Use tools like Hemingway Editor to check readability and simplify complex sentences where appropriate.
Done

Incorporate relevant multimedia

Enhance your content with images, videos, infographics, or interactive elements to improve engagement and time on page. Multimedia content also creates additional ranking opportunities.

Create custom graphics or screenshots rather than using stock photos to make your content more unique and valuable.
Done

Optimize for E-E-A-T

Demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness by showcasing author credentials, citing reputable sources, and providing accurate, helpful information—especially for YMYL (Your Money Your Life) topics.

Include author bios with relevant qualifications and maintain up-to-date content with recent statistics and information.
Done

Implement content freshness strategy

Regularly update timestamps, statistics, examples, and outdated information to maintain content relevance. Google favors fresh content for time-sensitive queries.

Add "Last Updated" dates prominently on content and set calendar reminders for periodic reviews.
Done

Optimize for voice search queries

Target conversational, question-based keywords and provide direct answers in natural language. Voice searches are typically longer and more conversational than typed queries.

Create FAQ sections with questions phrased how people naturally speak them aloud.
Done

Add table of contents for long content

Include jump links to major sections for improved user experience and potential sitelinks in search results. This helps users quickly find specific information.

Use anchor links (#section-name) and consider making the TOC sticky on desktop for easy navigation.
Done

Optimize for Google Discover

Create timely, high-quality content with compelling hero images (at least 1200px wide) to appear in Google Discover feed. Focus on evergreen topics with broad appeal.

Use high-quality, unique images and avoid clickbait titles while still being engaging.
Done

Implement FAQ schema

Add FAQ structured data to pages with question-and-answer content to potentially display expanded results in search with collapsible answers.

Each FAQ should directly answer a specific question users might search for.
Done

Create topic clusters

Build comprehensive topic coverage by creating pillar pages linked to related cluster content. This demonstrates topical authority and improves rankings for all related content.

Start with your most important topics and gradually build out supporting content around each pillar.
Done

Technical SEO

Optimize website infrastructure for search engine crawling and indexing

Progress
%

Submit comprehensive XML sitemap

Create and submit detailed XML sitemaps that list all important URLs along with last modification dates, change frequency, and priority levels. This helps search engines discover and index your content more efficiently.

For larger sites, create separate sitemaps for different content types (pages, posts, products) and include in a sitemap index file.
Done

Implement strategic robots.txt file

Control search engine access to various parts of your site by properly configuring your robots.txt file. Block crawling of duplicate content, admin areas, and other non-essential sections to preserve crawl budget.

Don't use robots.txt to hide pages from being indexed—use meta robots or X-Robots-Tag HTTP headers instead.
Done

Secure site with HTTPS/SSL

Implement secure, encrypted connections across your entire website to protect user data and comply with Google's security requirements. HTTPS is a confirmed ranking factor and builds user trust.

After migrating to HTTPS, set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS and update all internal links to use HTTPS.
Done

Optimize Core Web Vitals

Improve page loading performance by optimizing Largest Contentful Paint (LCP < 2.5s), Interaction to Next Paint (INP < 200ms), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS < 0.1) metrics across mobile and desktop.

Use PageSpeed Insights to identify specific Core Web Vitals issues and prioritize fixes based on impact.
Done

Fix all broken links and redirects

Regularly audit and fix 404 errors, broken links, and redirect chains that waste crawl budget and create poor user experiences. Proper link maintenance improves site health and user navigation.

Set up custom 404 pages that help users find related content, and implement appropriate 301 redirects for permanently moved content.
Done

Implement proper canonical tags

Use canonical tags to identify the preferred version of duplicate or similar pages, consolidating ranking signals to the canonical URL. This helps prevent content duplication issues that can dilute search visibility.

Self-referencing canonicals on unique pages are recommended as a best practice to prevent unforeseen duplication issues.
Done

Create helpful custom error pages

Design user-friendly 404 and 500 error pages that guide visitors back to working pages. Include navigation options, search functionality, and links to popular content to reduce bounce rates.

