Technical SEO, Part V: From Theory To Action
A Series Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Impacts Of Web Performance
We’ve spanned the foundational elements that have shaped Technical SEO in the past, examined some critical strategies that are proving effective today, and explored some of the ways the field of technical SEO is evolving- and your role in aligning to that future. Now, let’s outline a few actionable tactics to turn that potential into reality:
Conduct a Technical SEO Audit
Before implementing any new strategies, it’s vital to understand your current standing. A technical SEO audit will help identify issues that might be hindering your site’s performance. Consider the following aspects:
Crawlability
Use tools like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb to analyze your site’s crawlability. Look for broken links, duplicate content, and redirect issues.- **Site Speed**: Evaluate your site’s loading speed using Google PageSpeed Insights. Identify areas where you can optimize images, leverage browser caching, and use content delivery networks (CDNs).- **Mobile Friendliness**: Test your site’s mobile responsiveness using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool. Ensure your design adapts seamlessly across devices.
Optimize for Core Web Vitals
With Google’s focus on user experience, optimizing for Core Web Vitals is paramount. These metrics include:
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
Aim for an LCP of less than 2.5 seconds. Optimize images and leverage lazy loading to improve loading times.First Input Delay (FID)
A FID of less than 100 milliseconds is ideal. Minimize JavaScript execution time and optimize your server response times to enhance interactivity.Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
A CLS score of less than 0.1 is considered good. Avoid unexpected layout shifts by including size attributes for images and videos.
Implement Structured Data
Structured data helps search engines understand the content on your site better, enhancing the likelihood of rich snippets in search results. Use Schema.org markup to implement structured data for various content types—articles, products, events, and more.
Prioritize Security
Website security is a critical component of Technical SEO. Ensure your site is secure by:
Implementing HTTPS
Secure your site with an SSL certificate to encrypt data exchanged between users and your site.Regular Updates
Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated to protect against vulnerabilities.Backup Solutions
Implement a robust backup solution to safeguard your data.
Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Adopt a mindset of ongoing optimization. Schedule regular audits to assess your Technical SEO health and stay informed about new trends and technologies. Create a content calendar that includes regular updates and optimizations based on performance data.
Preparing for the Future
As we look to the future of Technical SEO, several trends are poised to shape the landscape:
Artificial Intelligence
AI will continue to play a pivotal role in how search engines interpret and rank content. Understanding and leveraging AI-driven tools can give you a competitive edge.
Voice Search Optimization
With the increasing use of voice-activated devices, optimizing for voice search will become essential. This includes focusing on natural language queries and local SEO strategies.
Visual and Video Search
As visual search technology matures, optimizing images and videos for search will become increasingly important. Consider implementing alt text, captions, and structured data for multimedia content.
Conclusion
Technical SEO is not a static field but a dynamic and evolving discipline that requires constant attention and adaptation. By embracing a user-centric approach, integrating data-driven strategies, and remaining agile in the face of change, you can position your website for success in the ever-competitive digital landscape.
Your Technical SEO journey is a continuous loop that requires ongoing learning, testing, and refinement. By implementing the actionable insights and strategies discussed in this chapter, you can not only enhance your website’s performance but also contribute to a better user experience, ultimately driving growth and success in your digital endeavors.
As you move forward, carry with you the knowledge and insights gained from this exploration: stay curious, stay engaged, and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of search engine optimization. The future of Technical SEO is bright, and you are well-equipped to navigate its challenges and seize its opportunities.
About The Author
Jaxon Repp is a recognized authority in enterprise software design and the evolving role of digital humanism. With over 25 years of experience architecting and developing digital systems, he has led initiatives at the intersection of user experience, operational efficiency, and AI-driven transformation. As the founder of three technology startups and a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies navigating Digital Transformation, Jaxon brings a uniquely pragmatic perspective to the challenges facing modern organizations.
A partially reformed developer, Jaxon understands the daily friction knowledge workers encounter- grappling with tools that often serve vendors more than users. He champions a new paradigm where intuitive interfaces, contextual automation, and human-centric design are not afterthoughts, but prerequisites for productivity. As a Field CTO, he serves as the voice of the customer, advocating for solutions that enhance both user experience and business outcomes. As an Entrepreneur-In-Residence, he evaluates the balance of investment between the two. His published work explores how to scale these solutions effectively, bridging the gap between our increasingly data-driven environments and the inherent complexity of human behavior.