Top 10 On Page Checklist for SEO Tips for Startups on Webflow in 2025

On-page SEO defines how search engines and visitors experience your Webflow site. For startups and scale-ups, a precise on page checklist for seo removes guesswork and drives measurable results. This guide zeroes in on the 10 critical elements you need to optimise right now.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify and refine each on-page element, from title tags to schema markup
• Understand why every optimisation step matters for rankings and conversions
• Apply Webflow-specific implementation tips and shortcuts
• Prioritise tasks for fast wins and long-term impact
• Verify success with quick, repeatable checks

Why this matters to your startup

• Higher search visibility means more qualified leads
• Faster page speeds and clear structure boost user engagement
• Well-optimised content converts casual visitors into customers
• Structured data can unlock rich results and enhance credibility

Who should read this guide
Early-stage startups needing a conversion-focused Webflow site or redesign, SaaS firms and scale-ups seeking SEO-optimised marketing pages, growth teams requiring rapid iterations, design agencies handling Figma/XD to Webflow builds, and UK-based SMEs aiming to improve site performance.

What to expect
This on page checklist for seo covers:

1. Title Tag Optimisation
2. Meta Description Optimisation
3. Header Tag Structure (H1, H2, H3)
4. Keyword Placement and Density
5. Content Quality and Length
6. URL Structure and Slugs
7. Internal Linking Strategy
8. Image Optimisation and Alt Text
9. Mobile-Friendliness, Responsive Design and Page Speed
10. Schema Markup and Structured Data

Each item includes concise “what-to-check” steps, the “why it matters” rationale, actionable “how-to” instructions in Webflow, a prioritisation rating and fast verification tips. Skipping on-page SEO leaves gaps that cost you traffic and conversions. By following this checklist you’ll accelerate your site launch, improve discoverability and convert visitors faster. Ready to turn your pages into high-performing assets? Dive in.

1. Title Tag Optimization

Your title tag is an HTML element displayed in browser tabs and search results. It directly influences click-through rates and search rankings. As part of your on page checklist for seo this starter step ensures your page stands out in SERPs.

What to Check

• Primary keyword near the beginning
• Brand name at the end
• Length between 50–60 characters to prevent truncation
• Unique title for each page without keyword stuffing

Why It Matters

A compelling title tag improves click-through rate and signals relevance to search engines. Well-optimised tags can boost rankings and drive more organic traffic for early-stage startups.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Open the Page Settings panel in Webflow Editor
2. Navigate to the SEO Settings section and locate the Title Tag field
3. Enter your optimised title and click Save
4. Publish changes and check live pages

Examples of Strong Title Tags

• Moz: “SEO Learning Center | Moz”
• HubSpot: “The #1 CRM Platform | HubSpot”
• Neil Patel: “Neil Patel - SEO, SEM, Content Marketing & Analytics”
• SEMrush: “SEMrush - SEO Software, SEM Tools & Content Marketing Platform”

Actionable Tips

• Place the primary keyword close to the front
• Add brand name at the end for recognition
• Craft a compelling value proposition to improve CTR
• Avoid duplicate titles across pages
• Test variations using Google Search Console

Quick Verification

View the live page source or use a SERP snippet tool to preview your title. Ensure it renders correctly and isn’t cut off.

Prioritisation

High priority for every page on your site. Title tag optimisation is foundational in an on page checklist for seo and should be completed first.

2. Meta Description Optimization

The meta description is an HTML attribute that summarises page content in 150–160 characters, displayed beneath the title in search results. While it is not a direct ranking factor, a compelling meta description significantly influences click-through rates and user engagement. As part of your on page checklist for seo, optimised meta descriptions entice users and improve overall site performance.