Track error page analytics to identify patterns and fix recurring issues that lead users to these pages.
Done

Implement browser caching and CDN

Configure proper cache settings to store static resources locally in visitors' browsers, reducing load times on return visits. Implement a CDN for faster global content delivery.

Use Cache-Control and ETag headers to control how browsers cache your content.
Done

Compress and optimize images

Reduce image file sizes without sacrificing quality using modern formats like WebP and AVIF, along with responsive image techniques. Properly sized images significantly improve page load times and Core Web Vitals.

Use srcset and sizes attributes to serve different image resolutions based on device characteristics.
Done

Implement comprehensive structured data

Add JSON-LD structured data to help search engines understand your content's context and display rich results. Implement appropriate schemas for your content type, from products and reviews to articles and FAQs.

Start with the most impactful schemas for your business, such as Product, FAQPage, HowTo, or LocalBusiness depending on your content.
Done

Optimize JavaScript rendering

Ensure critical content renders without JavaScript or is properly processed during crawling. Implement server-side rendering or dynamic rendering for JS-heavy sites to improve SEO performance.

Use the "View rendered source" feature in search console to see how Google actually renders your JavaScript content.
Done

Implement proper hreflang tags

For multilingual or multinational sites, correctly implement hreflang tags to indicate language and regional targeting of your pages. This helps search engines show the right version to users based on location and language.

Include self-referencing hreflang tags and ensure a complete return tag structure between all alternate versions.
Done

Create efficient URL structure

Design a logical, scalable URL structure that reflects your site hierarchy and makes content easy to find for both users and search engines. Avoid deep nesting and keep URLs as flat as reasonably possible.

Include main category indicators in URLs for better context and use hyphens instead of underscores to separate words.
Done

Optimize crawl budget

Ensure search engines focus on crawling your most important pages by managing crawl budget effectively. Remove low-value content from the index and maintain a clean internal linking structure.

Use Google Search Console's crawl stats report to monitor how Google crawls your site and identify potential optimization opportunities.
Done

Implement log file analysis

Analyze server log files to understand exactly how search engines crawl your site, which pages they visit most, and where crawl budget might be wasted.

Look for patterns in 404 errors, redirect chains, and frequently crawled low-value pages.
Done

Enable Gzip/Brotli compression

Implement text compression to reduce the size of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files sent from your server. Brotli typically offers better compression ratios than Gzip.

Most modern web servers support compression, but verify it's properly configured for all text-based resources.
Done

Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML

Remove unnecessary characters like whitespace, comments, and formatting from code files to reduce file sizes and improve load times.

Use build tools like Webpack or Gulp to automate minification in your development workflow.
Done

Implement lazy loading for images and videos

Defer loading of non-critical images and videos until they're needed (when user scrolls near them). This significantly improves initial page load performance.

Use the native loading="lazy" attribute for images and consider using Intersection Observer API for more control.
Done

Set up proper redirects (avoid chains)

Implement direct 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones without creating redirect chains. Multiple redirects waste crawl budget and slow down user experience.

Regularly audit redirects and update old redirects to point directly to the final destination.
Done

Optimize database queries

For dynamic sites, ensure database queries are optimized with proper indexing and caching to reduce server response time (TTFB - Time to First Byte).

Use database query profiling tools to identify slow queries and add appropriate indexes.
Done

Implement pagination best practices

Use rel="next" and rel="prev" tags for paginated content, and consider implementing "View All" pages when appropriate for better user experience.

For e-commerce sites, consider using infinite scroll with proper URL updates for better UX while maintaining SEO value.
Done

Monitor and fix soft 404 errors

Identify pages that return 200 status codes but actually contain error messages or "not found" content. These waste crawl budget and confuse search engines.

Check Google Search Console's Coverage report for soft 404 errors and ensure proper status codes are returned.
Done

Implement WebP/AVIF image formats

Use next-generation image formats that provide better compression than JPEG/PNG while maintaining quality. Include fallbacks for browsers that don't support these formats.

