Technical SEO Checklist

• ✅Mobile-friendly test: Is your site responsive? Test on Google Mobile-Friendly Test (free).
• ✅SSL certificate: Do you have HTTPS? (Lock icon in browser).
• ✅Sitemap: Does your sitemap exist at /sitemap.xml? (WordPress auto-creates this).
• ✅robots.txt: Tells Google which pages to crawl.
• ✅Site speed: Test via Google PageSpeed Insights (free).

On-Page SEO Checklist

• ✅Title tags: Under 60 characters, include main keyword.
• ✅Meta descriptions: 120–160 characters, include keyword.
• ✅H1 tags: One per page, clear heading structure (H1 → H2 → H3).
• ✅Alt text: Every image has descriptive alt text.
• ✅Internal links: Link to related posts/pages with keyword anchor text.

Local SEO Checklist (for Canada)

• ✅Google Business Profile: Claimed, verified, updated weekly.
• ✅Local citations: Business listed on Yelp, HomeStars, BBB, Canada411.
• ✅Phone & address: Consistent across all listings (NAP consistency).
• ✅Service area schema: Mark your service cities (Toronto, Mississauga, etc.).
• ✅Reviews: Actively encourage Google reviews post-purchase.

Content SEO Checklist

• ✅Target keywords: Research via Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest free version.
• ✅Content length: Aim for 1,500+ words on main pages.
• ✅Blog strategy: 2-4 new posts monthly (this page is evidence of that!).
• ✅FAQ section: Answer user questions with schema markup.
• ✅No duplicates: Check for plagiarism and duplicate content.

Backlink & Authority Checklist

• ✅Check backlinks: Use free SEMrush or Ahrefs dashboard (limited version).
• ✅Disavow spam links: If you have toxic backlinks, submit a disavow file to Google.
• ✅Build local links: Get featured in local directories, podcasts, and news outlets.

Score Your Site

Check 15+ items: Good start. Check 25+: Strong foundation. Check 30+: Ranking potential.

Not sure where you stand? Get Free Professional Audit