What to Check

• Length between 150–160 characters to avoid truncation
• Inclusion of primary keyword near the beginning
• Unique description for each page to prevent duplication
• Presence of a clear call-to-action when appropriate

Why It Matters

A well-crafted meta description acts as a sales pitch in search results. It does not directly boost rankings but can increase the number of visitors who click through. Higher click-through rates send positive signals to search engines and can indirectly improve your position over time.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Open the Page Settings panel in the Webflow Editor
2. Scroll to the SEO Settings section and locate the Meta Description field
3. Enter your optimised description and click Save
4. Publish changes and preview in a SERP snippet tool

Examples of Strong Meta Descriptions

• Backlinko: “Learn SEO from industry experts. Our step-by-step guide covers everything…”
• Ahrefs: “Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset for competitive analysis, keyword research, site audit…”
• Search Engine Journal: “Search Engine Journal is the leading source of day-to-day news, research and insight…”
• Content Marketing Institute: “CMI helps marketers discover content marketing strategy, research, education…”

Actionable Tips

• Include the primary keyword naturally, ideally at the front
• Craft compelling copy that stands out from competitors
• Avoid keyword stuffing or using the same description across multiple pages
• Monitor SERP rewrites via Google Search Console
• Ensure the description accurately reflects page content

Quick Verification

Use the browser’s page source or an SEO preview extension to confirm your meta description renders correctly and isn’t cut off.

Prioritisation

High priority – essential for every page. Meta descriptions complete your on page checklist for seo and help maximise click-through rates.

3. Header Tag Structure (H1, H2, H3) Optimization

Header tags create a clear hierarchy for page content, improving readability, accessibility and SEO. The H1 tag should appear once per page and closely match the title tag. H2 and H3 tags organise your main sections and subsections, signalling content structure to both users and search engines.

What to Check

• Only one H1 tag per page, featuring the primary keyword
• H1 matches or closely relates to the title tag
• H2 tags for main content sections, include secondary keywords
• H3 tags for subsections, maintain natural hierarchy (no level skipping)
• Headers are descriptive, user-focused and concise

Why It Matters

A well-structured header hierarchy enhances user experience by breaking text into digestible chunks. It also signals topic relevance and content depth to search engines, improving rankings for “on page checklist for seo”. Accessibility tools rely on header tags for screen reader navigation.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Open your page in Webflow Designer
2. Drag a Heading element onto the canvas
3. Select the tag level (H1, H2, H3) in the Settings panel
4. Enter optimised header text and style with consistent classes
5. Publish changes and review structure in the live site

Examples of Strong Header Structures

• Backlinko: H1 “The Definitive Guide to SEO” with H2s for each chapter
• HubSpot blog: clear H1, H2s and H3s that emphasise topics
• Wikipedia: nested headers for detailed topics
• Neil Patel: topic-focused H1 with keyword-rich H2 subheadings

Actionable Tips

• Use one H1 tag to define the page topic
• Include primary keyword in H1
• Apply H2 to outline main points, H3 for details
• Avoid skipping header levels
• Prioritise readability, then SEO

Quick Verification

Inspect the page source or use Webflow’s Audit panel to confirm header levels and spot missing tags.

Prioritisation

Medium priority for new and updated pages. Proper header structure forms the backbone of an effective on page checklist for seo.

4. Keyword Placement and Density Optimization

Strategic keyword placement throughout your page content signals relevance to search engines and helps match your pages to user queries. Instead of stuffing exact-match terms, focus on natural inclusion in critical areas: the title, headers, opening 100 words and body text. Pair primary keywords with synonyms and LSI variations to support semantic relevance.

What to Check

• Primary keyword in the first 100 words of your main content
• H1 tag contains the main keyword near the start
• 1–2 H2 tags includes keyword or close variants
• Keyword density around 1–2% to maintain natural flow
• LSI keywords and synonyms sprinkled throughout paragraphs
• Synonym usage to avoid repetition and enrich context

Why It Matters

Proper placement directs search engines to your page’s main topic while improving readability. Balanced density ensures crawlers understand context without penalising over-optimisation. This approach boosts rankings, aligns content with search intent and enhances user engagement.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Open your page in Webflow Designer and select the H1 element
2. Edit the H1 so it features your primary keyword at the start
3. Add or update H2 tags to include keyword variations
4. In your Rich Text block, ensure the first paragraph contains your main term and synonyms
5. Optionally, install a Webflow integration (eg. SEMrush) to monitor density