Use <picture> element with multiple sources to serve WebP/AVIF to supported browsers and JPEG/PNG fallbacks.
Done

Set up server-side rendering (SSR) for SPAs

If using React, Vue, or Angular for a single-page application, implement server-side rendering to ensure content is crawlable and indexable.

Consider frameworks like Next.js (React) or Nuxt.js (Vue) that provide SSR out of the box.
Done

Configure proper HTTP headers

Set security headers (CSP, X-Frame-Options, etc.) and SEO-relevant headers (X-Robots-Tag) to control how your content is accessed and indexed.

Use online tools to scan your headers and identify missing security configurations.
Done

Implement breadcrumb navigation

Add breadcrumb navigation with proper schema markup to help users understand site hierarchy and enable breadcrumb rich snippets in search results.

Keep breadcrumb trails short and use clear, descriptive labels for each level.
Done

Local SEO

Optimize for local search results and map listings

Progress
%

Claim and verify Google Business Profile

Take ownership of your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and complete the verification process to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Maps.

Use a business address that exactly matches your other online listings and choose verification by postcard for reliability.
Done

Complete all Google Business Profile fields

Fill out every available field including business description, categories, attributes, services, products, and amenities. More complete profiles rank better and provide users with helpful information.

Select one primary category that best describes your business and up to 9 additional categories to maximize visibility for relevant searches.
Done

Upload high-quality photos regularly

Add professional photos of your storefront, interior, products, services, and team. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.

Upload new photos at least monthly and ensure they're well-lit, in focus, and showcase what makes your business unique.
Done

Maintain consistent NAP citations

Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone number are identical across your website, Google Business Profile, and all directory listings. Inconsistencies can confuse both users and search engines about your business identity.

Create a spreadsheet to track all citation sources and keep formatting consistent (e.g., "Street" vs "St." or "Suite" vs "#").
Done

Build quality local citations

List your business in relevant local directories, industry-specific platforms, and chamber of commerce websites. Focus on quality, relevance, and accuracy rather than quantity of citations.

Prioritize directories with high domain authority and good user interfaces rather than submitting to hundreds of low-quality sites.
Done

Implement local review acquisition strategy

Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, industry sites, and social platforms. Respond promptly to all reviews—both positive and negative—to demonstrate engagement and customer service.

Create a simple process for requesting reviews, such as follow-up emails with direct links to your review profiles after completing service.
Done

Create location-specific landing pages

Develop unique, valuable content for each location your business serves, with location-specific information, testimonials, case studies, and service details. Avoid duplicate content across location pages.

Include location-specific schema markup on each page and embed Google Maps for the specific location being targeted.
Done

Optimize for "near me" searches

Include proximity modifiers and location-based keywords naturally in your content. "Near me" searches have grown 500% in recent years and often indicate high purchase intent.

Create content that answers location-specific questions and includes neighborhood names and landmarks.
Done

Add comprehensive LocalBusiness schema

Implement detailed LocalBusiness structured data including address, phone, hours, price range, accepted payment methods, and aggregate rating. This helps search engines understand your local relevance.

If you serve multiple locations but have one physical location, use the "serviceArea" property to indicate the areas you cover.
Done

Leverage Google Posts weekly

Publish regular Google Posts through your Business Profile to highlight promotions, events, products, and updates. Posts appear directly in search results and maps, increasing engagement.

Use high-quality images in 4:3 ratio and include a clear call-to-action button with each post for maximum engagement.
Done

Build local backlinks

Earn links from local news sites, business associations, event sponsorships, and community organizations. Local backlinks significantly boost relevance for geographically targeted searches.

Sponsor local events, participate in community initiatives, or provide expert quotes to local journalists to earn natural local backlinks.
Done

Optimize for voice search

Structure content to answer common local questions using natural language patterns. Voice searches often include location qualifiers and conversational questions that differ from typed queries.

