The Forge Lab
Checklist · 6 min read

Website SEO Checklist

SEO work compounds. This is the foundation layer — get it right and everything you publish afterwards works harder. No ranking outcome can be guaranteed by anyone.

Last reviewed August 2026

Technical

  • One indexable version of the site, with canonical tags
  • XML sitemap submitted in Search Console
  • robots.txt that does not block anything important
  • Fast server response and compressed assets
  • Clean, readable URLs

On-page

  • One H1 per page describing that page's subject
  • Unique title under 60 characters and description under 160
  • Headings in a logical order
  • Internal links between related pages
  • Descriptive alt text on meaningful images

Local

  • Consistent name, address and phone number everywhere
  • Google Business Profile complete and verified
  • Service area described in real page content
  • LocalBusiness structured data where appropriate

Want this handled for you rather than by you?

Start a Forge Preview
  • 100% Custom Built
  • Mobile Optimised
  • SEO Ready
  • South African Support
  • Fast Loading
  • Secure Hosting
  • No Hidden Costs

Ready to build something exceptional?

Let's create a website that not only looks incredible but helps your business grow, attract customers and build trust online.