How to Master On-Page SEO: A Simple 4-Step Framework for Higher Rankings

If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful framework to boost your website’s organic traffic, this guide is for you. In this post, we’ll break down a 4-step on-page SEO process pulled directly from a practical, real-world approach shared in our latest video training. From choosing the right keyword to optimizing titles, headings, and content, you’ll learn everything you need to make your page rank — without overcomplicating it.

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Choose the Right Target Keyword

The foundation of any strong on-page SEO campaign is selecting the right target keyword. Everything from your title to your content structure depends on this.

Key Points:

• Use Google Search Console for existing pages to find what keywords they’re already ranking for.
• Leverage tools like Semrush to explore keyword ideas based on your topic or competitors’ pages.
• Make sure your keyword is both relevant and achievable — targeting the wrong one renders your optimization efforts useless.

Pro Tip: Before optimizing, validate that your chosen keyword has search volume, fits the user intent of the page, and isn’t overly competitive if you’re working with a lower-authority domain.

Step 2: Optimize the SEO Title Tag

Your SEO title tag is one of the most critical on-page elements for ranking and click-through rate (CTR). A well-optimized title tag can move you up by multiple positions in the SERPs.

The Three Core Principles:

1. Include the target keyword, ideally at the beginning of the title.
2. Optimize for CTR – Make it compelling enough to stand out from the competition.
3. Add secondary keywords or variations to expand keyword coverage.
   

Real Example:

Target Keyword: dog harnesses
Optimized Title:
Dog Harnesses for Sale | Strong & Secure Everyday Use

This format includes:

• The main keyword front-loaded
• A value proposition for users (“Strong & Secure”)
• A secondary keyword (“everyday use”)

Bonus Tool:

Use Moz’s Title Tag Preview Tool to:

• Test how your title will appear in search results
• Avoid truncation (stay under 60 characters if possible)

Step 3: Use Keyword Variations and Entities in Content

Once your title is set, focus on optimizing the body content. This includes adding keyword variations and relevant entities to increase topical authority.

How to Do It:

• Use Semrush to analyze competitors and export keyword lists.
• Clean the list to remove brand names or irrelevant terms.
• Paste the cleaned list into your page’s content plan.

Keyword Density Check:
Compare how often your competitors use the main keyword. For instance, if they use “dog harness” 23 times and your page only uses it 3 times, you’re under-optimized.

Entity Optimization:

Use tools like Topical Relevance or NeuronWriter to find LSI keywords and entities that support your primary topic.

Examples of Relevant Entities for “Dog Harness”:

• No-pull harness
• Adjustable straps
• Chest plate
• Small dog breeds
• Sled harness

These may not have high search volume but help Google understand your page’s context.

Step 4: Structure Your Heading Tags (H1–H3)

Your heading tags are the blueprint of your content — they tell both users and search engines what’s important.

Best Practices:

• Use only one H1 (should include your target keyword)
• Add multiple H2s and H3s that feature keyword variations and answer user questions.
• Mimic the top-ranking pages’ structure to align with what Google prefers.
  

Example – Top Competitor for “How to Prepare for LASIK”:

• H1: How to Prepare for LASIK
• H2: What to Do Before Surgery
• H2: What to Expect on the Day Of
• H2: Aftercare Tips
• H3: Can I drink alcohol before LASIK?
• H3: What if I have the flu?

By including question-based H3s, the content becomes more comprehensive and user-friendly — increasing your chances of ranking for long-tail keywords and featured snippets.

Bonus Tips for On-Page SEO

• URL Optimization: Keep it short, keyword-rich, and clean (e.g., /dog-harnesses/)
• Check Word Count: Compare your word count to the top 3 pages. If they’re writing 2,000 words and you only have 400, consider expanding.
• User Intent: Always write for the real person behind the screen. What do they expect to see when they search that keyword?

Your Roadmap to Better Rankings Starts Here

By following this 4-step on-page SEO process, you can dramatically improve your page’s ability to rank and drive traffic:

• Choose the right keyword
• Write a compelling SEO title tag
• Include keyword variations and relevant entities
• Structure your content with optimized headings

These steps are simple, yet incredibly powerful when applied correctly.

Need help optimizing your content?
Contact us for tailored SEO services or explore our On-Page SEO Audits to get started.