Create an FAQ section addressing questions that begin with "where," "how," and "which" related to your local services or products.
Done

Monitor and respond to Q&A

Actively monitor the Questions & Answers section on your Google Business Profile. Provide helpful, accurate answers quickly before competitors or users provide incorrect information.

Pre-populate Q&A with common questions and comprehensive answers to control the narrative.
Done

Create local content strategy

Develop blog posts about local events, news, and community involvement. This demonstrates local expertise and can earn valuable local backlinks and social shares.

Create seasonal content around local events, holidays, and weather patterns specific to your area.
Done

Implement click-to-call buttons

Add prominently placed click-to-call buttons on mobile versions of your site. Make it easy for mobile users to contact you directly from search results.

Use tel: links and track calls from your website as conversions in Google Analytics.
Done

Optimize for Google Maps

Ensure your business appears correctly on Google Maps with accurate pin placement, correct business hours, and updated information. Many local searches happen directly in Maps.

Encourage customers to upload photos to your Maps listing to increase engagement and trust.
Done

List on Apple Maps

Don't forget about Apple Maps Connect for iOS users. Claim and optimize your Apple Maps listing with complete business information and photos.

Apple Maps powers Siri searches, so optimization here helps with voice search visibility.
Done

Join local business associations

Become a member of local chambers of commerce, business improvement districts, and industry associations. These often provide valuable citations and networking opportunities.

Many associations offer member directory listings that pass SEO value and drive referral traffic.
Done

Create service area pages

If you serve multiple areas without physical locations, create dedicated pages for each service area with unique, valuable content about serving that specific location.

Include testimonials and case studies from customers in each service area to build location relevance.
Done

Implement review schema markup

Add aggregate rating schema to display star ratings in search results. This can significantly improve click-through rates from search results.

Only use schema for reviews that are actually displayed on the page to avoid penalties.
Done

Monitor local rankings

Track your rankings in the local pack and Google Maps for important keywords from different locations within your service area.

Rankings can vary significantly based on the searcher's location, so test from multiple points.
Done

Optimize for mobile users

Ensure your website loads quickly on mobile devices and displays contact information prominently. Over 80% of local searches on mobile result in a visit or call.

Place your phone number, address, and hours at the top of your mobile homepage for easy access.
Done

Content SEO

Create and optimize content for search engines and users

Progress
%

Perform comprehensive keyword research

Use multiple tools to identify primary and secondary keywords with optimal search volume, competition, and user intent alignment. Look for long-tail keywords with commercial intent for better conversion rates.

Look beyond volume—keywords with lower search volume but higher conversion intent often deliver better ROI than broad, high-volume terms.
Done

Analyze search intent for target keywords

Examine the top 10 results for your target keywords to understand what type of content Google favors. Match your content format to the dominant intent (informational, commercial, transactional, or navigational).

If the top results are all listicles, don't try to rank a product page—create a listicle that naturally includes your products.
Done

Create topic clusters and pillar content

Organize content into interconnected clusters with comprehensive pillar pages (2000+ words) linking to more specific related content. This structure signals topical authority and improves rankings for all related content.

Start with your most important business topics and gradually build out supporting content around each pillar.
Done

Optimize content for featured snippets

Structure content with clear question-based headings followed by concise 40-60 word answers. Use numbered lists for "how to" queries and tables for comparisons.

Place your snippet-optimized content high on the page, ideally right after an H2 that matches the query.
Done

Include semantic keywords and entities

Incorporate related terms, synonyms, and named entities that strengthen topical relevance. Use Google's "People also ask" and autocomplete suggestions to find semantic keywords.

Tools like LSI Graph or Google's Natural Language API can help identify important entities to include.
Done

Implement content refresh calendar

Schedule regular updates for your most important content. Update statistics, add new sections, refresh examples, and improve based on new ranking factors or user feedback.

Prioritize refreshing content that's ranking on page 2 or dropping in traffic—these often see the biggest gains.
Done

Create linkable assets

Develop content specifically designed to earn backlinks: original research, industry surveys, comprehensive guides, free tools, or unique data visualizations.