Examples of Keyword Placement

• Moz: Main keywords in headings and opening paragraph
• Ahrefs: Primary term in title, introduction and multiple H2s
• Backlinko: Secondary and LSI keywords woven into body text
• HubSpot: Topic clusters using variations across related pages

Actionable Tips

• Research primary and secondary keywords with SEMrush or Ahrefs
• Write in natural language; avoid forced phrasing
• Maintain 1–2% density; higher rates risk penalties
• Use LSI variations (synonyms and related terms)
• Align keyword choices with user search intent
• Mix long-tail and short-tail variants for breadth

Quick Verification

• Use Ctrl+F on the live page to confirm keyword placement
• Run a density analysis via an SEO tool or Webflow plugin

Prioritisation

High priority for every content page. Effective keyword placement and density optimisation are foundational steps in an on page checklist for seo and critical for signalling relevance.

5. Content Quality and Length Optimization

High-quality, in-depth content is a core ranking factor in modern SEO. Search engines reward pages that thoroughly answer user queries with original research, clear structure and engaging multimedia. While there is no magic word count, top-ranking pages often span 1,500–3,000+ words, and pillar pages can exceed 5,000 words.

What to Check

• Depth and originality: Content must be well-researched and offer unique insights
• Word count: Aim for at least 1,500 words on competitive topics
• Structure: Use clear headers, subheadings and bullet lists
• Multimedia: Include images, videos or infographics for engagement
• Links: Add relevant internal and external links for context
• Freshness: Review and update content every 3–6 months

Why It Matters

Comprehensive content demonstrates expertise, authority and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Longer, well-structured pages tend to keep visitors on-site and encourage social sharing. This approach signals to search engines that your site is a reliable resource in your niche.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Create or open a CMS Collection for your blog or resource pages
2. Use the Rich Text element to paste your long-form copy
3. Insert Heading elements (H2, H3) to break up sections
4. Upload images or video using the Asset Manager
5. Add Link Blocks for internal cross-links and external citations
6. Set a Reminder in your project’s calendar to refresh the content

Examples of Strong Content

• Backlinko’s “SEO That Works” guide (5,000+ words)
• Moz’s “Beginner’s Guide to SEO” (10,000+ words)
• Neil Patel’s tutorials (2,000–5,000 words each)
• HubSpot’s pillar blog posts (2,000–3,000 words)

Actionable Tips

• Create pillar posts (3,000–5,000 words) for cornerstone topics
• Weave in case studies, data points and real examples
• Use short paragraphs and bullet lists for readability
• Schedule regular content audits to maintain freshness
• Write for users first, then optimise for search

Quick Verification

• Check total word count in Webflow’s Editor
• Preview on mobile and desktop for layout and readability
• Monitor time on page and bounce rate in Google Analytics

Prioritisation

High priority – Outstanding content underpins every other on page checklist for seo item and fuels sustainable organic growth.

6. URL Structure and Slug Optimization

A well-optimised URL structure is a critical item in any on page checklist for seo because it enhances user experience and aids search engines in crawling your site. URLs should be short, descriptive and include primary keywords separated by hyphens. Avoid parameters, special characters or dates when possible to maintain clarity and hierarchy.

What to Check

• Slug length under 75 characters to avoid truncation or confusion
• Primary keyword presence in the slug for relevance
• Hyphens used to separate words (not underscores)
• Lowercase letters consistently applied
• No parameters or special characters in main content URLs
• Reflects site hierarchy with clear folders for organisation

Why It Matters

Search engines use URL paths to infer context and hierarchy. Clear, keyword-rich URLs improve click-through rates, encourage sharing and signal relevance. A consistent structure supports crawl efficiency, especially for early-stage startups.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. In the Designer, select a page and open the Page Settings panel
2. Locate the URL Slug field under SEO Settings
3. Enter your optimised slug using hyphens and lowercase letters
4. Save changes and publish the site to apply the new URL

