Search engines evaluate hundreds of signals, but rankings often come down to a few overlooked details. You may have your keywords in place and content well-written, yet still struggle to climb higher.
That’s because some on page SEO factors like internal structure, mobile-friendliness, or even metadata quietly affect how your pages perform. In this article, we’re breaking down the less obvious elements that deserve your attention.
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Key Takeaways
- On page SEO factors directly influence how your site ranks and how users interact with it.
- Many of these elements are often missed during routine optimisation but carry long-term impact.
- Strengthening technical structure, content clarity, and page usability can lead to measurable gains in visibility and engagement.
- A regular on-page audit helps uncover minor issues that quietly limit performance.
- Paying attention to the overlooked details builds a stronger foundation for sustainable SEO growth.
What is On-Page SEO?
On-page SEO refers to everything you can control directly on your website to improve its visibility in search results. This includes your content, HTML optimisation, internal links, image handling, and overall site structure.
Unlike off-page strategies like backlinks, on-page SEO ensures search engines can easily understand and rank your pages based on relevance and quality.
Want a deeper breakdown of the essentials? Explore this on-page SEO guide to understand more about on-page SEO and how to optimise your website for higher rankings.
8 On-Page SEO Factors You Might Be Overlooking
Below are eight on page SEO factors that often slip through the cracks, but carry real weight in how your pages perform.
1. Page Experience Signals (Core Web Vitals)
Page experience directly affects how users interact with your content and how search engines evaluate it. Core Web Vitals are performance metrics that help identify usability issues that could impact rankings:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures loading performance; ideally under 2.5 seconds.
- First Input Delay (FID): Tracks interactivity (how quickly the site responds to user input).
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Assesses visual stability; penalises unexpected layout shifts during load.
Improving these areas ensures your website feels fast, responsive, and elevates user experience which are the factors prioritised by search engines.
2. Internal Linking Structure
Internal links shape how search engines crawl your site and how users navigate it. A thoughtful linking structure connects related content, distributes page authority, and keeps users engaged longer.
When key pages are isolated or buried too deep, they lose ranking potential. Use clear, descriptive anchor text and build natural pathways between relevant pages to strengthen your site’s overall SEO performance.
3. Image Optimisation
Every image on your site carries SEO potential. Start by compressing files to reduce load times without sacrificing quality. Rename images with descriptive, keyword-relevant filenames instead of leaving them as “IMG_001.jpg.”
In addition, don’t skip image alt text as it’s essential for accessibility and helps search engines interpret visuals. These simple habits not only improve performance but also open up opportunities for image search visibility.
4. Semantic HTML and Header Hierarchy
Search engines rely on structure to understand your content, and that begins with proper use of headers. Use one H1 to define the main topic, then organise sections with H2s and H3s in a logical order. Avoid skipping levels or using headers purely for styling.
Semantic HTML brings clarity to users and crawlers, helping your content get indexed and understood more effectively. It substitutes as a clear table of contents for your page.
5. Outdated or Thin Content
Content that once ranked well can slowly lose relevance over time. Algorithms evolve, industries shift, and user expectations grow. If your page lacks depth, clarity, or up-to-date information, there’s a chance it might fall behind.
Thin content signals low value to search engines. Audit your pages regularly, expand where needed, and replace outdated references. Sometimes, refreshing a page can do more than publishing something new.
6. Canonical Tags
Duplicate or near-identical pages can confuse search engines and dilute your ranking signals. A canonical tag helps clarify which version of a page should be treated as the primary one.
It’s most effective for product variations, filtered URLs, or syndicated content. By pointing search engines to the original or most important version, you consolidate authority and avoid unintentional competition within your own site.
7. Mobile-Friendliness
Mobile usability also defines how your site is ranked. With Google’s mobile-first indexing, poor readability, slow load times, or clunky navigation on smaller screens can hold you back.
Focus on clean layouts, responsive design, and touch-friendly elements. A smooth mobile experience is no longer optional—it’s the bare minimum.
Want to dive deeper into designing for mobile-first? Check out this mobile-first web design guide today to ensure your site meets the modern usability standards.
8. Structured Data Markup (Schema.org)
Structured data adds context to your content, helping search engines understand precisely what’s on the page. Using Schema.org markup, you can define elements like product info, reviews, events, and FAQs.
This improves how your content appears in search results, often triggering rich snippets that attract more clicks. It’s a technical SEO step with visual impact that makes your content clearer and more competitive.
How to Write SEO-Friendly Meta Title Tags and Meta Descriptions
Getting users to click starts with how your page appears in search results. Crafting clear, relevant, and keyword-optimised tags makes a strong first impression. Follow these tips in writing meta titles and descriptions:
| Meta Title Tags | Meta Descriptions |
| – Keep it under 60 characters to avoid truncation. – Place your primary keyword near the beginning. – Make it descriptive but direct. Avoid vague or generic phrases. – Each page should have a unique title tag to prevent duplication. | – Aim for 140–154 characters for full visibility across devices. – Clearly summarise what the page is about—include your focus keyword naturally. – Use actionable language or a soft call to action to encourage clicks. – Avoid duplicating meta descriptions across multiple pages. |
Conclusion
Small gaps in execution often lead to missed opportunities. Many websites have strong foundations but still underperform due to overlooked on page SEO factors.
These elements, like the codes, layouts, or outdated content, often sit in plain sight. Sharpening them sends stronger signals to search engines and creates a smoother user experience.
Ready to tighten up your on page SEO strategy with Newnormz digital marketing? Let’s make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Contact Newnormz for on page SEO services and other tailored digital marketing solutions today.
