WikiHow has established itself as a prominent online resource with consistent organic search growth. This article examines WikiHow's SEO approach and provides actionable guidance for getting websites properly indexed and optimized for Google search. Based on analysis of WikiHow's implementation and industry best practices, we'll explore on-page optimization techniques, technical SEO considerations, and the process of submitting websites to Google's index.
WikiHow's SEO Success and Traffic Growth
WikiHow has demonstrated measurable growth in organic search traffic, with a reported increase of 0.54% month-on-month according to Semrush data. This growth positions WikiHow as a competitive force in the online information space, competing with established domains like justanswer.com, apple.com, and microsoft.com. The platform's success in organic search can be attributed to its strategic implementation of SEO principles that align with modern search engine algorithms.
Semrush's competitive analysis reveals that WikiHow has effectively captured organic search interest in its niche, with well-optimized content that targets relevant keywords. The platform's top organic keywords drive significant traffic, indicating a successful keyword strategy that balances search volume with relevance to the content.
On-Page Optimization: Content and Structure
Modern search algorithms, as noted in WikiHelp documentation, prioritize natural human language over keyword-stuffed content. Semantic search capabilities enable Google to understand user intent, allowing for more nuanced content optimization. This shift means that content should focus on providing genuine value rather than forcing specific keyword repetitions.
Content Quality and Relevance
Creating helpful content remains a cornerstone of effective SEO. According to Google Sites SEO guidance, content should be informative, well-written, and edited before publication. The emphasis is on creating content that addresses real user needs and questions. WikiHow's approach demonstrates the importance of developing content that serves as a genuine resource for visitors.
Content should be structured for optimal readability, using: - Headings and subheadings to organize information - Bulleted or numbered lists for easy scanning - Short paragraphs to avoid overwhelming readers
This formatting approach improves user experience and helps search engines understand content hierarchy and relevance.
URL Structure
WikiHow's URL structure exemplifies best practices in on-page SEO. Clear, descriptive URLs like wikihow.com/making-websites/seo perform significantly better than vague alternatives such as wikihow.com/directory7/hi-guys. Effective URL structure should: - Include relevant keywords - Be concise yet descriptive - Avoid unnecessary parameters or numbers - Use hyphens to separate words rather than underscores
Header Optimization
Proper header organization is critical for both user experience and search engine understanding. WikiHow's SEO guidelines recommend: - Every page should have exactly one H1 header - Subheaders should be tagged as H2, H3, etc., based on importance - Headers should be brief (under 70 characters) - Each header should begin with at least one relevant keyword - Headers should follow a logical hierarchy
This structure helps search engines analyze content relationships and rank pages appropriately in search results.
Metadata Optimization
Meta description tags remain an important on-page SEO element. WikiHow's recommendations include: - Creating descriptions with 1-2 complete sentences - Keeping descriptions between 50-160 characters - Making descriptions helpful, accurate, and audience-focused - Addressing the specific needs of users who might click through
Effective meta descriptions serve as "advertisements" in search results, influencing click-through rates while accurately representing page content.
Technical SEO Considerations
Beyond content and structure, technical elements play a crucial role in search engine visibility and ranking. Several technical considerations can significantly impact a website's SEO performance.
Site Performance and Indexing
Websites created with various platforms, including Wix, can be successfully indexed by Google. The key requirement is to ensure that search engine crawling is enabled through platform settings. For Wix users, this involves navigating to Site > Settings > SEO and checking the box next to "Allow search engines to find my site."
Once indexed, Google typically rechecks websites approximately once month to update its index. Websites that frequently add new content may benefit from implementing web tools that automatically submit new or changed pages to search engines.
Structured Data Markup
Structured data markup provides additional context to search engines about page content. WikiHow's documentation references schema.org as the most widely used structured data markup standard. Implementing structured data can result in enhanced search result appearances, including: - Additional images - User ratings - Other rich snippets
These enhancements can improve click-through rates and provide users with more information directly in search results.
Sitemap Submission
Sitemaps serve as guides for search engine crawlers, helping them discover and understand website content. Several approaches to sitemap creation and submission are available: - Using free online tools like XML Sitemaps Generator - Leveraging automatically generated sitemaps from content management systems like WordPress or Wix - Submitting sitemaps through Google Search Console
To submit a sitemap through Google Search Console: 1. Choose the appropriate property 2. Navigate to the Index section in the menu 3. Enter the sitemap URL 4. Submit the sitemap for indexing
Regular monitoring of submitted sitemaps in Google Search Console helps identify potential issues with crawling and indexing.
Keyword Strategy and Content Optimization
Effective keyword selection remains fundamental to SEO success. WikiHow's approach emphasizes the importance of targeting relevant keywords that align with actual user search intent.
Keyword Research and Selection
Proper keyword research involves: - Identifying terms used in the specific niche - Ensuring keyword relevance to the content - Avoiding high-volume keywords that don't relate to the niche - Focusing on keywords that represent the business or topic authentically
This approach helps establish an authoritative voice in the chosen niche while attracting genuinely interested traffic rather than irrelevant visitors.
Content Optimization
Content should be developed with both users and search engines in mind. Key optimization principles include: - Creating in-depth, topical information that addresses user questions - Ensuring content is easy to navigate - Making information easily discoverable for the target audience - Regularly updating content to maintain relevance
Search engines increasingly prioritize content that provides comprehensive information on specific topics, demonstrating expertise and authority in subject areas.
Domain and Hosting Considerations
The technical foundation of a website significantly impacts its SEO potential. Several factors related to domain selection and hosting can influence search engine visibility.
Domain Selection
Domain choice represents an important technical consideration for SEO: - The .com extension is widely regarded as optimal for most websites - Alternative extensions like .org may be appropriate for specific use cases - Domain names should be memorable and brandable
While some successful sites have non-descriptive names like Google, most websites benefit from domain names that provide some indication of their content or purpose.
Hosting Selection
Reliable hosting forms the technical backbone of a website. Key considerations include: - Choosing a hosting provider that offers adequate storage and bandwidth - Ensuring good server uptime and performance - Selecting hosts that provide clear management interfaces - Considering providers like Bluehost, which is recognized for website hosting services
Proper hosting setup ensures that websites remain accessible to both users and search engine crawlers, supporting overall SEO performance.
Monitoring and Maintaining SEO Performance
SEO is not a one-time implementation but an ongoing process that requires regular attention and adjustment.
Index Monitoring
Website owners can check which pages are indexed by using the "site:" operator in Google search. For example, searching "site:wikihow.com" reveals all WikiHow pages currently in Google's index. This technique helps identify potential indexing issues that may require attention.
Performance Tracking
Regular SEO audits help identify and address issues related to: - Crawlability - Content quality - Link profiles - Technical implementation
Tools like Semrush's SEO audit can detect over 130 technical and SEO mistakes, providing comprehensive website health assessments that inform optimization efforts.
Conclusion
WikiHow's SEO approach demonstrates the effectiveness of combining quality content with proper technical implementation. By focusing on natural language, clear structure, and relevant metadata, websites can improve their visibility in search results. The process of getting websites indexed by Google involves ensuring crawlability, submitting sitemaps, and implementing structured data where appropriate.
Successful SEO requires attention to both on-page elements and technical considerations, with regular monitoring to maintain performance. Websites that follow these principles, as exemplified by WikiHow's implementation, can achieve sustainable organic growth and visibility in search results.