Examples of Effective URL Structures

• Moz: moz.com/blog/on-page-seo-checklist
• HubSpot: hubspot.com/marketing/seo-tips
• Neil Patel: neilpatel.com/blog/seo-tips
• Google: support.google.com/webmasters/answer/7451184

Actionable Tips

• Keep URLs under 75 characters for clarity
• Use your primary keyword early in the slug
• Omit stop words like a, the, and for brevity
• Maintain a consistent folder structure for categories
• Implement 301 redirects when updating existing URLs

Quick Verification

Check live URLs in your browser or use a crawling tool like Screaming Frog. Confirm slugs are clean, descriptive and return a 200 status.

Prioritisation

Medium priority for established pages, high priority for new content. URL Structure and Slug Optimization sets the foundation for crawlability and UX on every page.

7. Internal Linking Strategy

Internal links connect pages within your website and distribute page authority (link juice) throughout the site. A strategic internal linking structure improves crawlability, establishes hierarchy, and helps search engines understand content relationships. As part of your on page checklist for seo, this step ensures that critical pages receive the authority they deserve.

What to Check

• 2–4 contextual links per 1,000 words
• Descriptive, keyword-relevant anchor text (avoid “click here”)
• Links from high-authority pages to those needing a boost
• Topic clusters around pillar content
• Functional breadcrumb navigation reflecting site hierarchy

Why It Matters

Internal links guide users and crawlers through your site, signalling which pages are most important. A deliberate structure maximises link equity distribution and supports ranking for target keywords, making it a vital element in any on page checklist for seo.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Open your page in the Webflow Designer
2. Select the rich text or text block where you want to insert a link
3. Highlight the anchor text and click the link icon
4. Choose “Page” or enter a URL, then save changes
5. Publish and test links in your live site

Examples of Strong Internal Linking Strategies

• Wikipedia: Extensive cross-referencing between related articles
• Moz: Pillar pages link out to in-depth cluster content
• HubSpot: Topic clusters reinforce core themes
• Neil Patel: Related-content links at the end of articles

Actionable Tips

• Link to priority pages multiple times across different posts
• Regularly audit for broken or redirected internal links
• Maintain consistent anchor text patterns for key topics
• Use breadcrumbs to improve both UX and site architecture
• Leverage Webflow’s CMS filters to automate cluster linking

Quick Verification

Run a crawler (eg. Screaming Frog) to list all internal links. Confirm each link uses the correct anchor text and points to the intended URL.

Prioritisation

Medium-high priority – internal linking is foundational for crawl efficiency and authority distribution. Schedule quarterly reviews to keep your link structure optimised.

8. Image Optimization and Alt Text

Images enhance content engagement and user experience, but without optimisation they can slow your site and miss SEO potential. Proper image optimisation includes reducing file size, using descriptive filenames and writing compelling alt text. Well-optimised images can rank in Google Images and drive additional organic traffic.

What to Check

• Descriptive filenames with keywords (e.g., on-page-seo-checklist.jpg)
• File size compressed to 100KB or less
• Alt text between 100–125 characters describing the image
• Primary keyword included naturally in alt text
• Modern formats (WebP) for better compression
• Responsive images (srcset) for device optimisation
• Lazy loading for below-the-fold assets
• Image structured data (schema markup)

Why It Matters

Optimised images improve page speed and user experience, reducing bounce rates on slower connections. Alt text boosts accessibility for screen reader users and helps search engines understand your visuals. Together these factors support higher rankings and broaden your content’s reach.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. In Webflow Designer select your Image element
2. Go to the Settings panel and upload a compressed WebP or JPEG file
3. Add descriptive Filename and enter your Alt Text field
4. Enable Lazy Load under Advanced Settings and set up responsive srcset breakpoints

Examples of Strong Images and Alt Text

• Moz: “SEO ranking factors chart showing top 20 factors”
• HubSpot: properly sized hero images with clear alt descriptions
• Neil Patel: high-quality visuals named “on-page-seo-tips.webp”
• Backlinko: charts with detailed alt text and captions

Actionable Tips

• Use tools like TinyPNG or Squoosh for lossless compression
• Write alt text that describes function and context
• Keep filenames lowercase and hyphenated
• Surround images with relevant text to reinforce context
• Implement schema.org ImageObject for rich results

Quick Verification

Open Chrome DevTools Network tab, filter by “Img” and confirm file sizes. Right-click an image, select “Inspect” to view your alt attribute.

