SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and it refers to the strategies and improvements applied to a website so it appears higher in search engine results. Most people rely on Google, with Bing and Yahoo still used in smaller numbers, which makes SEO one of the most important aspects of long-term website growth.
Whether you’re currently building your website or planning one soon, SEO should be part of your foundation. It affects visibility, trust, and how easily potential clients can find you.
SEO changes often, but the core principles stay the same.
SEO Tips to Improve Your Website in 2025
1, Label your images properly using relevant keywords
Use clear, descriptive file names instead of default camera labels.
Example: Name an image file to keywords related to your business such as “chicago_newborn_photographer”, instead of it being labelled “img_54234”
2, Add accurate alt text to all images
Alt text describes an image for accessibility and helps search engines understand it.
Write as if explaining the photo to someone who cannot see it.
3, There should only be one H1 (header) tag on each web page.
Your H1 is the main topic or title of the page. Additional headers should be H2, H3, etc.
4, Every link on the website works properly. (No 404 error pages)
404 errors hurt user experience and crawlability. Fix or redirect outdated URLs.
5, Connect your website to Google Search Console
(https://console.cloud.google.com/)
It helps you monitor performance, submit sitemaps, fix indexing issues, and track rankings.
6, Write high-quality, useful copy
Engaging, original, value-driven content is still one of the strongest ranking factors today.
7. Compress image sizes to improve load speed
Tip: For PNG files check out https://compresspng.com/
or https://www.websiteplanet.com/webtools/imagecompressor/
8, Use keyword-rich, natural copy throughout your site
Keywords should flow naturally in headers, body text, and metadata.
9, Make sure your site is secured with HTTPS
Security is a ranking factor, and users expect the padlock icon for trust.
10, Connect your website to Bing.
This automatically covers Yahoo as well since Yahoo search is powered by Bing.
11, Ensure your SSL certificate is active and valid
An expired certificate can cause warnings and ranking drops.
12, Remove unnecessary or outdated content
Old posts, duplicate pages, or irrelevant information can dilute your SEO strength.
13, Include both internal and external links
Internal links help users (and Google) move through your site more easily.
External links add credibility when referencing trusted sources.
14, Use Pinterest and social platforms as traffic drivers
While social media isn’t a direct ranking factor, traffic and engagement support visibility.
15, Add a unique Page Title and Meta Description for every page
These help search engines understand your content and improve click-through rates.
16, Prioritize mobile-first design
Google primarily uses the mobile version of websites for indexing.
If your site doesn’t load well on mobile, rankings will suffer.
17, Use tools like ChatGPT or SEO software for research
AI can help with keyword generation, topic ideas, and competitor analysis but should support. Not replace strategy.
