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SEO·7 min read

The Ultimate SEO Checklist for 2026

A comprehensive guide to the SEO fundamentals every business website needs to rank on Google in 2026. Structured data, Core Web Vitals, and more.

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SEO in 2026 is about speed, structure, and user experience. Here's everything you need to check off to give your site the best chance at ranking.

Technical SEO Foundations

  • •HTTPS everywhere: SSL is table stakes. Google won't rank insecure sites.
  • •Fast Core Web Vitals: LCP under 2.5s, FID under 100ms, CLS under 0.1.
  • •Mobile-first indexing: Google indexes mobile versions first. Your mobile site IS your site.
  • •Clean URL structure: Use descriptive, keyword-rich URLs. Avoid query parameters.
  • •XML sitemap: Submit to Google Search Console. Keep it updated.
  • •robots.txt: Block what shouldn't be indexed (admin pages, API routes).

    • On-Page SEO

  • •Unique title tags: Every page needs a unique, descriptive title under 60 characters.
  • •Meta descriptions: Compelling descriptions under 155 characters that encourage clicks.
  • •Heading hierarchy: One H1 per page, logical H2-H6 structure.
  • •Internal linking: Connect related pages. Use descriptive anchor text.
  • •Image optimization: Alt text, compressed formats (WebP/AVIF), lazy loading.

    • Structured Data

    Structured data helps Google understand your content and can earn you rich results (FAQ dropdowns, star ratings, breadcrumbs).

  • •Organization schema: Tell Google who you are.
  • •LocalBusiness schema: Essential for local SEO.
  • •BreadcrumbList schema: Helps navigation in search results.
  • •FAQPage schema: Can earn expanded FAQ snippets in search.
  • •Article schema: For blog posts and news content.

    • Content Strategy

  • •Target long-tail keywords: Less competition, higher intent.
  • •Answer real questions: Use tools like "People Also Ask" for content ideas.
  • •Update old content: Fresh content ranks better. Review quarterly.
  • •Build topical authority: Create clusters of related content around your core topics.

    • The Bottom Line

    SEO isn't a one-time project. It's an ongoing practice. But getting the fundamentals right from day one gives you a massive advantage over competitors who treat it as an afterthought.

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