Reach out to sites that have linked to similar resources and present your superior alternative.
Done

Optimize for E-E-A-T signals

Demonstrate Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness through author bios, credentials, citations, case studies, and first-hand experience.

Create detailed author pages with credentials, social profiles, and links to other authoritative content they've created.
Done

Use data and statistics

Include relevant statistics, data points, and research findings to support your arguments. Cite sources properly and use recent data (within 2-3 years when possible).

Create custom graphics to visualize data—these often get shared and linked to as sources.
Done

Write compelling meta titles

Craft titles that balance keyword optimization with emotional triggers. Use power words, numbers, and clear value propositions to improve click-through rates.

Test variations using brackets or parentheses like "[2025 Guide]" or "(+ Free Template)" to stand out in SERPs.
Done

Create comprehensive FAQ sections

Address common questions related to your topic with clear, concise answers. Implement FAQ schema to potentially earn rich results in search.

Use tools like Answer The Public or Reddit to find real questions people ask about your topic.
Done

Optimize content readability

Write at an appropriate reading level (usually 6th-8th grade), use short paragraphs (2-3 sentences), include subheadings every 200-300 words, and utilize bullet points and numbered lists.

The Flesch Reading Ease score should typically be 60-70 for general audience content.
Done

Include multimedia content

Enhance written content with relevant videos, infographics, charts, screenshots, and interactive elements. Multimedia increases time on page and provides more ranking opportunities.

Create custom images and videos rather than using stock media for better engagement and uniqueness.
Done

Implement content pruning strategy

Regularly audit and remove or redirect thin, outdated, or underperforming content that could be dragging down your site's overall quality score.

Content with no traffic and no backlinks after 12 months is usually safe to remove or consolidate.
Done

Create content upgrade offers

Develop downloadable resources (PDFs, templates, checklists) related to your content that capture emails while providing additional value to readers.

Make content upgrades highly specific to the article topic for better conversion rates.
Done

Optimize for People Also Ask

Target questions from Google's People Also Ask boxes by creating dedicated sections that directly answer these queries in a clear, concise format.

Each answer should be complete enough to satisfy the query in 2-3 sentences while encouraging further reading.
Done

Build topical authority

Create comprehensive coverage of your core topics by addressing every subtopic, related question, and angle. Depth and breadth of coverage signals expertise.

Use tools like MarketMuse or Clearscope to identify topical gaps in your content coverage.
Done

Implement user-generated content

Encourage and showcase user reviews, testimonials, case studies, and community contributions. UGC provides fresh content and social proof.

Moderate UGC carefully and implement schema markup for reviews and ratings where appropriate.
Done

Create evergreen content library

Develop timeless content that remains valuable for years: ultimate guides, glossaries, tutorials, and resources that attract consistent traffic.

Update evergreen content annually to maintain accuracy and freshness while preserving accumulated backlinks.
Done

Optimize for voice search

Target conversational, long-tail keywords and provide direct answers to common questions. Structure content in a Q&A format for voice assistant compatibility.

Focus on "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," and "how" questions related to your topic.
Done

Track and improve content performance

Monitor metrics like organic traffic, time on page, bounce rate, and conversions for each piece of content. Use insights to improve underperforming content.

Set up custom Google Analytics goals to track meaningful engagement metrics beyond just traffic.
Done

Mobile SEO

Optimize for mobile devices and mobile-first indexing

Progress
%

Implement responsive web design

Ensure your site automatically adjusts layouts, images, and functionality for all screen sizes and orientations. Google recommends responsive design as the best approach for mobile SEO.

Test on real devices, not just browser dev tools—actual device rendering can reveal issues emulators miss.
Done

Pass Core Web Vitals on mobile

Achieve "Good" scores for all Core Web Vitals metrics on mobile: LCP < 2.5s, INP < 200ms, and CLS < 0.1. Mobile CWV scores are the primary ranking factor.

Use Chrome's Lighthouse tool to identify specific mobile performance issues and prioritize fixes by impact.
Done

Pass Google Lighthouse mobile audit

Use Google Lighthouse to audit mobile performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO. Aim for 90+ scores in all categories for optimal mobile experience.