Prioritisation

Medium priority for all pages. Image optimisation and alt text are crucial for site speed and accessibility but follow core elements like title tags and meta descriptions before deep image work.

Learn more about Image Optimization and Alt Text on derrick.dk.

9. Mobile-Friendliness, Responsive Design & Page Speed (Core Web Vitals) Optimization

Mobile-first indexing and page performance are critical for modern SEO. Mobile-friendliness ensures your content displays correctly across desktops, tablets and smartphones. Core Web Vitals (Largest Contentful Paint, First Input Delay, Cumulative Layout Shift) measure loading speed, interactivity and visual stability, directly influencing rankings and user satisfaction.

What to Check

• Responsive breakpoints for all device widths
• LCP below 2.5 seconds
• FID or INP under 100 ms
• CLS score under 0.1
• Image formats (use WebP, correct dimensions)
• Minified CSS, JavaScript and HTML
• Browser caching and CDN configuration

Why It Matters

Fast, stable pages reduce bounce rates and boost conversions. Google uses mobile-first indexing and Core Web Vitals as ranking signals. Start-ups that nail performance stand out in crowded SERPs and keep users engaged on every device.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Enable responsive settings in the Designer’s Style panel
2. Upload and serve images as WebP via Asset Manager
3. Minify code under Project Settings > Hosting
4. Activate lazy loading for below-the-fold content
5. Integrate a CDN and set caching headers

Examples of Strong Implementations

• HubSpot: Fully responsive, mobile-optimised design
• Moz: Mobile-friendly interface with swift page loads
• Neil Patel: Responsive framework and compressed assets
• Backlinko: Performance-focused pages with minimal scripts
• Google.com: Ultra-lean code for maximum speed
• Wikipedia: Fast-loading articles with minimal external calls

Actionable Tips

• Test with Google Mobile-Friendly Test and PageSpeed Insights
• Compress images to under 100 KB where possible
• Audit third-party scripts; remove non-essential tags
• Use prefetch and preconnect for critical resources
• Shift non-critical CSS to asynchronous loading
• Consider upgrading hosting for faster TTFB
• Monitor Core Web Vitals via Webflow Analytics or GA4
• Schedule regular performance audits

Learn more about Mobile-Friendliness, Responsive Design & Page Speed (Core Web Vitals) Optimization on domain.com:
Learn more about Mobile-Friendliness, Responsive Design & Page Speed (Core Web Vitals) Optimization on domain.com

Quick Verification

Run live URLs through PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to confirm LCP, FID/INP and CLS targets are met.

Prioritisation

High priority for every page; site speed and responsiveness are foundational in an on page checklist for seo.

10. Schema Markup and Structured Data Implementation

Schema markup is structured data that helps search engines understand your page content and context. By embedding Schema.org vocabulary in JSON-LD format, you enable rich snippets, featured snippets and enhanced search results. This implementation boosts click-through rates through visual enhancements and links your content to specific entities.

What to Check

• Use JSON-LD format, preferred by Google
• Implement Article schema for blog posts
• Add Product schema on e-commerce pages
• Include FAQ schema for question and answer sections
• Add Review schema to display ratings
• Use Breadcrumb schema for clear navigation paths

Why It Matters

Structured data makes your pages eligible for rich results in SERPs, driving higher visibility and trust. Clear entity associations help search engines index content more accurately, improving relevance and organic performance for startups.

