“How can our website rank and be on the first page of Google?”
“What happened to our website? It was on the first page last week! Why can’t I find it on the first page of the search engine?”
Do you know what those questions have in common?
Not only are they focused on ranking in the Google search, but both need on-page SEO for nonprofits!
Firstly, if your nonprofit organization’s website needs to make it to the first page of Google, it’s undeniable that you need on-page SEO.
Second, even if your website reaches the pinnacle of being on top of the search, it doesn’t mean it will stay there forever. Why? Because algorithms and analytics change.
On-page SEO is a crucial part of Search Engine Optimization for nonprofits that assists in ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Individual web pages are optimized so that they are easily crawlable and provide a positive user experience.
Numerous on-page SEO techniques for nonprofits, ranging from keyword optimization to meta-tag creation, can boost a website’s visibility and attract more relevant traffic. In this article, we will traverse through the fundamentals of on-page SEO for non-technical users, discussing the key elements that nonprofit organizations should think about to enhance their website’s ranking and drive more traffic.
This guide will provide valuable insights and actionable tips to help you improve your on-page SEO and boost your website’s performance in search engines, whether you are new to SEO for nonprofits or are already familiar with it.
What is On-Page SEO for Nonprofits
On-page SEO refers to the practice of optimizing web pages on nonprofit search engines for higher rankings and more relevant traffic. They aren’t just suitable for search engines; they also enhance your content marketing for users
Content, HTML source code, page structure, URL, header tags, meta tags, internal links, and images (backlinks are not included) are all examples of on-page optimization. On-page SEO’s primary aim is to offer the best user experience possible while making the website easily crawlable by search engines.
Some SEOs use the terms on-page SEO and technical SEO interchangeably. To explain it, on-page SEO optimizes at the page level, while technical SEO deals with sitewide issues such as crawlability, overall site speed, information architecture, sitewide internal linking, etc.
What are the benefits of On-Page SEO for your website?
On-page SEO is critical for your organization’s website because it increases visibility, attracts more relevant and targeted traffic, and fosters user credibility and trust.
Nonprofit organizations can reach a larger audience and raise awareness about their cause by optimizing their website and online presence for search engines based on what the audience queries are. This can result in more volunteers, partnerships and donations, which are critical for a nonprofit organization’s success.
Furthermore, by appearing at the top of search engine results, nonprofit leaders can establish themselves and gain the trust of potential supporters.
Overall, on-page SEO is an effect method for nonprofit organizations to expand their reach and impact online.
On-page SEO can help a nonprofit organization by:
1. Improving user experience
On-page SEO makes your website more user-friendly by using header tags, meta descriptions, and alt tags to help users and search engines understand what the page is about.
2. Having better search engine visibility
Optimizing your website’s on-page elements, such as content and HTML code, can increase its visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs), which will result in having more organic traffic and potential customers.
3. Increasing relevance
You can make your website more relevant by including significant keywords and phrases in your content catering to search engines and users, which is a crucial aspect of SEO for nonprofits.
4. Increasing credibility
A well-optimized website with quality content and a user-friendly structure can aid in the credibility and reputation of your nonprofit organization’s brand.
Here are questions that could serve as your guide for your on-page SEO strategy:
Page Titles
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- Does my page title include the primary keyword in it?
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- How many characters are there?
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- What format does it take in the search results?
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- Does it immediately make sense to the reader when they read it?
Meta Descriptions
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- Does it include the page’s main keyword?
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- Is it written in a way that would entice someone viewing it in the search results to click on it?
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- Have you optimized the description to show up within the viewable characters in the SERP preview?
Headlines
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- What was the primary heading (H1)? (There should only be one)
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- Does the H1 tag include the main keyword?
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- Is the website using relevant headlines in the correct order down the page?
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- Can someone quickly skim the headlines to see if this is a page they want to read more about?
Content
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- Is the content addressing the needs of the reader and engaging them immediately?
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- Is there imagery or videos on the website designed to attract attention?
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- Is the primary keyword used naturally and effectively throughout the content?
Website Speed
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- Does it load in less than 2 seconds?
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- Is there anything about the website’s performance that stands out?
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- How does this website compare to others in its field?
Final Point
As a non-profit organization, you are focused on your mission. And using on-page SEO effectively can help you spread the good word about your mission.
Being in the first page of a search engine means an increased reach and effectiveness online. Your audience will find you when they search online, and it will happen organically! No need to pay for ads or sponsored content placement to attract people.
Earn that coveted organic traffic by aligning your site with a set of guidelines and best practices that show search engines the authority of your content, which is vital in SEO for nonprofits.
If you need professional assistance, reach out to us for a free website audit!
We’d love to partner with you and help you tell the world about your mission.