Run Lighthouse in incognito mode with extensions disabled for most accurate results. Focus on fixing issues that impact Core Web Vitals first.
Done

Optimize touch targets

Ensure all clickable elements (buttons, links, form fields) are at least 48x48 CSS pixels with adequate spacing between them to prevent accidental taps.

Add padding rather than margin to increase touch target size without affecting layout spacing.
Done

Implement mobile-first content strategy

Prioritize essential content at the top of pages, use expandable sections for detailed information, and ensure critical content isn't hidden behind tabs or accordions.

Google indexes content hidden in accordions on mobile, but visible content may receive more weight.
Done

Avoid intrusive interstitials

Remove or minimize popups that cover content on mobile, especially immediately after landing. Google penalizes sites with intrusive interstitials that harm user experience.

Use banner notifications at the top/bottom of screen instead of full-screen popups for mobile users.
Done

Optimize mobile page speed

Achieve sub-3-second load times on 4G connections through image optimization, code minification, browser caching, and eliminating render-blocking resources.

Implement Progressive Web App (PWA) features for near-instant loading on repeat visits.
Done

Use legible font sizes

Set base font size to at least 16px for body text, with larger sizes for headings. Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors.

Avoid using viewport units (vw) for font sizes as they can become too small on mobile devices.
Done

Configure viewport meta tag

Include viewport meta tag with width=device-width and initial-scale=1 to ensure proper rendering across devices. Avoid disabling user zoom for accessibility.

Never use maximum-scale=1 or user-scalable=no as this hurts accessibility for vision-impaired users.
Done

Implement AMP (where appropriate)

For news, blog, or content sites, consider AMP for lightning-fast mobile pages. While no longer required for Top Stories, AMP can still improve mobile performance.

Only implement AMP if you can maintain feature parity—a fast responsive site is better than a limited AMP version.
Done

Optimize forms for mobile

Simplify forms with minimal fields, use appropriate input types (tel, email, number), enable autocomplete, and show inline validation to reduce errors.

Use single-column layouts for forms and place labels above fields for better mobile usability.
Done

Test mobile-first indexing readiness

Ensure all important content, structured data, and metadata present on desktop also exists on mobile. Google primarily uses mobile version for indexing.

Use Google Search Console's URL Inspection tool to see how Googlebot views your mobile pages.
Done

Implement lazy loading correctly

Use native lazy loading or Intersection Observer API to defer loading of images and iframes below the fold, improving initial page load performance.

Don't lazy load above-the-fold images or LCP elements as this actually hurts performance.
Done

Optimize for mobile local searches

Include click-to-call buttons, embedded maps, business hours, and location information prominently on mobile. Mobile searches have 3x higher local intent.

Use Schema.org LocalBusiness markup to help search engines understand your location information.
Done

Create mobile-specific content

Format content for mobile consumption with shorter paragraphs, more subheadings, bullet points, and scannable formatting that works on small screens.

Front-load important information since mobile users are more likely to skim content.
Done

Test on multiple devices and networks

Test your site on various devices, operating systems, and network speeds (including 3G) to ensure consistent experience across all scenarios.

Use Chrome DevTools network throttling to simulate slower connections during development.
Done

Implement mobile breadcrumbs

Use compact breadcrumb navigation on mobile to help users understand site hierarchy without taking up too much screen space.

Consider using a single "Back to [Parent]" link on mobile instead of full breadcrumb trail.
Done

Optimize mobile images

Serve appropriately sized images based on device screen size and resolution using srcset and sizes attributes. Implement next-gen formats like WebP.

Use Chrome DevTools to identify images that are larger than their display size on mobile.
Done

Minimize mobile redirects

Avoid redirect chains, especially for mobile users who may have slower connections. Each redirect adds latency and degrades user experience.

If you must use separate mobile URLs (m.site.com), implement bidirectional annotations with alternate and canonical tags.
Done