How to Implement in Webflow

1. Open your project in the Webflow Designer
2. Go to the Page Settings and locate the Custom Code area
3. Paste your JSON-LD script between <script type="application/ld+json"> tags
4. Save changes and publish to test live output

Examples of Strong Schema Markup

• HubSpot: Article schema with author, date published and featured image
• Recipe sites: Recipe schema listing ingredients, instructions and user ratings
• E-commerce: Product schema displaying price, availability and reviews
• Local businesses: LocalBusiness schema with address, phone number and opening hours

Actionable Tips

• Validate markup using Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool
• Test rich results in the Rich Results Test tool
• Keep schema data up to date with current offerings
• Avoid marking up irrelevant or misleading content
• Use separate scripts for different schema types to maintain clarity
• Implement only supported properties for each schema type
• Monitor schema coverage in Google Search Console

Quick Verification

Review page source or use browser inspector to confirm JSON-LD output. Run the Rich Results Test to ensure eligibility for enhanced listings.

Prioritisation

High priority for any page targeting SERP features. Proper schema markup is a powerful on page checklist for SEO item that can differentiate your site in search results.

Learn more about Schema Markup and Structured Data Implementation on derrick.dk

10-Point On-Page SEO Checklist Comparison

Putting Your On-Page SEO Checklist into Action

You’ve now explored each item in your on page checklist for seo – from crafting click-worthy title tags to implementing rich schema markup. These elements work together to boost visibility, improve user experience, and drive conversions on your Webflow site.

Key Takeaways

• Title Tag & Meta Description
  Ensure every page has a unique, keyword-rich title and compelling meta description to improve click-through rates.
• Header Hierarchy & Keyword Placement
  Structure your content with clear H1–H3 tags and weave in your target keywords naturally.
• Content Quality & Length
  Aim for depth and relevance – high-value content signals authority to search engines.
• URL Structure & Internal Linking
  Use concise, descriptive slugs and connect related content to guide both users and crawlers.
• Image & Mobile Optimisation
  Compress images, add precise alt text, and verify responsive layouts to nail Core Web Vitals.
• Schema Markup
  Implement structured data to stand out in search results with rich snippets.

Blockquote: “A meticulous on page checklist for seo transforms your site from a static brochure into a dynamic, search-ready engine.”

Actionable Next Steps

1. Run a Webflow audit: Use the SEO panel to verify title tags, meta descriptions and alt text in one sweep.
2. Prioritise high-impact pages: Focus first on your homepage, top-performing blog posts and key service pages.
3. Implement changes iteratively: Tackle two to three checklist items per sprint to maintain momentum.
4. Monitor performance: Set up Google Analytics and Search Console alerts for drops in Core Web Vitals or rankings.
5. Refine and repeat: Every month, review your analytics data and rerun your on page checklist for seo.

Why These Optimisations Matter

Optimising on-page elements is not a one-off task.

• It signals to search engines that your content is relevant and up to date.
• It enhances the user journey, reducing bounce rates and increasing dwell time.
• It lays a solid foundation for off-page strategies like link building.

Staying Agile and Iterating

Webflow’s visual interface makes quick edits painless, so treat SEO as an ongoing process rather than a checkbox.

• Set realistic goals: Improve page speed by 10% or increase organic sessions by 15% each quarter.
• Document your changes: Keep a changelog in Webflow or your project management tool to track what moved the needle.
• Collaborate with your team: Share learnings with designers, content writers and developers to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Looking Ahead

Mastering your on page checklist for seo creates a ripple effect across your entire marketing funnel.
By embedding these practices into your Webflow workflow, you’ll not only achieve higher search rankings but also deliver a smoother, more engaging experience to every visitor.

Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay curious, keep measuring and don’t shy away from testing new approaches. Your Webflow site has the potential to become your most powerful asset when every element is optimised for both users and search engines.

Stay persistent, and watch your startup’s online presence flourish.

Ready to take your on-page SEO to the next level? Partner with Derrick.dk for expert Webflow audits, hands-on optimisations and team training that ensures your pages stay ahead of the curve. Visit Derrick.dk to get started.