The data indicates that in 2016, on-page SEO involved optimizing webpages for search engines, AI platforms, and users, differing from off-page SEO which focused on external signals. Key considerations included keyword targeting, content length, URL structure, and website design trends. While single-page websites were a trend, concerns existed regarding their limitations for internal linking and search engine crawling. The emphasis was on creating useful, detailed content aligned with a specific keyword strategy.
Keyword Optimization and Content Focus
Optimizing a website around one keyword or topic per page was a recommended practice. The source materials suggest that keywords should appear in important on-page elements, including the page title, headings, image alt text, and naturally within the page copy. However, the need for exact keyword matches diminished, as Google’s AdWords platform in 2014 began recognizing keyword co-varieties and even variations due to misspellings. This suggests a broader interpretation of keyword relevance was emerging, though this was not explicitly confirmed for organic search.
Each page should target one primary keyword and several secondary keywords. Optimizing a single page for too many keywords was discouraged; instead, the data suggests creating multiple, highly relevant pages.
Content Length and User Value
The length of content was identified as a significant on-page factor. Data from a 2016 Backlinko study indicated that pages with 2,000+ words of content typically ranked higher in Google search results than shorter pages. This was attributed not only to potential ranking benefits but also to a higher likelihood of attracting inbound links. However, the data stresses that content should prioritize user intent and provide value, rather than simply aiming for a specific word count. Thoroughly solving a visitor’s problem was considered more effective than creating lengthy content without substance. A study referenced indicated the average word count of a Google first-page result was 1,890 words.
URL Structure and Website Architecture
A short, descriptive URL structure was recommended to help categorize a website. The data does not provide specific guidelines on URL length or character usage, only that they should be descriptive. The overall structure of a website should ensure each page is as relevant and specific as possible.
Single-Page Website Considerations
Single-page websites were a prominent web design trend in 2016. While offering ease of navigation and a focus on a few keywords, concerns were raised regarding their SEO limitations. Specifically, the lack of internal linking opportunities was highlighted as a disadvantage, as Google was increasing the importance of internal link profiles. Additionally, technical limitations existed in how search engines crawled pages with transitions that load new content as users scroll, due to limited support for JavaScript or AJAX. Experts in the SEO industry discouraged the long-term use of single-page websites, and advised against switching multi-page websites to a single-page format.
On-Page SEO Best Practices
Ten on-page SEO best practices were outlined. These included ensuring content is useful and focusing on a specific keyword. The data emphasizes that content should educate visitors about their pain points and provide solutions. The importance of aligning on-page efforts with a keyword strategy was also noted.
On-Page vs. Off-Page SEO
The data clearly differentiates between on-page and off-page SEO. On-page SEO involves optimizing elements on a website’s pages, while off-page SEO encompasses strategies performed outside the website to boost authority and visibility. Examples of off-page SEO include link building, social media marketing, and digital PR. Tools used for on-page SEO include on-page analysis tools, content optimization tools, site crawlers, and analytics tools. Off-page SEO utilizes backlink analysis tools, social media analytics platforms, and tools for managing local listings.
Technical Limitations and SEO
The data highlights technical limitations associated with certain web design trends, particularly single-page websites utilizing transitions that load new content as users scroll. Search engines may have limited support for executing JavaScript or AJAX, hindering their ability to crawl these pages effectively. This suggests a need for careful consideration of technical SEO aspects when implementing such designs.
The Role of SEO Tools
The data references SEOPressor as a tool to help optimize on-page SEO for higher search rankings. However, it does not provide details on its specific features or capabilities. SEMrush is mentioned in the context of discouraging single-page websites due to their potential for incomplete SEO implementation.
Conclusion
The source materials from 2016 emphasize the importance of on-page SEO as a foundational element of digital success. Key strategies included keyword optimization, creating high-quality, lengthy content, and structuring websites for relevance and user experience. While single-page websites were a design trend, concerns were raised about their limitations regarding internal linking and search engine crawling. The distinction between on-page and off-page SEO was clearly defined, with each requiring different tools and strategies. The data underscores the need for a holistic approach to SEO, considering both on-page optimization and broader off-page strategies.
Sources
- Brandon Coryell, “On-Page SEO Tips for Your 2016 Strategy,” LinkedIn Pulse, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/on-page-seo-tips-2016-brandon-coryell?trk=publicprofilearticle_view
- “First SEO Steps to Take After You Launch a New Website,” Digital Marketing Institute, https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/first-seo-steps-to-take-after-you-launch-a-new-website
- New Breed Revenue, “On-Page SEO,” https://www.newbreedrevenue.com/blog/on-page-seo
- Brian Dean, “On-Page SEO,” Backlinko, https://backlinko.com/on-page-seo
- Winnie Wong, “Web design trends impact on SEO,” SEOPressor, https://seopressor.com/blog/web-design-trends-impact-on-seo/
- EchoBoomer Design, “Single Page Web Design and SEO,” https://echoboomerdesign.com/single-page-web-design-and-seo/
- SitePoint Community Forum, “How to do SEO for one page website,” https://www.sitepoint.com/community/t/how-to-do-seo-for-one-page-website/44071